'H ill! i i II .j! Will J ' i SHla .;««- alb Jili MAY 2fi '9^- j«i. li.?:: •k .IB(b| V.2 ■ I < THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW.* GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPELS. In the four gospels the wisdom of God has given us four separate narratives of the life and ministry of our Lord. Betvreen the first three of these every reader notices a remarkable agreement in the general plan, style, and manner of execution. They contain, moreover, many sections common either to two of them, or to all three ; showing that the writers, besides what any of them relate as eye-witnesses, made use of common sources of information. At the same time each of them has striking differences, consisting partly in the omission of what the others liave given, partly in the insertion of matter pecuhar to himself ; so as to make it plain that all three of them wrote in a free and independent spirit, each recording, under the -vida. ( of the Holy Ghost, the incidents of our Lord's life and teachings best adapted to the end whi.'h b. '.; I in view. The gospel of John is peculiar in its style, and has comparatively little matter CO, i.iou to the other three evangelists. See further the introduction to that gospel. The general end of all the g.^spsls was that stated by John, chap. 20:31: "These are written that ye might believe that Jesus is tl >. Christ, the Son of God; and that believing, ye might have life through his name." 'Wliatever special en each of the four may have proposed — about whicli commentators are not agreed — it is certain that u d he control of inspiration, the four narratives taken together furnish precisely that portion of our Lord's ife and teachings which is needful for the faith and practice of his church in all ages. Learned men have devoted much time and labor to the preparation of harmonies of the four gospels, th I ' f which is to assign to each incident its proper place as respects time, and to reconcile the ap;) 1 • 'screpancies between the different writers. To accomplish such a work to any purpose would requn-L more extended commentary than the present. One general remark only will here be made, namely, that a full knowledge of all the circumstances connected with the events recorded by the evan- gc'iits V. dd undoubtedly show their agreement with each other; whereas now, for want of this know- Ici J e, w are sometimes unable to determine confidently the true mode of reconciliation. This, however, is no -oa injury to the candid reader, since the apparent discrepancies of the evangelists always relate o .'■■crm^tantial matters, while the great facts and doctrines of the gospel shine forth the same in all I IC 1. INTRODUCTION TO MATTHEW. Matit.hw, also called Levi, was one of our Lord's apostles, having been called from "the receipt of custom" to the work of preaching the gospel, chap. 10 : 3 ; Mark 2:14; Luke 5 : 27. It is generally agreed that his spel was written before the otlicr three, and also, as well as tiiose of Mark and Luke, before the destrucf i of Jerusalem. But how long after our Lord's ascension cannot be determined. Matthew's design s ms to have been simply to furnish the Christian community, then consisting largely of Hebrew converts, /ith an authentic account of our Lord's life and teachings. It is an old tradition that he wrote his gospi I originally in Hebrew, and afterwards put it into its present Greek form. But tliis is uncertain. Matthew is distinguished from Mark and Luke by his extended and orderly accounts of our Lord's dis- courses : as, for example, the Sermon on the Mount, chaps. 5-7 ; the series of i)arabl(^s from tlie ship, chap. 13 ; the denunciation of the scribes and I'iiarisees, cliap. 23 ; and the remarkable series in chap. 25. * The brevity of these notes precludes tlie possibility of noticing, for each particular passage, the help derived from. the many v.aluable com- mentaries that have been consulted. This general acknowledgment will supersede the necessity of such particular references. 100^5 Thi genealogy, birth, MATTHEW I. and name of Christ, CHAPTER I. 1 The Ken ceivea b' espoused to Josepl ilogy of Christ from Abraham to Joseph. 18 He was ron- t»y the Holy Ghost, anJ born of the Virgin Mary when she was :d to Joseph. 19 The angel satisficth the misdeeming thouglits of Joseph, anii interpreteth the names of Christ. THE book of the generation of Jcsu.s Christ," the son of David,'' the son of Abraliam." 2 Abraham begat Isaac;'' and Isaac begat Ja- cob;'' and .Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;' 3 And Judas begat Pharcs and Zara of Tha- mar;*'' and Pliarcs begat Esrom;" and Esrom be- gat Aram;' 4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson ;^ and Naasson begat Sahnon;'' 5 And Salmon begat Booz of Raciial) ;' and Booz begat Obed of Ruth;'" and Obed begat Jesse; 6 And Jesse begat David the king:" and Daviil tlic king begat Solomon of her that had been the xoife of Urias;" 7 And Solomon begat Roboam;'' and Roboam begat Abia ; and Abia begat Asa ; 8 And Asa begat Josaphat ; and Josaphat begat Joram ; and Joraiu begat Ozias; 9 And Ozias l)egat .loatham ; and Joatham begat Achaz ; and Aciiaz begat Ezekias ; 10 And Ezekias begat Manasscs;'' and Manas- ses begat Anion; and Anion begat Josias; 11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren,* about tlie time they were carried away to Babylon : 12 And after they were brought :45; Acts 2:30. c Gon. 22:18; Gal. 3:10. J Gon. 21:*-.'!. e Gen. 21:20. f Gen.a0:35, etc. S Gen. 3-:29, 30. h Gen. 411:12. i Ruth 4:10. J I Chr. 2: lU; Num. 1:7. k Ruth 4:20. > Joril. 6:23; Ruth 4:21. >nRuih4:13. ■> I .Sam. 17:12. o 2 Sam. 12:21. Pi Chi. 3: lU, etc. q 2 Kin|;< 20:21 ; 1 Chr. 3:13. * Some read, Jonas ir^at \ CHAPTER T. I. Generation; a record of the per.soiis from whom, as a man, Jcbuh ChriKt descended. Records like this, and thiit in the third cha]>ter of biikp, were carefully kejit by tlio .lews, and sliowed that Jesus Clirlst was of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of .liiihih, and of tlie family of David, uccording to the predicticins of the jiro]ihetH and tlic jironi- ises of Ofjd in tlie Old Testament; and thus they e.\hil)it evidence tliat he is the true .Messiah, tlie >S;ivioiir of men. 8. Joram hcf^nl ():m.i ; between .bmim aii. t Psa. 2:2. s Micah 5:-'; John 7:42. t Or, /frf; Isa. 40:11. h Rev. 2:27. 20. Kindness, conscientiousness, and a disposition to do right, with a cahn, attentive consideration of the whole subject, in a case of difflculty, are a good preparation for learning tlie will of God concerning it. 22. God in the Old Testament spoke by his prophets, and wliat they then uttered was the testimony of God. So when tliey wrote what lie directed them, it was the testimony of God; lience, their writings are called by the Holy Gliost, "the oracles of God." Rom. 3:2; 1 Pet. 4:2. 24. To follow the directions of God is safe, usefid, and blessed. CHAPTER II. 1. Of Judea ; to distinguish it from another Bethlehem, in Galilee. Herod; this Herod was an Edomite. lie had been proselyted to the Jewish religion, but was a very deceitful, wicked, and cruel man. 2. Born Kiu^ of the Jews; there was at this time, as we learn from lieatlien writens, a general expectation through- out the cast, that one would be born in Judea who shotilil possess universal dominion. Among the Gentiles, tliis expectation was ])robablv founded on sume imperfect ac- qiuiintonce with the ]ir(]pheries of the Old TcstamiMit. In the cast; in tlieir own country, whirli lay east of Juilea. The natijre of tliis sUir we have no means of determining. It is snlfieient for us to know tliat God in some way made known to these Magi its meaning, and influenced t'hem to take this journey, to find and pay their homage to the new- born King. before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.'' 11 1 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him : and when they had opened their treasures, they presented' unto him gifts;' gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod,'" they departed into their own country another way. 13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying. Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word : for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him." 14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night and departed into Egypt : 15 And was there until the death of Herod : that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying. Out of Egypt have I called my Son." 16 1^ Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise mcn.P 17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the propliet,i saying, 18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamenta- tion, and weeping, aud great mourning, Rachel weeping ybr her children, and would not be com- forted, because they are not. 19 1 But when Herod»was dead, behold, an an- i Prov. 26:24. J ver. 2. k I'sa 07:4. 1 Or, offend. 1 Psa. 72:10; Isa eO:fi. oich. 1:20. n J„b 33:15, 17. oHos. 11:1. P ver. 7. qjer.31:15. 3. Troubled; Herod feared a rival, and his trouble caused the peo]ile to be troubled. 4. C/iief priests ; the principal ministers of religion among the Jews at that time. Scribes; writers and expountlers of the divine law. 5. Tlie projihet; Micah 5:2. Matthew does not quote the exact words of the prophet Micah, but the sense. 9. Went before them ; in their journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. Stood over iclicre the i/niiiia; c/ntd was; so that they were guided by it to the exact spot. 15. Out of Eirypt have I called mi/ Son; originally spoken by the prophet Hosea, 11:1. of the Israelitish nation as God's Son. But it was the ap])ointment of (fod that in this, as in so many otlier things, the history of Christ's body tlie church should forcsluatlow his own personal history. 16. Had diligentli/ inquired; Heroil. supposing that the time of the appearance of the star, which he had accurately learned from the Magi, must agree with tlie age of Jesus, dctcrniined to destroy all the children in Bethlehem whose age could possibly come within that of the young child whose life he sought. 17. Fiilfdled; the scene in Judea was like that depicted by the ]irophet, Jer. 31:15, so that his words most fitly describe it. 18. la Rama; north of Jerusalem, in the tribe of Benja- min, of which tribe Rachel was the mother. There is probably an allusion to Rachel's sejiulchre, near to Beth- lehem, where .she is poetically rejircsented as weeping for her slain children. 1007 k Jesus of Nazareth. MATTHEW III. The preacftiiig of Jo/, n. gel of the Lord appcaretli in a dream to Joseph in Ejrvpt, 20 flaying, Arise, and take the younir cliild and liis mother, and go into the huul of Ir^racl : for they are dead which sought tlic young ciiild's life." 21 And he arose, and took the young child and liis mother, and came into tiie land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Arehelaus did reign in .Tudea in tlie room of his father llerod, he was afraid togo thither: notwitlistanding. licing warn- ed of God in a dream, he turned aside into tiie pai-ts of (ialilee:'' 23 And lie came and dwelt in a city called Naz- areth :" tiiat it might be fullilled whicii was sj)oken by the prophets, lie shall be called a Nazarene.** CHAPTER III. 1 John preathcth: his office: life, and baptism. 7 He reprehendeth the IMiarisees, 13 and baptizeth Christ in Jordan. IN tliose days came John the Baptist, preaching in tlic wilderness of Judea,'' 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at Iiand. 3 For tiiis is he tliat was spoken of Ity the propli- et Esaias, saying, Tlie voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'^ »ExoJ.4:19. bch. .1:13; Luko 2:39. c John 1:4.'!. J Num. 0:13; Judg. 1.3:5; 1 Sim. 1:11; Amos ■2:IU-ia; Acts 'J4:5. « Luke 3:i; John 1:11. ' In. 40::j. « i Kings 1:8; ch. U :8. hLev. 11:M. i Acts 1 :3; 2::!ri; k 23. Nazareth; a place very much despised. A Nazarene; one exceedingly (lespiscd, a.s the prophets foretold that Jesus Christ would be. Isa. 5'i:2, 3. IN'STUUCTIONS. 1. Friends of the Saviour are sometimes found where we should least expect them. 8. Decciition and hypocrisy are often united with great cruelty, and end in iiii.sery. 13. TlioHC who conscientioftsly follow the light which tliey have, will receive, in the use of proper means, all the light tlicy need. IG. The effort-s of men to prevent the fulfilment of the word of liwl arc unavailing. 18. Children as well as parents are exposed to sudden and unexpected death ; therefore no present duty should be put off tn a future time. 23. The fulfilment of jirophccy in the person of Christ proves him to be tlie true .Messiah. CILM'TMR III. 1. linpti.st; the baptizer, a title given to John because he baptizi'l. The wililertieti of Jnilca; bordering on the J or- d;in and the Dead sea. It was a rough and thinly settled region, occupied chiefly as a place for p;iHtiirage. 2. Repent; repentance is a change of mind with regard to sin, especially as cotiimitted against (Jod, which leads a person U> hate, confcHH, and forsake it. Kin<;lnm nf heaven; the .Messiah's reign as predicted by the prnphet.'t, or the sway of Christ's gospel and dispen- sation civer the hearts, lives, and destinies r)f men, botli in this world and in the next. This kingdom is spoken of in the .Scriptures variously, in reference to its sevenil as- pects: first, in this world, ,as alfei:tiiig the individii.-il dis- ciple in whose heart it is set iip,!iH aftVcijng the churches whom it gathers, and as induencing hiuii;in society gener- ally, even when not brought into the Christian church; and next, as extending from this world, through the judg- mcnt-d;iy, when it will be universally acknowledged, into the heavenly world, where itwillre;ieh its crowning glory. John the Haptist was its herald. Christ. aflcr his resurrec- tion and just before bis ascension, declared his induction IOCS 4 And the same Jolin had his raiment of a. d. a; camel's hair." and a leathern girdle about his loins ; and his meat was locusts and wild honey." 5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Ju- dea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him iu Jordan, confess- ing their sins.' 7 1 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, () generation of vipcrs,J who hath warned you to llee from the wrath to come?'' 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet I'or repent- ance : ' 9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our fatlier: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up chil- dren unto Abraham. 10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.' 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repent- ance:'" but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: lie shall baptize you with the Holy Ghnsl," and with fire : 12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thor- 1(1:4, S, 18. i Isi .'>'J:5; ch. I2:.14; 8.3:33; Luke 3:7. k Jer. 51:8; Bom. 1 : 18. ' Or, ant^werabte to amtndment of lift, ' John 15:0. m Luke 3:10; Acts 19:4. n Acts 1:5. into it. Matt. 28:18. The niillcniiiinn and (ho judgment are stages in its continuous progress; and the consum- mation of tlie mediatorial kiiigdoiii is described, 1 Cor. lj:24, 28. Home texts in which tlie ]ihr;ise is used refer mainly to one stage, ;ind ollieis to ;iii(>lln r, of its onward course. 3. Of the Lord; in the original it is, "rrcpare ye the way oi' Jehovah." Isa. t0:3. Christ was coming : "Make slritiglit ill the desert a highway for our (iod." ^V■llellevcr the word Loud in the (llil Testament is printed in caiiil;ils ill ourcoiiiiMoii Eiiglisli Bible, it is Jkiiov.mi in the original Hebrew; and tlie appliciitioii by the Holy Sjiirit of what is said of Jeliovali in the Old teslainciil lo Jesus Christ in the New, is evidence that he is Uoil. .\hil. 3:1; John 1:1. 5. All Judea; people from all jiarts of the country. fi. Cotfrssnin their .sins; the bajitism of Jolm was adapted to impri'SK the minds of the jieople willi a conviction of their iiolhitioii by sin, and of the necessity, llnough repent- ance, of spirited cleansing by the llolv (iliost, in order to a right reception of the c(miing Saviour. 7. Pharisee); n sect among the Jews who \\ iic very strict in their outward forms of religion, but were iii\v;irdly cor- rupt, proud, and hypocritical. Sadducrrs ; they denied a resurrection and tlie existence of angels ;umI K|iiritB, and generiilly were sceptical, and loose in their JKiliits. Vipers; men who were malignant ami bitter in their ojiposition to the character itnd will of Christ. 8. Fruit:! ; show the reality of your repenl;Lnce by for- saking your sins ;iii(l obeying the commands of tiod. !l. Vi'iidcnnl; (Icjieiid not on the iiietyofyoiir ancestors, but become ]>ious yourselves. 10. Jleint r/owii ,-" those who continue to neglect known duly will be destroyed. 11. Jlc; Jesus Christ. Not vorlliij; though among all who were born of women none were greater in cdndilion and honor than John, Matt. 11:11, yet so niuili grc;iler was Jesus Christ, even in his dee]iest humiliation, Ihiit John was not worthy to untie, or c;irry his shoe, llolij Oliost ; by his Spirit he will purify all who believe in him, as gold is ])Urified by the fire, 12. Wlieat; the good. Cliaff; the bad. L'hrist is baptized, and MATTHEW IV. tempted of the dei-il. \ D 27, ouc'hly purge his floor,'* and gather his wheat into tlie garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.'' 13 1 Tlicn coiueth Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.'' 14 But John forbade him, saying, I have need to bi3 baptized of thee, and comcst thou to me? 1.5 And Jesus answering said unto him. Suffer it to be so now: for thus it bccometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was l>aptizcd, went up straightway out of the water : and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of (rod descending like a dove, and lighting upon iiini:" 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying. This is my beloved Son," in whom I am well pleased. CHAPTER IV. 1 Christ fasteth, and is tempted. 11 The angels minister unto him. 13 He dwelleth in Capernaum, 17 beginneth to preach, 18 calleth Pettr, and Andrew, 21 James, and John, 23 and healeth all the dis- ased. 'HEN' was Jesus led up of the Spirit'' into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.= And when he had fasted forty days and forty its, he was afterwards a hungered. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said. It is written, Man T 2 nig i.Mil. .3:2,3. bPsa.l:4; Mal.4:l; MarkO:14. c Mark 1:0; Luke 3:21. •1 lai. 11:2; 4'2:1; 01:1; John 3:34. e Psa. 2:7; Luke 0:35; Eph. 1:6; •2Pet. 1:17. ' 1 Kings lS:ia; Ezek. 11:1, 54; Acts 8:30. E Mark 1:12; 11. I have need to be baptized of thee; John, being a sin- ner, needed that spiritual renovation the neces.sity and practicability of whieli were taught by baptism ; but Josus Christ, being perfectly holy, did not need it. John there- fore did not know why he should come to hira to be bap- tized. But Christ showed him that under the circum- stances in which they were placed, it was proper. Then •Tolin baptized hira. 15. To fulfil all righteousness ; all the requirements of (x(id. Since Christ hacl taken upon himself the natui-e of >fiufnl men, and put himself in their stead, it was proper tliiitlie sliould submit himself to every ordinance of God's :ippointment. \i>. Lighting upon Inm ; in token of his being endowed with the Holy Spirit for his work. Compare John 3:34. 17. A voice; the voice of God the Father, acknowledging i lirist as his beloved Sou, and expressing his approbation 'if liis character, office, and work. INSTRUCTIONS. 2. Men must hate and forsake their sins in order to be prepared for the kingdom of God. Prov. 28:13. 8. In order that repentance may be shown to be sincere, It imist produce good works. II. I'ioty is not hereditary, and none can safely depend ' 'I (be goodness of others ; Ijnt in order to bo saved, each ■ ' : '■ must become pious liimsclf. 11. The greatest and most honorable among men itre so iiiuch less honorable tliaii the Lord Jesus Christ, that they ;ii c not worthy to perform f(jr him tlie most lowly service. 12. lie will make an endl, 17. 16. Saw great light; the light of Clirisfs presence aud te;ic1iiiig. Compare Jolin S:12. 15. Sea of Galilee; called also the sea of Tiberias and tlio l;ikc of Gcnncsareth ; about tliirtccti miles long :md from six to nine miles wide : IlirouKli it runs the .lordan. 19. Fisliers rf men; the means of taking them out of the kingdom of Satan, and bringing them into the kingdom of Clirist. 23. Si/nagogues ; the Jewish places 'of public wor.ship. 24. f^ijnn; a country north and east of l^ilcstine. Vos- sesseil with tlcvils ; devils at that time were jicrmitted to have special influence over some men; and this gave .Je- sus Clirist opportunity to show his controlling power over them, and his mercy in expelling them. INSTRUCTIONS. I. fJod often leads his servants into great trials prepara- tory to the discharge of great ami momentous duties. C>. Those who wrongly quote the ISiblc, and thus pervert its mc;iiiing, imitate the devil. II. If we ste;idf'astly resist his temptations by refusing to coMiidy with them, and follow the directions of Serij)- fure, the tempter will llee from us, James 4 :7, and we shall secure the assistance of good angels, who arc sent forth to minister to them who arc lieirs of ssdvation. Heb. 1:11. 16. Men who are without the gospel are in gre;it diirk- ness, but the rccei)tion of it will giv(! them great light. 1«. Those who are diligent in a]i))ro|)ri!ite business are preparing for increased usefulness. I'Vom tliem Christ often selects his ministers; and lie can so influence them, that they will for.sakc all and follow liim. 2.'i. No diseases of body or soul are so complicited or stubborn that Jesus cannot heal them. All the diseased should therefore apply to him. that nf his fulness they may receive aicording to their w:iiiIh. CHAI'IKI; V. 3. Pnor in sj)irit; the humble, who feel their dependence 1070 25 And tliere followed him groat niul- a. n :;i titud(;s of people from Galiloo. and fnnn Decapo- lis, and />o»i Jerusalem, i\\\t\from Jiulea, nn^Xfiom beyond Jortlan.' CHAPTER V. 1 Christ beginneth his sermon on the mount : 3 ilecl.-iring who are bless* . ed, 13 who are the salt of liic earth, \\ t!ie lij^ht ol' tlie world, tli* city on a hill, l.'i the candle: 17 that he came to fullii the law. 'J| Wh;it it is to kill. 'J7 to commit adultery. 33 to swear: 3S exhortetli to sniTer wronfr, tt to love even our enemies, tS and to labor aftef perfectness. AND seeing the multitudes, he went up into it mountain : and when he was set, his disci^ pies came unto him : 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught thein.'^ saying, 3 Dlessed are the poor in spirit:' for theirs is] the kingdom of heaven.'" a 4 Blessed are llicy that mourn:" for they shall''_ be comforted." .5 Blessed arc tlie meek ; for tliey siiall inherit the earth.i' G Blessed arc they which do hunger and lliirstt.j after righteousness: for they siiall be fillod.'' 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they siuill obtain mercy ."■ 8 Blessed arc the pure in heart:' for they shall; see God. y Blessed are the peacemakers:' for they shalb be called the children of God. JLuke6:l7.19. kLuke(i:20,elc. I Isa. 57:15; fl(i:2. mja.i.2:.'). nIsa.Gl::); E7.ck.7:10.' John 1(>:2U; 2Cor. 1:7. Pl'sa. 37:11. q Psa. 145:19: l*:i 05:13. rPsa.4l:l,2. • rsi.24:3, 4 ; Heb. 12:14; lJohn3:2, 3. tp.a. 31:11. on God in all tilings, temporal and spiritu:il, and look t<« him for the sup]ily of every want; more especially those who feel their need, as sinners, of spiritiuil blessings, am! look to Jesus Christ to grant them. Isa. (il>:2. Kingilimi nf heaven; the blessings of Messiah's reign in this world and the next. ('h;ip. 3:2. 4. Ttici/ that mourn ; over their spirituid wants, and over sin as tlie guilty cause of them; who long for siiirilii:il blessings, ami enme to Jesus Christ for them, according to his directions. Uev. 3:18 This be:ilitude includes ;ilso all the mourning to which (!od's children are sub- jecteil by the eliastening through which (iod iire))iires them for the everlasting joy of heaven. Comjiare lleb. 12:, '5-1 2. G. The meek; those who are gentle and forgiving, Bub- inissivo and teachable, jiatient under injuries, disiiosed not to render evil for evil, but to overcome evil with good. Inherit the earth; receive and enjoy every etirthly and spiritual blessing that is for their best good here, and reign with Christ for ever hereafter. 6. Hanger iind thirst after rightcniisness ; ardently desire.. to be iuiil do right, beciiiise it is right; trusting, not in their own righteousness, but in the righleousness of < 'lirist, which by thciipostle is eidled the righteousness of (Iod by Hiilh of Jesus Christ which is unto all anil upon till tliciii that believe. Itom. 3:22. Ik filled ; receive what they desire, and be satisfied. Psa. IT:!."!. 7. The merciful ; those who feel for the sufferings of others, and are dispose. Adver.iary; thy fellow-man who has just el;tiiiis against thee. But the'iu'ecept also looks beyond all huiii:ui adver- saries to IJdd, with whom, under an ex;imple taken from earthly matters, it warns us to Ije reconcileil while wo are yet on the way to his judgment-seat. 28. hi his heart; the laws of God extend to the tlionghts; and men may violate them in their hearts without mani- festing their feelings in outward conduct. 1(171 Of swearing, revenge, MATTHEW V. and love of enemies. 29 And if tby right eye offend tlicc,* ]duek it out, and oast (7 from thee: for it ii^ proiitable for thee that one of tliy nicinbcrs siioukl peri.-^h. and not that tliy wlidlo body should 1)C cast into hell." 30 And if thy right hand offend thee, out it off. and cast it from thee: for it is ]>ro(itablc for thee that one of thy member.s should perish, and not //lat thy whole body should be cast into hell. 31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away liis wife, let him give her a writing of divorce- ment:'' 32 But I say unto you. That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causetli her to commit adultery : and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adul- tery ."= 313 ^ Again, ye hare heard that it hath been said by them of old time. Thou slialt not forswear th.v- self, but slialt ]icrf'orm unto the Loril thine oaths:'' 34 But ] say unto you, Swear not at all :" neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 35 Nor by the earth ; for it is his footstool : neither by Jerusalem ; for it is the city of the great King."^ 3(i Neither shalt thou swear l)y thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37 But let your communication be. Yea, yea; Nay, nay : for whatsoever is more than these comcth of evil.K • Or.domuK thte to offend. ' Rom. S:13; 1 Cor. !l:27. b Deut. 34:1; l.r. 3:1: Mark 10:2-0. c ch. 19:9; 1 Cor. 7:10, II. d I,cv. 19:13; Nnm! i-l:a; Deut. 23:2.3. o ch. 23:10-22; Jas. 3:12. ' Rev. 21 :2, 10. Bjas.5;12. 29. Offend thee; cause theo to Bin. Profitable for thee; it i.s better to put away the causes of sin than to suffer its lonsequcnces. 31. Writinir of divorcement ; a certificate that their mar- riage relation was dissolved by liis own act. 8ce Deut. 24 : 1. 32. Cuuscth her ; cxposctli her to commit adiiltcrj'; be- cause, according to the law of Christ's kinf;ilom. her mar- riage to anotlier man will l)e regarded as adulter}'. 33. Forsvmr tliijsrlf; commit j^erjury, or swear to that whicli is false. Perform vtitn tlic Lord; the I'liarisees l:iiij;ht lli:it religious oiitlis in wliiuh (lod's name was used were binding and shfulil be filllillerl, whiU' they were less Hcrupiilous about oaths by created thiiifrs. and in cfimnion irmversation. But our Lord tanglit. th;it oiitlis of tlie lat- li-r kind proceed from evil, and sliould never be taken. 3fi. Cdiisl not make onn hnir vhite or lilitrk ; thy liead is a rreatiire of (iod, over which thou liast no control: so that in swearing liy it, tliou swearcst l>y him that made it and has it in liis power. ,"(7. r'ommwn/caff'on; conversation and discourse. Yea — niiij; simple declarations, without pnifaneness of any kind. :j!i. He.sixl not evil ; by rendering like fr)r like. It is the spirit of kindness and forgiveness towards those who in- jure us which our Lord here inculcates. 40. Coat — clntik; the coat among the .lews was an inner garment, callecl a tunic, extending from the neck to the knee. Over this was a cloak or mantle, wliirh was a large, liose garment, and when (hey travelled was girt tight round the body with a girdle. Hence, " to gird up one's loins" implied readiness fur labor or ajourney. The girille • •r sash answered also the purpose of a purse for money. 1^ him have thy cinak; sutler losses, so far as duty will permit, rather than contend :ibout them. 41. Compel Ihcf to po n miln ; the original word here reii- diTcd compel, denotes a compulsion by the imblic aiithor- ilies and for public service. When tlius e;dled upon by n^hiriil authority to travel or do jiublie Hervi<'e, be ready lo go farther or do even more than is reipijred. rather than resist the eovemment. 1072 38 IT Ye have hoard that it hath been a.d. 31 said. An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth :'' 31t But 1 say unto you. That ye resist not evil:' but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn ti> him the other also.^ 40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh the<>. and from hira that would borrow of theo. turn not thou away.'' 43 "1 Ye have heard that it hath boon said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine ononiy:' 44 But I say unto you. Love your onemios, bless "i^ them that curse you,"' do good to them that hate "^ yon, and pray for them which desj)ilofully use you, and persecute you ;" 45 That ye maybe the ohildron of your Father which is in heaven: for he makotli his sun to rise on the evil and on the good," and sondcth rain on the just and on the unjust. 4(j For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the ])ublicans the , .same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect,'' even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. tiExod. 21:24. i Prov. 20:22; 21:29; Rom. 12:17-19. J Isa. 60:0. k Deal. 15:7,11. lDciit.23:G. m Rom. 12: 14, 20, n Luke U-3:.34 ; Acls 7:00. o Job 25:3. P Gen. 17:1; Deut. IS: 13; Luke 0:30, 40; Col, 1:28. ^ 42. Give — turn not away ; when the person who asks or would borrow is needy, accommodate him, if consistent!}' with duty you can do it. 41. Lore your enemicn; not their character or their con- duet, but their souls. Pray for Iheiii and seek their good. ^ 4(i. //" i/e Aiw //(CHI ,■ them only. i-'»W;c««,s',- t;ix -gatherers. Jt who were considered as very wicked, and were often cruel ^ and oi)prcs8ive. 48. As your Father; imitjite him in all his imitable per- - fcctions. INSTIWCTIONS. 3, True happiness does not consist in external condition, but in the state of the mind. ,'■>. The sinful and lost condition of men need not hinder them from being truly and for ever blessed. 7. fiod requires us to exercise the compassion towards others which we need to have exercised low:irds us. 10. (.ircat opposition to men is no certain evidence that they arc wrong. Ifi. Consistent Christian example is a means of leading men to honor God, and of greatly promoting their highest good. 17. Christ came not to make void the mor.al law as a rule of action, but to est;;blisli it, and give it pnieticid efficacy over the he;irts and lives of men, by leading them to love and obey it, 22, A disposition rightly to treat men is essential to ac- ceptance witii (!od. 2,1, Opportunity to perform present duty should not be negleeled, lest il be for ever lost, 2!l. The avoidance of sin by self-denial, inid, if need be, by great sacrifices, will in the end be great gain. 34. The practice of swearing in common conversation, or of swearing to a falsehood, shows great wickedness of heart. 3;». The forgiveness of injuries, and not the avenging of them, is an exhibition of true greatness and goocltuMs. 44. Love to enemies, and a disposition to do them the j greatest good ■whieh duty will permit, likens men to f!od Of alms-giving, and grayer. MATTHEW VI. Against worldly cure. A.D. 31. CHAPTER VL 1 Christ continiieth his sermon on the mount, speaking of alms, 5 prayer. 14 for'avin-T our brethren, 16 fastinj^, 19 where our treasure is to be laid up. '2i of serving God and mammon : '2o exhorteth not to be cjreful for worldly things: 33 but to seek Gods kingdom. TAKE heed that ye do not your alms' before men, to be seen of them: otlierwise ye liave no reward of* your Father which is in heaven. ^ Therefore when thou doest thine ahns, do not sound a trumpet* before thee, as the liypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which sceth in secret, himself shall reward thee openly." 5 1 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites fl?-f.- for they love to pray standing ».i the synagogues and in the corners of tiie streets, tnat they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you. They have their reward." 3 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father wliich seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. ° 7 But when ye praj', use not vain repetitions,'' as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heanl for their much speaking." 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them : for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, be- fore ye ask him.*^ 9 After this manner therefore pray ye : Our Fa- thcr"-' wliich art in heaven,'' Hallowed be thy name.' 10 Thy kingdom comcJ Thy will be done in earth, as it w in heaven.'' 11 Give us this day our daily bread.' 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.™ 13 And lead us not into temptation," but deliver • Or. ne- hteou.^ness ; I'sa 112:9. t Or. with. I Or. cavse not a trumpet to be soundu . a Luke «:17 11:14. b Prov. 10 Cy .las. 4:l> <: Psa. 34:15; Isa 6S •il. d Eccl. 5 2. e : Kings S:2G,eto. Luke 1' ::)ll John le 2.3-27. f Rom 8: .5. h Psa. 11.5::; . i P.,a 111:9: 139 2(1. Jnh If) 2^: Rev 11:15. tPsi. lai ■iU.ii. 1 Prov. 30:M; Isa. .3:5:16. m ch lrt:2 -3.i : Luke 7 40-48. CHAPTER VI. 1. To be seen of them; to gain their applause. 2. They have their reward; tlicy liiu'c it all in the applause of men, :iiicl receive no reward from Uod. 3. Thy left hand; let yonr good deeds be done without ostentation, and without seeking human praise. 6. Prayest; as an individual. Closet; a private room or retired place. 7. Vain repetitions; words without meaning, or often rciieatcd without corresponding thonghts and feelings. Heathen; persons not Jews, nnr enlightened as to the character and will of Rod. Mitch speaking; many words, or words often and thoughtlessly repeated. 1 Kings 18: 2G. 9. After this manner; this modid, as to spirit, sinijilicity, and comprehensiveness. Our Fatlier; Creator, Preserver, Guardian, and Friend. Hallourd he th 1/ name ; let all the mani- festatinns of thyself be treated with reverence and love. 1(). Thii kingdom come; reign tliou in all he;irts, and lead them to do thy will on earth as it is done in heaven. 12. Debts; sins. Debtors; those who have trespassed against us. 13. Lead us not into temptation; keep iis from being tempted, or if tempted, deliver us from the temptation, G8 us from evil :" For thine is the kingdom,' and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.'' 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Fatlicr forgive your trespasses.'^ 16 IT Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the liypo- crites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.' Verily I say unto you, They have their re- ward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face ; IS That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret :'and thy Father, whicii seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. 19 IT Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,' where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal : 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven," where neitlier moth nor ru.-it doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break througli nor steal : 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye : if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the ligiit tiiat is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 T No man can serve two masters :"' for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." 25 Therefore I say unto you. Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye siiall drink ; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.^' Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns ; noh. 26:41; Luke 22:411, 46. John 17:15. p Rev. . :12 13. q Luk e 11:2, etc. r Eph 4 31 : .las. 2 :13. • Isa. 58:3,5 1 Prov. 23:4; Luke Is: J4, 25; Heh 13:5. u Isa :!3:6 Luke 12:33,34; ; T:m. C: 19. V Luke 11: 34, 36. >• L 4:6. ike lU: 13. X Gal. 1 :1U 2 Tim. 4:10 Jas. 4:4 y ICor. 7:32 ; Phil. and from all evil. Thine is the kingdom ; the reign, for the- coming of which we pray, is thine ; the power to accom- plish it is thine ; and the glory of its accomplishment will be thine for ever. Amen; so be it. KJ. Disfigure their faces ; by leaving their face unwashed, and their hair and beard undressed. 17. Anoint thy head; that is, dress and appear as usual. Ifl. Treasures; those things which men most love, and which they regard as their chief good. 22. Single; healthy and clear, to discern objects aright. 23. Evil; diseased, and so not seeing things as they arc. If therefore the light that is in thee he darkness; the Saviour now applies to the human mind the figure of the eye which he has just used. If the eye of thy soul be diseased, so that earthly treasures appear to it better than heavenly, "how great is that darkness!" 24. Serve; yield to or regard supremely two opposite objects, as arc God and this world. Mammon; wealth, all eartlily possessions. 2.'). Take no thought ; no anxious thought, as the original word imiilics. More; more v;ilnalile. Meat; any kiml of food for the support of the body. The argument is, tliat he who has given the greater gift, will not witliliold the less. •Hj. Better; more valuable. 1073 Seeking the lingdom of God. MATTHEW VII. Of rash judgment, and prayer. yet your heavenly Father fcedeth them." Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one culiit unto his stature? 28 And wliy take ye thought for raiment ? Con- sider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do tiiey spiu : 29 And yet I say uuto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-uiorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not niucli more clothe you, ye of little faitii? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying. What shall we eat?" or. What shall we drink? or, Where- withal shall we be clothed ? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek :) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness,'' and all these tilings shall be added unto you.'' 34 Take thereforo no thought for the morrow : for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself" Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. CHAPTER VII. 1 Christ ending his Bermon on the mount, reproveth rash judgment, 6 forbiddetli to cast holy ihings to doj^s, 7 exhorteth to prayer, \\i to enter in at tlie straif gate, I-') to beware of false prophets, 21 not to be hearers, but doers of the word: 'J4 like hriuses builded on a rock, 26 and not. on the sand. JUDGE not,' that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall • Job3-J:41; l.uke ia:-Jl, etc. I> I'si. .17:3; 65:22; 1 Pel. 5:7. » 1 Tim. 1:a. <1 L-v. iry.-SK 21: 1 Kings .•}:13; P»a. 37:2.5; Mirk lU:.^. ' Deul. 33:*>; Heb. 13:5. 0. ' Luko U:37; Rom. 2:1; 1 Cor. 4:5. f Judg. 1:7. * Oil. 0:1. i Prov. 0:7, 8; 4:1:U. I l»a. 50:0; Luke 1S:1. t Psi. 81:10, 27. Unto his stature; better, to his age ; that is, by all his anxiety prolong his life a moment beyond his appointed time. For measure as ajiplied to time, eompare I'sa. 39: I. 30. Cast into tlie oven; cut erform them. It sets before them the motives best adapted to lead them to avoid the one and perform the other ; and it does this with a brevity and clearness, a pertinency and fulness, a simplicity and directness, a beauty, comprehensiveness, and force which arc truly divine. 29. T(i ur^ht — as one hn ving authority ; the Pliarisees quoted what the fathers had said ; Christ spoke in his own right. lie had authority over the winds and the waves, over dis- eases and devils, and over all creatures in heaven, earth, and hell. Such was his chiiracter, dominion, and work, that even in his deepest humiliation it w:is (lie duty, not only of men but of angels, to worship him. llcb. 1 : C. iNSTiiucrnoNS. 1. Harsh judgments will provoke retaliation. 3. Men wlio are exceedingly blind to their own faults, arc often exceedingly quicksighted to the faults of others. 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.' 2G And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolisli man,™ whicli built his liouse upon the sand : 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew," and beat upon that house ; and it fell : and great was the fall of it." 28 And it came to pass,w]ien Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine : " 29 For he taught tiiem as mie having authority, and not as the scribes. CHAPTER VIII. 2 Christ cleansetK the leper, 5 healeth the centurion's servant, 14 Peter's niother-in-law, 16 and many otlier tiiseaseil: IS showeth how he is to be followed : 23 stilleth the tempest on the sea, 2H driveth the devils out of two men possessed, 31 and sufTereth them to go into the swme. WHEN he was come down from the moun- tain, great multitudes followed liiin. 2 And behold, there came a leper and worship- ped him, saying. Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.'' 3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will ; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 15; 1 Cor. 13:2. i Psa, 5:5; ch. 25:41; Rev. 22:15. J Luke 6:47, etc. k Psa. 111:10; 11th.' 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion. Go thy way ; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the self-same hour. 14 H And when Jesus was come in to Peter's house, he saw his wife's motiier laid, and sick of a fever.' 15 And ho touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and nuiiisti.'red unto them. 16 H When the even was come, they brought unto »Cn. 0:30; Mirk .5:13. b Lev. 14:3, etc. ' Luke 7:>2, elc. > ch. 7:22, 23 I ch. I 1:12, 4. Tell no man ; either tell no man till thou hast shown thyself to the priest, that liis judgment of the cure may not he inHuencofI by any rcpiirt of the miracle ; or do nut noise abroad the in;ittor, a coiiimaiid often fjiven by oiir Lord to those whom ho liad liealed. (lornpare chap. 12:1.'>-21, Tlie eift; Lev. 14:1-32. A testimony; that lie was really cured, and might safely be again a(lmitte Luke 9:57, 5S. » I Kiiign l!':21l. o Mark 4:37, etc.; Luke a:23, etc. pJob3,-):ll ; r»a. SO;fl; 107:21). 'I .Mark 5: 1 ; I.uke 8:20, elc. he gives to our souls by taking our place, and being " wounded for our transgressions," and " bruised for our iniiiuitics." Isa, .'■)3:5; 1 Pet, 2:24. IS. Tlic other side ; of the sea of Galilee. 11). Fallow Ihee; in a special sense ; become thy disciple and attenplieil to liimsclf, could h;ive hail no signili- cancy. Hut now, being (lod, he dc8i-ril)ed liinisclf by it as " (lod manifested in the llcsh," 1 Tim. .'i: Ifi. Ilalh iiol vhrrr; is ilestitutc of a honu^ aii Acts4:-21; Gal, 1:-21. iMark-2:11; Luke 5:27, etc. J ch. 11 :19; Lviko 15:-2; Heb. 5:-2. itude that they are made subject to the authority of Christ, and can harm none that put their trust in him. 29. Even devils knew that God would fulfil his word, in punishing them at his own appointed time, 34. Men who are not literally " possessed of devils," may still be influenced by evil spirits, and when so influ- enced, they are opposed to Christ, and wish him to depart from tliem. Covetousness leads men to act in the same way ; and so debases them, that they prefer any thing by which they can make money, to the presence and glory of the Saviour. CHAPTER IX. 1. His own cdy ; Capernaum. Chap. 4:13; Mark 2:1. 2. Son; a title of condescension and kindness. Thi/ sins be forgiven thee; here, as everywhere in the Iioly Scriptures, disease is regarded as a fruit of sin. The forgiveness of the man's sins by the Saviour is a pledge that in dm- time his disease shall also be healed. Some think that this had been produced by special sinful hidulgence. 3. Blasphemeth ; by usurping the prerogative of God to forgive sins. 4. Knowing their thoughts; by his divine omniscience, though they had not expressed them. Think ye cvd; of me, as if I were a blasphemer in forgiving sins. 5. Easier; that is, one is as really the work of God as the other. (i. But thai i/e may kiinw ; by healing the sick of Ihe pal.sy he manifests himself to be God, and therefore able to for- give sins, 8. Unto men; it was not a man that had done this divine work, but (iod manifest in the flesh. 1 Tim, 3:lfi. 9. Matthew; the writer of this gospel. Receipt of cus- tom ; the jdace whi-re taxes were paid. 10. The house; Mattlu-w's house. Publicans and sinners ; tax-gatlierers and vicious persons. 12. Sick; sinners need the Saviour, as those that are sick need a ))hysician. It was therefore projicr that ho should be willi such, for the purpose of doing them good. And if any were really righteous, as the Pharisees imag- 1077 Jairus' daughter healed, MATTHEW IX. also the blind aiid dumb. They that be whole need not a physician, Imt (hey that are sick. 13 But go ye and learn vrhat tliat meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice:" for I am not come to call the rigliteous, but sinners to refientance.'' 14 T Tiicn came to him tlio disciples of John, saying, Why do wc and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? 15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bride-chamber mourn, as long as the bride- groom is with tliemV but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.'' 16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth" unto an old garment; for that which is put in to fill it up, taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. IT Xeitlier do men jnit new wine into old bot- tles : else the bottles break,'' and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish : but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are jirescrvod. 18 IT Wliile he spake these tlungs unto them, be- hold,, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him,' saying, My daugliter is even now dead : but come and lay thy liand upon her, and she shall live.- 1!) And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. 20 IF And beh(jld, a woman wliicli was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:'' 21 For she said within lierself. If 1 may but toucii ills garment,' I shall be whole. 22 But Jesus turned him about, and wlien lie saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort ; thy faith hath made thee whole.-' And the woman was made whole from that hour." » Prov. 21;:); Hos. 0:0; Mic. 0:x; ch. 1J:7. b l.ukn 21:47; Acts 5::)1 : 2Pel.:>:9. c ch. 25:1, lU: John a:29; Rev. 21:2. ■'Isa. 22:12. • Or, mw or uniorought rtotfi. e .lob :i2:19. ' Mark 5:22; Luke H:4I, etc. g John 11:22,25. I> .Mark 5:22; Luke M:43. ■ Actj 1«:12. J Luke 7 ,50; 17:1U; ined that they were, they did not need his presence as a Saviour. 13, Meaneth; Hosea Grfi. Mercij; lam pleased with a merciful disjjositioii, maiiifestiiig itself in doiii^ (;"'"1 t'J the needy, more than with the imi.st cartful attention merely to external ceremonies. In these latter lay all the religion of the scriljcs and Pharisees, They scrnimlously avoided the oiitward ditileinent of contact with puhlicaiiH and sinners, while they had no compassion for their souls or bodies. 15. Tlu children of the bridel(ml ; an uiicle:iii disease, according to tho Mosaic law. Lev. 1.5:25. llcm; border or fringe, 22. Dau^liler ; a term of tender kindness. Thy faith ; tho power of Christ was tho cause, and her faith in him, lead- ing her to take the proper measures, w;is the means of her being he;iled. 2:1 Minstrels; the persons hired to )>lay on instninients of music at funerals. Making a iiomc; the noise of wail- ing, as was the custom. 2'1. Give place; retire; your services are not wiinted. Not dead ; th;it is, not piTiniiiiciilly. llcr clc:ith is but as a sleep from which she will be speedily itwiikcncd, 25, Wcnl in; Mark tells us, that he took with him five persons. Miirk 5::i7-40, These were all competent wit- nesses, as were the inullitude without when they saw her, of the reality of the mir.acle, 27. Son of David ; a phrase among the .lews for the Mes- siah, as descended from D;ivid, ,3,'). The diimh spake ; thus w;is the pro]ihecy, Isa, .35:5, 6, fulfilled in .lesus ; showing that he was tlic Christ. In h-ra- el; in the lanil of Israel, or in the history of their nation. 31, I'rinre of the dcvds ; they ascribed his beneficent miracles to the help of Satan, for the piirjiose of prevent- ing the people from receiving him as the Messiah, 'Mi. Sheep having no shrpltcrd ; not i)rovidcil with proper guardians and teachers. The apostles instructed and MATTHEW X. forewarned of persecutions. A. D. 31. fainted,' and -were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." 37 Then saitli he unto his disciples. The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few;" 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.^ CHAPTER X. 1 Christ sendeth out his twelve apostles, enabling them with power to do miracles, 5 giveth them their charge, teacheth them, 16 comfort- eth them against persecutions: 40 and promiseth a blessing to those that receive them. AND when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, ho gave them power against* un- clean spirits,*" to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these :° The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and Jolin his Isrother ; 3 Piiilip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Mat- thew tiie publican; James the son of Alpheus, and Lebbeus, whose surname was Thaddeus ; • Or, ivere tired, and lay down, a Num. 27:17; 1 Kings 22:17; Ezek. 31:5; Zech. 10:2. h Luke 10:2; John 4:35. « Psa. 0S:11. t Or, over. i Mark :): 1.3-15; 6:7, etc. ; Luke 9:1, etc. " Luke 6:13. f 2 Kings 17:24; 37. Plenteous; there are vast multitudes who need the gospel. 38. Lord oftlie harvest; the great, divine teacher. Send forth; prepare and incline many to go and preach the gospel. INSTRUCTIONS. 2. When men feel their need of Christ, and have living faith in him, they will let nothing hinder their application to him for help. 9. Some ahandoned men are called by the grace of Christ; and when he speaks to their hearts, they will immediately follow him. 12. It is sometimes right to associate even with the openly vicious, for the purpose of doing them good. 13. No external observances will compensate for the want of a kind, compassionate disposition ; and acts of mercy to the needy and to the guilty, from love to God and men, are peculiarly acceptable to hiin. 16. A'^ery much of a person's usefulness depends upon the correctness of his judgment as to the time and manner of doing things, and upon his doing things which are not only right in themselves, but adapted to the circumstances in which he is placed, and to the character and condition of those whom he labors to benefit. 18. Our highest comforts may be the occasion of our deepest sorrows; but application to Jesus, with unwaver- ing confidence in him, will bring sure and all-sufficient relief 28. Before he gives men the blessings which they need, he often tries the reality and strength of their faith, and leads them to manifest that they believe he is able to give what they seek ; and thus, by the time and manner of bestowing his favors, he greatly increases their value. 34. No kindness can be so great, and no mode of ex- pressing it so wise and good, but that wicked men will sometimes find fault with it, and attribute it to the basest means and the vilest motives. CHAPTER X. _ 1. Power; the casting out of unclean spirits is here dis- tinguishi^d as something distinct from the healing of any kind of disease. 2. ApoMlcs ; messengers, persons who were sent. Si- mon; when (Christ first saw him, ho called him in Syro- Chaldaic, Cejihas — in Greek, Petros — which means, a stone ; signifying, that in liis future life he would be a firm and steadfast supporter of the truth. James ; this was he whom Herod slew. Acts 12:2. 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. 5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying. Go not into the way of tlie Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:' 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.^ 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand." 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils : freely ye have received, freely give.' 9 Provide' neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses ;^ 10 Nor scrip for yowr journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves:'' for the workman is worthy of his meat.'' 11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and there abide till ye go thence. 12 And when ye come into a house, salute it. 13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace John 4:5, 9, 2U. S Psa. 119:17fl; Isa. 53:6; Jer. .50:6, 17: Ezek. 34:5, 6, «; Acts 13:40; 1 Pet. 2:25. li cli. 3:2; 4:17; Luke 9:2; 10:9. iActs8:18, 20. 1 Or, &>«. JLuke 22:35; 1 Cor. 9:7, etc. mt.astnjf. k Luke 10:7, etc. 3. Matthew; whom Christ called while sitting at the receipt of custom. Chap. 9:9. James; he who wrote the epistle called by his name. Lebbeus; called also Judas. Luke «:16. 4. Iscariot ; the man of Charioth, to which town he be- longed. 5. Gch/^/cs; those who were not Jews. Samaritans ; they occupied a country on the north of Judea, lying between Judea and Galilee, which formerly belonged to the tribe of Ephraim and the half-tribe of Manasseh. After these tribes were carried captive by the king of Assyria, it was peopled to a great extent by heathen, and the religion of the Samaritans was a mixture of Judaism and paganism. 2 Kings 17 : 24. fi. £o.«( sheep; expressive of their wandering and dan- gerous condition. House of Israel ; the Jews, descendants of Israel, and hence called Israelites. As the Jews were the covenant people of God, it was proper that the gospel should be first preached to them. The Christian dispen- sation, moreover, which knows no distinction between Jews and Gentiles, was not fully established till after our Lord's ascent and the pouring out of the Holy Sjiirit, on the day of Pentecost. 7. Kingdom of heaven; see note to chap. 3:2. 8. Freely give ; as you have received miraculous powers without paying for them, exert those powers without receiving compensation. 10. Scrip; a bag for provisions. Two coats; they were, in their first journeys among the Jews, not to provide either money or clothing, but to trust in Christ to supply them. Staves; if a man had a staff, he might take it ; if he had shoes or sandals, he might wear them. Mark 6:8, 9. But they were to go tvitlunit delay, and not be de- tainc LiikB6:«; John 13:10; 15:20. I Gr. Bttlztbul " John «:•!'. 14. Sliakeoff; a strong expression of abliorrence of their sins, according to a custom among the Jews. Acts 13:51 ; 1«:B. 15. More tolerable; tlieir doom shall be less dreadful. They sinned at^aiiist less li;;lit, and were less guilty tliaii those who lived in the days of Christ. It). Asstitep; defenceless, iiniirotccted liy human power. IVolve.^; men disposed to assault an And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.^ 37 He that loveth father or mother more than mo, is not worthy of me : and he that loveth son or daughter more tiian me, is not worthy of me." 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and follow- ctli after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that lindeth iiis life siuill lose it: and he that losctli his life for my sake, shall find it." 40 TI He that rcceiveth you, recciveth me; and he that rcceiveth mc, receivctli him that sent me.'' Mirk 4:22; Luko 12:2,3; I Cor. 4:5. p Isa. 6:12, 13; 51:7, 12; 1 Pet, 3:14. i Gr. assarion, in value otte rrnt and a half; a tenth part of the lionian penny; ch. 1S:2B. qAct»27:,34. rRpv.3:5. •2Tira.2:12. I Lak« 12:49.5;). nMio. 7:5. 0. vr,i. 4|;ij. w Luko 14:26. « ch, 10:25. y oh, \H:S; 25:40,45; J<>hnl2:44. 27. /)( darfoicss; privately. On the house-tops; ■puh\ic\y. 28. Him; God. Destroy — m hell ; by making them mis- erable there for ever. 29. Your Fiilher ; ho takes care of even the birds. Sure- ly, then, he will tiike c;iro of you. 32. Confess mc ; as his Saviour, ;ind continue to obey me. I confess; acknowledge and treat as my friend. 33. Den II me; desert my cause. Idenij; deny to be my friend, and tre;it as my enemy. 31. A swiiril ; the ciiVct of my dortrine and teaching will be, not to uniti; those who confess ;ind tlinKc who deny mc, but to divide them, even though they belong to tho same family. 37, 3H. Fiilher nr mother — taktih not up liis cross; a man must love ('hrist more tli;in e:irthly friends, and follow ilim nolwithstaiiiling all the tri;ds to whieh it may i.xpiise him, or he lannot be His true iliseiple, 39. lie thill finilclh his life shall lose il : though a iii:in, by fors;ikiiig Christ, should preservi^ his life for a time, yet he would, by doing so, lose his soul. And though, by lol- lowing Christ, he should lose his life, ho would in this way save his soul. 40. Mc — him that sent me; Christ and believers ;ire so unili*d, that wh;it is dcjiie to them is cdiisidered as dono U^ him ; and he ami the Father are so united, that what is dono to one is dono to tho other. The disciples' reward. MATTHEW XI. Christ's testimmiy of John. AD 31. 41 He that rcceiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive a prophet's re- ward; and he that rcceiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man, shall receive a right- eous man's reward." 42 And wliosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones, a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. CHAPTER XI. 2 John sendeth his disciples to Christ. 7 Christ's testimony concerning John. 18 The opinion of the people, both concerning John and Christ. 20 Christ upbraideth the unthankfulness and unrept-ntance of Ghorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum : 25 and praising his Father's wisdom in revealing the gospel to the simple, 2b he calleth to him all such as feed the burden of their sins. AND it came to pass, when Jesus had made an eud of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. 2 1[ Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ," he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him. Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? a 1 Kings 17:10; Heb. G:10. b Luke 7:18, etc. t Isa. 8:14, 15; 1 Cor. 1:22, 23; 1 Pet. 2:8. d Luke 7:24-3U. e Eph. 4:14; Jas. 1:B. f Isa. 40:3; 41. In the name; on account of his being a prophet, from attachment to him and to liis Lord. ApropheVs — a righteous man's reward; he shall share in the spiritual blessings which God bestows on the prophet, or on the righteous man. whom he has thus aided. 42. Little ones; disciples, even the feeblest of them. In the name; because he is a disciple, from attachment to him and his blaster ; he shall receive the approbation and blessing of his Lord. IXSTRUCTIOXS. 1. Christ has such infinite fulness, that he can communi- cate to his ministers and disciples all the gifts and quali- fications which they need. 5. He appoints to his disciples the place of their labors, and though it may not be the one which, if left to our- selves, we should choose, we must learn, whatsoever place or state he chooses for us, therewith to be content. 9. We should not delay present duty in order to bo better prepared to perform it. When Christ commands, we should obey, trusting in him for what we need in order to obey him and to be accepted in it. 12. Courtesy in ministers of the gospel and the mani- festation of good-will to all, are required by Christ, and are essential to the highest comfort and usefulness of all who proclaim hi.s truth. 16. Ministers of the gospel are bound to be wise as well as good ; to exercise discretion as well as courage ; not needlessly to exasperate even the worst of men, but meek- ly to instruct them. 17. No wisdom or goodness in the discharge of duty will secure the approbation of all, or prevent some from becoming open and bitter foes. 23. When greatly opposed in one place, it is not always a mark of wisdom or goodness to stay there ; nor is it any evidence of want of courage or fidelity sometimes to flee, even if, in order to do it, a person should, like Paul, be let down by a wall in a basket. 2 Cor. 11:23. 26. No oiii' in the path of duty should be disheartened on account of diniculties ; for he will never meet witli any which he will not, if he trust in Christ, be enabled either to overcome, or cheerfully and usefully to bear. Acts 5:41. 32. Men's treatment of Christ in this world will deter- mine his treatment of them in the world to come. 34. The puldicatiou of the gospel is the occasion of dc- 4 Jesus answered and said unto them. Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. G And blessed is he whosoever shall not be of- fended in me."^ 7 1 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see?'' a reed shaken with the wind?** 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clotlied in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he, of whom it is written. Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thce.'^ 11 Verily I say unto you. Among them that are' born of women, there hath not risen a greater than Joliu the Baptist i'' notwithstanding, he that is least in the kingdom of heaven, is greater than he.'' Mai. 3:1 ; Luke 1:70. 6 John 5:35. h John 1:15, 27; 3:30. veloping the human heart, and leading men to show wheth- er they are for Christ or against him. Yet the persecu- tions and distresses which often follow, are never the proper effects of the gospel, but always the elTect of men's opposition to it. 37. Without making sacrifices, men cannot be disciples of Christ: but this should never hinder them from em- bracing, and steadfastly following him ; for all the losses to which they may be called, even that of life itself, will be productive of their highest, their eternal good. Rom. 8:18. 40. Men may at any time show kindness to Jesus Christ, by showing it, from love to him and his cause, to his dis- ciples ; and thus they may be continually enhancing their gracious and eternal reward. CHAPTER XI. 2. In frkon; Luke 3:19, 20. 3. Ik that shouhl come; the expected one — the Messiah. Though John had borne express testimony to Jesus, yet both he and his disciples may have been perplexed by erroneous ideas respecting the nature of His kingdom, and bv their consequent failure to witness the fulfilment of their expectations concerning Him. 6. Not be offended in me ; not dissatisfied with my char- acter, conduct, and claims ; but sliall receive me as tlie Saviour, the Lamb of God that takelli away the sin of the world. John 1:29. Many were ottended because Christ did not satisfy their carnal expectations concerning their long-promi.sed Messiah. In these words the Saviour re- turned to John a virtual answer to Ins question, yet ex- pressed in such a form tliat his enemies could take no advantage of it. 7. A reed shaken; an inconstant, unstable person. 8. Soft raiment; efl'eminate, delicate clothing. King's houses ; the place for such jiersons is in the palaces of the great, not in the wilderness. 9. More than a projilict ; more distinguished and honora- ble than any of the Old Testament prophets, because ho was the forerunner of Christ, and stood in a nearer rela- tion to him than any of them. 10. Written; Mai. 3:1; Isa. 40:3; chap. 3:3. 11. Greater; in dignity; more honorable in condition iuid employment. Least ; as a proi)het or teacher under the gospel dispensation. Is greater ; his work would be 1081 Chorazin and Belhsaida upbraided. MATTHEW XI. Christ's gradoiu invUation. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force."" 13 For all the prophets and tlic lavr prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.'' 15 He that hath cars to hear, let him hear.'' 16 "i But whereuuto shall I liken this genera- tion?'' It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, 17 And saying, We Iiave pi]jed unto you, and ye have not danced ; we have mourned unto you, and ye Jiave not lamented. 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hatli a devil." 19 The Son of man came eating and drinking,^ and they say. Behold a man gluttonous, and a wine-bibber, a friend of publicans and sinners.*^ But wisdom is justilicd of her children." l!() ■ Then began lie to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:' 21 Woeuutothce, Chorazin! woeuntothee,Beth- saida !^ for if the iniglity works which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackclotii and ashes. •(■ r. t ^^ontnbu foTct and Ihfy thai Ihruxt tnt-n take il tu. a Luke 10 :1C; Kph. t! 11-13. b Mil ■!:.'>; ch. 17:12. t Kev. 2:7. etc. i Luke - ::J1. ech. 10 i); John 7:20. 'cli. 0:10; John 2:2. t I.uke 15:2 ; 10:7. h I'sa. 92:5, 6; FroT. 17:24. i Luke 10:1.J, etc. J John 12:21 k ch. 10:15; ver. one of higher dignity and jirivdege than John's, because he would stand in a still nearer relation to Christ and pro- claim more fully the truths of his gospel. 12. From the (laij.^ of John the Baptist; from the daj-s of liis public appearance, when the kingdom of heaven, which before that had been something future, first began to come as something present. Violence — by force ; men were Btrongly excited, and they pressed to hear and receive the gospel. 13. Propltesied until John; they prophesied of the king- dom of heaven as yet to come till John, when its coming began. See above, note on verse 12. H. El ins ; the one who was foretold in the Old Testa- ment under the name of Elijah, because lie would resem- ble that prophet. Mai. iiH. la. He that hath ears; let every one who can, hear and understand this concerning John and tlie coming of the kiiigilom of heaven. Our Lord commonly eni]>loy8 these words of some doctrine or statement that requires study and thought to comprehend it. IG. Children silting in the markets; and imitating in their phiys the transactions of life. 17. Piped unto ijov ; played a lively tune, as at a wedding- fca.st. Mourned unto ijou; played a inoumfnl tune, as at a funeral. Lamented; imitated the lanienlal ions at funerals tliat accompanied the playing of the minstrels, chap. 9:23. These children arc wayward, and will do nothing to please their mates. IK. Neither eating nor drinkinp;; living very abstemiously. 111. Eating and drinking; living as did other people. They say, Behold a man glultonous; they found fault with both, iind rejected both, like fickle, capricious children, whom nothing could please. Wisdom is juslified of her children ; right and wise w;iy8, like those which .lohn and the Saviour pursued, will be ajijiroved by the si)iritually wise and good. 20. Upbraid; rebuke and denounce judgments against them. 21. Chorazin — Bethsaidn; cities in Galilee which he often visited, and in which ho taught and wrought mira- cles. Tyre and Sidnn ; commercial cities in the western 1082 22 But I say unto you. It shall be more a. d. si. tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judg- ment, than for you.'' 23 And thou, Capernnum, whicli art exalted unto heaven, slialt lie brought down to hell:' for if the miglity works whicii liave been done in thcc, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say unto you. That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judg- ment, than for thee.'" 25 1 At liiat time Jesus answered and said, I thank tlieo, <) Fallier, Lord of lieaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto balies." 26 Even so, Father : for .so it seemed good in thy sight." 27 All things are delivered unto me of my Fa- ther ;'' and no man knowetii the Son, but the Fa- ther ; neither knowetii any iiiaii the Father, save the Son, and /ic to whomsoever the Son will reveal /lim.'* 28 1[ Come unto mo, all yc that labor and arc heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."' 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;' for I am meek and lowly iu heart:' aijd ye shall find rest unto your souls." 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.'' 24. 1 .■a. ll:l:!-I5 Lam 2:1. m eh 111:15 „ Vm . y:2 Jrr. 1 :7,S; 1 Cor. 1:27. Luke 10:21 , elc. Poh. 2a IS Luke 10 o.> John 3:35; 17:2; 1 Cor. 15:27. q John 1 :1H ; 1 John 5:20. r sa. 5:i: 1-4 a Phil. 2:5-« ll'ot . 2:21. tZech 9:0. . Seemed good; because it was good, right, and best. 27. Alt things are delivered ; all things were by the Father committed to Christ as mediator. Ho is head over all things to his church, :inil the fiii;tl jiiiige of the living and the dead. Ucveat him; as manifcHleil in the i>ersoii and work of the S;iviour, ;uiil liy his word anil Spirit. 2K. Hcavii-hiden ; burdened with sins or sorrows of any kind, liest ; relief, esjiecially inward jieace. 29. TcJie my yoke; submit to be guided and governed by me. IN.STUrCTlOXS. 11. The work of a gos|iel minister is a most exalted employment; and he who faithfnlly performs it, is, in God's estimation, among the most honoralilc of the earth. IK. Though there is u great variety in Ihe outward con- dition of ministers of the gospel, anil in tlic> mode of llieir communications with men, yet no condilion and no iiiiiii- ner of living or preaching will make the gosjiel univer- sally acceptable, or lead any, without the grace of God, to embrace it. 21. The evidence which, through the grace of (!od, would have convinced some who are now lost, had they enjoyed it, and might have led llieni to repentance, utterly fails to jirodii'-e these effects uiion (jthers. 21. The higher men are raised in privileges, the lower, if they continue to abuse them, will they sink in future woo. Keeping the Sahbaih. MATTHEW XII. One blind and dumb licakd. CHAPTER XII. 1 Christ reproveth the blindness of the Pharisees concerning the breach of the sabbath, 3 by scriptures. 9 by reason, 13 and by a miracle. 22 He healeth the man possessed that was blind and dumb. 31 Blas- phemy against the Holy Ghost shall never be forgiven. 36 Account shull be made of idle words. 38 He rebuketh the unfaithful, who seek after a %Wn : 49 and showeth who is his brother, sister, and mother. AT that time Jesus went on the sabbath-day through the corn, and his disciples were a liungered, and began to pluck the ears of corn," and to eat." 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabba11i-day.'= 3 But he said unto them. Have ye not read what David did when he was a hungered, and they that were with him;'' 4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the show-broad," which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?"' 5 Or have ye not read in the law, how tliat on the sabbath-days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?'-' 6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.'' 7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice,' ye would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sab- bath-day. 9 1 And when he was departed thence, he went into their .synagogue :J 10 And behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath-days ?" that they might accuse him. a Deut. •i'i:''). b Mult Sia.). etc. ; Luke (>:1, .c. tKxod. 31:15. d | Sam. 21:(>. e ExoJ. 2.5:30. f Exod. ■29::ja, 33. S Num. 2«:!l; John '■.•ii, UJ. li2Chr.6:ls; Mai. 3:1 ; oh. 23: 17-ai. iHos.fi:(>. J Mark 3:1, etc. ; Luke 25. For all his dealings, however mysterious to men, God has the wisest and best of reasons. Those who love him will believe this, anil rejoice in the conviction that he doeth all things well. 27. None have right views of God, except those who learn his character from his Son. The course of wisdom therefore, for all who wish to know God, is to sit at the feet of Christ and learn from liim. 29. None need to be miserable. By submission to .Tcsus Christ, trust in him, and obedience to his commands, all may be happy in life, in death, and for ever. CHAPTER XII. 1. Corn; in the Scriptures this word moans grain of any kind, especially wheat and barley, which were the common grains of Palestine. Plmk the ears; picked off the heads, and rubbeil them in their liands to separate the kernels from the ear. Luke 0:1. 2. Not lawful; not right ; a violation of the fourth com- mandment. 3. David; 1 Sam. 21:1-6. The necesisity of the case justified him. .'). Read in the law; Num. 28:9, 10. Pmfinc the Sahhath ; do what would have profaned it, had not'tlie upiirni.riate duties of till! Sabbath required that labor. The Saviour refers to the killing and dressing of the animals for sacri- fice, and other labors connected witli the daily tcmjile Bervice. In .John 7:23, he specifies circumcision as an- other work porfonncd on tlie Sabbath. lilamctesx ; williout fault, because they did only wliat was jiroper on tliat day. 6. Greater tlian the temple; the argmuent is, that if in tlio 11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath-day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?' 12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath- days. 13 Then saith he to the man. Stretch forth thy hand. x\nd he stretched it forth ; and it was restored whole, like as the other. 14 1i Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council* against him, how they might destroy him. 15 But when Jesus knew ?Y, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all ; 16 And charged them that they should not make him known : 17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen ; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased : I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall show judg- ment to the Gentiles. 19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smok- ing flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. 21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.™ 22 T[ Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb ; and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw." 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not tliis the son of David ? 24 1 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, «:l). elc. k Luke 14:3. I Deut. "Mark 3:11: Luke 11:14. Or, took counsel. n» Isa. 42:1- service of the temple the priests might profane the Sab- bath, according to the outward letter, mucli more might his disciples in his service ; for he was Lord both of the temple and the Sabbath. 7. Mercy and not sacrifice; see note on chap. 9:13. 8. Lord — of the Sabbath ; he who made it, and to whose worsliip it is devoted. If it was right for llavid to ap- pease his hunger, and for tlie priests to do what was needful for the worship of God in the temple, much more was it right for the disciples, in attending upon the Lord of the Sabbath and of the temple, to appease their hunger as they did on the Sabbath-day. 11). Not make him known ; liti"wished to be retired from public view, and do his works of love and mercy as the pro]diets had foretold that he would, Isa. 42:2, 3; and tlius furnish new evidence that lie was the Messiah. 18. Chosen; to be the Messiah. Show jiid/rmrnt ; make known tiie trutli to the Gentiles, and tlius bring them into obedience to himself and become their Lord and Judge. Compare Isa. 2:2-4; II : 10; 62:2; Mai. 1:11, etc. 19. Not strive, nor rrij; not come with oiilward show, as the .lews expected th;it he would. 20. Abrnisrd reed; an emblem of jiersons wlio are feeble, ami crushcil witli diiliculties. Not break; not ojipress or tram]de tlicni down. Smokine: flax ; the wick of the an- cient lamps. .S7(o// he not quench ; Christ would not quench, but cherisli Die feeblest beginnings of true grace. Unto victor;/; till liis trutli and mercy become triumphant. 24. Beelzebub; this name, :im(jng the .lews, was ai)ldied to the jirince of unclean spirits, liyapjdyiiig it to ('hrist, they expressed the utmost contempt. 1083 Tliz sin against the Holy Ghost. MATTHEW XII. Tlie Pharisees ask a sign. This, felloiv doth, not cast out devils, but by Beelze- bub* tlie prince of the devils. 25 And Jesus knew their tlioughts," and said unto them. Every kingdom divided against itself is brouglit to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand : 26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? 27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils,'' by whom do your children cast t/iem out? therefore they shall bo your judges. 28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you."" 29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods,'' except he first bind the strong man? and tiien ho will spoil his house. oO He that is not witli nie, is against me;'' and he that gatiiereth not witli me, scattereth abroad. 31 "i Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blaspliCTuy shall be foi-given unto men:*^ but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.* 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man,'' it sliall be forgiven him: but whoso- ever speaketh against the Holy Gliost, it sliall not be forgiven iiini, neither in this world, neither in tlic iror/d to come. 33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good ; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.' 34 generation of vipers,^ how can ye, being • Gt. Brtlztiul. > Pia. 13'J:.;; John •J:-i4, 23. t- ver. 21. cDaii.2:-ll; ch. «:*); Luke ll:2(); 17;2I ; Kom. 11:17. i Isa. 40:24; 53:12; Rev. 12:7- 10; 2U:2. ■>. e 1 John 2:19. ' .Mark .l-.-il; Luke 12:10. s Heb. 1U:29; lJohn5:16. li Luke 7:34; John 7:12; 1 Tim. 1 :13. ich.7;l6,17. J ch! 26. Divided against himself; had their representation been true, Satan would liave made war upon himself, which was absurd. 27. Children; disciples of the Pharisees, who laid claim to the power of castinj; out devils, and were reputed so to do. Slmll be ijmir jnds^c^ ; shall convict you of folly and wickedness, in ascrihing to Satan in my case what you ascribe to God's help in their case. 28. Kingdom of God; the reign of the Messiah on earth. Is come unto you ; has alr('a'- en, here the visible'chureh of Christ, is likened to a Held in which the owner sows good seed, etc. (lood seed ; clean wheat, representing the truths of tho gospel, and those who embrace them. The parable of the tares, MATTHEW XIII. mustard-seed, leaven, etc. A.D.31. 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and broiiglit forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto hiin. Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up ? 29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest : and in tiie time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gatlier ye together first the tares," and bind them in bundles to burn them : '■ but gather the wheat into my barn.'^ 31 Tf Another parable put he forth unto them, saying. The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard-seed,'' which a man took, and sowed in his field : 32 Which indeed is tlic least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and bi'comcth a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof." 33 IT Another parable spake he unto them ; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures" of meal, till tlie whole was leavened. 34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multi- tude in parables;' and without a parable spake he not unto them : 35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables;* I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of tlie world."" 3(5 1 Tlien Jesus sent tlie multitude away, and went into the liouse: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. »1 Tim. 5:24. b Mai. 4:1. tLuke3:17. <1 Mark 4:30. e Ezek. 17:S5. • The Greek word, saton, signifies a measure containing about, a peck and a half, wanting a little more than a pint, f Mark 4:33. ff Psa. 7H;*2. h Luke 10:-24i Rom. ItiriS, 36; Col. 1:20. i Rom. 10:18; Col. 1:B. J 1 Pet. l:^). k John 8:44; Acts 13:1(1; IJohn 3:8. 1 Joel 3:13; Rev. 14:1.5. m Rev. 25. Tares; not our American tares, but a species of darnel bearing poisonous seeds, and liaving, before it comes to a head, a near resemblance to the stalks of wheat and barley. 2G. Brought forth fruit ; when the fruit began to grow. By their principles and conduct, the difference between those who embrace the gospel and those who embrace opposite errors, is seen. 28. Gather them tip; by the process of weeding common in that country. 2',l. Root up also the wheat; on account of their resem- blance and connection with each other. 30. Harvest; the day of judgment. Reapers; tlie angels. Tares; the wicked. IFIicnt ; the righteous. Ver. 49, 50. 31. Another parable; this parable represents the progress which the gospel would make. From small beginnings it would increase, and its influence become extensive and powerful. 32. A tree ; in that country the mustard grows much larger than it docs in this. 33. Leaven; is all-pervading and powerful. Thougli silent and hidden, it soon affects the whole mass. So would divine truth be, in its influence on individuals and on communities. 37 He answered and said unto them. He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man ; 38 The field is the world;' the good seed are the children of the kingdom -^ but the tares are the children of tlie wicked one;^ 39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil ; the harvest is the end of the world;' and the reai)crs are the angels.'" 40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire;" so shall it be in the end of this world. 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of Ids kingdom all things tliat offeiid,* and tlieni which do iniquity;" 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of firei^ tliere shall be wailing and gnasliing of teeth." 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.'' Who hath ears to licar, let him hear. 44 IT Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field;' the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath,' and biiyeth that field." 45 1 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant-man seeking goodly pearls: 46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price,'' went and sold all that he had, and bought it. 47 IT Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:'" 48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. 49 So shall it be at the end of the world : the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,'' 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire:'' there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 14:1.5- 19. D ver. 30. t Or, scatidals Luke 13:27. p oh. 3:12 Rev. 10:20 20 10 q ver. 50 ch. 8:12. r Dan. 12:3; 1 Cor. 15:49. • Prov. 2:4, 5 t Phil. 3:7, 8. u Isa. 55:1; Rev 3:la. « Prov. 3:14, 15 8:11. w ch. 22:10. I ch. 25:32. y ver. 42. 34. Without a parable spake lie not; see note on ver. 13. 35. The prophet ; Psa. 78:2. The history of ancient Israel which the psalmist recounts was typical of the higher mysteries of Christ's kingdom, as the apostle Paul ex- pressly teaches. 1 Cor. 10:11. 37. Son of man; meaning himself, dispensing truth either personally or by his servants. 38. The field is the world; for by tho appointment of Christ the good seed of the gospel is to bo sown among all nations, so that the visible cliureh shall be co'extensivo with tho world. Children of the langdom ; children of (iod not in name alone, but in reality. Children of the wicked one; of Satan, though they be found among Christ's visi- ble followers. 43. Righteous; the same as "the children of tho king- dom," those who jiave believed and obeyed the gos]icl. Shine forth as the stin; be inexpressibly glorious in heaven. Earn to hear; let all who have cars, hear and lielicve, and so act that (hey may escape the wailing of tho wicked, and enjoy the glory of the righteous. 44. Ruijeth that field ; that, by obtaining possession of tho field, he may obtain possession of the treasure in it, 47. A net — cast into the sea; tlie sea is the world, and tho net is the gospel with its ministers and ordiLances. This 1087 Unbelief of the Jews. MATTHEW XIV. Jo/ni the Baptist heheaded. 51 Jesus saitli unto them, Have ye understood all these thinsrs? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. 52 Then said he uiito them, Therefore every scribe ivhich is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven, is like unto a man that in a householder, ■which bringetli forth out of his treasure things new and old." 53 1 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had fiuislied these parables, he departed thence. 54 And when ho was come into his own coun- try,'' ho tauglit tliem in tlioir synagogue, inso- miicli that they -were astonislied, and said, Whence hatli this man this wisdom, and these miglity works ? 55 Is not this the carpenter's son ? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joscs, and Simon, and Judas ? 56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence tlicn hath tliis man all these things ? 57 And tliey were offended in liim.'^ But Je- sus said unto tliem, A prophet is not witliout liouor, save in his own country, and in his own house. 58 And he did not many mighty works there, because of tlieir unbelief. » ProT. 10:21 ; 15:7; 18:1; Song7:13. b Mark li: 1, etc. ; Luke 4:16, etc. c Isa.49:7; 53:3; John6:-l-2. i .Markl):H; Luke0:7,etc. • Or, ore wrougAf parable has a close relation to that of the tares in the field. It shows the mixtvu-e of koo'I ami evil which will always exist in the visible chnrch on earth. 52. Everti scribe; in allusion to the office of the Jewish scribes, which was to teach the law of Moses, Christ names those whom he calls to be teachers in the kingdom of heaven scribes. Instructed; trained and furnished as he should be. ■ll. IIix own country; Nazareth, f'liap. 2:23. 5J. Carpenter's son; Joseph, his reputed father, was a carpenter. 51). T/iese things; wisdom to teach in such an interesting and instructive manner, and jiowcr to work miracles. 57. Offended ; at his liunible birth anil indigent circnni- Btances. They were too proud to receive him as their tfjacher. In liis own house; a man often has less influence with those among whpra he spent his childhood than with others. 58. Unbelief; as they rejected him, and disbelieved his Messiahshii), notwithstanding all his miracles, he loft them and departed to another place. INSTHUCTIONS. 4. Careless hearers receive no benefit from the word of truth, though it be preached ever so laithfully. 5. To be savingly benefited by the iireaching of the Kospel.it is not enough that persons a, she is also called a Greek, as being it Gentile in her religion; ami a The Canaanite woman. MATTHEW XVI. Four thousand fed. AD. 32. mercy on me, Lord, thou son of David;" my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. 23 But he answered her not a word.'' And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away ; for she crieth after us. 24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.'^ 25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying. Lord, help me. 26 But he answered and said. It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs." 27 And she said. Truth, Lord : yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. 28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, ■woman, great is thy faith:" be it unto thee even as thou wilt.'' And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.^ 29 And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee ;" and went up into a mountain, and sat down there. 30 And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that ircre lame, blind, dumb, maim- ed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them:' 31 Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be wliole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see : and they glorified the God of Israel. 32 "I Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, be- cause they continue with me now tliree days, and liiive nothing to eat:-* and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. a Luke 18:3S, 39. b Psa. -JH: I ; Lim. 3:8. c oh. ll):5. fi; Acts :i:-2(i. d ch. 7:0; liev. 20:15. e Job l.i:15; 23:10; Lam. 3:32. f Psa. 14.5: 19. g John 4:50-53. l>.Mark7:31. i Psa. 103:3; Isa. 33:5. 6. J Marka:l. etc. k2Kiiigs Syrophoenician, as belonging to the Syrian Phcenicia, as distinguished from the Liljyan Phoenicia of Africa. Tlie evangelists dwell on her gentile descent, because this was made prominent in our Lord's answer to her. 23. Send her away ; by granting her request. 24. / am not sent ; the reference of our Lord is here to his personal ministry. See note on chap. 10:6. 21). Not meet ; not suitable. Children's bread ; that which was designed for the Jews, called children. Dogs; Gen- tiles, by the Jews called dogs. This he said to lead the woman to show her true character, which she soon did in a very striking manner. 27. Eal of the crumbs; as dogs, without robbing the chil- dren, cat tlie crumbs which fall from the table, so she tliought slic might receive this mercy without injury to any one ; and she had the fullest confidence in his power thus to help her. 30. Maimed; such as had lost a limb, a hand, or foot. Restoring them, therefore, was an act of creative power. INSTRUCTIONS. 2. Tlic Bible, as a rule of faith and practice, is perfect ; and human traditions, however sanctioned or by whomso- ever taught, that add to it, take from it, or in any way- pervert its meaning, are sources of error. 4. A reception of tlie Bible as the word of Ood, and a familiar acquaintance with its contents, is a great safeguard against false doctrines and vicious practices. Hence, the good of men, as well as the glory of God, requires its uni- versal circulation among all classes of peo])le. 15. When wo do not clearly understand the Scriptures, we should ask God to teach us. And though he may sec that a right use of our faciUties wouhl have removed our ignorance, yet, if wo sincerely desire to know the truth, he will, in the proper use of means, instruct us, and make U8 wise to salvation. 33 And his disciples say unto him. Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude ?'' . 34 And Jesus saith unto them. How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes. 35 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.' 36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks," and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 37 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full. 38 And they that did eat were four thousand men, Ijesides women and children. 39 And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala." CHAPTER XVI. 1 The Pharisees require a sign. 6 Jesus warneth liis disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 13 The people's opinion of Christ, 16 and Peter's confession of hnn. 21 Jesus foreshoweth his death, 23 reprovinjj Peter for dissuading him from it: 'J4 and admon- isheth those that will follow hun, to bear the cross. THE Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would show them a sign from heaven." 2 He answered and said unto them. When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather : for the sky is red. 3 And in the morning. It ivill be foul weather to- day : for the sky is red and lowering. ye hyp- 4:43, 44. 1 ch. 14:19. etc. m 1 Sam. 9:13; Luke 22:19; 24:30. a Mark 8:10, o ch. 12:38. etc.; Mark 8:11, etc.; Luke 11:16; 12:54-56, 1 Cor. 1:22. 19. The teaching of God will lead a man to place less reliance upon external observances, and to look more to the state of his heart, in obedience to the command of Christ, " Make the tree good," in order that the fruit may be good. 24. In the Bible, and in the bestowmcnt of his blessings in providence, God makes much of " due time." Men, even good men, are often in great haste. They would do things, if they could, much sooner than God does them; but they would not do them so well. 28. God often delays answering our requests, as a trial of our faith and humility. When these have been brought into exercise, a gracious answer will speedily' come. 30. There is nothing men need wliich Jesus Christ can- not bestow. All should therefore wait upon him; and if not weary in doing his wdl,in duo time they shall receive all needed good. CHAPTER XVI. 1. Pharisees— Sadducees ; opposite sects among the Jews. Chap. 3:7. Tempting him; trying him, in order to get something against him. Sign from heaven ; some miracle in the skies besides those he had wrcnight upon the earth, and which they pretended would more clearly show his real character. 3. Hi/por.rites ; pretending to one thing, while they sought anothet-. Signs of the times; these had been numerous and decisive. They wore far more convincing than many on which they daily acted with regard to this life. The sceji- tre had departed from Judah, and tlio hnvgiver from be- tween his feet ; that is, the, government of the country had dep;irteil from the tribe of Jud:ih, and was then in the hanils of the Romans, which Jacob, in blessing his sons, sail! should not be till Sliiloh, or the Messi.ah, should come. Gen. 49:10. John, the iiredicted messenger and 1 001 The Pharisees rebuked. MATTHEW XVI. Peter confesseth Christ. ocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky ; but can ye not discern the signs of the times ? 4 A wicked and adultorous generation seeketh after a sign ; and there sliall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of tlie prophet Jonas." And he left them, and departed. 5 And when liis disciples were come to tlic other .side, they had forgotten to take bread. 6 Then Jesus said unto them. Take heed and lie- ware of the leaven of tiie Pharisees and of the Saddiicees.'' 7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying. It is because we have taken no bread. 8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, ye of little faith,'= why reason ye among your- selves, because ye have brought no bread? 9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand,'' and how many baskets ye took up? 10 Neither the seven loaves of tlie four tliou- sand,'' and liow many baskets ye took up ? 11 IIow is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? 12 Then understood they liow tliat he bade them not beware of tlie leaven of bread, but of tlie doc- trine of tlie Pharisees and of the Sadducees.'' IZ 'i When Jesus came into the coasts of Cesarea » Jonih 1:17. b Luke 12:1; 1 Cor. 5:6-8; Gal. 5:9; 2 Tim. 2:1B, 17. >: ch. 6:30; M:2«; 14:31. d oh. 11:1!), elo. o ch. 15:.34, etc. f ch. 1.5:1-!). I! Mark 8:27; Luke 9:18, elc. h ch. 14:2; Luke 9:7-9. ■ Fsa. 2:7: oh. l4:aJ; John 1:49; Act.; 1 I'et. 2;fi; I Cor. :;:11; Eph. 2:20; Hev. 1:18; 3:7. Secondly. " upon this rock," that is, upon the confession thou bast just made of me; or rather, upon the great truth cont;iined in that con- fession, "Thou art the Clirlsl. the Son of the living (lod." Aecordine to eithor of the above interpretations, Christ »!I2 Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, a.d.32. Whom do men say tluit I the 8on of man am?^' 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.'' 15 lie saith unto them, Put whom say ye that I am ? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Clirist, the Son of the living God.' 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him. Bless- ed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: for flcsli and blood hath not revealed it unto thee.J but my Father wliicli is in licaven.'' 18 Andlsay also unto thee, Tliat thou art Peter,' and upon this rock I will build my church ;'" and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the king- dom of heaven: and whatsoever thou slialt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven : and whatso- ever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven." 20 Then charged he liis disciples that they should tell no man that he was .lesus the Christ.'' 21 T From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jeru- salem, and sutfer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.'' 22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke iiri:!; 1 Cor k 1 Johi Isa. 54: 15:3,4 4: 17. 15 5 ch 20. 1 18:18 John 1:42. "• E . p Mark 8:30. ,h •- <1 Lu :20; Rev ko9:22; .21:14 18:31; " Psa. ai:6, 7j alone is the true foundation of the church. As it is writ- ten of him," Behold, 1 lay in Zioii for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a jirecious corner-stone, a sure foundation; he that believeth shall not make h;istc," Isa. 28:16. The apostle Peter says the s;uiie, 1 Peter 2 : C. r;iul also, in Eph. 2:20. sijeaks of the church as "built U)ioii the foun- d;ition of the apostles and pro|)liets, .lesus Clirist himself being the chief eorner-stone." Thus, according to the prophet Isaiah and the apostles Peter and I'aiil, writing under the guidance of the Holy Sjiirit, the foundation of the church, ;ind of the hopes of all true believers, is, not Peter, or Paul, or any creature, but "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever." Gates of hell ; the counsels of the powers of evil. The gates of cities were anciently the places in which deliberations were held and plans formed. 111. Ilickei/s nftlie kinrrdom nfhrarrn; keys are a symbol of power and iiulhiMity. limd — /oose,- tlie same gift is elsewhere bestowed on all Ihe apostles ami the disciples generally. Chap. IS: is. The words of this verse maybe understood, first, of Ihe authority which Christ bestowed upon the inspired tciichers and guides of his jiriniitive clmrch to settle allqucslioiis respecting her. For eminent examjiles (d' Ihe exercise of this jiower, sec the decisions concerning gentile converts, .ViIh 1I:1-IS; I,'): 1-29. In this sense, the power ceased with inspiivition. Secondly, the words may be understood of the common power con- f:;}, 4. 21. To .s//ou%- that is, plainly. Before this, he had only given obscure intimations of his approaching death. 22. Hebukehim; this showed the self-suflicicncy of Peter, Sdf-dtnial for Christ. MATTHEW XVII. Transfiguration of Christ. A. D. 32. him, saying, Be it far from tliee,* Lord : this shall not be imto thee. 23 But lie turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan:" thou art an oflence unto me:'' for thou savorest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. 24: ^ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.° 25 For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake, shall find it." 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?'^ 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels;'' and then he shall reward every man according to his works.''' 28 Verily I say unto you, There be some stand- ing here, which shall not taste of death," till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.' • Gr. Pity Ihysel/. a 2Sam. 19:2t>. bRom. 14:13. c ch. in:.38; Mark8:34; Luke 9:23; 14:27; Acts 14:22; 1 Thess. 3:3. d Esth. 4:14; John 12:25. ePsa. 49:7,8. t Dan. 7:9, 10; Zecli. 14:5; Jude 14. sRev. 22:12. h Heb. his forwardness to express his opinion, and his liability to err. Shall not be; tliis was in direct opposition to what Christ liad said sliould be, and what was essential to tlie salvation of men ; showing that Peter was not infallible, but was often wronj;. " As with a hammer of iron, Christ here crnshes carnal prudence in Peter." 23. Get thee behind me; a similar expression to what Christ had before used with regard to Satan, the great ad- versary of God and man. Thou savorest not; thinkest not. Peter did not coincide in his views with God, but with men in opposition to God. 24. Come after me; follow my directions. Deny himself; abstain from all indulgences which stand in the way of duty. Take vp his cross; resist the pleadings of carnal policj' and appetite, and submit to whatever may be need- ful, in order to obey God. 2.i. Whosoever will save his life — lose his life; whosoever shall save his temporal life by renouncing the Saviour, shall lose his eternal life ; and whosoever shall lose his temporal life by following the Saviour, shall secure his eternal life. 27. The Son of mmi shall come in the glory of his Father ; the splendors of the godhead at the day of judgment, when those wlio have suffered for him on earth will reign with him in heaven. 28. Not taste of death; not die. Coming in his kingdom; coming to set up, extend, and render efficacious his reign over his people on earth, in ])reparation for their everlastr ing reign with him in heaven. There seems to be here a special reference to the awful manifestation of his presence and power in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish state, by which was shadowed fortli his tinal coming to judge the world. IXSTRDCTIONS. 3. Kvidence which fully satisfies men, and on which they readily act, with regard to this world, often fails to satisfy them in religion. 8. No displiiys of the i)ower and love of Christ in times past, will of tlieinselves lead his people rightly to trust in him fin- the future. In order to this, lliev nnist have his present teaching ; and for thi8,;is well as other tilings, they should ]n-ay, "(live us this day our daily In-ead." 17. In order rightly to apprehend divine truth, and suit- ably to regard it, men must be taught it, not merely by their fellow-men, but liy their Father in he;iven. I!). ApoKtlca, in ii];iking known tlie will of God, and re- cording it in words which the Holy (ihost t:uight them, and faithful ministers in proclaiming it, allow or condemn CHAPTER XVII. 1 The transfiguration of Christ. 14 He healetli the lunatic, 22 foretell- etii his own passion, 24 and payeth tribute. AND after si.\ days, Jesus taketh Peter, James, and Jolin his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart. 2 And was transfigured before them :' and his face did shine as the sun,'' and his raiment was white as the light. 3 And behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. 4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here : if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles ; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 5 Wliile he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said. This is my beloved Sou, in whom I am well pleased;' hear ye him.'" G And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. 2:9. iMark9:l. J Mark 9:2, etc. ; Luke 9:28. etc. kRev. l:l(i. 1 Isa. 42:1,21: ch. 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22; 2 Pet. 1:17. m Deut. 18:15,19; Acts3;22,23; Heb. 1:1,2; 2:1-3. on earth what God allows or condemns in heaven. Church- es, when they act in accordance with his truth, bind or loose, that is, allow or disallow on earth what will be bound or loosed, allowed or disallowed, in heaven. Chaj]. 18:18. 20. The publication of the whole truth would at some times be very improper. It would prevent much good, and occasion much evil. Very much of a person's useful- ness on earth depends on his doing right things at the right time, and in the right way, as well as for the right end. 22. We have infallible evidence of the fallibility of Pe- ter, and that he was not, in character, conduct, or authority, above the other apostles. 23. God caused this evidence to be jilaced upon a per- manent record, tliat all might know that such as exalt Pe- ter above his fellow-a])Ostles, in this savor not the things that be of God, but those that be of men, and expose themselves to the rebuke of the Saviour, " Get thee be- hind me." 24. The life of disciples of Christ is one of self-denial. They must make sacrifices, and it is wise to do so, for it is the way to avoid the greatest loss and obtain the greatest gain. CHAPTER XVII. 2. Transfigured ; changed in his appearance. His rai- ment was white as the light ; resplendent as lightning. The three apostles were here favored with a glimpse of the future glory of the Saviour and his true followers, well calculated to strengthen their faith in jiassing through the trying scenes that were before them, and, through tliem, to strengthen the faith of all his disciples amid "the sufferings of this present time." Kom. 8:18; Phil. 3:21; 1 John 3:2. 3. Moses anxl Elias; the representatives of "the law and the prophets" here ajipear in glory, but subordinate to the Saviour. Thus the unity of the old and new dispen- sation is set forth, and also the supreme dignity of " Christ the Son of the living Cod." 4. Tabernacles ; a tabernacle was a temporary dwelling, covered usually with cloth or boughs of trees. Peter was 80 amazed and bewililered by the glory of the vision, that ho knew not wh;it he said. Mark '.):(>; Luke 9:3.3. Ilis plans were repeatedly in ojiposition to those of his Lord. .1. A voice; tho voice of trod the Fat her, as in cliap. 3: 17, with the addition, "Hear ye him," attend to his instruc- tions, and follow them. 1093 Christ hcak'h a lunatic MATTHEW XVir. atid j^aydh tribute. 7 And Jesus came and touched them." and said, Arise, and be not afraid. 8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. 9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. 10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?'' 11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. 12 But 1 say unto you. That Elias is come al- ready, and they knew liim not, but have done unto him whatsoever tlioy listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man sufi'er of them.'' 13 Theu the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist. 14 T And when they were come to the multitude, there earne to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, 15 Lord, have mercy on my son : for he is limatic, and sore vexed: fi)r ofttimes he fallcth into the fire, and oft into the water. 16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. 17 Then Jesus answered and said, faithless and perverse generation, how long sliall I be wilh you ? liow long shall I siilVer you? bring him hither tome. 18 And Jesus reltukcd tlic devil, and ho dc])art- cd out of him : and the child was cured from that very hour.'' » Dan. 1U:10, la; Rev. 1:17. b jMal. 4:j. «; ch. 11:14. » ch. 10:-il. '' Mark 9: 14, etc. ; Luke 9:37. etc. « Hob. 3:19 f cli. SI :il ; Mark 11 :«) ; l.uke 17:6; 1 Cor. 13:2. S ch. 10:21 ; 2U;17; Mark -;31 ; 9:30,31; 10:33; 9. The vision ; wh;xt they h.atl seen and lieard. 10. First com':; come before the .Messiah, since now he had appeared after liiin. 'I'liey uiidenstoixl the prophecy, ^[al. 3:1-1, hter;illy, of the Ehas who had been translated to lieaven ; but our .Saviour teiielies thein tliat it was ful- filled in tlio person of .lohn the Uaptist, who came "in the spirit and power of Elias." Luke 1 : 17. 11. Restore all things; set tliem in order, and bring them to a proper state for the corning of (Jod as a Kaviour. 12. L's.led ; desired or jilcased to do. 15. Valleth into tin: fire; in the paroxysms of his disease, under the power of the evil spirit by which he was pos- sessed. Vcr. 18, and Mark 9: 17, 25, 2fi. 17. Suffer yntt; endure your iierverscness and unbelief. IK. Rilmked the dml; liade him dci);irt. Mark 9:25. 20. If ye have faith ; the reference liero is to that faith with which ('lirist, in the case of the ;ipostles, connected the Working of miracles. Nothing nhatl lie irnpos^ilile ; no exercise of miraculous power, however great, that may be needful in the ]>rosecution of your apostolic work. The Hpirit of this promise applies to all Christ's servants in all ages. No hinderance to their work can be so great that faith cannot overcome it. 21. This kind; this kind of evil spirit. The words im- ply its great power and malice. Prayer and fasting; that faith which was necessary to work such a miracle, could not be obtained without much self denial and prayer. 23. Exceeding sorry; because he was to bo treated in that w.ay, not knowing that hig death was necessary for the salvation of men. 21. Tnhnle-monry; paid yearly for the support of pub- lic worship and the sirvice of the temple, amounting to half a shekel, or about twenty-five cents. 25. Prevented him ; spoke before Peter had said any thing. When the Bible was translated into English, to prevent meant to go before. Strangers; persons not belonging to 1094 19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, ad.h. and said, Why could not we cast him out? l20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief:" for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard-seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place ; and it shall remove: and nothing shall be impossible unto you.' 21 Howbcit, this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. 22 1 And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them. The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men : 23 And they shall kill him, and the third day lie shall be raised again.''' And they were exceeding sorry. 24 1 And when they were come to Cajiernanm, they that received trihiitc-rnoncy' came to Peter, and .«aid, Dotii not your master jiay tribute? 25 He saith. Yes. And wdien lie was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thiukest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings ol" (lie cartii take cusluni or tribute? of their own cliildren, or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him. Then arc the children free. 27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend tiicm,'" go thou to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the lisli that first comelh up; and when thou hast oi>('iK'd his moulii, thou shall find a piece of money:* that take, and give unto them for me and thee. Luke 9:'i2,44; 18:31; 21:0.20,40. • Gr. 7;iport uf whoBO worshij) the money was paid, would V>e free. 27. A piece of money; in the original, a stater, of the value of a shekel, or ;ibout fifty cents, which would jjay the tribute for both Christ and Peter. IN.-^l'KUCTIONS. 2, The glory of the Siiviour when on earth was veiled in his humanity; but on the mount of trausliguration it shone forth above the brightness of Ihe sun ; iiiul as a full view of it, if continued, would unfit his people for their duties on earth, they must w;iit for this till they see him in heaven, 5. The delight of all parents in rill children, from the foundation of the wculd to the end of lime, if |Oil togi'lher, would be iiifiiiitely less tli;in the ih light of the almighty Father in his biloVed Sou; and the way for men to glorify (lod is, to hi-arkeii to and honor the Son as they ought to honor the Kallier. .lohn 5:2:i. 10. It is not enough for us to know the words of Scrip- ture, we niust understand their meaning, and make a riglit application of it. In order to tliis, we should seecially we sliould ajiply to JesUB (Christ for the teaching of his Spirit. 15. The f:imily n lalioii, while it gives us many of our choicest comfortH, occasions also many of our deepest sor- rows, 20, Ibid men higher views of Christ, greater eonfidenco in him, ami more entire devotion to his servicis they might receive much more good themselves, and be iiiBlrimieuUl of much greater good to others. Humility ar.d self-control. MATTHEW XVIII. Brethren who ojfcn AD 32. CHAPTER XVill. 1 Christ warneth his disciples to be humble and harmless : 7 to avoid offences, and not to despise the Utile ones: 15 teacheth how we are to deal with our brethren, when they olTcnd us: 21 and how oft to forgive them : 23 which lie setteth forth by a parable of the king, that took account of his servants, 32 and punished him who showed no mercy to his fellow. A T the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, J:\. saying, Who is the greatest iu the kingdom of heaven l'^ 2 And Jesus called a little child uuto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said. Verily I say unto you. Except ye be converted,'' and become as little children,'^ ye shall not enter into tlie kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble liimself as this little child,'' the same is greatest in the king- dom of heaven. 5 And whoso sliall receive one such little -child in my name, receivetii me." 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones wiiich believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.*^ 7 1i Woe unto the world because of offences ! for it must needs be that offences come;' but woe to that man by whom the offence comcth!" 8 Wherefore, if thy hand or thy foot oflend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for tliee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather tiian having two hands or two feet to bo cast into everlasting fire.' 9 And if tliinc eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life witii one eye,-' rather tlian having two eyes to bo cast into hell-fire."' a MirkU:3:i, etc. l,.ik« ij:40,cli;. ; •H: JJ.etc . bPsa 51:10-13; .Toh n 3::). ' 1 Cor. 14 -iO; 1 He t. ■'■■i. i Luke 1 :ll , Jas. 4:10. e ch. 10:4-. . ( Mark \)Ai; L uko 1 7 1, 2. e ICtir. U:19; J Mle 4. h.l Udell. ich. .5:a9, ;iO; Mark iJ;l:i, 45 . J He b.4:ll. k 1 uke 9:i5. 1 l'> I. 17: 1.^; Ac s 13:15. nich 1:-21 ; 23. Tliat which here on earth occasions the people of God the greatest distresses, when they come to see the reasons for it and the benefits of it, they will see lo have been overruled for the promotion of their liighest and most enduring joys. 27. Duty sometimes calls us not to insist upon all our just rights, but to t;ike a different course for the purpose of preventing a wrong construction being put upon our actions, and of doing greater good. CHAPTER XVIII. 1. Greatest; in that kingdom on earth which they, in common with their countrymen, thought the Messiah would set up. 2. A little child; this he did to correct their false notions about his kingdom, to show them that it was spiritual, and that 8piritu;d e.xcellence, not outward splendor or author- ity, constituted greatness in it. 3. Converted ; changed in their views ;ind character. As little chddren ; hnmble, docile, submissive, obedient. 5. Ill my name, from love to me, and because he belongs to me, 6. Uffend; cause to sin, or attempt to lead into sin. 7. f( Of uiilnthe world ; great evils will come on the world through the off('nce8 which men will commit. AW/.v he; such i.s the wickedness of men, that they will lead others to commit sin. 8. !). Hand — foot — ewe; these represent our strongest earthly desires and our dearest earthly possessions. These must all bo denied and renounced r;i"thcr than that we, by sinning ourselves, should be occasions of sin to others. Compare chap. 5:21), 30. 10 IT Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.' 11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost." 12 How think ye? If a man have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into tiie mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray ? " 13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish." 15 ■[ Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone : " if he shall hear tiiee, thou hast gained thy brotlier.i 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that iu the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'' 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to licar the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican.^ 18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven ; and wliatsoever ye shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.' 19 Again 1 say unto you. That if two of you .shall agree on cartli as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." Luke 9:5(); 19;1U; John 3:17; 1U:10; 12:47; 1 Tun. 1:15. n Luke 15:4, etc. 2 Pet. 3:9. p Lev. 19: 17; Luke 17:3. q Jas. 5:20. r Deut. 19:l.i; 2 Cor. 13:1. > Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 5:3-5; 2Thess. 3:B, 14. ' ch. 10:19; John 20:23; Acts 15:2:3-31 ; 2 Cor. 2:10. "Markll:a4; John 16:24; 1 John .5; 14. 10. Tliese little ones; these disciples of mine, who are little ones in character. See note on ver. 3. The pre- cept has reference to all Christ's- humble followers, but is more especially applicable to those who are poor and ob- scure. Their angels; who are sent forth to minister to them, ITeb. 1 : 14. Always behold the face of my Father ; how dear, then, must they be to God, and how great the peril of those who offend tliem. 11. That which was lost ; a'mncrs. God and angels rejoice over their salvation. To illustrate this, he spoke a ]i;irable. 13. Rejoiceth more; this was natural. So with (Jod. lie rejoices in the salvation of the wandering and e.\)Kised. Of course, all should labor for this end. One way in which they could do it, he proceeded to point out, ver. 1.5. 15. Hear thee; if he is reclaimed. Gained thy brother; thou hast been instrumental in restoring him. 10. Not hear, if he persevere iuthe wrong. Established; fully proved. Dent. lll:l.'j. 17. Neglect to hear them ; if they cannot reclaim liiiii. Hea- then man; let him have no more connection with the church than you would allow to an open idolater. 18. Ye sliall bind— loose; that is, the disciples wlio con- stitute the church sjioken of in the preceding verse. Tliis, which had been before said to IVter, chap. 16:10, is now K;iid to the disciples generally, and it conferred as much power on them as it did on him, and it promised as many blessings to them as it did to him. Whatever he or they shoulil do in accordance with the directions of Clirist. and in obedience to his will, would be ratified in heaven. This is true of the church and ministry of tJlirist in all ages. See note on ehii]). 10:10. 10. Any thing; tliat is agreeable to his will. 1095 The unmerciful servant. MATTHEW XIX. Concerning divarce. 20 For where two or tliree are sratliered together iu my name, there am I in the midst of them.'' 21 1 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times ?'' 22 Jesus saitli unto liim, I say not unto thee. Until seven times : but, Until seventy times seven. 23 H Tiiereforc is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king whicii would take account of his servants.'^ 24 And when he liad begun to reckon, one was brought unto him which owed him ten thousand talents.* 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wile, and chil- dren, and all that lie liad, and payment to be made."* 26 The servant therefore fell down, and wor- shipped him,* saying. Lord, have patience w"ith me. and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved witli compassion,'' and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants, wiiich owed him a hundred pence:* and he laid hands on liim, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellow-servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with mc, and 1 will ])ay tiiee all.' .30 And ho would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay tlie debt. 31 So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, tlioy were very sorry, and came and told unto tiioir lord all that was done. >Jolin2l):19'; 1 Cor. .5: 4. bMarklh'W; I,ukelT:4; Col.a:13. » Rom. 14:13. ' A talent is 7.50 ouncesof silver, which, at 115 5-13 cents the ounce, is 365 dol- lar* :lH cei.ts. d *2Kings 4: 1 ; Isa. .'JO: I. i Oc, besoit^/tt him. e Psa. 7.*^:3i. I The Rnman prnntjis the eishth part of an ounce, which, at 115 5-13 cents the 20. In mij name; under my autliority, and lor the purpose of doinf; any thing connected with the advancement of my kingdom. In llic midst ; I am jjresent with them, to hear and bless them. 22. Sevetity times seven; wc are not to Hmit our forgive- ness to any definite number (if offences, but to forgive as often as we are injured. 23. The kinf^dom of licaven; the dealings of Christ with men in the end of the world and the day of judgment, which were to usher in the last and crowning stage of his mediatorial dispensation. Hee chaj). S:2; 1 (or. 1.5: 24, etc. 24. Ten llioumnd talents; an immense sum, which he could never pay. 25. 7b 6c sold; it was customary then for creditors to Hell debtors and their families for a suflicient length of time to pay their debts. 28. A hundred pence; a very small sum compared with ten thousand talents. 34. Tormentors; those who had authority to examine and extort confessions l)y torture. 'i!i. Do also unto yon; if we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us, but will punish us as we deserve. INHTl!i;rT10N.^. 1. Greatness in the view of men. differs much from grc.it- ncgs in the sight of God. M.n must give up seeking the one, in order to obtain the ollii'r. Amon.; those who have right views of true greatness, there will never be any conlenlion about it. 3. Many of the characteristies of little children afford important instruction to mankind. f>. Jesus Christ takes a deep interest in even the least and feeblest of liis peofde, and views what is done to them as done to himself <'liai). 25:40. 1096 32 Thou his lord, after that he had called a.d. .12 him, said unto him, tliou wicked servant,'^ I for- gave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me : 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had ])ity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the toniioutors, till he should jiay all that w'as due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.'* CHAPTER XIX. 2 Christ healeth the sick ; 3 .answereth the Pharisees concerning divorce- ment; 10 showeth wiien marriage is necessary: 13 receiveth little ciiilclren; IG instructeth the young man how to attain eternal life, 20 and how to be perfect; 23 lelleth his disciples how hard it is for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God, 27 and promiseth reward to those that forsake any thing to follow him. AND it came to pass, t/iaf when Jesus had finish- ed these sayings, ho departed from Galilee, and came into tiic coasts of Judca Iteyond .Jordan;' 2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them tlicre. 3 1i The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him. Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? 4 And he answered and said unto them. Have ye not read, that he whicli made tficm at the begin- ning, made them male and feiuale,^ 5 And said. For this cause sliall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh ?'^ Wherefore they are no more twain, but one ounce,iBl4cents4railU; ch.-J):-i. ( ver. 'JO. S Luke l!l:M. Ii I'rnv. Si :13; ch.(i:ia; Jas.a;13. i Mark 10:1 ; John 10:40. JOen.l:^?; 5:-2; Mai. 2:15. k Gen. 2:24; Eph. 5:31. 8. However convenient or dear any tiling may be. if it cause us to sin, it is better to do without it, than to have it and suffer the consequences. 10. As angels, who always have access to God ami enjoy intimate communion with him. are not ashamed to minis- ter to tlie poorest, and most humble of his people, no hu- man being should be. 14. Tlie seeking and saving of those who are lost, and the bringing of them to the fold of the Iledccmer, gives joy to angels and to (hkI. 15. The wa3' to reclaim an offending brother is for some brother to go and converse with him atdiic. If this is not effectual, he is to Udve one or two more, and converse with him again. If that is nut effectual, then it is their iliity to eonnminicate whiit has been done to the church. If, under their discipline, he will not reforni, ho is to be cut off. 21. However numerous or aggravated are the offences of any brother, if he give evidence of ])eniteiice by con- fessing and lorsaking his sins, all are bound to forgive him. 35. If we do not forgive others, (lod will not forgive us. An unforgiving spirit is the spirit of jienlition. ('ii.\i"ri;K XIX. 1. Calilcr; this Wiis the poorest part of I'aleKtine. IToncc, Galilc;in was a term of repro;i!Cor.7:IU. 1> Deut. '^4: 1 ; Isi. 50:1. t ch. 5:33; Luke 16:1(<. d Prov. I9:l:); ai:'.!, 11). ' I Cor. 7::3-J. f Mark 10:14; Lllltc I.-:l(i,etc. 5 ch. 18:3. t Mlric 10:17: Luke 10:25; IS:18. i Exod. 20:13; Deut. 5:17, etc. j Lev. but one, each being a part of the other. Compare the apostle's words : " He that loveth his wife, lovcth liimseU"." Eph. 5 : 28. Of course they ought to be one in views, atfec- tions, and interests ; and for a man to break such a union as this hy putting away his wife for every cause, is wrong. Thus tlie question of tlie Plrarisees was answered. 7. A writing of divorcement ; Deut. 24:1. 8. Suffered ; lie did not direct it, or suffer it in any such sense as to imply that God approved of it, or that it was right. It was a civil regulation of a civil government, suf- fered for a time on account of the wickedness of men, and in order to prevent the greater evils which that wicked- ness would otherwise have occasioned. It was a regula- tion as to the mode of putting away; not to justify that wrong practice, but to lessen, in some measure, its evils. Not .s'o; from the beginning, and in all its stages, this putting away "for every cause" of one's wife was a vio- lation of the will of God, as manifested in his works and his word. 9. I soij unlo ymi; I give you the right interpretation of the will of God in this matter. Forniaition ; hero in the sense of adultery. 10. If tlie case of the man hem; if a man, to obey God, must live ;dl his life with one wife, provided she lives and i,-< faithful, whether he is pleased with her or not, then it is not good for a man to marry. 11. Cannot receive thin saying; namely, that it is not good to marry. If all sliould, and act upon it, and not break ;uiy other command of God, the whole human race, when Ihosc now Mving are deail, would bo e.xtinct. Not to marry is coiitniry to tlie nature and \vants of men, and to the will of God wilh regard to them. Gen. 1:2K. // ;,s- given; some individuals are capable of living with coml'urt and useful- ness in an unm;irried state, and may lawfully think it not best for tliein to marry; and some may be called for a time to perform special services, or meet special dangers, where they could not jirojierly provide for a familv. Such a case was noticed by I'uul, 1 Cor. 7, and applied"to some 16 "il And behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" 17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good ? there is none good but one, that is, God : but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the command- ments. IS He saitli unto him, Which ? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder,' Thou shalt not commit adul- tery. Thou .shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.J 20 The young man saith unto him. All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure iu heaven :" and come and follow me.' 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful : for he had great posses- sions. 23 IT Then said Jesus unto his disciples. Verily I say unto you. That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven."' 24 And again I say unto you. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 2.5 When his disciples heard it, they were ex- ceedingly amazed, saying. Who then can be saved? li):18. k Luke 12:33; 16:9; Ads 2:45; 4:34,35; 1 Tim. 0:18, 19. 1 John 12:28. m 1 Tim. 0:9, 10. who lived in his day, on account of the then present dis- tresses. 12. So born; as to be unfit for marriage. Of men; by the wickedness of men, for their own selfish and ungodly purposes. Kingdom of Iteavetis sake ; voluntarily abstain- ing from marriage in order to be more useful. Let him receive it; if a person is so situated as to be clearly an exception to what is applicable to ministers and men in general, and is disposed to live in an unmarried state be- cause he believes that he can be more useful by so doing, let him so live ; but let him cultivate the utmost purity of heart and hfe, and manifest it in all his conversation and conduct. 13. Little children; so small that Jesus took them up in his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed them, ifark 18:16. Luke calls them infants. Lukel8:lo. Kebnkcdthem; the disciples thought them too young to occupy the atten- tion of Christ, or to bo benefited by being brought to him. 14. Suffer little children; they have great need of me; Ihey can be benefited by me ; they are not beneath my notice, and I greatly delight in doing them good. Of such is the kingdom of heaven; see chap. 18::i, and note. 1.5. Laid his iiamh on them ; in token of his blessing them. 17. Why callest llivu me good? this (luestion is asked be- cause the young man addressed him simply as a human teacher, not as divine. 20. Have I kept; only in outward appearance, not in he.art, as the sequel showed. 21. lie perfect; have a character that is "perfect and en- tire, wanting nothing." The Saviour, by this command, lays his hand imine3; Phil 3:S tch. 31:21; I.ilke •Urii, .TO 1 Cor. (i; -',a Rev 2 20. "I .Mark 1(J :2!1 30 Luke i-:asi, :!(i; 1 Cor. -2:0. « ch. ai: IB; 21:31. ; 2; Mark 1U:31: Luke 13::)0; Gal. .5 7; H. b.J:! I Song e :11 ,1-2 e ch. l=:t8. h Pro7. 19 15; Ezek. 26. All tltinf^s; God could make even a ricli iiuiii liumble, believing, and obedient, tlion;;li men could not do it. 28. In the re. Sil upon twelve thronc.i ; as assessors with Christ. Juit<:in>j; tlic twelve tribes of hracl; not autliorit;iti\ ely, for the final sentence belongs to Christ :iloiie, but coiiperating witli him in his decisions. See note on 1 Cor. (i:2. The world shall be iic(iuilted or con- demned according to the doctrines the apostles were in- spired to preach. 2!l. A huiiilreil-fohl ; shall receive vastly more real good in this world th;in :dl which lie renonncc:s for the sake of Christ, and in the world to come shall receive eternal life. 30. First— last; see chap. 20:ir>. iN.'^TrtrcTioxa. 4. In matters of religion, the appe.il must he to the IJible; and every man a penny. 11 And when 1lu\v had received it. they murmur- ed ag;iiiist the good man of the house,' 12 Saying, These last have wrought hut one hour,* and thou hast made them C(]ual unto us, wliich have borne the burden and heat of the day. 13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend,'" 1 do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with mt; for a jienny? 1-4 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, oven as unto thee." 10:'19; Aotsl7:2{; Ileb.«:12. ■ Keel. 0: lU; John 9:4. Jl.ukeKI:-. k l.uko 2'J: 40-43. 1 Luke 15:29, 3U. ' Or, havi continued one hour only, m cli. 22:12. n John 17:2. find it expedient and useful to take a course which, were it not for tho.se circumstances, wcnild be both inexpedient and hurtful ; and the great body of mankind ni;iy be re- (juircd liy the plainest dictates of God's word to take a different course. M. Jesus t'hrist feels an interest in little chililren, and approves of their being brought to him in failh, love, and pniyer. All ]iarent8 should fed this,;iiid thus bring them to the Saviour. 20. A man may think he li;is alwiiys been good, and yet be entirely mistaken and totally unfit for heaven, lie may sometimes feel uneasy, iuid bo anxious to know what ho must do to be saved ; yet when told, he may not be willing to do it. 2li. It is possible for a rich man to go to heaven ; but he will be niuch less likely to go there, than if he were not villi. Those, therefore, who are ni;ikiiig it their chief ob- ject to bo rich, are taking a course which tends for ever to destroy them. 29. l'"or all the sacrifices which persons make from lovo to Christ and his ciiuse, thiy will be gr;icionslv and ;ibun- dantly rewarded, both in this world and in the world to come. CJIAl'TER XX. 1. The kingdom of heaven ; its corniiar;itive duties and rewards, as proclaimerl in the juilgmenl-il:iy ;iiid inliirited in heaven. See eliaji. 3:2. 1 2. /f /icHHi/,- ;dioul fourteen cents. The jirnper compen- sation, at that time, for a day's tibor. .'). Tliird tionr ; nine o'clock in the morning. .'). Sixlli and nniM. hour; noon and three o'clock in the j afternoon. : (i. Khventh hour; five o'clock in the afternoon. 13. AV) wrnnf;; he gave them all that ho agreed to, and ' all that justice and etpiity required. Christ foretells his dcdh. MATTHE>Y XX. AmUtion rcbuled. A. D.33. 15 Is it not lawful for mc to do what I will with mine own?" Is thine eye evil," because I am good ? 16 So the last shall be first, and the first last:'' for many be called, but few chosen.'' 17 1 And Jesus going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, 18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem ; and tlie Son of man shall be betrayed unto the cliief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death," 19 And sliall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock,'' and to scourge," and to crucify him : and tiic third day he shall rise again. 20 1 Then came to him the mother of Zebcdee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and de- siring a certain thing of him.'' 21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him. Grant that these my two sons may sit, tlie one on thy right hand, and the other on tiie left, in thy kingdom. 22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized witli the baptism that I am baptized with?' They say unto him, We are able. 23 And ho saith unto them, Ye shall drink in- deed of my cup, and be baptized witli tiie baptism that I am baptized with':^ but to sit on my right "Rom. 9:l.'>--i»; Jis. 1:18. bDeut. 15:9; oh. 6:2:). «ch. 19:30. dch.22;14; "Tries-. 2:1:!; Jas. 1:23-25. e ch. 16:21.etc. ; MarktO;32,cto. : Lukelf::il, •■to.; John 12:12, eto. ' oh. 27:2, etc.; Mark 15:1, lli, etc. ; Luke 23:1, etc. ; .Tohnl8:2S,eto.; Aots3:13; 1 Cor. 15:3-7. ?Isa,.53:5. h,Mark 10:.35. i Luke 15. Lawful; right, proper. What I will; what I see to be best. Evtl ; euviou.s of others who receive as a free gift more than you. IC. First; iit privileges, and in their own estimation. Last ; m the reception of the gifts of distingnisliing grace, (iod distinguishes men by his favors as he sees best; not without wise and good reasons, but those reasons cannot always be seen by men. The above-mentioned truths were illustrated by the time of calling into his kingdom the Jews and the Gentiles, and his treatment of them ; and they are continually illustrated in tlie dispen- sations of his providence and grace towards nations and families as well as individuals. Called; to enter the king- dom of heaven. Chosen; to enjoy its highest gracious benefits. 18. Betrai/ed ; chap. 26:49. Chief priests — scribes, eccle- siastical rulers. Chap. 2fi:47. 19. Gentiles; the Romans, who were then the civil rulers of Judea, and who alone had authority to put an accused person to death. 20. Zebedce's children; James and John. 21. Sit — nn thy rig;lit hand; be thy chief officers. Li thy kingdom; thinking it would be an earthly kingdom. 22. Ye know not ; they did not understand the nature of his kingdom, and what they must do and suffer to l)e first in it. The cup — the baptixm ; the cup is that of sufi'erin.g ; chap. 26:39, etc. The baptism is his bloody death. The two togetlier denote all the sufferings, inward and out- ward, through which our Lord's path to glory lay. We lire able; in this they knew not what they said. 23. Ye chilli drink; ye shall follow me in my sufferings. iVo( mine In give; except to those for whom it is jircpariMl. 24. The ten ; the other apostles were offended that some shoidd seek to be placed above the rest. 26. Not be so; in the kingdom of Christ : none of his min- isters were to exercise civil power or authority over the vest. Great among you; to be truly great in his kingdom hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepai'cd of my Father. 2-4 z\.nd when the ten heard //, tliey were moved with indignation against the two brethren. 25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said. Ye know that tiie princes of the Gentiles exercise do- minion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.'' 26 But it shall not be so among you:' but who- soever will be great among you, let him be your minister ; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him bo you) servant:'" 28 Even as tlie Son of man came not to be min- istered unto, but to minister," and to give his life a ransom for many." 29 1 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. 30 And behold, two blind men sitting by the way-side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying. Have mercy on us, Lord, thou son of David.'' 31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold tlieir peace: but tliey cried tlie more, saying, Have mercy on us, Lord, Mom son of David. 32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said. What will ye that I shall do nnto you? 33 Tliey say unto him. Lord, that our eyes may be opened. 12:50. i Acts 12:2; Rom. 8:17; 2 Cor. 1:7; Rev. 1:9. k Luke 22:23, 2". I 1 Pet. 5:3. mch. 23:11; .Mark 9:35; 111:43. n Luke 22:27; John i:-::4, 14; Phil. 2:7. o ha. 53:5, 8, 11; Dan. 9:24,28; 1 Tim. 2:0; Titus 2:14; Heb. 9:28; I Pet. 1:18, 19; Rev. 1:5. Pch. 9:27; Mark 10:4G; Luke 18:35. one must minister, as he has opportunity and ability, to the wants of others. 27. Chief; first in true spiritual worth. Your servant; most active in administering to the good of his fellow- disciples. 28. Not to be ministered unto; his great object was, not to be assisted by others, but to assist them, and give his life for their redemption. 29. Jericho; a city about eight miles west of the Jordan, and twenty north-east of Jerusalem. 31. Rebuked them ; comniandetl them to be silent. Cried the more; more loudly and earnestly, lest they slKuild fail of the blessing. INSTRUCTIONS. 4. Till men begin to labor for ('hrist, they are, as to the great business of life, idle. They are doing nothing which will in the end promote their good. 15. In tlie bestowment of his unmerited favors, Christ has a perfect right to do as he sees best. His doing this injures no one, and promotes the good of many. If any complain, they conijilain of infinite goodness under the guidance of infinite wisdom, and thus show that they are evil. 16. Many who in this world are first in privileges, ami are in many respects above others, will, in the world to come, be far below them. 21. Parents often manifest nnieli ))ride and ignorance in seeking worldly distinctions for their children, and Ciirist is wise and good in a Si lux. 02:11 m. 1 X:7. c Zech Luko 2 ' Jer. 7 .9:9 14. 11. John 12:1 « Mark 1 1 J Isa. 3o;0. 5. dMark 11 ; Luke k ver. 9. good, are marks of true greatness in the kingdom of Christ, anil especially anioiif; his ministers. Til. ('Iirist kindly reganls the sufferings of the distressed, and is pleased when they apply lu him for help, believing that lie is alile and willing to l)rst()W it. None who feel their need of his mercy, and desire to receive it, need fail of his grace. CITAPTKR XXI. 1. Jicthplia^e; a village on the sonth-east side of the mount of Olives, which was a hill aliont two mil'^s east of Jerusalem, beyond the valley of .lehoshiiphat. Through this valley ran the brook Cedroii, or Kidroii. 3. Snj mi'^lit ; say any thing against your taking them. 4. l!ij the prophet; Zech. 9:9. 5. I)iiup;hler of Sion ; a poetic personification of Zion, which w.is that part of .Terusalem where David and the kings after him dwelt. It represents .leruHulem and its inliabitirits. Hchnhl, thy Kin/r comelh ; this jiropliecy was universally nndiTstood of the Xfessiah; and thus Jesus openly daimi'il ici he (he one predideil l)y it. Sillinp; upon an ail; the common be.ist of the I.sraelitish rulers in an- cient times, Jurlges ,'>:in; 10:1; and moreover a beast of peace, in contrast with the horse, whii-li was specially emphiycd in war. An nw, onr/ « coll ; Jcsns rode upon the colt, .Mark 11:7; John i:i:ll; the mother r)f the colt ac- companying. Hence they are si)oken of together by the evangelist. 8. Spread their garments; this was a royal honor, after the custom of the times. 1100 10 And when ho was come into Jerusalem, a.d. 33. all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? 11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. 12 H And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the tcni- ple,''and overthrew the tables of the money-chang- ers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13 And said unto them. It is written. My house shall be called the house of prayer ;" but ye have made it a den of thieves.' 14 And the blind and the lame camo to him in the tem])le; and he healed them.J 15 And when the chief priests and scrilies saw the wonderful things that he did, and tli(> children crying in the teiniilc, and saying, Ilosanna to the son of David ;" they w^ere sore displeased, 16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saitli unto them. Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and suck- lings thou hast ])erfected ]n-aise?' 17 "F And he left them, and went out of the city into Betluiiiy; and he lodged tliere. 18 Now, in the morning, as he returned into the city, he hungered. 19 And when he saw a fig-tree* in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only,'" and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee hencf'forward for ever. And presently the fig-tree withered away." 20 And when the disci]>les saw it, they marvelled, saying, IIow soon is the fig-lrec withered away! 21 Jesus answered and said unto them. Verily I say unto you. If ye have faith," and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig-tree, but also, if ye shall say unto this mountain. Be thou 1 Psa. ,'':2. • Gc. one fig-fm. m Mark 11: i:i. " JuJo 12. o ch. 17:20; Luke I7:U; Jas. I:(i. 9. Hosanna; Save now. An expression of joy, invoking blessings on him as the Mcssiali. lloxanna in the hicliesl ; let our hosannas on earth be responded to and raliiied in the highest heavens. 12. Jlou;j:ht in the temple; the outer court of it, called the court of the (i entiles. Moneij-chmifxcrx ; those who ex- changed the current coin of the day for the Isi'aelitish half-shekel which was paid yearly for the suiijiort of tho temple service. See note on chap. 17:21. Kor this they receivc: Exod. 2:14. d Mark 11:27: Luke 20:1. e ch, 14:5. f Luke 15:11, etc. t 2 Chr. 33:12, 13; 1 Cor. 6:11; Eph. 2:1-13. h Luko 3:12; 7:37, etc. i Hev. 2:21. i Psa. 80:S-I6; Song S:ll, 12; Isa. 5:1-7; Jer. 2:21; Mark 12:1; Luke 20:9, etc. k 2 Kings 17:13, etc. I 2 Chr. 36:10; Neh. 0:2li; 22. Believing; with the faith of miracles granted to them, and under the special teaching of tlio Iloly Ghost, by which they could discern whether a thing was or was not according to the v.'ill of God. If they saw that it was not, they would not ask it, or believe that they shoulil re- ceive it. If they saw tliat it was, and did ask, believing, thoy would receive it, though it should be as dillicult as the removiil into the sea of mount Olivet, over which they were then passing. 23. 77te.se things; which he had been accomplishing at the temple and in other places. 25. Tiie baptism nf John; his ministration and. The stone; the Lord Jesus Christ. The huMers; the Jews, and especially their leaders, the scribes and Pharisees. 4:5. y'o" ,• Jews. .4 ?in^/(wi,,- the Gentiles. 44. This xtone; Jesus Christ. Whosoever should stumble at his Iciwly appearance, or the matter and manner of his teaching, would grciitly siifl'cr. // shall fall ; those who against light shoulil continue to o]i]iose him, and on whom his righteous indignation should tall, would be destroyed with au awful dcstrnctinn. 11(11 Parable of the MATTHEW XXII. marri'tge-suppei: 45 And when the chief priests and Piiarisees had heard his parables, they perceived tliat he spake of them. ■16 But when tliey sou.a'iit to lay hands on him, thev feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet." CHAPTER XXII. 1 The parable of the marriage of the king's son. 9 The vocation of the Gentiles. 12 The punishment of him that wanted the weilJing- garment. 1.3 Tribute ought to be paid to Cesar. 23 Christ confut- eth the SadJucees for the resurrection ; 34 answereth the lawyer, wliich is the first and great commandment; 41 and poseth the Phari- sees about the Messi.as. AND Jesus answered and spake unto them aorain liy parables, and said, '2 The kingdom of iieaven is like unto a certain king,'' which made a marriage for his son," 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding:'' and they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden. Behold, I have prc- jiared my dinner: my o.\en and iny fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5 Buf they made light of it," and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise : a Lulie 7:10; John 7:40. t> Lukcj lJ:l(i. <: Rev 19:7, 9. i Psa. Ofiill; .Ter. a.5;4; 3.5:1.'); Rev.'W:17. » 1'.^. lUli;a4,2.5; Prnv. 1 ;a4. 25; Acts 24:23; Rom. 2:4. < 1 Thess. 2:15. 5 Dan. 9:20; Luke 19:27. h ch. 10:11, ]:); AoU 13:40; Rev. 3:4; 22:14. ich. 13:47. JZpphl:l2. k Psa. 45: 14 ; Isa. 46. Sought to lau hands on him ; for the purpose of de- stroying liim, as the Scriptures, and as he iu this parable, had foretold that they would. INSTRUCTIONS. 4. The prophecies of the Old Testiimeiit concerning the .Messiidi, were all fulfilled in.Icsus of Nazareth, thus prov- ing with iibsdlute (■ert;tint3' that he w;is the I'hrist. 12. Those who ii]iit;tte Christ will manifest great zeal for God, and hihor to remove all evils connected with his wor- ship. The Jiihle will be their standard, and by it they will seek to regulate their own conduct and that of their fel- low-men. IG. The conversion of children to the Saviour is foretold in the Scriptures. We ought therefore to seek and expect it, and when it takes place, to rejoice in it as a new evi- dence of the truth of the Bible and of the Messiahship of .Icsiis Christ. 19. In order to be accepted by Christ, it is not enough to have the leaves of an outward ]irofession, or even tlu^ appearance of great fruitfulness; we must bear fruit. If we ill) not, we are exposed to his withering curse. 2:!. The authority of Ood, clearly and conclusively given, will not satisfy all, especially with regard to what they dislike. If a person have not their authority, or that of those with whom they associate, they will reject him, though he give unanswerable evidence of being sent of Cod. 26. Many fear the people more than they fear God. It is often so with rulers; ami trutlis which they reject, the common people receive gladly. The common peojile, the working people, slioidd not be forbidilen to read the word of (;od,and to think and judge for themselves; and when they learn what the truth of (lod is, they shoulrl not be liindered frf>m obeying it, :il. Openly wicked men arc sometimes brought to re- pentance and salvation sooner th:in those who h;ive lieen externally moral and professed ;i high regard for sacred things. Thus, those who ajipeared for a time to be first, ;ire in reality last; ;ind those who appeared to be last, arc first. 1102 () And the remnant took his servants, and a. D.33. entreated them spitefully, and slew them.' I But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth : and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.*-' 8 Then saith he to his servants. The wedding is ready, but they which were biildcu were not worthy." 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the liighways, and gathered together all as man_y as they found, both bad and good:' antl the wedding was fur- nished with guests. II And when the king came in to see the guests,^ he saw there a man which had not on a wedding- garment :'' 12 And he saith unto him. Friend, how earnest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was s])ecchless.' 11} Then said (ho king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away,"' and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." 11 For many are called, but few are chosen." 15 1 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.'' (ihlt ; 2 Cor. ■)::! !• Ph 4 24; Rev. IC:15; 19:8. l.Ter. 2 20 n> Isa. 152 1; Rev. 21:27. nch 8: 12. ch. 7:14 20:10 Luke 13:23, .J 1. P Mark 12: 13, etc.; Luke 20 29, etc 41. The greater the privileges of men, if they do not im- prove them, the greater will be their guilt ; and without repentance and pardon, tlirough faith in the Redeemer, the mure awful will be their ruin. CHA]'TI']R XXII. 2. Kingdom oflicavcn; the Messiah's reign in the gospel dispensation, and the lot in the judgment-day, both of those who receive and those who reject il. See cliaji. 3:2. A marr>as:c; a feast at tlu' marriage of his son. This repre- sented the blessings of the gospel. 3. Ilis xavanls; those ministers of his who were first sent to invite the .lews to embniee the Messiali. Would not come; representing their rejection of him and his sal- vation. 4. Otlicr servants; other ministers, whom he :d'lcrwards sent. 6. Entreated them spitefullij — slew them; tliis rejiresents the treatment wliich the a))ostle8 and other ministers of the gospel received from the .lews. 7. Ikstroijcd those rnurilrrrrs ; re]iresenting the destruction of .lorusaleni. as foretold by our Lord. I.uke 2l:(!-24. 9. Iligliwni/s ; representing the olVcriiig of the gospel to the fienliles ;uid jieople lA' -.lU ilcHcriptinns. 1 1. Wedding-garment ; it was cuslotn;iry for the man who made a wedding-feast, to jirovide wedding-garments for those whom lie invited. If they would not come, or if they did come but would not ])nt on the wedding-garment, it was a great dishonor to the master of the fe;ist. I5y this incident of the parable, our Lord shows th;it an outw;ird aeeeptanco of his gospel is not enough. AVe may join ourselves to the number of bis visible followers; but if our souls have not the wcdding-giirment of faith, love, and holiness, we sh;ill be (MSt out. 12. Speechless; knowing Ili;it he was inexcusable. l.'i. (hiter darkness ; the darkness without the illuminated ban(|ueting-hall. The b;in(|Uc'liiig-hall reiiresents ln'aven with its joys; the outer ikiikurss, hell wilh its anguish. H. Ctillcd ; invited to ri'ceive the blessings of the gos- pel. Chosen; by accepting its provisions to enjoy its benefits. The paying of tribute. MATTHEW XXII. TAe Sadducces cnnfuled. A. D.33. 16 And they sent out unto liim their disci- ples with tlie Herodians, saying, Master, wo know that thou art true, and teacliost the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. 17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to irive tribute unto Cesar, or not? IS 15ut Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, yc hypocrites ? 19 Show nie the tribute-money. And they brought unto him a penny.' •20 And he saith unto them, Whose wthis image and superscription ?* 21 They say unto him, Cesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cesar the things which are Cesar's;" and unto God the things that are God's.'' 22 When they had heard these words, they mar- velled, and left liim, and went their way. 23 1 The same day came to him the Sadducees,'' which say that there is no resurrection,'' and ask- ed him, 24 Saying, Master, Moses said. If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raiso up seed unto his brotlier.'^ 25 Now there Avere with us seven brethren : and the first, when he had married a wife, de- ceased, and having no issue, left his wife unto his brotlier : 26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.* 27 And last of all the woman died also. 28 Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife shall she be of the seven ? for they all had her. 29 Jesus answered and said unto them. Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures,'' nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry. " In value 14 cents 4 mills, t Or. inscription, a ch. i7;'J.5, *i7; Rom. 13:7. b Mal.l:li-«; .■!:B-10. » Mark 12: IS, etc.; Luke •20:'27, etc. •> Acts 2.'i;.'i. « Deut. 43:3; Ruth 1:11. 1 Gr. seven. I John 20:9. e oh. 18:10; 1 .lohn 3:2. h Exocl.:J:0, 15,10; Heb.ll;10. i ch. 7:28; Markl2:17. jLuke 10:2.3, 16. Herodians; they held that it was lawful to pay trib- ute to Cesar, or to the Romans, who hail conquered and governed Juilea. The Pharisees held th;it it was not, but was contrary to the divine law. Deut. 17:15. 17. Tell ««,- settle the question so much disputed among us. h it lawful to give Inhtite unto Cesar, or not? if he should say it was not lawful, they meant to accuse him to tlie civil authority as an enemy to the Romans ; if he should say it was lawful, they meant to accuse him to the people as opposed to the law of God. 18. Perceived; he saw their hearts, their motives, as plainly as he did their faces. 19. Tribute-money; the Roman coin in which the civil taxes were paid. 20. Image; likeness stamped upon the coin. 21. Cesar's; this showed that as they wore under his government, and enjoyed its protection, they ought to as- sist in supporting it; while, at the same time, they ought to obey (!od. 22. Marvelled; they were astonished at his wisdom in escaping their siuire. Neither could accuse him, for he had maintained the rights of the government and the rights of (lod. 23. No resurrection ; of the body after death. They de- nied any existt'iice of the soul after death, and consequently any reunion of soul and body in a future resurrection. 24. Seed; children, who should be called after his broth- er, that no family in Israel might become extinct. nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.''' 31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that Avhich was spoken unto you by God, saying, 32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob ?" God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. 33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.' 34 ^ But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put (he Sadducces to silence, they were gath- ered together. 35 Then one of them, vjhich urns a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him,-' and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.'' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.'" 41 ir While the Pharisees were gathered to- gether, Jesus asked them, 42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David." 43 He saith unto them. How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, 44 The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool ?" 45 If David then called him Lord, how is he his son? 4(3 And no man was able to answer him a word,'' neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.''- etc. k Deut. 0:5; 1U:12. 1 Lev. 19:1s. m Rom. 1.3:9; .lis. 2:S. " Mark 12:35, etc.; l.uke 20:41, etc. oPsa. 110:1; Acts 2:34, 35; Heb. 1:13; 10:12, 13. pLukel4;(i. q Mark 12:34; Luke 20:40. 28. WItnse wife; they thought the resurrection absurd, and that this difticultj' would jirove its absnrditv. 31. Touching the resurrection ; in proof from the Bible of the resurrection. Have ye not read; Exod. 3: (3, LI. The manner in which God spoke of Abraham, Isaac, and .liicob. showed tliey were still alive, in opposition to the doctrine of the Sadducees. And as Jehovah was then the God of their living souls, he would in due time raiso their bodies incorruptible and immortal. 33. Astonished; to witness his acquaintance with the scriptures, and the wisdom and justice of his application of them. .35. A lavyer; expounder and teacher of the divine law. 36. In the' law; the law of tJod. 37. .Tetus said; Deut. 6:5. 38. First; in im])ortance, as it requires the duties we owe to God, which are tlie foundation of all true goodness. 39. The second; Lev. 19:18; requiring the duties we owe to men. 40. 77)C.'!e tim; (hoy comprehend the substance of ;ill that is rei]uiri'il in the Old Testament scriptures. 43. In s/)int ; sjieaking under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Psa. 110:1. 44. Right hand ; as sharing with me the throne of heaven. Thy foot 'ilool ; till thou sot thy feet ui)on thine enemies, as utterly Viimiuished. 45. How; how is Christ both David's Lord and son? Hi. S'o man was aide; the reason was, tliey did not rightly Ilumilily commended. MATTHE\y XXIII. Woes upon hypocrites. CHAPTER XXIII. I Christ admonisheth the people to follow the good doctrine, not the evil examples, of the scribes and Pharisees. 5 His disciples must beware of their ambition. 13 He denouncelh eii;ht woes against tlleir hypoc- risy and blindness; 34 and propliesieth of the destruction of Jerusalem. THEX spake Jesus to tlie multitude, and to his disciples, ■2 Sayintr, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Mose.-?' seat:" 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do ; but do not ye after their works : for they say, and do not.'' 4 For they bind heavy burdens and jjrievous to be borne, and lay f/ic7n on men's shoulders;' but they f/icmselves will not move them with one of thoir finsrers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men:" they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments," 6 And love tlie uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,' 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, llabbi, Kabbi. » Mai. 2:7. b Horn. 2:21-23. c Acts 15:10. ■! ch. fi:l-16. « Num. 15:38. ' Mark 12::!s, etc.; Luke 11:43, etc. f .las. 3:1. li ch. 6:9. i ch. understand his character. If they had understood it, they could have answered. As man, he was David's son ; and as God, he was his Lord. IXSTRlTTIONf?. 2. Tlie provisions of Uod for the liappiness of men are most abundant and free, and Ids invitations to tlicni to come and receive according to their wants, are most ur- gent and sincere. 7. Though men have the power and the disposition, yet ttiey liave no right to reject the invitations of God, or to stay away from him and perish. It is a great dislionor to him, as well as a great wrong to themselves. 11. A time is coming when God will examine into every man's character, and when those who have trusted to their own righteousness, without submission to or acceptance of the righteousness of Christ, will, with hypocrites and the openly vicious, be cast into outer darkness, where is weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14. None would accept the gracious invitations of the gospel, and be for ever blessed, if God had not from the beginning chosen them to salvation, through the sanctili- cation of the Sjiirit and the belief of the triuli. While those who reject (,'hrist and are lost owe their destruction wholly to themselves, those who are saved are indebted for salvation to the riches of grace. Ifi. Wicked men for evil purjioses sometimes make great professions of respect to preachers of the gos])el,and pre- Icnd to have an earnest ilesire to know the tnilli ; yet when the truth is exhibited, as revealed by (iod, they reject it; thus showing that their real character was not that of sincere inipiirers, but of objectors and hypocrites. 28. The difficulties which men bring forward, in order i.p show that doctrines revealed in the iJible are false, arc often difficulties of their own making, and spring from ig- norance of the Scriptures, not from these doctrines as (Iod ',:is revealed them. •i'J. The doctrines of the immortality of the soul and of liie resurrection of the body were both taught in the Old Tprntament, as was also the obligation of men to love (!iid with all the heart, and their neighbors as themselves. I?y l.'hrist these truths wore revealeil with greater clearneHH. but the great requirements of lioth Testaments are sub- ^i:intially the same. VI. The liible. received as all given by inspiration of I Mid, presents insupirable diflienlties to those who reject tin- divinity of Christ, or consider him as possessing but one nature. Thev cannot rightly . Pht/lact cries; slips of parchment worn about their per- sons, on which were written some divine |>reeei)t8. The Pharisees made them broader than others, to intimate that the^' were more holy. For the same purjiose thej* en- larged the borders or fringes which Moses had command- ed them to wear on their garments. Ntim. 1.5 :3H. C. Uppermost roriiiis; most honorable ]ilaces at tin' table. The .lews of oin- Lord's day look their meals reclining on couches, which were arranged on three sides of a central table. In assigning the guests to their "rooms," orjilact^s. strict attention was paid to ranU. Compare Luke 14:7-11. 7. Riibhi ; master. 8. Brctlircu ; e<|ually children of (iod, and fellow-heirs of Christ ; no one of you having authority to control the faith and jiractice of the rest. a. Call no man your father ; as having authority over your faith and practice. 10. Masters; a.s\cadoTH and controllers of ChriKl's minis- ters and peo)ile. 11. SrrranI ; greatness in Christ's kingdom eonsisls not in outward authority over others, but in the abnndanee of oiu" labors and sacrifices for the wi'lfare of our brethren. 13. .%?// lip the kinpdnm nf heaven ; by your false iiiter- liretations of tln' law. and your op]position to me, its true exjiounder. finlherpii tn ; they would not embrace Chrisl themselves, nor. if they coulil prevent it. wnidd they sulfei others to do it. II. Throvf vidmes' hniisrs : rob them of their estates. Tlirrefore ; on aeiount of tlieir hypocrisy. Greater dam- nation; more awful jmnislimi-nt. 1."). Compass sen and land ; mukv all sorts of ell'orls. Pros- elyte ; convert to tlieir religion. More the child of hell : more wicked. The scribes and Pharisees. MATTHEW XXIII. Destruction of Jerusalem. AD. iT 16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides," ■which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is notliing; but whosoever sliall swear liy the gold of the temple, he is a debtor ! 17 Ye fools and blind:'' for whether is greater, tlie gold, or the temple that sanctilieth tlie gold '! 18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is notlung; but whosoever swearetli by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty." 19 Ye fools and blind: for wliether is greater, tlie gift, or the altar that sanctificth the gift? 20 Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, swcareth by it, and l)y all tilings thereon. 21 And whoso shall swear l)y the temple, swcar- eth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.'* 22 And he that shall swear by heaven, swcareth by the throne of God,*" and by him that sitteth thereon. 23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypo- crites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise^ and cummin,' and liave omitted the weightier mattrrs of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith :'"' these ougiit ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisi^es, hypo- crites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of ex- tortion and excess.'' 26 TlioiL blind Pharisee, cleanse first tliat iv/iich is witiiin the cup and platter, that the outside of tliem may be clean also. 27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pliarisees, hypo- crites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, wliich indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.' a Crl. IS :1-1 . b Psi. M:3. •Or, cU/jt or, or bound, c Rxcd 29:37; 30:20. J viChr.6: ■J; rsa. •ifi;8. e Psa, n-.i ; Ua .liB:l ; oh-OlW t ISr anet/ton, dill. 'Luke II 4.! Bl Sam, IS.ii ,ler ■.": .5, 1« Hos. 5;5 Min S; ch 9: 13. 1> Mark 7 4, etc. i Luke 11 n; Acts ■23:3 j Acts 7 : 5'J; 1 'l'lie>^s. 2:lj. 16. Debtor; under obligation to keep his oath. 18. Guilt]!; if h^ Aoas not fulfil his oath. 23. Paij tithe ; devote a tenth part to the service of the temple. Mint, anise, and cummin; herbs of small value. Weightier ; more important. Judgment, mercy, and faith ; j us- tice to all, compassion to the needy, and piety towards (iod. 24. Strain at a gnat ; strain the liquid which you drink at the presence of a gnat in it, lest you shouhl be made unclean by swallowing it. They reckoned the gnat among the unclean creeping things. Lev. 11 : 20, 2.3. The reader will notice that the camel was also an unclean animal. The mean- ing therefore is, that they were very scrupulous about little tiling,^, wliilo, without scruple, they committed great sins. 27. Wkiled s^pulc'ires ; sepulchres newly whitewashed, according to the custom of the country at certain periods. 29. Garnish; beautify; adorn ; as if they had great re- gard for good men. :51. Witnesses— children of them which killed the prophets ; by calling the murderers of the prophets "our fathers," they acknowledged themselves to be their literal children ; and by imitating them in tlieir deeds, they proved tliein- selves their children in character. 32. Measure; the measure of their sins till wrath should come upon them. 31. Prophets; his apostles and other teachers of his re- ligion. Acts 'i-.n, 40; 7:59. 3.'). .411 the righteous tthod shed upon the earth ; they were about to murder tlie Son of Ood, and, in so doing," to set as it were their seal and sanction to all the niuT-ders of good men before them. They would therefore be treated 70 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. 29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypo- crites ! because ye build tlie tombs of tlie prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of tlie righteous, 30 And say. If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them ill the blood of the prophets. 31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.-* 32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.'' 33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers,' how can ye escape the damnation of hell ? 34 1" Wherefore, behold, I send unto you proph- ets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify;''' and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues," and persecute them from city to city :° 35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth,'' from the blood of righteous Abel" unto the blood of Zacharias, son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar."' 36 Verily I say unto you. All these things shall come upon this generation. 37 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee,' how often would I have gathered thy chil- dren together,' even as a hen gathereth her chick- ens under her wings, and ye would not ! 38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." 39 For I say unto you. Ye shall not see me hence- forth, till ye shall say. Blessed is he that conieth in the name of tlie Lord.'' k Gen 15 lli 1 Thess 2: IB. 1 ch . 3:7. m Acts 7 ■.W. ■> Acts .■i-41) 2 Cor. 11:21, 2S. Heb. 11: 37. P Kev 18:24. 1 Gen. 4:3. r 2 Ch r, 24 211. 21 ' Luke 13:34 t Deut 31 :ll 12; Psa. 91 4 " Zech. 11 :6. V Psa IIH 2ri ch. 21 U. accordingly. Zacltarias, son of Jlarachias ; it is not certainly known to whom the Saviour refers. A probable opinion is, that Zechariah the son of Jehoiada is meant. See 2 t'liron. 24:20-22. According to the arrangement of the Jewish canon, which puts the two books of Chronicles last, Abel is the first righteous man whose murder is recorded, and this Zechariah the last. Some think that liarachiah was another name borne by Jehoiada; otliers, that the reading should be Jehoiada instead of Barachias. 3(i. These things; tlie punishments due to their sins. 38. Your house; their temple, whitdi was soon after burned by the Romans, and remains desolate to this day. 39. Sliall not see me licnccfoith ; our Lord was now closing his personal ministry on earth. .After his resurrection he showed himself not to all the ]ieoide, Imt to chosen witness- es. Acts 10 : 41. They should never again enjoy his presence,, till they were reatly to receive hiin as their Messiah. LXSTIU'tJTlONS. 2. Men may hold the first jdace as rulers and teachers in the visible church, and yet have no true religion, and they may show this by their conduct. But wicked exam- ples, whoever may set them, should not be followed. 9. In matters of religion and conscience, ministers of the gospel cannot bow to mere human authority without giv- ing to men what belongs only to (lod ; and men who, on the ground of such authority, claim to be fathers and mas- ters to their brethren, directing them what to believe and do, ;ire anticlirists, denying in practice the prerogatives of both the Father and the Son. 11. The greatest in the kingdom of Clirist arc those who 1105 Christ foretdleth tht MATTHEW XXIV. destruction of Jerusalem, CHAPTER XXIV. 1 Christ foretelleth the destruction of the temple; 3 what and how great calamities shall be before it: 29 the signs of his coming to judgment. 3G And because that day and liour is unknown, 42 we ought to watch like good servants, expecting every moment our Master's coming. AND Jesus went out, and departed from the temple : and his disciples came to him for to show him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said unto them, Bee ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." 3 1 And as lie sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying. Tell us, when shall these things be? and what s/iall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.*" 5 For many shall come in my name/' saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars:' see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation siiall rise against nation, and king- dom against kingdom :' antl there siiall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All the.se are the beginning of sorrows. • 1 Kings 9:7; Jer. :»:l-(; Mark l:iA; Luke ID: 44; il-.o. b 1 Thess. 6:1, etc. e Col.2:S; aThe-ti. 2:.X John 10:2; Acts 7:09. i ch. 13:21. j 2 Pet. 2: 1 ; IJohn most love him and their fellow-raen, and are most ready to honor the one and do good to ttie other. I'i. The wickedness of the heart is so great, that it may lead men not only to reject Cliri.st, but to make great efforts to induce others to reject him, and thus shut both them- selves and others out of heaven. 16. Blirid guides tamper witli the conKcicnce,make imag- inary and futile distinctions between tlic guilt of different sins, passing over some lightly as if tliey were venial, or granting imlulgences to commit them, and treating others no more wicked as deadly, while in all, self and am are at the bottom ; and those who lead, and those who follow, if they continue, will perish. 'i:i. To do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Ood, is a better evidence of true religion tli:iM ;ill merely exter- nal observances; and scrupulous attention to little things, with neglect of great ones, is an indication that men are deceivers, or deceived. 34. The mostawful dcimnciations of divine wrath against the wicked are j)erfectly consistent with the greatest kind- ness, the most tender com]i:issi()n, and the most earnest desire that they should turn from their sins and live. 'AT. The reason why men are not saved is, not that Christ is not able and willing to save them, nor that they are not under obligation to be saved, but that they will not come to him, or compl3' with the needful terms of salvation. Of course, if they perish, they will be their own destroyers, and the guilt will rest for ever on themselves. CIJAPTKR XXIV. In the prophecy of this chapter, there is a double refer- ence: first, to the destruction of the temple, and as con- nected with this the overthrow of the .Jewish stale and nation ; secondly, to the end of the world. Both these events are included in the question of the disciples, ver. 3. who seem to have connected them as inseparable from each other. The providential coming of the .Son of man to dc- .stroy the city and temple, which was to be fulfilled before that generation had passed away, shadows forth, therefore, his more awful and majestic personal coming at "the end •)f the world." So far as tlie outward form of the proph- 1106 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be a. d.ss. afflicted,^ and shall kill you:'' and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then sli;ill many be ofl'eiuled,' and shall betray one another, and shall iiatc one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise,J and shall deceive many.'' 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wa.\ cold.' 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."' 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all tlic world, for a witness unto all nations;" and then shall the end come. 15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the projihet," stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand,) 16 Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains: 17 Let him which is on the house-top not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days !'' 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabliath-day : 4:3. k 1 Tim. 4:1. 1 Rev. 3:15, 16. m Hev. 2:10. n ch. 23:19; Rom. 10:18; Rev. 14:C. oDan. , was fulfilled symbolically at the overthrow of the .Jewish temple and city, this being a well- known emblem of revolutions and the fall of nations. See note on ls;i. l:i:l(i, :iiid the references, lint it shall be lit- erally fulfilled when lic;iven and e;irth sludl pass away- 1. The tciiijitc ; this teni|il<' was built by the .lews ;ifter their return from the Babylonish cajitivity, and greatly enlarged and beautified by Herod. 2. Tlirown dou-n ; expressive of the Utter destruction which took place about forty years after. 9. M u name's siikc; on account of their attachment to him. 10. Offeiutcil ; led to forsake him, and aposl;iti/.e lioni his religion. 13. Endure; continue to obey Christ, notwithstanding idl o|)position. H. All Ihc world; all the countries then known. 15. The almminali'in of drsolalian ; i'i'ti\\i\ii]\\y understood of the e;igle8 of the Roman stiind;irdH, rrgiuiled as objects of idohitrous worship. Slnnd in the hah/ place; cnciimped about .lerusalem. WVioso readelli ; l);in. 11:27; 1'2:11. Let him vnderslaiid ; that the destruction fciri'lold by tli(^ projih- et Daniel more than five hundred years before, is now about to be accomplished. 16. Flee into Ihc maunlaim ; to save themselves, and pre- vent their being taken by the liomans. 17. lloiise-lap; the tops of houses were then made ll;it, ■and persons often sat, w;ilked, pmyed, took their niiiils, and spent their nights njion them. To lake anijlhini; ; but flee by the shortest way, iind in the quickest manner. 19. IFoe; on account of the increased dilficully of fleeing. 2(1. Winter — mhlmth-ihuj; because it would tlien be more difficult to escajie. The coming of Christ, MATTHEW XXIV. and signs thereof. A. D. 33. 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time," no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved : but for the elect's sake tiiose days shall be shortened." 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Clirist, or thei;e ; believe it not.'' 2-t For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets,'' and shall show great signs and won- ders ;° insomuch that, if it ivere possible, they shall deceive the very elect. "^ 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore, if they shall say unto you, Be- hold, he is in the desert ; go not forth : behold, he is in the secret chambers ; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shinetli even unto the west;^ so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 28 For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together.'' 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days, shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven,' and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken :' 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven:" and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.' 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet,*"" and they shall gather togeth- er his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." 32 1 Now learn a parable of the fig-tree :" When his branch is yet tender, and puttetli forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it* is near, even at the doors.'' " Dan. 12:1. b Isa. fi5:3, 9. <: Deut. 13:1-3. d ver. 5,11. e 2 Thess. 2;9-3l; Hev. 13:13. f John 10;a-l, 29. e Zeoh. 0:H; Luke 17:21, etc. h Job 39:30. i Isa. 13:ln; Ezek. 32:7; Amoa 5:20; Aels 2:20; Rev. 6:12. J 2 Pel. 3:10. k Dan. 7:13; Rev. 1:7. 1 ch. 16:27; Mark 13:28; Luke 21. Then shall be great tribulation; great distress. It is stated that eleven humlred thousand were slain, and in the nei^hborhnod two hundred and fifty thousand more. Ninety-seven thousand were sohl into iierpetiial bondage, and multitudes perished by famine, pestilence, and cruel treatment. 22. Those (lai/.i; days of distress. No flesh be saved ; all the covenant people would perish. Elect's sake; those whom (rod had chosen to be his people. 24. If it were possible ; this implied that it was not pos- sible. 2fi. He is in the desert; that is, the Messiah is there. 27. So shall — the coming of the Son of man be ; it shall be so public that all must see it. 28. Wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be; wher- ever the Jews are, the Romans will be upon them, as eagles arc upon their prey ; the eagle being the ordinary standard of the Roman armies. 29. Sltall the sun be darkened; on the twofold reference of these words, see the introductory note to the chapter. From this point onward the form of the prophecy has more immedi:ite reference to t'hrist's final coming, yet not so as to exclude its c;irlier fulfilment. 30. The sign of the Son of man in heaven ; the sign of his 34 Verily I say unto you. This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.i 36 1i But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Fatlier only.'' 37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giv- ing in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,'' 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away ; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field ; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill ; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42 If Watch therefore : for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.' 43 But know tliis, tliat if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore be ye also ready : for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh. 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, wliom his lord hath made ruler over his household," to give them meat in due season?'' 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you. That he shall make him ruler over all his goods." 48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite Ids fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken ; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of," 22:69. " Qtyicitha trumTpft,aiid a great voice. ™ IThess. 4:16. n Zech. 14:5. o Luke 21:29. t Or, He. p Jas. 6:9. q Psa. 102:26; Isa. 51:6. ■■Zech. 14:7; 1 Thess. 5:2. > Gen. 6:2. 1 Luke 12:39, 40: Rev. 3:3; 16:15. uJer. 3:15. v oh. 13:52. wch. 25:21. i 1 Thess. 5:3; Rev. 3:3. speedy coming. Shall see the Son of man; fulfilled in a lower figurative sense when Christ came providentially to destroy the .Jewish city and nation: to be fulfilled in the liighest sense at his final personal coming. Thesame is true of the gathering together of his elect, mentioned in the following verse. .34. This generation shall not pass— be fulfilled ; that is, in the nearer event foretold. See the introductory note to the chapter. 36. That day; the day of "the coming of the Son of man," ver. 37; 2 Tim. 1:12, 18. Christ did not tell them when it woulil be, :ind none but God knew. lie warned them to be prciiarcd for it, and to be always ready. 37. Noe; the Creek method of sjiclling Noah. Gen. 7:1. 40. Taken; and saved as a follower of Clirist. Left; to perish through urdielicf and rejection of him. 42. Ye know not ; this was true with regard to the do- striiction of .Ierus;dem. It is also true with regard to each one's death ; and it will be true with regard to the day of judgment. 44. Rcadij; for the coming of your Lord, in whatever way. 45. Made ruler ; given him the care of providing for his family. IIOI The ten virgins. MATTHEW XXV. Parable of the talents. 51 And shall cut him asunder,* and appoint him his portion with the liypoc-rites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth/ CHAPTER XXV. 1 The parable of the ten virgins. 14 and of the talents. 31 Also the description of the last judgment. THEN shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins,'' whieli took their lamps, and went fortii to meet tlie bridgroom.'' 2 And five of them were wise, and five were fool- ish.* 3 They that icere foolisli took their lamps, and took no oil with them:" 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.'' 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slum- bered and slept.'' G And at miilniglit tiiere was a cry made,'' Be- hold, tlie bridegroom cometh ; go ye out to meet him.' 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish stvid unto the wise, Give us of your oil ; for our lamjjs are gone out.*-' • Or, ml him off. 'ch.iS-.M. b Psa 15:U ; Snng 0:8, 9; 2 Cor. 11 :'i. »John3:-.'9. djer. 24:2-9; ch. 22:10. elsa. 4-:l. frjohn2:2U. C 1 Tl.es«. 5:0. h 1 Thess 4:Ui; Rev. Ili:15 'Amoa-l:12. 1 Or. go/n? out. J Luke .12:33. k Isa. .M:I,li. 1 Amos »:12. 1:!. m Heb. y:lS. 19; Rev. 22:11. nch. 51. Cut him asunder; tlie reference is to the punishment of cutting or sawing asunder. The meaning is he shall punish him with awful severity. INSTIlUUTfONS. 3. It is a great privilege to bo jjermitted to apply to Clirist for instruction ; for he can give us what we neeil, and in the liest time and way. 5. False teachers ahound in all ages, and seek in various ways to draw away disciples after thcin. We should not believe every spirit, but try tlie spirits whether they bo of Uod. 1 John 4:1. In order to do this, all should sttidy the Scriptures, and compare what they hear with the word of (Jod. 9. The hatred of men to Jesus Christ often shows itself in hatred to his people; and the manner in which men treat them, shows how, were he embodied and dwelling among men, they would treat him. 13. The sure and doci.sive test of friendship to Clirist, in distinction from all counterfeits, is love to his charac- ter shown by persevering obedience to his commands. 20. (lOd's arrangements for the future are not so lixcd that it is improper for us to |iray that we may be favored in escaping from evils, and (d)taining neeilcd good. Hut while we pray, we must act ; for in answering prayer, Ood encourages action, not idleness — the discharge of duty, not the neglect of it. 22. God orders the dispensations of providence and the manifestations of grace with special reference to his peo- ple ; and in such a manner as shall secure their salvation. 2!». The language which Christ useil to describe his coming in his proviilence to separate the righteous from the wicked at the destruction of Jerusalem, and the end of the Jewish commonwealth, was designed and strikingly adapted to carry our minds forward to his coming at tlie end of the world, when before him shall be gatherc'il all nations, and he shall separate them one from another, as :i shepherd divideth his ehee)) from the goats. Chap. 25:32. 42. The day of our death, and of our being called to judgment, though known to (Jod, is not revealed to us, that we may always lie found in the path of duty, and thus, through grace, be prepared for tlio/ie great events which arc certain and near. 1108 9 But the wise answered, saying, JYof so; a.i).,i3. lest tlicre be not cnougli ft)r us and you : but go ye ratlier to them that sell, and Iniy for yourselves.'' 10 Ami while they went to buy, the bridegroom came;' and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage : and the door was shut."' 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, say- ing. Lord, Lord, open to us." , 12 But he answered and said. Verily I say unto you, 1 know you not." 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.'' 14 1 For t/ie /cinf;:dom of /i raven is as a man trav- elling into a far country, v/io called his own ser- vants, and delivered unto them Jiis goods." 15 And unto one he gave five talents,' to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several aliility;^ and straightway took his journey. 1() Tlien lie that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made t/iem other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained otiier two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. 7:21-23; Hob. 12:17. o Hab. 1:13. P eh. 24:42, 41 ; Mark 13:11, 35; Luke 21::}G. 1 Luke 10:12, etc. t A talent is btiS dollars 3u cents; ch. 1&;34. rRom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 12:4, etc.; Eph. 4:11. CHAPTER XXV. 1. Then; at the time when the Son of man shall come, as foretold in the preceding chapter. The olijcet of this ]iar;iblc is to show that as wo do not know when Christ will come, we should so live as to be always ready. Its highest reference is to his final pers(Uiid coming; but this does not e.xclndc lower reforoncos. as that of his particular coming to each iniliviilual at death. To meet the bride- groom ; when he went, according to the custom of the age and country, to I'clrh home his bride by ni_i>-ht. 3. Thr\j Ihiit wcrcfoo/ish — tool: no oil Willi lliem ; so that the flame of their lamps could not hoKl out. These corresjiond to those " sown on stony ground," who "endure but for a time." iMark 4:16, 17. 4. Took oil; to feed their lamjiH. These agree with those "sown on good ground," who "bring forth fruit with ]iatience." Mark 4:20; l.id;ey:I5. 8. done out; more literally, going out, for want of oil to recruit them. This shows the consternation of those who are not ready to meet Christ at his coming. 9. Not so; no believer can furnish grace for his fellow- men. This comes only from (iod. 10. The hrtdcffroom came; reprosonting Christ as coming before the wicked are ready. ']'he door was sin/t ; ;ill op- liortunity of preparing to moi't Christ ceases at death. 12. I k noil,' i/o'i not; as my friends. 13. If'iilch therefore; this was the practical application which Christ iri;ule of the p;irable. 14. The kinpdom of heaven; the (diject of this parable was to show, that as all (piir blessings come from (iod, we arc accountable to him, and should so use them as to meet his ainirobation. , 15. His several ahililij; rejiresenting the various gifts which (bid bestows on different individuals. Ifi. Traded with the same; showing the good improve- ment he made of what had been given him. IH. Hid his lord's money; where he would have no trou- ble in taking care of it, while he ought to have tritded with it for his lord's profit. This shows that a failure to improve our opportunities to do good is a heinous sin which Christ will severely punish. Parable of the talents. MATTHEW XXV. The JiTia I judgment. A. D. ?,x 10 After a long time the lord of those ser- vants coraeth," and reckoncth with them." 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought otlicr five talents, sayinp:, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained besides them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things:'' enter thou into the joy of tliy lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came, and said. Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two tal- ents: behold, I have gained two other talents be- sides them. 23 His lord said unto him. Well done, good and faithful servant; thou liast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 2-i Tiien he which had received the one talent came, and said, Lord, I knew thee that tliou art a hard man,'' reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strewed :" 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy tal- ent in the earth:' lo, there thou hast that is tliine. 2tj His lord answered and said unto him. Thou wicked and slothful servant,^ thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I liavj? not strewed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming 1 should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 2'J For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he sliall have abundance:'' but from liim tliat liatli not, siiall be taken away even that whicli ho iiath.' 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.^ 31 ^ When the Son of man shall come in his glory," and all the holy angels with him, then shall lie sit upon the throne of his glory : a Ch. 24:43. b ch. 18:43, 24. = Luke 12:44 ; 22:29; Rev. 3:21. d Job 21:15. e Jer. 2:31. f Prov. 26:13; Rev. 21:8. S Job 15:5, 6; ch. I.S::i-2; Luke 19:22; Juiie 15. h ch. l:i:12; Mark 4:25; Luke 8:18; 19:20. i Luke 1IJ:42. Jell. 8:12. k Dan. 7:13; Zech. 14:5; oh. l(i:27; 19:58; Mark 8:38; Acts 1:11 ; 1 Thesi. 4:11); 2 Thess. 1:7; Jude 14; Rev. 1:7. 1 Rom. 14:10; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:12. m Ezek. 20:38; ch. 13:49. a Psa. 78:42; John 19. The lord of those servants; Jesus Christ. 21. Make thee ruler over many things; advance thco to a higher station in my service. The priiicii)le lierc stated is pci-petually illustrated in Clirist's dealings with liis ser- vants in this world, liut will have its highest fulfilment at the resurrection of the just. 2'i. Good arid faithful servant; he receives the same re- ward as the servant to whom five talents had liecn entrust- ed ; because it is not the amount of tidents given, but the faithful use of them, that Christ regards. 21. Not strewed; not scattered seed. This showed that lie had no love to his lord, no disposition to honor him, or even to be just towards him. 21;. Thou knewest; this may be taken as an argument out of the servant's own mouth: Didst thou know? Then thou oughtest, etc. 27. Exchangers; answering nearly to our brokers or bankers. Tliey were persons who dealt in money. Usury; interest. Lawful and proper increase was the meaning of this word when our translation of the Bible was made, not unlawful interest, as it means now. 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations : ' and he shall separate them one from another,'" as a shepherd dividetli his sheep from the goats:" 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left." 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father,^ in- herit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world :i 35 For I was a hungered, and ye gave me meat : "■ I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:^ 30 Naked, and ye clothed me : ' I was sick, and ye visited me :" I was in prison, and ye came unto me.^' 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee a liungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink ? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thte in ? or naked, and clothed thee ? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 Ami the King shall answer and say unto them, Verih' I say unto you. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed,^ into everlasting fire,-^' ])repared for the devil and his angels:^ 42 For I was a hungered, and ye gave me no meat : I was tliirsty, and ye gave me no drink : 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in : na- ked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall tliey also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee a hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto tliee? 45 Tlien shall he answer them, saying. Verily I say unto you. Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me." 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment : but the righteous into life eternal." 10:14,27, Heb. 1:3. p Psi, 115:15. q Rom. 8: 17: 1 Cor. 2:9; 1 Thess. 2:12; Heb. 11:16; 1 Pet. 1:4; Rev. 5:10. r |sa. 58:7; Ezek. 18:7. s 1 Pet. 4:9; 3 John 5. l Jas. 2:15, 16. u Jas. 1:27. " 2 Tim. 1:16; Heb. 13:3. iv Prov. 19:17; Mark 9:41: Heb. 0:10. iLukel3:27. y ch. 13:40, 42; Rev. 14:11. z Jude 6; Rev. 20:10. o Zech. 2:8; Acts 9:5. b Dan. 12:2; John .^:29. 28. Take therefore; as he would not rightly use what he had, he could no longer have it. 29. Every one that hath ; a disposition to rightly use the blessings which God gives, is ;i preparation for more and greater blessings. Tliat hath not; he that hath not this disposition, when God calls him to account will be de- prived of .all blessings, and for his unfaithfulness will be punished as he deserves. 31. Come in his glorij; at the day of judgment. 32. Separate them; according to their cliaracter. 33. Sheep; the righteous. Goats; the wicked. 34. The kingdom ; of endless, heavenly glory. 37. When saw we thee; humility astonished at higli honor put on poor services. 40. Have done it unto ine; expressive of the intimate and endearing union of Christ and his people. l.*). Ye did it not to me; men who neglect the wants of Christ's people, neglect him. 4fi. Everlasting ; this is the same word in the original which in the next line is translated eternal, and means the same thing, endless duration. IIO'J Tlie alabaster-box of ointment. MATTHEA\^ XXVI. Judas selL'tli kis Lord. CHAPTER XXVI. 1 The rulers conspire against Christ. 6 The woman anointeth his head. 14 Judas selleth him. 17 Christ eateth the passover; 26 instituteth his holy supper; 36 prayeth in the garden; ■!" and being betrayed with a kiss, 57 IS carried to Caiaphas, 69 and denied of Peter. AND it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayinsrs, lie said unto his disciples, 2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of tiie passover," and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. 3 t Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the ciders of the people, unto the palace of the high-priest, who was called Caia- phas. 4 And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him.'' 5 But they said, Not on the feast-day, lest there be an uproar among the people. 6 1 Now wiien Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, 7 There came unto him a woman having an ala- baster-box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.'' 8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indig- nation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? » Mark 14:1, etc.; Luke 2^:1, etc.; John l.l:!, etc. t. Psa. 3:2; Jolm 11:47, etc. j Acts Jiij, etc. « .Mark U;3, etc. ; John U :1. a; 12:3. d Dcul. INSTRUCTIONS. 1. Men of very different characters hero live together, make simiUir oiitwani professions, and join in tlie same eini>Ioymenta ; but at death the difference between them will be manifest and great. S. It is not safe to rely on outw;ird profi^ssions as evi- dence of piety, nor upon any thing wliiuli does not imply supreme love to (iod and real good-will to men. l.'j. All our blessings we receive from (Jod, and to him we are justly accountable for the use of them. lie does not give the same to all, and he requires only according to what a man hath. Of course, no one will be condemned for not having rcceiveil more. 20. Tliose who employ the blessings which God bestows in his service and to his glory, will have their blessings greatly increased. 2«. Those who refuse to employ what God gives them in his service and to his glory, will soon have all their blessings removed, and no more will be given to them for ever. 40. .lesns Clirist considers himself to he treated hymen as they treat his known disci|iles. And from the manner in which wc treat thera, we may learn the manner in which we treat him. 46. The ihiy of judgment will be one of surpassing inter- est. The amazing contrast between the apjiearance of Christ, ;is he discoursed to his disciples on the mount of Olives, and his appearance when he conieH in his glory and the glory of liis Father, with his mighty angels — when before him are gathered all nations, and he separates them one from another, Siiying to one class, " (.'ome, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom ;" and to the other, " Depart, ye cursed, into everlasting fire," and they go away tr> meet him no more — will be such as we can now but faintly conceive. The clearness with wliich Christ makes known what will be the future state of the righteous and the wicked, and the liability of all to lie at any time fixed in heaven or hell for eternity, should lead each one, without delay, to prepare to obtjiin the one and escape the other. CHAPTER XXVI. 1. These sayingf ; his discourse to his disciples contained in the two preceding chapters, in answer to their inqui- ries. Chap. 24:3. 1110 9 For this ointment might have been sold a. u.si for much, and given to tlic jioor. 10 When Jesus understood //, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman ? for she hath wrought a good work ujion nic. 11 For ye have the poor always with you;'' but me yc liavc not always.'' 12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. 13 Verily I say unto you, AVheresoevcr this gos- pel shall be preached in the whole world, there siiall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. 14 'i Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscar- iot,'" went unto the chief priosls.'-' 15 And said u/tfo tlicm, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they cov- enanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.'' 10 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him. 17 If Now, the first day of the/fos/ o/"unleaTened bread,' the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him. Where wilt thou that wc prepare for thee to eat the passover ? 18 And he said. Go into the city to such a man, 15:11; John 12:>!. e John 14:19; 17: 11. f eh. 10:4, S Mark 11: 1«; Lute 22:.1; John 13:2,30. h Zech. 1 1:12, 1:1; ch. 27:3. i Exod. 12:li, IS. 2. After two daijs is lite feast of llic passovci- ; this was a feast of the .Tews, kept uimually from the 15th to the 2l8t of tlicir month Abib, answering in part to our April, in commemoration of God's passing over the houses of the Israelites, and not entering in to slay their first-born, when he slew the first-born of the Egyiitians. Exod. 12:1-30. The Son of man is hetraijcd to /«■ cntcified ; as our Lord Jesus was the true sacrifice ]irefigured l)y the paschal lamb, it was projier that he, the groat Antitype, should die at the passover, when the lamb tli;it tyjiified him was slain. 0. In liethantj; this was six days before the passover, John 12:1. The evangelist therefore goes back a Uttle in his narrative. 7. There came unto him a woman; Mary, tlio sister of Lazarus whom Jesus had raised from the deail. John 12:3. Alabaster; a kind of stone ciirvetl into ornamental and costly boxes, or vases, especially for perfumes. Oint- mcui; ])i'rfumes, liquid or more solid. Sat at meat ; reclined on a couch, as the custom then was at meals, leaning on the left elbow. 8. WIteii h IS disciples saw it — To what purpose is th is waste 7 in John Ti:"!, Judas Iscariot is named as the author of this remark, which seems to hiive been secondoil by some of Jesus' discijiles. Compare Mark 11: 4. The jiiirt tiiken by Judas in this tran.sactinn may h:ive boon the reason why it is related here in immediate connection with his treach- ery. 10. She hath wrovpht a pood work; she liiid expressed her sincere ;ind anliiit love to her S;ivioiir. 12. For mij hunal ; it was cuslcim;!!-}' tu ;inoiiit the body, or embalm it with spices and oinlnicnt, prep;tr;itory to burial. So he says this might be considered as prepara- tory to his bun;d. 13. Memorial of her ; in remembrance of what she had done. 1.'). Thirty pieces of silver ; that is, thirty shekels, the sum at which a servant's life was estimated. Kxod. 21:32. It waH ;ibout fil'li:cn dulUirs. I". Unleavened liread ; this was a term [iiijilieil to the passover, because during that feast they used what was not leavened, or fermcnteil. The passover ; the paschal lamb slain on that occasion. 18. Thecitu; Jerusalem. Mij time ; his time to cat tho passover aim to close his life, was near. The Lord's supper instituted. MATTHEAV XXVI. Christ's agomj in the garden. A.D.33. and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at liand ; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them ; and they made ready the passover. 20 Now when the even was come, he sat down witli the twelve. 21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him. Lord, is it I? 23 And lie answered and said, He tliat di]:)peth his hand with me in the dish," the same shall betray me. 24 Tiie Son of man goeth as it is written of him :'' but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for tliat man if he had not been born. 25 Then Judas, wliich betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I ? He said unto him, Tiiou hast said. 26 Ti" And as they wei-e eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it' and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said. Take, eat; this is my body."" 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it ; 28 For this is my blood of tlie new testament,'' ■which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 20 But I say unto you, I will not drink hence- forth of this fruit of the' vine, until that day when I drink it now with you in my Father's kingdom. ° •30 •[ And when they had sung a hymn,* tiiey went out into the mount of Olives. 31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be » Psa. 41 9; 55 12-15. b Psa. 2-2:1 , etc. ; Isa. 53:3, etc. • Many Greek copies have, ffo ve thanks. c 1 Cor. 11 :23, etc. i Jer. 31:31. . ka 25:1). t Or. psttm 1 ■/. ■ch. 13:7 B ch i>r: 7; 10:10. h Mark H:3: , etc.; Luke 2i:30. etc.; J oh n 8:1, etc Psa. aa 3; Isa. 53:3. 1() John 1 >:a7. J Heb. 19. Made ready; prepared the lamb and other tilings, according to the appointment of God. Exod. 12:3-17. 24. Goetli; to death, the death of the cross. Written; Psa. 22; 41:9; Isa. 53:4-9; Dan. 9:2(>, 27. Good for tliat man ; on account of the endless woe which his sins would bring upon liini. 25. Tlwu liast said; this was equivalent to saying, "Yes, it is you." 2G. Tliis is my body; the emblem, or representation of my body. As it is said of God, Deut. 32:4, "Ho is the rock ;" not literally a rock, but in some respects like one — firm, stable, and unchanging. So, Gen. 41:2(i, "The seven good kine are seven years ;" not literally, but they repre- sent seven years. So, John 15:5, " I am the vine, ye are the branches ;" not literally, but represented or illustrated by the vine and its branches. So with tlie declaration, "Tliis is my body." Christ did not design to teach his disciples that ho was then breaking his own body, and that they were then eating it. His body was alive, and unbroken: the disciples knew that what they ate was bread, not flesh. Besides, Matthew does not say that Jesiis took his Ijody and broke it, and said, Take, c:it ; but he took bread, and brake it; and it was bread: and "This is my body" means, it represents my body. 28. Tins is my blood; not literally," but figuratively— the emblem and representative of my blood, as the bre;'id was of his body. That it was not blood wliicli tliey drank, is evident also from the fact, that he afterwards c;dled it " the fruit of tlie vine ;" and it was the fruit of the vine— not his blood, but the emblem of his blood wliich was soon to be shed for many for the remission of sins. 29. Will not drink henceforth — drink d new vilh you ; he means to say, "The time i'or my drinking with you' the lit- eral fruit of the vine is over ; the kingdom of God is about offended because of me this night : for it is writ- ten, I will smite the she])herd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.'' 32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.^ 33 Peter answered and said unto him, Thougii all me7i shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. 34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. 36 1 Tiien cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethseinane, and saith unto the disciples. Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder." 37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedeo, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. 38 Then saith he unto them. My soul is exceed- ing sorrowful, even unto death:' tarry ye here, and watch with me. 39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed ,J saying, my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me:" nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou «'///.' 40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, 'What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41 'Watch and pray,'" that ye enter not into temp- tation:" the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 5:7. kch. 90:22. 1 John 5:3(1; 6:38; Rom. 15:3; Phil. 2:8. m Mark 13:33; 14:38; Luke 22:40; Eph. 6:JS; Rev. 16:15. n Prov. 4:14, 15; Rev. 3:10. olsa. 20:8,9; Rom. 7:18-25; Gal. 5:17. to be established" — this was by his propitiatory death, resurrection, ascension, and the outpouring of his Spirit — " henceforth I will drink with j-ou the spiritual new wine of the gospel " — new because it belongs to a new dispen- sation — " in my Father's kingdom." This was fulfilled to the apostles in a special sense, in the extraordinarj' meas- ure of Christ's presence and Spirit bestowed upon them as his earthly instruments in establishing his kingdom. Compare Luke 22 : 29, 30. It is fulfilled to all believers in a lower sense, in the communion they have with Clirist in his earthly church ; and it shall liave a perfect fulfilment to all his true disciples in his lieaveiily kingdom. 31. Offended; made to stumble. The word is here, as elsewhere in the New Testiiment, apjdied to the life and conduct. How the disciples should be oft'ended appears in the course of the narrative ; they should be led to for- sake him, and in one case to deny him. It is written; Zcch. 13:7. The .shepherd; Christ. 77ie sAccp ,- his disciples. 32. Into Galilee; chap. 28:7. 34. Deny me; verse 74. 35. Though I should die ; his meaning was, that he would not deny Christ even to save his own life. 3G. Getlisemane ; a garden, or retired spot, on the west side of the mount of Olives, not far from the brook Cedron. 37. Two sons of Zebedee ; James and John. The K:une that were with him on the mount of transfiguration. Chaji. 17:1, 2. Very heavy ; exceedingly depressed. 38. Even unto death ; with deathlike sorrow, inexpress- ible anguish. 39. This cup; the anguish he was enduring and was to endure. 4U. Unto Peter ; who liad just before been so strong in his professions of fididily to liis Master. 41. Thai ye enter not tnto templntion ; that is, so as to be 1111 Christ is Idruyed, seized, MATTIIEAY XXVI. and tried Icfore Caiaphas. 42 He went away again the second time, and pray- ed, saying, my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drinic it. tiiy will be done. 43 And ho came and found them asleep again : tor fheir eyes were heavy. 4i And he left tiiem, and went away again, and prayed the third time,'' saying the same words. 4.') Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them. Sleep on now, and take your rest: be- hold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth l)etruy me. 47 •[ And while he yet spake, lo, .Judas,'' one of th(! twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and ciders of the people. 48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign,'' saying. Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he ; hold him fast. 4V) And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said. Hail, Master; and kissed him.'' 50 And .lesus said unto him. Friend.'' wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on .Jesus, and took him. 5L 1 And behold, one of them which were with .Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the higli-priest, and smote off his ear. 5'2 Then said Jesus unto Iiiuj, I'ut up again thy sword into his place: for all they that lake the sword, shall ]jerish with the sword.' 53 Thinkest tliou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels ?- 54 Ibit how then siiall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must boV' 55 In that sann; hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Arc ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teach- ing in tiie temple, and ye laid no hold on me. .50 But all this was done, tliat tiic scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.' 'J'hen all the disciples forsook him, and fled. overcome by it; for the hour of the Saviour's suffering was also to be that of the fiery trial of liiH diuciples. Compare Luke Tl:'M. Tlie spirit ; "the inward man." This was animated by sincere love towards tlie Saviour. The Jlcsh; u.siil here to denote all that weakness of fallen nature which makes it Uablc to bo overcome by temp- tation. , 45. Sleep on — take your rest; see note to Mark M:ll. 51. One of litem; I'etcr. 53. Twelve lei:;ions; a Roman legion varied in nundur in different ages. In our Saviour's time it seems to have con- sisted of six tliousanil men. The idea is, vast multitudes. 51. Srriptures; I'sa. '22:1, 18; Isa. 5:j::i-10; Dan. 9:21-20; Zcch. 13:7. // must he; in order to fulfil the scriptures, and finish the w2 And the high-priest arose, and said unto him, Answercst thou nothing? what is it ichkk these witness against thee? G3 But Jesus held his peace.'" And the high- priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God," that thou tell us whether thou be the Ciirist, the Son of God." 04 Jesus saith unto him. Thou hast said: never- theless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power,'' and coming in the clouds of heaven.'' 05 Then the high-priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasi)hemy : what further need have we of witnesses ? behold, now ye have heard his blaspli(>niy. 00 What think ye? They answered and said. He is guilty of death.'' 07 Then did they spit in his face, .and butb'ted him ;'* and others smote him with the palms" of their hands, 08 Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee? 09 1 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.' 70 But he denied before tlinn all, saying,! know not what thou sayest. 71 And when he was gone out into the porch, an- other maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, TUia fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. 35:11. 1 .lohn 2:10-21. m I«a. ,1:1:7; ch. 27: IS, 14. n 1 Sam. 14:2li, 23; 1 King! 22: 10. o ch. 10:10; John 1 ::M. P Dan. 7:13; John 1 :.'")l ; I TliOB. 1:10; Rev. 1:7. q l'»a. 1 10: 1 : Acu 7:5.'). r Lov. 24:10; John 1!):7. • Iia. 80:0. • Or, rods. ' Mark 14:00, olc. ; LuUo 22:55, olc; John 18:17. testimony, or that could make out an accusation that had even the ai)]ic;uanco of weight. 01. Ikstriiii the Icniplc of (iad ; this w:is false, botli in tho words used ;iiiil in the meaning which they put ui)on them; he spoke of his body, and of rising again in three days. .John 2:19-22. 03. ladjure thee; ho thus put him undrr (lalli lo ;iiiswer truly. 04. Thrm hast said; said the truth, 1 am the Christ. Sit- tinc — romiiip ; this was chiiniing divine power and honor. 05. Heiit his cliithes; as a token of great iiidigiiation. lilasphemi/ : in claiming to bo the Messiah, the Son of (iod, and the judge of men. CO. Gudti/ if death; of a crime which deserves d(:itli. Lev. 24:10.' OS. Priiplirsi/; they liad previously covered his face, M;irk 14:0.'i, :ind in derisicin of the omniscience which ho claimed, tliry called uiion him lo designate tho jierBons who smote him. 70. I know nut ; I do not understand whal you mean. Pder dcnidh Christ. MATTHEAV XXVII. Judas hangeth himsdj. A. D 33. 72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. 73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them ; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. 74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock cren^ 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him. Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice." j\.nd he went out, and wept bitterly. CHAPTER XXVII. 1 Christ is delivered bound to Pilate. 3 Judas hangeth himself. 19 Pilate, admonished of his wife, 24 waslieth his hands; 26 and loos- eth Barabbas. 2D Christ is crowned with thorns, 34 crucified, 40 reviled, 50 dieth, and is buried: 66 his sepulchre is sealed, and watched. TT TtlEN the morning was come, all the chief V V priests and elders of the people took coun- sel against Jesus to put him to death:'' » Ver. S4; Luke 22:31-34. b Psa. 2:2. cch. 20:10. J 2 Kings 24:4. 73. Till) speech; thy peculiar manner of speaking. Be- wrai/eth thee ; showeth thee to be a Galilean. 74. Curse; imprecate God's curse if he uttered falsehood. Swear; declare with an oath. 75. The word of Jesus; verse 34. Wept bitter! i/; on ac- count of liis sin, in denying his Lord. INSTRUCTIONS. 3. No advantages will of themselves overcome the op- position of the human heart to Jesus Christ ; and rulers arc often more wicked than the people, seeking by sub- tlety and deceit to effect that which they cannot or dare not openly accomplish. 8. Tliat which is employed in expressions of love to Christ by his sincere and devoted followers, is often thought by others to be wasted ami lost. But in the view of Christ it is well used, and he will see that it receives a gracious and an honorable reward. 26. The literal meaning of the words of the Bible is not alway.s the true meaning. For instance, Christ said, "Ye must be born again." John 3:7; meaning, not that a man must enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, but that he must experience a change in his moral and religious character, called passing from death unto life. John 5:24. So, when he said, " Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of m;in, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you," John 6:53, the Jews, understanding it liter- ally, said, •' How can this man give us his flesh to eat?'' T;iking it literally, no wonder they thought it strange. He therefore let them know that he did not mean that tliey must literally eat his flesh ; and that, should they do it, it would jirofit them nothing. Tlie words that I speak unto you, saitli he, are s|iirit and life. They have a spir- itual, and not a literal, carnal meaning ; they are designed to convey a knowledge of spiritual truths, the right un- deislandingand due reception of which will promote the spiritu;il life of men. 31. Seasons of intimate and endearing communion with Christ may be followed by seasons of great and peculiar trial. It is a great blessing that Christ is acquainted beforc- liaud with all our trials, and can in the best way provide for them ; so th;it they shall in the end not injure us, but ])r(unoto our benefit. 35. Persons may seem to be very courageous in time of safety, and be great cowards in time of danger. Wlien a good man lliinks higlily of himself, and is con- fident in his own strength, he is preparing for a downfall ; and if he does not lose his soul, ho will have reason to be grateful. 2 And when they had bound him, they led kirn away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor."^ 3 'i Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again tiic thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.'* And they said. What is thai to us ? see thou to that. 5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged him- self." 6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said. It is not lawful for to put them into the treasui-y, because it is the price of blood. 7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. 8 Wherefore that field was called. The field of blood, unto this day. 9 Then was fulfilied that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet,' saying, And they took the e2Sam.l7:a3; Psa. 55:23; Actsl:lt). f Zech. 11:12, 13. 42. The sufferings of Jesus Christ, when he bore our sins hi his own body on the tree, and tasted death for every man, were inexpressibly great. The Father said, " Awake, sword, against my Shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow: smite the Shepherd." Zech. 13:7. His soul was made "an oflcring for sin," and as such it " pleased the Lord to bruise him " and " put him to grief." Isa. 53:10. 70. No past privileges or attainments can be relied on for future or even present support. God must give us day by day our daily supply of wisdom, goodness, and strength, or we shall have none. " Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe ;" guide me, and I shall go in the right way. 75. If a good man sin lie will repent, mourn bitterly over his transgressions, and turn from them unto God. He has an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. One look from Him will lead the penitent dis- ciple to loathe himself, and to admire, adore, and trust in the Redeemer. His life will be holy ; his death safe, if not peaceful and triumphant ; and his eternity blessed. CHAPTER XXVII. 1. Put him to death; he had professed to be the Christ, and said that hereafter they should see liim coming in the clouds of heaven. This they said was blasphemy, and for it they condemned him to die. 2. Pilate; the Roman governor. As the Jews had no authority to put any one to death, it was needful in order to accomplish their design, that the Koman governor should condemn him. They brought him (o Pilate for this purpose; and Christ had forelold that the (ientiles, to whom Pilate belonged, would |iii(: him to death. Matt. 20:19. 3. Repented himself; he knew Uiat Jesus was innocent, and yet he had been instrumental in delivering him to his murderers. He was therefore tormented by a conviction of his guilt. 4. What is that tn ns ? the language of men hardened in wickedness, and determined to execute their murderous purpo.se. 6. Trensiirij; the place where the offerings or contribu- tions of tlie people were kept. 7. Pollrr's field; a place where earthen-ware ha Doul. 111:10; .lofh. 2:10; nh. 21 : 1 1 ; Acu .5: 21. I I«i. .W:5; Luk« 18:33. 1 Or, l.'aiernor.< house. J l'»a. The name Jeremiah in several ancient translatiotia and mannscriptH is not mentioned, and it reads, that whicli Wiis M|iok(^u hy the prophet. l.s. Kuvi/; the uiiea.siiicKs they felt in witnessinp; his inereiiHiii;; influence amoiiK the people. lit. Notliinp tn do; do nothing against him, or towards coiiilemning him. t.t. His hlnod be on tM; we will bear the lilame of his crucifixion: if divine judgments come, let them come on 118 .ind our children. 2(i. Scotirpcil Jesus; according to the custom of scourg- ing one condemned to die heforc his execution. 28. Scarlet robe; in mockery of his claim to be the king of the .Jews ; for a purjde or scarlet robe was the ensign of sovereignty. ' 29. A reed ; in mockery, as a sceptre. 32. Cijrene; a city in the northern part of Africa. Hear his cross ; at first the cross had been laid on .Jesus, aceord- 1114 took water, and washed his hands before the -v n ?3. multitude,'' saying, 1 am innocent of the blood of this just person : see ye to it. 25 Then answered all the ]ieo])le, and said. His blood be on us, and on our cliildren.'' 26 1 Then released he Barabbas unto them : and when he had scourged Jesus,' he delivered him to be crucified. 27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall,* and gathered unto him the whole baud of soldiers. 28 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet rolie. 29 And when they had platt(>d a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right iiand : and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him,^ saying, Hail, King of the Jews! 30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.'' 31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe otl' I'rom him, and put his own rai- ment on him, and led him away to crucify him.^ 32 And as tiiey came out, tiiey found a man of Cyr(me, Simon by name: iiim they compelled to bear his cross. 33 1 And when they were come unto a ]ilace called Golgotha, that is to say, A place of a skull, 34 'I'hey gave him vinegar to drink, mingled with gall:'" and when he had tasted thmnj, he would not drink. 35 And they crucified him, and parted his gar- ments, casting lots:" that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the jirophet. They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots." 30 And sitting down, they watcheil him there; 37 And set up over his head his accusation writ- ten, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him:'' one on the right hand, and another on the left. 39 t And they that passed by reviled him, wag- ging their heads,"" 09:19,20. k T«a. 40:7; 511:5; .')3:3, 7. 1 Num. 15:.35; 1 Kinc« 21:10, 13; Act« 7:.W; Hcb. 13:12. m p,a. 119:21. « l>«.i. 22:10; Mark l.'i:24, etc.; Luko2a:3), etc.; John 19:21, 010. o Pna. 22: la. Pl»a.S3:12. Il'»a.22:7j 10U;25. ing to the custom of compelling malefactors to carry their own cross to the place of exec ution. .'!:!. A place called Gnlf:iillin ; witlidnt the city, Hob. l.S: 12. (iolgotliii means a skull; lint why the place boro this name is not ;igrecd. '.M. I'liicfrnr — rninplcd villi i^iill ; Murk names " wine min- glcil willi niyrrli," an inlcimdy bitter suIiKtancc. Tlunigh itni;iy h;ive been intended as ;i Ktii|icfyiiig 1. sExod 2S:31 ; Lev 10: 2,15; •. 1:23 2Chr 3:14 h Isa.. 25:7. ' Isa. -25:8 ■26:19; Hos. l:i:14; J oh n 5:25- 2-<. J Dan. 12:2; 40. Destroyest the temple; their false accusation, chap. 2G:(il; .loiin 2:19-21. 42. King of Israel ; the Messiah. 41. Cast the same in liis teeth ; they upbraided him in tlie same way. 4.). Sirthhour; twelve o'clock, noon. Ninth hour; three o'cloclc in tlie afternoon. 4(i. El?, Eli, lama sabachtliani ? a phrase in the Clialdaic lan;;uage, as tlien spoken in Judea; explained in tlio last part of the verse. Psa. 22 : 1. 50. Yielded up the ghost ; gave up his life. .^1. Veil of the temple; which separated the most holy place from the other parts of the temple. By this w;is si;;i>.ilied that now tlie way into God's presence was opened by the blood of Christ. Ileb. 9:7, 8; 10:19, 20. ;')2. Which slept; who were dead. Jru.vc,- not now, but, as is added in the ne.Kt verse, after his resurrection. These were the earnest of the general resurrection at the l;ist day. The whole transaction was designed to show that through the resurrection of Christ his disciples shall also attain to a glorious resurrection. 53. Tiie holy citij; Jerusalem. 54. Centurion; the Roman officer in command on that occasion. The Son of God ; as he had professed to be. 57. Even; evening — some time after three o'eloek. 60. His own new tomb; thus Christ, according to projih- eey, was " witli the rich in his death." Is;i. 5H:I). (>2. Day (f Ihe preparation ; for keeping the p;iss<)ver. 64. Until the third day ; this shows what was then meant with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, tiiey feared greatly, saying. Truly this was the Son of God.' 55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, minister- ing unto him:'" 56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebcdee's children. 57 TT When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, wdio also him- self was Jesus' disciple : 58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus." Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 And laid it in his own new tomb," which he had hewn out in the rock : and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. 61 And there was Maiy Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre. 62 1 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the cliief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, 63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said,P while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. i 64 Command therefore that the sepidchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away,"' and say unto the people. He is risen from the dead : so the last error shall be worse than the first. 65 Pilate said unto them. Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone,* and setting a watch. 1 The ss. 4:14 k i Cor. 15 20. 1 Mark 15:39; Luke 2.3:47, etc. m T.nk« H 2,3 n Mark 1.5:42 ; Luke 23 50 John 9:38. Isa 53:9. P John 7:1-2, 4 ; 2 :or. fi:S qoh 10:21 17 •ii 20:1! ; Luke 24:0, 7; Joh n2:19. 'eh! 2-: 13. > Dan. 0:17. by three days, or three days and three niglits, wdiich Jesus said he should be in the heart of the earth, or the grave. Chap. 12:40. The last error; that of taking liim ix way, and then pretending that he was risen from the dead. This they saiil would be worse than his pretending to be the Messiah. 65. A watch ; soldiers to watch his grave. 66. Sealing the stone; so that no one could open the sep- ulchre without breaking the seal. INSTRUCTIONS. 3. The evil of cdmniitting known sin is greater than sinners imagine; while the pleasure which they derive from it is less, and is nothing compared with the pain which it will give them. The commission of one ^in not only opens the door and prepares the way for the commission of others, but leads to consequences which the simicr liltie imagined, and the contemplation of which fills liini with horror. A deep conviction of sin, and the most pungent distress on account of it, full coiifesBion ulehre, and see that his disciples did nut conic and steal him away. 12. Taken cnunsrl ; in what way they cinild prevent tho knowledge of his resurrect ion. ;iiiil thus keep the people from receiving him as the Messiah. The mountain in Galilee. MATTHEW XXVIII. Christ's last command. A. D. 33. dcrs, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13 Saying, Say ye. His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept." 14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15 So tlioy tooic the money, and did as tliey were taught: and tiiis saying is commonly report- ed among the Jews until tliis day. 16 1 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appoint- ed tliem.'' aCK;!7:6l. b ch. aO::3-2. tch.l(J:-2S. d I'si. 2:0; !<9: 10; 1 10:I-;3; Isa. 9:6. 7; Dan. 7:U; ch. 11:27; Luke 1:32; John 17:2; Rom. 14:9; Epli. 1:20, 21; Heb. 2:8; 1 Pet. 3:22; Rev. 11:15. = Mark 16:15. • Or, make 14. Persuade htm ; not to punish them for sleeping on duty, wliich by the Roman law was death. 15. This saying; that the disciples came by night and stole him away. Until this day ; the time when Matthew wrote this gospel. 17. Worshipped him; as the Son of God and the Saviour of men. Some doubted ; whetlier his resurrection was real. 18. Alt power; power is here used in the sense of author- ity. Is given unto me; as mediator, God and man. 19. Teach; disciple all nations; proclaim to them the gospel, for the purpose of persuading them to become my disciples. The Father — the Son, and — the Holy Ghost; the one only living and true God. 20. lam with you; in this work, to guide, comfort, sanc- tify, and sustain you ; to render you successful in awak- ening the attention of men, convincing them of sin, and turning them from darkness to light, and from the power of sin unto God. I will be with you and all who succeed you in preaching the gospel, to tlie end of time. Amen; so let it be, and so it shall be. Amkn. INSTRUCTIONS. 4. No soldiers are so intrepid, but that a single angel can cause them to quake witli fear, and liecome as dead men. He can even strike dead a hundred and eighty-five thousand in a night. Isa. 37:36. 5. The angels of the Lord excel iu strength, and whether for judgment or mercy, they do his commandmeiit.s, hearlc- ening unto the voice of his word. P.sa. 103:20. Safe then amidst all their trials are his people, to whom angels are ministering spirits, sent forth by him to minister to the heirs of salvation. Heb. 1 : 14. 6. The evidence is conclusive, that while Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, on the tliird day he rose again for our justification according to the Scriptures. Rom. 4:25. 17 And when tliey saw him,'' they worshipped him : but some doubted. 18 1 And Jesus came and spake unto them, say- ing, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.* r.) Go ye therefore,'' and teach all nations,*'' bap- tizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things what- soever I have commanded you :^ and lo, I am with you alway,** even unto the end of the world. Amen. disciples, OT Christians, (if nil nations, f Isa. 52:10; Rom. 10:18. ff Acta 2;42; 1 Cor. 11:2. h ch. 1S:2U; Rev. 1:1S. 9, 17. While no holy man or angel ever suffered himself to be worshipped, Christ received divine worship, and never said any thing against it, nor has God the Father, or the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, it is the distinguish- ing trait of true believers, that they invoke his name, and serve the Lord Christ. Acts 9:14; Col. 3:24. In doing this, they follow the direction, chapter 4:10, " AVorship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve;" and the direction, Heb. 1:6, "Let all the angels of God wor- ship him." 13. The Jews did not deny the resurrection of Christ for want of evidence to prove it, nor did they hire the soldiers to tell a lie because they believed it or could substantiate it ; but only to keep the people from knowing the truth. False teachers are afraid to trust the people witli the means of knowledge, or to have them become acquainted witli facts. They do not wish to have them examine, think, and judge for themselves, but to have them leave this to their teachers, who wish thus to rule over them. 18. As Christ has authority over all, and power to direct and govern all, they wlio put their trust in him will be for ever safe. 19. Tlie making of all nations the disciples of Christ should be the great object of all. Some should labor for it in one way, and some in another, as the Lord shall call tlicra. But all should strive together that the Scriptures may be translated into every tongue, and the gospel be preached to every creature. 20. Christ, with his divine presence and aid, will be with his people in doing his will, to the end of time ; and after having inclined and enabled tliem to servQ him and their generation according to the will of God, will receive them to himself, th.at where he is tliey also may be, to behold liis glory, the glory wliich he had with the Father before the world was. John 17 : 24. iin THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK. AvciENT tradition unanimously ascribes this gospel to "John whose surname was Mark," who is referred to in the following passages : Acts 12 : 12, 25 ; 13 : 5, 13 ; 15 : 31, 39 ; (Jol. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11; Pliile. 24 ; and as is generally supposed, 1 Pet. 5:13, where Peter calls him his son, that is, in the gospel. He was the son of Mary the sister of Barnabas, and accompanied Paul and Barnabas in their first mis- sionary journey as far as Pamphylia, whence he returned from them to Jerusalem. For this reason J^aul rejected him as a companion for his second missionary tour, but was afterwards recoucilod to him, and spoke of him in honorable terms. Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11. It was the universal belief of the ancient church that he wrote his gospel under the special influence of Peter. It has been further thought that he had the gentile converts more particularly in mind, and that this may account for his careful explanation of Jewish customs, as in chap. 7:3, 4, and his omission of all genealogical notices of our Lord, and, to so great an extent, of quotations from the Old Testament. Ho records fewer incidents than Matthew or Luke, but his narratives are, as a general fact, remarkably full and circumstantial. Thus, in the account of one of the Saviour's voyages across the sea of Galilee, chap. 4, he gives the circumstances that "there were also with him other little ships," and that when the storm arose, "he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow." This character marks his narra- tives as being either those of an eye-witness, or derived immediately from eye-witnesses. CHAPTER I. 1 The oEBce of John the B.%ptist. 9 Jesus is baptized, 12 tempted, M he preaoheth; 16 calleth relcr, Andrew, James, and John; '2'.i heal- elli one tliat had a devil, 29 Peter's motlier-in-law, 32 many diseased persons. 41 and cleanseth the leper. THE beginnin.Gf of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;" 2 As it is written in the prophets. Behold, I ?eiul my messenger before thy fiice, whicii shall ))rc- [lare thy way before thee.'' 3 The voice of one crying in the wihlerness, Pre- pare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.*^ 4 John did baptize in the wilderness,'' and preach the baptism ofrepoiitanee for' the remission of sins.'^ .') And there went out unto him all the land of Judoa.and tiicyof Jeru.salem, and were all baptized of !iim in the river of Jordan, confc,<.-ing their sins.' 6 And John was clothed with camels' hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locu.sts and wild honey;" 7 And lireachcd, saying, There comcth one migh- tier than [ after me, the latchet of who.sc shoes 1 am not wortliy to stoop down and unloose." • a-^b. 1:1,2. •> Mai. 3:1. t I«a. t0:3. J Matt. 3:1; l,ulto3:3; John .l:'i). • Or, unlo. •AcU!«:in. ' LeT, 2«;40-42; Pm. 3'2;S; ProT, !*<:13; lJohnl:»-IO. ( Uv. Il:',£i. !■ Mall. 3:11 : John 1:27; Acts 13:45. ' Jool 2:*f; Acu 1:.'-; 2:4, 17:4.'i; 10:l.'j, IB; 1 Cor. 12:13. J Malt, 3:13; Luko 2. Intheprovliets; l8a.40:.3; Mal.3:l; Matt.3:3; 11:10. 3-8. John the Haptist. Matt. .■1:1-12. 9-11. JesuB bapti/A'd. Matt. :j: l:i~17. 12. Drivcth him ; conHtraiiicth or incliiieth him. The aame word, iu Matt. 9 : :i8, is translated " send forth." 1118 8 I indeed liave baptized you with water: a, i>. 27. but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.' 9 *i And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.-' 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens ojiened,* and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:'' 11 And there came a voice from heaven, sayins. Thou art my beloved Son,' in whom I am well pleased. 12 1 And immediately the S])irit driveth him into the wilderness. 13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan;'" and was with tlu; wild beasts; and the angels minislei'ed unto him. 14 1i Now, after that Joiiii was put in ]u-ison, Jesus came into Galilee," preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God," 1.5 And saying, The time is fuHilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand:" repent ye,'' and be- lieve the gos|)el.'' 16 1 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he 3:21. t Or, rlarrn, nr rtnl. » l>a, 42: 1 ; John I::i2. I Pia. 2:7. '» Mali. 4:1, etc.; Luke 4:1, etc. n Malt. 1:21 oLiikoS:!. I> Dan. 2:44; U;25; Gal. 4:4; Eph. 1:1U. qAcu2:3i*. r Rom. 10:20. H. Put in prison; Matt. 14:3. 15. Tlie lime is fulfilled ; tlic time for the coming of the JfcsHiali, as ]>reditte(l. llan. 9:24-27. lfi-20. iJiHciplcs of Christ called. .Matt. 4:18-22 ; Luke 5:1-11, 27, 28. Jesus worketh many MARK I. miraculous ewes. A. D 30. saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea:" for they were fishers. 17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 1 8 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. 19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. 20 And straightway he called them : and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him. 21 And tiicy went into Capernaum ; and straight- way on the sabl^ath-day he entered into the syna- gogue, and taught. 22 And they were astonished at his doctrine:" for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 1 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit;"^ and he cried out, 24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth ? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. 25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying. Hold thy peace, and come out of him. 2(5 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, insomucli that they questioned among themselves, saying. What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with au- thority coramandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. 28 And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee. 29 if And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever ; and anon they tell him of her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand, and » Mitt. 4:18. etc.; Luke 5:4, etc. b Matt. 7:35. c Luke 4:33. etc. <1 Matt. 8:14; Luke 4:38. • Or, (o say t/ial theij knew kirn. ' laa. 61:1, 2; John 22. As one that had aiithority; Matt. 7:29. 24-. To destroy us; he speaks in the iiiiriie of himself and the otlior demons-. Holij One of God; the Messiah. 25. Ho/d thij peace ; the demons everywhere recognized Jesus as the Messiah, but he uniformly commanded them to hold their peace. It was neither the time to proclaim his Mcssiixhship, nor were they tlie proper heralds. 20. Torn him ; convulsed him. Luke adds that he " hurt him not," chap. 4:3.5. 27. New doctrine; it was not merely the new revelations of truth that Jesus made which e.xcited their astonisli- mer.t, but also the new manifeslations of divine power that accompanied it. With authority; in his own name, and with sovereign power: he commanded, and they obeyed. 30. Simon's wife's mother; Matt. 8:14, ir>. 34. They knew him; they knew that he was the Messiah, but lie did not wish them to proclaim it. See note on verse 25. 37. All men ; this is a specimen of the manner in which the word all is sometimes used in the Bible, meaning, not literally every individuid, but very many, verse 5. 38. Therefore came I forth; that he might preach the gospel in various places. lifted her up ; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.'' 32 1 And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them tliat were possessed with devils. 33 And all the city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and sufl'ered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.* 35 1 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. 36 And Simon and they that were with him fol- lowed after him. 37 And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. 38 And he said unto them. Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also : for therefore came I forth." 39 And he preached in their synagogues through- out all Galilee, and cast out devils. 40 IT And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him. If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, jnit forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will ; be thou clean.' 42 And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleans- ed.s 43 And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away ; 44 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man : but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Mo- ses commanded,'' for a testimony unto thoni.' 45 But he went out, and began to ])ublisli it much, and to blaze abroad the matter,^ insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places : and they came to him from every quarter." 17:8. ( Matt. 8:2; Luke 5: la. e Psa. 33:9; John I5:.3. h Lev. 14:2-32. i Rom, 15:1 ; 1 Cor. 1U:11. j Psa. 77:11, 12; Titus 1: 10. kch.2:13. 40. If thou wilt; Matt. 8:2-4. This was an acknowledg- ment of his divine power. 41. I will; this was the claiming and exercising of divine power. 43. Straitly; strictly. 44. Say nothing to any man; about the cure. See note on Matt. 8:4. Show thyself to the priest; Lev. 14:2. This would show the priest thiit tlie cure was real, and give to him, as well as others, evidence that Jesus was the Messiah. 45. Blaze abroad ; openly and publicly proclaim it. Cordd no more; this shows Ihe manner in which could, could not and other words denoting ability or inability, are some- times used in the Bible — referring not to natural power, but to dillicultics whicli st.and in the way, and the dispo- sition of a person to encounter and overctune them. It was said of Joseph's brethren, Gen. 37:4, that they "could not 8|)e;ik peaceably unto him." This was for want of disposition, not of power. INSTRUCTIONS. 3. For the reception of spiritual blessings, preparation is needful ; and those things wliich tend to hinder men from feeling this, and making preparation, should bo care- fully avoided. 1119 One sick of the palsy cured. MARK II. Publicans and s'nucrs called- CHAPTER II. 1 Christ healeth one sick of the palsy, 14 calleth Matthew from the reCfipt of custom, l-O eateth witn publicans and sinners, 18 excuseth his disciples for not fasting, 23 and for plucking the ears of corn on the Sabbath-day. AND again he entered into Capernaum, after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. 2 And straightway many were gathered togetli- er, insomucli that there was no room to receive t/irm, no, not so mucli as about tiic door: and he preached the word unto tiieiii.'' 3 *i And they come unto him, l.iringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. 4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the ]iress, they uncovered the roof where he was : and when they had broken it up, they let down tii(> bed wherein the sick of the ]ialsy lay.'' 5 When Jesus saw their faith,'' he said unto tlie sick of the palsy, Hon, tliy sins be forgiven tiiee. 6 But tlicre were certain of tlie scribes sitting there, and reasoning in tiieir hearts, 7 Why dotii this man thus speak blasphemies? wlio can forgive sins but God only?'' 8 And immediately when .lesus perceived in his spirit that tliey so reasoned witliiii themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts ? !) Whetlier is it easier to say to the sick of the ])alsy, T//y sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? 10 But that ye may know that the Bon of man hath power on earth to forgive sins,"" (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 111 say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go tliy way unto thy house. 1"J And immediately he arose, took up the bod, and went forth before them all ; insomucli that they were all amazed, and glorilicd God, saying. We never saw it on this fashion.'' 13 T And he went fortli again by the seaside; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. » P«i. 40:9. b .Matt. 9:1. PIC. ; Lultn .'>:1M, etc. c Acts 11:0; Eph. 2:« ■1 l.a. 4:t:-ri; Dm. !!:•). e Act« .0 :31. ' John ;::ll ; 9:3-i, • Or. nl Ihr jilwr whfre tht rtt^tom was rereived. « .Matt. 9:9; I.uko 5:v>;. h Matt. 9:11). etc. 1 L.ik« 15:1-5. J Matt. 9:1 ■i. I.i; Luko .1;:ll,:l> k I,a. 1:1-; .V):7; 7. The more men receive of the illuinnnitinK ainl purify- injc iiifiueiice.s of the Holy Spirit, tlic more Inmililc will be tlioir views of themselves, and the more cxaltfil tlieir view.s of the Redeemer. 13. No situation in this world is free from temptation; and in solitude men are often more exposed to it tliiiii in company. 'I'hore may he solicitations to evil, and no incliiuition In compl}' with them ; an bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.'" 21 No man also seweth a piece of new' cloth on an old garment; else the new piece that lilled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. 22 And no man putteth new wine into old bot- tles ; else tlie new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is sjiilled, and the bottles will bcniarrtHl :" but new wine must be put into new bottles. 23 1 And it came to jiass, that he went through the corn-lields on the sabbath-day;" and his disci- ples began, as they went, to pluck the cars of corn.'' 24 And tiie Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath-day that which is not lawful? 25 And he said unto them, llavt; ye never read what David did, wiien he had need, and was a hungered, he and they that were with him ?" Matt. 18:11; Luko 19:11); I Cor. 0:0-11 : lTim.l:I5. )Matt.!«:l. m Acti 13:-i. t Or. raw. or uiiwroiiglil n Job :W:H); l'»a. 119:89, is3. » Matt. 12:1, etc.; Luko 11:1, etc. p Ucul. *J:-J5. qlSam.anG. dictate of true wisdom, and is highly conducive to health, excellence, usefulness, and enjciyriieiit. CHAPTER II. 2. Tlie vnril ; the word of Cod, the truths of the f^ospcl. X Bnrnc nffnur; carried by four niei). Mutt. !»:'.i-8. •1. I'irt'i; the crowd of jieuple. Vnmvcred the roof; the roofs of the houses were tlx'ii fhit, and the sick man could be let down from them ii)1ii the i)reKei)ee of. lesus. 5. Their faillt; their confidence in his williM(^nc88 and power to heiil. 8. Percfivetl in his spirit ; by liis knowledj^e of their liearts. 10. Ilalli povcr ; authority, ri};ht, and ability. 11. 77/ (/ liril; the small couch on which he lay. 12. On tliisfi-ihinii ; they never before saw any cue who could thus cure the palsy. }X .Sot.siWc- the sea of Calilco. Matt. 4:18. M. /yCD! ,• the same as Mattliew, Matt. 3:9. It was com- mon amoiif; the .lews to h;ive two or more names. V>-1'. Christ eats with laibliciUis. .Matt 9:I0-1.X 18-22. Disciples fastiii),'. Matt. !): 14-17. 23-25. Plucking the ears of corn. Matt. 12:1-4. Ilealiiig works on the. Sahhath. MARK III. Many cures wrought. A. n. 31. 26 How he went into the house of God, in the days of Abiathar the high-priest, and did eat the show-broad, wliich is not lawful to cat, but for the priests,-'' and gave also to them which were with him ? 27 And he said unto them. The sabbatli was made for man,'' and not man for the sabbath :'' 28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath." CHAPTER III. i Christ healeth the -withered hand, 10 and many other infirmities; 11 rebuketh the unclean spirits; 13 chooseth his twelve apostles; 22 con- vinccth the blasphemy of casting out devils by Beelzebub; 31 and showeth who are liis brother, sister, and mother. AND he entered again into the synagogue ; and there was a man there which had a withered hand." 2 And they watclicd him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath-day;'' that they might accuse him. B And lie saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.* 4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath-days, or to do evil ? to save life, or to kill?''' But they held their peace. ■ Exod. 20:30, 33; Lev. aliO. b Neh. 9:14; Isa. 58:1.3; Ezek. 20:12, 2U. <■ Col. 2: IB. d John 9: 14 ; Eph. 1 : 22 ; Rev. 1 : 111. e Matt. 12: 9, etc. ; Luke 6:0,etc. fLukel4:l. • Gr. .4ris£, stand forth m (Ac midsl. gHos.C:6. t Or, 26. Abiathar the high-priest; in the days of Abiathar, who was afterwards high-priest. Itappears from 1 Sam. 21 : 1-6, tliat Ahimelech was high-priest when David ate the sliow- broad. But Abiathar his son shortly after succeeded him, and was high-priest when David was king. 27. The Sabbath was made for man; at the creation, Gen. 2:2, 3, for his benefit and happiness. Not man for the Sabbath; it is not, by superstitious observance, to be per- verted to a denial of the just claims of mercy. The day ia to be kept in such a manner as God has shown to be best suited to make men holy, and fit them for that rest which remains for his people. Heb. 4:9. 28. Therefore; because the Sabbath was made for man. Tlie argument is from the design of the Sabbath. Since it was made for man's good, the Son of man, who is God in human nature, who has come to redeem man, and who has all things pertaining to man's good in his own hands, must also be the Lord of the Sabbath. Let the reader compare this passage with Matt. 12 : 1-8, and see how the argument continually rises. First, the Saviour justifies his disciples from an exceptional case, that of David when he was hungry; secondly, from the standing custom of profaning the Sabbath in its outward letter by the prepa- ration of sacrifices, etc., Matt. 12:5; thirdly, from the design of the Sabbath ; finally, from his own character and office, as God come in human nature to redeem man. INSTRUCTIONS. a. Sickness is often the means of leading men to feel their need of divine help ; and application to Christ, with strong confidence in him, is the way to obtain it. !). The manner in which Jesus Christ, when on earth, l)erformed miracles, showed that he was able to forgive sins, and of course was truly divine. 13. Hope of temporal blessings will often draw together multitudes of people; and when they .are assembled, min- isters of the gospel, if they have fit opjiortunity, should address them on the superior value of spiritual blessings, and point out the way to obtain them. 16. Kind social intercourse at proper times, with all sorts of persons, in order to do them good, is essential to the highest excellence and the greatest usefulness ; and none are so exalted, that they ought to think it be- neath them. 5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness^ of their hearts, he saith unto the man. Stretch forth thy hand. And he stretched it out : and his hand was restored whole as the other. 6 1 And the Pharisees went forth, and straight- way took counsel with the Ilcrodians against him,'' how they might destroy him. 7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judea, 8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and f}-om beyond Jordan ; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.' 9 And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him. 10 For he had healed many ;' insomuch that they pressed* upon him for to touch hiin, as many as had plagues. 11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.'' 12 And he straitly charged them that they should nbt make him known.' blindness. hMatt. 23:16. iLuke6:17. j Matt. 12:15; 14:14. IOl,rusked. k ch. 1:24; Matt. 14:33; Luke 4:41 ; Jas. 2:19. I ch. 1:25, 34. 17. From all the occurrences of life we should endeavor tcjdraw important instruction, and as we have opportunity, should communicate it for the benefit of others. 27. As the Sabbath was made for the whole human race, they have a right to its rest and privileges. This right does not come from men, but from God, and its exercise is essential to their present and future good. It should therefore be highly prized, and faithfully used, according to his command, Exod. 20:8. 28. As Jesus Christ is Lord of the Sabbath, and the day belongs to him, he has a right to direct as to the time and manner of observing it. Those who devote it to worldly business, travelling, or amusement, or who spend it in idle- ness, are guilty of robbing the Saviour, and expose them- selves to his cm-se. CHAPTER III. 1-5. The withered hand. Matt. 12:9-13. 4. Is n lawful; which was most proper: to do good, as Jesus contemplated, or to do evil, as the Pharisees intend- ed? to save the man's life by removing his disease, or to leave him to die? They held their peace; no wonder, for they could not answer without condi'nniing themselves. 5. With anger; holy indignation, just displeasure against their sins, and grief on accoiuit of them. 7. The sea; the sea of Galilee. Judea; the southern and more thickly settled part of the country. 8. Jerusalem ; the chief city. Idumea ; that is, the land of Edom, which was south of l'alcs(ine,aiid was settled by the descendants of Esan. During the Babylonish captiv- ity, they took the south part of Palestine as far as the city of Hebron. This part of the country was afterwards called Idumea, and it is to this that Mark refers. Ileijond Jordan ; the east side of that river. Tyre and Sidon ; Matt. 11:21. 11. Unclean spirits; the persons whom evil spirits pos- sessed. Their prostration of themselves before Jesus, and their acknowledgment of him as the Son of God, are as- cribed to the unclean spirits, because those acts were done under their impulse. 12. Not make him known; not proclaim him as the Mes- siah, because the proper time for this had not yet come, nor were thev the proper heralds. Sec note on chap. 1 : 25. 1121 The. ticdve apostles rJiosen. MARK IV. T.'.e pr.rahk of the sower. 13 1 And hegoetli up into a mountain," and calleth unto him whom he would :'' and tlioy came unto liim. 1-1 And he ordained twelve, that they should be witii him, and that he miajht send them forth to preach, 15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: 16 And Simon lie surnamed Peter;'' 17 And James the son of Zeliedec, and John the brother of James ; and he surnamed them Boaner- ges, which is. The sons of thunder:'' 18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the so7i of Alpheus, and Thaddeus, and Simon the Canaanite, 19 And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him : and they went into a house.* 20 And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as cat in-ead.'^ 21 And when his friends* heard of if, they went out to lay hold on him : for they said, He is beside himself." 22 T And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said. He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.'' 23 And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out SatanV 24 And if a kingdom lie divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. 27 No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil liis goods, exce])t he will first bind the strong man;'' and then he will spoil his house. 28 Verily I say unto you. All sins shall be for- given unto the sons of men,' and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: 29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Gliost hath never forgiveness,' but is in danger of eternal damnation : 30 Because they said. He hath an unclean spirit. 31 '[Therecame then his brethren and his mother, and standing without, sent unto him, calling him.'' • M»U.I0:1. bJohnl3:18. tJohnl:42. erish. Hee Matt. \2:'A2. 30. He liiith an unclean spirit; they said, he is po88eBscehold m_y mother and my brethren ! 35 For whosoever shall do Cue will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.' CHAPTEIl IV. 1 Tlie parable of the sower, 1-1 and the meaning tliereof. 21 We must communicate the light of oiir knowledge to others. 26 The parable of the seed growing secretly, 30 and of the mustard-seed. 3-5 Christ stilleUi the tempest on the sea. seaside:™ rcat multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. 2 And he taught them many things by parables," and said unto them in his doctrine, 3 Hearken ;" Behold, there went out a sower to sow: 4 And it came to pas.=', as he sowed, some fell by the way-side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.'' 5 And some fell on stony ground,'' where it had not much earth ; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth : f) But when the sun was up, it was scorched ; and because it had no root, it withered away.'' 7 And some fell among thorns,- and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. 8 And other fell on good ground,' and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased," and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some a hundred. 9 And ho said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 10 lAnd when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the para- ble.^' Luke 8:19-21. Ijiu.l:a5; lJohna:17. m HUtt. 13:1, elo. ;'I.iike 8:4, eto. n l>»a. 78:2; »cr. 34. o ver. 9, 2:1; cli 7: l(i. POcn. 15:11. q Kzek. 11 :I9; , ....34. ver. 9, 2:1 ; cli 7:1". PUcn. 15:11. q Ki:« 3(i:2fi. 'P»a. 1:4; Jan. 1:11. •Jer.4:3. illeb.0:7,8. iiCoI.l:6 13:10, etc. » Matt. 31-35. Christ's brethren. Matt. 12:40-50. INSTRUCTlOXf!. 2. Hypocrites and persons whn ;ire f;iiilty of great wick- edness, are often disposed to liml fault with and condemn the friends of (iod. 5. bidipnation at the sins of men is perfectly consistent with the ijccpest coini)aHsion for their souls; and no oppo- sition or danger from the wicked should liinder us from doing tliein good, as we have o])porluiiity. 21. That earnestness in the service of (!od,and that ac- tivity and perseverance in doing good which true religion inspires, !ii)pear to many to be indicatioim of ins;inity, and awaken in thcni solicitude; wliilc crpial canicstncss in the pursuit of worldly things iiwakens no suclx aiiiirehunsions, but is viewed with approbation. CHAPTER IV. 3-9. Parable of the sower. M.att. 13:1-9. 10-13. Speaking in ]iiinibleB. Matt. 13:10-17. Parable of the sower explained. MARK IV. Tlie corn, and the mustard-seed. A. CM. 11 And he said unto fhcm, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God:''' but unto them that are without,'' all these things are done in parables: 12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand ;'' lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. 13 And he said unto thcni, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? 1-4 ^ Tlie sower soweth the word." 15 And these are they by the way-side, where the word is sown ; Init when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately j'^ and taketli away the word that was sown in their hearts.' 16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground ; who, when they have heard the word, ininiediately receive it with gladness; 17 And have no root in themselves,*'' and so en- dure but for a time :'' afterward, when affliction or persecution a riseth for the word's sake, immediately they arc olfended.' 18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the cares of this world,J and the deceit- fidness of riches,'' and the lusts of other things entering in,' choke the word, and it becomcth unfruitful.*" 20 And these are they which are sown on good ground ; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit," some thirty-fold, some sixty, and some a liundred. 21 IT And ho said unto tliera. Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel,* or under a bed ? and not to be set on a candlestick? » Eph. 1:9. b Col. 4:5; IThess. 4:12; 1 Tim. 3:7. c Isa. 0:9, 10; John 12:40; Acts 29:26, 27 ; Rom. 11:8. i Isa. 32:20; 1 Pet. 1:25. ' i Pot. 5:8; Rc». 12:9. fHeb.2:l. eJobl9:23. Iijob27:10. i2Tim.l:15. j Lulce 14:18-20; 1 Tim. 6:9, 17; 2Tim. 4:10. kProv.23:S. 1 1 John 2: 16, 17. mTsa. 5:2,4. n Rom. 7:4; Col.l:lU; 2 Pet. 1:8. • Qr.modius; see Matt. 5:15. 11. Mystery of the kingdom; the deeper truths of the gospel, which had not before been revealed. Matt. 3:2. Them that are without ; without the circle of his disciples. These remained in ignorance through the hardness of their hearts, and their rejection of the light. This made it proper that the Saviour should instruct the multitude by parables, into the meaning of which the candid and teach- able would inquire, and thus be made wise to salvation, while the careless and indiflferent would neglect them. 12. Not perceive; because thej do not desire to know the truth. Not understand ; because they do not, in the right way, use proper means. Thus they are not converted or turned from tlieir evil ways, and their sins are not forgiven. I'i. Kitnir ye not tliis paralile? which is so plain and obvi- ous. The words contain a gentle reproof for their dnlness. 11-20. Parable of tlic sower explained. Matt. 13:18-23. 21. Is a candle brou<^ht ; spoken here of the candle of Christ's teachings, liglited in the souls of his disciples that they may let the light of their knowledge shine on others. 22. Nothing hid, a Citiidlc is not lighted to be hid, or to shine only on itself, but to give light to men. So Christ's instructions were explained to his disciples, not for their benefit merely, but to be by them communicated for the good of others. 23. Let Itim hear; let him who has opportunities improve them, not only for his own sake, but for the s;ike of his fellow-men. 24. With u-liat measure — measured to you ; the measiu-e of sincere and e:irnc8t attention which yo>i give to my in- structions, will be the measure of knowledge which will be given back to you. 22 For tliere is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested;" neither was any thing kept secret^ but that it should come abroad. 23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. 2-1 And he said unto them. Take heed what ye hear:P with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you;" and unto you that hear shall more be given. 25 For he that hath, to him shall be given; and he that hatli not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.'' 26 li And he said. So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;' 27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. 28 For the earth bringctli forth fruit of herself;' first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the car." 29 But when the fruit is brought forth,* immedi- ately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.^ 30 IT And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with ■ivliat comparison sliall we compare it ? 31 It is like a grain of mustard-seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth : 32 But when it is sown, it growctli up, and be- coineth greater than all herbs, and shooteth out. great branches;™ so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it." 33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.^ 34 But without a parable spake he not unto o Eccl. 12:J4; Matt. 10:20; Luke 12:2; 1 Cor. 4:5. p 1 Pet. 2:2. q Matt. 7:2. rLukeS:lS. s Matt. 1:S;24. I Gen. 1:11, 12. u Eocl. 3:1, 11. t Or, ripe; Job 5:26. " Rev. 14:15. w Prov. 4:IS; Isa. 11:9; Dan. 2:44; Mai. 1:11. J MaU. 13:31,32; Luke 13:18, 19. yJohnl6:ia. 25. He that hath ; hath such a desire for divine knowledge as rightly to improve his opportunities, shall increase it. Hath not — shall be taken; if he has no desire to improve his opportunities, they will be taken away, and their benefits be lost. 26. Kingdom of God; the reign of Christ in the hearts of men. Matt. 3:2. Should cast seed ; the seed is the good word of God sown in the heart, and made fruitful Ijy God'sgrace. 27. Should sleep, and rise night and day; should sleep by night and rise by day. The seed does not come suddenly to maturity, but by a gradual process, while ho who sowed it pursues his ordinary course of labor and rest. 28. Of herself ; by the power which God gives, not man. First the blade; sm;ill shoot. Then the ear; the Stalk and hearl. Full corn ; the kernels full grt)wn. 29. Putteth in the sickle; he gathereth the fruits of his labor. Men in this matter are workers together with God. One plants, aiiolhcr Witters or cultivates, and God gives the increase. Po with the rise and progress of re- ligion in the soul. Men must preach the gospel. Alen must hear, uiiderst;ind, believe, and obey it. The power which leads Ihem to do Ihis, is of God. To illustrate still further the progressive nature of his religion, its great increase from a small beginning, In: spoke the parable of the mustard-seed. 30-32. Parable of the muslard-seed. Matt. 13:31, 32. 33. As they were able to hear it ; as they were able to un- derstanil and profit by his instructions. 31. Without a parable spake he not ; in his i>ublic instruc- tion of the mnltiludc. hxpoundcd all things to his disciples; that thev might in due time exjilain them to others. 1123 The, tern/pest an the sea. MARK V 77ie legion of devils. them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. 35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Lot us pass over unto the other side. 36 And wlien they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. 37 And there arose a groat storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full." 38 And he was in the liindor part of the ship, asleep on a pillow : and they awake him, and say unto him. Master, carest thou not that we perish?" 39 And he arose, and rebuked tlie wind, and said unto the sea. Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.'' 40 And he said unto them, Wliy are ye so fear- ful ?* how is it that ye have no faith ? 41 And they feared exceedingly," and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"^ CHAPTER V. 1 Christ delivering the possessed of the legion of devils, 13 they enter into the swine. 25 He healeth the woinun of the bloody issue, 35 and raiseth from death Jairus' daughter. AND they came over unto the otiier side of the sea, into the country of the Gadaronos.'^ 2 And wlien he was come out of the sliip, imme- diately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 3 Who had /m- dwelling among the tombs ; '' and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: « Malt. 8:2J; Luka 8:2.3. 1> p«a. 10:1| Isa. 40;27; Lam. ;):8. » Psa. 89:0; Lam. 3:31,32. J l>si. 46:1, 2; Isa. 43:2, e Jonah 1:10:16. t Job (Matt. 8:2S, etc. ; Luke 8:26. etc. I> Isa. 63:4. i Fsa. 72:9. J Ads 38:11. 35. Tlie other side; of the Boa of Galilee. 37-41. Christ stills the tempest. Matt. 14:2.'5-33. 40. No faith ; why is it, after all you have seen and heard, that you liave not such confideiiee in me as to prevent your fear ? INSTRUCTIONS. 3. Natural objects were desig^ncd, and sliould be used, to illustrate and enforce spiritual truths ; and the provi- dences of God are a strikinj.; commentary on his word. 7. It is not enough to be e.xuitcd under preaching, or in reading the Scriptures or the works of ])ious men, or to be much engaged in religion on the Sabbath. Tlie inlln- ence of the Sabbath must be carriid through the week. Men must be governed by tin: will of (!od in their 1)nsi- 11688, as well as in their religious dnlics; and if need be, sacrifice property, case, reputation, and even life itself, to honor him. 10. Tn the communication and reception of saving know- ledge, human agency is needful ; and would men be wise unto Balv:itiou, they must improve their oi)portunities to hear and undcrstiiiid divine truth. 21. JcHUB Christ does not impart knowledge to men that they may keep it to themselves, but that they may impart it for tlie benefit of their fellow-men. 24. If men do not improve their opiiortunities to obt'iin divine knowledge and prepare for the purity and blisH of heaven, these opportunities will soon cease, and they will be left in enfUess darkness and woo. 26. No one should be discouraged in efforts to do good, because he does not at once see the fruit of them. Let him go seiisonably to rest at night, rise betimes in the rnoming, and spend each day in learning and doing the will of God, and God will make him useful. 1124 4 Because that he had been often bound a. d. 31. with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces : neither could any man tame him. 5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. 6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,' 7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou tor- ment mo not. 8 For ho said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.^ 9 And he asked him. What is thy name? And he answered, saying. My name is Legion:'' for we are many. 10 And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. 11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.' 12 And allthe devils besought him," saying. Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. 13 And hjrtliwith Jesus gave tlicm leave." And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and tlie herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thou- sand,) and were choked in the sea. 14 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. 15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion," sit- l(i:18; Hob. 2:14; lJohny:8. k Matt. 12:45. I Lev. 11:7, 8; Deul. 14:8. mjobl:10, 12; 2:5,0. ■> Rev. 13:7; 1 Pet. 3:22. o Isa. 49:25; Col. 1:13. 33. Much evil may bo done and much good be prevented by an untimely communication of truths whicli men will only misunclcrKtand, pervert, and abuse. Time and man- ner deniund attention, and call fnr wisdom as well as good- ness, discretion as well as courage. 40. That course of Christ in his providence which some- times loads his people to think that he cares less for them than they do for themselves, is designed to show them their unbelief, and that what thej' want is confidence in him, to walk by failii.aiid not by sight ; remembering that as the heavens iire higher than the earth, so are his ways higher than their ways, and his thoughts than their tlioiigbts. CHAPTER V. 1. Tlic other side; the cast side of the sea of Galilee. 1 2-20. Legion of devils. Malt. 8:2H-34; 20:53. | 2. A man ; Matthew mentions two demoniacs. Mark mentions but one, and describes his case more fully; prob- ably because it was the more remarkable. fi. Worshipped him ; bowed down before him in acknow- ledgment ot (lis autliorily and power. . 7. / lid jure l/irc; this was said by the evil spirit, tlirough I the mouth of the man. * S. Lcpion; for the number of (he Roman legion, see note (m Matt. 2B:.'>3. 'I'lie word is here used simply in the sense of a multitude. H'c arr nwnij ; the man speaks, under the influence of the evil spirits, in behalf of all of them. So in the following verse, and ver. 12. 12. All the devih; Luke says many devils were entered into him. Luke 8:30. \t>. Satinf^, and clothed, and in his right mind ; this was evidence that the evil spirits had gone out of him, and that he waB cured. Jairus' daushttr raised. MARK V. The issue of Mood healed. A. D. 31. ting, and clothed, and in his right mind; and they were afraid." 16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. 17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.'' 18 And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. 19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him. Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee,*" and hath had compassion on thee. 20 And ho departed, and began to publish in Dccapolis how great things Jesus had done for him : and all mai did marvel. 21 IT And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him ; and he was nigh unto the sea. 22 And behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue,'' Jairus by name ; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, 23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death:" I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed ; and she shall live. 24 And Jrsus went witli him ; and much people followed him, and thronged him. 25 T! And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,' 26 And had suffered many things of many phy- sicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered,"^ but rather grew worse, 27 Wl.en she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment:'' 28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. 29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself a Job 13: 11; Psa. 14:5; 2 Tim 1:7. b Job 21:14 ; Luke 5 B; Acts 16:39. 'Psa. Ii(i l(i Isi. .'i3:I9. d Matt !):18, etc.; Luke 8:41. etc. ePsa. 107:18. ILev IS lU, etc. e Job 13:4; Psa. 108 12; Jer.:iO: 2. 13. h 2 Kings 13:21; Matt. 14 :i(il Aols5:15; lil: 1-2. . Luke 6:19. JPaa. 3U:2. k ch. 10:5 i; Acts 17. Him; Jesus. 18, Prayed him ; besought Je8U8 that he might accom- pany him, 20, Decapolis ; or the land of the ten cities ; a country lying east of the river Jordan, but iiichiding also Scy- thopolis and its torritor_v on the western side, 22-43, Jairus' daughter restored to life. Matt, 9:18-26, 30, Virtue; heahng power, 34. Thij faith liiith made thee whole; this is a specimen of t,liem;umer in wliich the Bible speaks of the effect of means when rightly used ; it is designed to encourage men thus to use them, 3.5, Tlie Master ; Jesus Christ, 36. Onlij bcliere; believe that I am able to restore her to life, and to do what I will, 39. Not dead, but steepeth ; her death, though real, is yet like sleep, in that she shall soon wake to life again, 41. Taldha-rnmi; these were two words in Syro-Chal- daic, the language in which Christ spoke, meaning, Dam- sel, arise, 43. That no man should know it; that they should not pulilish the particulars of this cure, the time for greater manifestation of himself not having come. that virtue had gone out of him,' turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes ? 31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou secst the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched mo ? 32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33 But the woman fearing and trembling, know- ing what Avas done in her, came and fell down be- fore him, and told him all the truth.'' 34 And he said unto her. Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole ; " go in peace,' and be whole of thy plague. 35 "TT While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said. Thy daughter is dead:'" why troublest thou the Master any further ? 36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Bo not afraid, only believe." 37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James." 38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. 39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them. Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.'' 40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were ' with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. 41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha-cumi ; which is, being interpret- ed. Damsel, (1 say unto thee,) arise. "i 42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walk- ed ; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. 43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it;'' and commanded that something should be given her to eat. 14:9. I 1 Sam. 1:17; 20:42; a Kings 5: 19. m John 5:25; 11 :25. n 2 Chr. 20:20; John 11:40. o ch. 9:2: 14:33. p John 11:11-13. qActsSI:40. r Matt, 8:4; 12:16-18; ch. 3;12; Luke 6:14. INSTRUCTIONS, 2, Evil spirits are active, and have great influence in the affairs of men. Men may be tempted to disbelieve this, yet all have reason to be sober and vigilant, and steadfastly to resist their adversary the devil, wjio goeth al)out as a roar- ing lion, seeking whom he may devour, 1 Pet, 5:8, 9, 17, Men under the jiower of evil sjiirits oppose Jesus Christ, and wish him to ilepart from them, Covctousness leads men to treat him in the same wivy. Matt, 8:34, 20, None should be iifraid or ashamed to acknowledge their indebtedness to Jesus Christ, and, at proper times, to make known what he hiith done for them, that he may be honored, and that others may apply to him for help. 34, Though parchiii and salvation come to us through the Redeemer, and his work is the meritorious ground on which we receive them, yet the exercise, on our part, of faith in him, is the ajipointed means of obtaining them, 40, Those who have no faith may scoff ;tt the idea that Jesus Christ is almighty, and able to supply all the wants of his peo]>Ie; they ni;iy mock at a reliance on his con- stant and all-sufticieut aid ; but in due time his people will find that their most exalted expectations are more than realized. 1125 Christ in his own coarAr'ti. MARK VI. Jokn the Baptist beheaded. CHAPTER VI. 1 Christ 15 contemned of his conrnrymen. 7 He givcth the twelve giwer over unclt^an spirits. 14 Divers opinions of Christ. 27 John aptist is beheaJed, 29 and buried. 30 The apostles return from preaching. tM The miracle of five loaves and two fishes. 4S Christ walketh on the sea; 53 and healeth all that touch him. AND he went out from tlience, and came into his own country ; and liis disciples follow him. 2 And when the sal)bath-day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue:" and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things?'' and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands ? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James," and Joses, and of Juda, and Himon? and arc not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him." 4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and among his own Idn, and in his own house." 5 And he could there do no mighty work,*^ save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. (j And he marvelled because of their unbelief.'^ And he went round about the villages, teaching.'' 7 IT And he called unto him the twelve, and be- gan to send them forth by two and two ; and gave tliem power over unclean spirits;' 8 And commanded thorn that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money" in tfieir purse: 9 But be shod with sandals ;' and not put on two coats. 10 And he said unto them, In what place soever yo enter into a house, there abide till ye depart from that place. 11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them.'' Verily I say unto you. It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and* Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city. 12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.' 13 And they cast out many devils,"' and anointed with oil many that were sick," and healed them. 14 1[ And king Herod heard o/'/jJm; (for his name » Matt. l:);.>4, etc.; l.uko4;lli, etc. b John 0: li. 'Gal. I:1U. d Malt. 11:6. . Matt. l;J:.')7; John •l:4't. ' Gen. 11):22; ch. 9:23. It I«a. 50: 10; .lor. •J:l-2. b Matt. 9:3J; Luke 13:'i2; Acta \t>:3a. < Matt. 10:1, «ic.; ch. :1:I3, etc. ; Luke 0:1, etc. ; 1U:3, etc. * The word nignifleH a piece of brass money, in value somewhat less than half a cent, Matt. 10:0; but here it is taken in general for money ; Luke 0:3. J Acts I'J:^; ICph. 0:15. k Neh. 5:13; Acts CHAPTER VI. l-fi. His own cmtntrij; Nazareth, ifatt. 13:51-58. ;!. The carpenter; .Jesus, before ho hcpin hiu minJBtry, «conis to have wrought at the employment of a carpenter. .Maft. 1.-5:55. 6. Could (here do no mif^htij work; because of their un- belief, as is adiled liy .Matthew, .Matt. 13:58. This is an instance of tlie manner in which tlie words can and can- not are sometirneH n.scd in the liiblc': he could not con- sistently, or with |)ropritty, there do inanymiKhty works. He healed a few, but not many; not because he had not power, but for other rea-sons. 7-11. The twelve apostles sent out. Matt. 10:5-15; Luke 0:1-6. 11. More tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah; because the 112G was spread abroad ;) and he said, That John a. d. si. the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him." lo Others said. That it is Elias. And others said. That it is a prophet, or as one of the proph- ets." IG But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, wlunn 1 beheaded : ho is risen from the dead. 17 For Ilerod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Ile- rodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her. 18 For John had said untoIIcrod,It is not law- ful for thee to have thy brother's wife.'' 19 Therefore Ucrodias had a qn;irrcl' :igainst him, and would have killed him ; but she could not: 20 For Herod feared John,"' knowing that he was a just man and a holy, and observed him;* and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. 21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords,' high caiitaius, and c\ne{ estates of G;tlilcc; 22 And wh(m the daughter of the said Ilerodiag came in, and danced,' and pleased Ilerod ami them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. 23 And he swarc unto her, AVhatsoevcr thou shalt ask of me, I will give ii thee, unto the half of nij' kingdom." 24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said. The head of John the Baptist. 25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.^' 26 And the king was exceeding sorry ; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. 27 And immediately the king sent an execution- er,' and eunimandcd his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison; 28 And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel ; and the damsel gave it to her mother. 111:51. t (ir or. I I.uko -Jl:!- ; AcW -J::)-^ ; :l: 10. m l.uk., 10:17. n Jas. 5;H. Matt. 11:1, •■ic; l.iiko 0:7, etc. I> Matt. Hi:!'! ; ch. H:4-<. q Lev. Id: 10. %0!,aninvnTd K'hiIk". r Kiod. 11:3; I'lwik. 2:5-7. ♦ Or, *f;(I Aim, or saved him. ' Ucn. 40:211. < lia. 3:10. u Kslh. S:3, 0; 1:i. v Psa. 37 : 14, M . I Or, one of his guard. inhabitants of those cities ilid luit sin against as great light as did tliosc who rejc^i.ted the ajioslles. H-;!0. .lohn the liai.list beheaded, .\talt. 11:1-12. 14. Ilerod; Ilerod Antiiias, the son of lUrod the (ireat. Heard rif him; Jesus. 17. lie had married her; Ilerod, as wo learn fnnii .lose- plms, had rcjicted his own wife lu niiiny the wife of his brother I'liilip while he was still liviiif;. i!0. (Jhsirml him; rather, as the niaifjin, "kopt him," namely, froiri the resentment of llirodias. Did many Ihiiif^s; he did many thinj;s (o which .lohn urged him, but he would not pot aw;iy his lirolher's wife. '21. A r.onrenieiil diiij; Kuitalilc for the i)Hr])osc of Ucro- dias, who was watchini; lier opportunity to destroy John. The danciiiK of her daUKhter before Ilerod and his lords was probably a part of the plan Buggeated by her. Christ feedetk Jive thousand, MARK VI. and walkdh on ll;e sea. A. D. 31. 29 And when his disciples heard of it, they came aud took up bis corpse,^ and laid it iu a tomb. 30 IT And the apostles gathered themselves to- gether unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what tlioy Iiad done, aud what they had taught.'' 31 And" he said unto them. Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, aud they had no leisure so much as to eat. 32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. 33 And the people saw them departing, and many knew Iiim, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent tliem, and came together unto him. 34 1[And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved witli compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd:" and he began to teach them many things. 35 And when the day was now far spent, his dis- ciples came unto him, and said, Tliis is a desert place, and now the time is far passed : 36 Send them away, that tliey may go into the country round about, and into the villages, aud buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.* 37 He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to cat. And they say unto him. Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth' of bread, and give them to cat?" 38 lie saitli unto them, How many loaves liave ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say. Five, and two fislies. 3'J And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon tlie green grass.' 40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. 41 And when ho had taken tlie five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, aud blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disci- a Acts :J:a. b Luke 9:10, c ] Kings 2-2:17. d Matt. 14:1.5, etc. , Luke 9:12. etc.; John 0:5. etc. • Gr. denarion; see Matt. 1S:2H. e Num 11:13, •22; a Kinsts i-AX < Matt. 1.5:35; oh. b:(5. I 1 Sam. 9:13; Matt. 20:20; l-uke 24:3U. h Deut. 8:3. t Or, over against Eetlisaida. ■ Matt. 14:22, 30. Gathered themselves^unto Jesus; upon their return from their mission, ver. T-l.S. 31. A deseii place; a place less frequented, that they mip;ht be more retired. 3t-l-l. Five thousand fed, near the shore of the sea of Galilee. Matt. 14:15-21. 31. As sheep not liavin/r a shepherd; destitute of teachers who cared for their souls and were able to teach them the truth. 45-52. Christ walking on the sea of Galilee. Matt. 14 : 22- 33. 53-56. The sick healed. Matt. 14:34-.')(). 53. Geniiesaret; a small, fertile, and beautiful repion on the west side of the sea of Galilee, which is thence called the lake of Genncsaret. Luke 5:1. IXSTRUCTIOXS. 5. In order to understand correctly the meaning of words which speak of ability and inability, as used in the BiMe, we mn.st consider the subject about which they wore spo- ken, the connection in which they are found, and the man- ner in which the speaker and writer used tliem. 8. Christ sends out his ministers under circumstances which are suited to teach them their dopeudcuce on him — pies to set before them ; and the two fishes divided he among them all.° 42 And they did all eat, and were filled.'' 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. 44 And they that did eat of tlic loaves were about five tliousand men. 45 IT And straiglitway lie constrained his disci- ples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bcthsaida,* while lie sent away the people." 46 And when he had sent them away, he depart- ed into a mountain to pray.J 47 And when even was come, the sliip was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. 48 And he saw them toiling in rowing;'' for the wind was contrary unto them : and about the fourth watch of the nigiit he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have ])assed by them.' 49 But when tliey saw iiim walking upon the sea," tliey supposed it had been a spirit," and cried out: 50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked witli tliem, and saith unto them. Be of good cheer : it is I ; be not afraid." 51 And he went up unto them into the sliip ; and the wind ceased:'' and they were sore amazed in , themselves beyond measure, and wondered. 52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves; for their heart was hardened.^ 53 H And when they liad passed over, they camo into the land of Genncsaret,' and drew to the sliore. 54 And when they were come out of tlie ship, straightway they knew him, 55 And ran tlirough that wliole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.' 56 And whithersoever lie entered, into villages, or cities, or country, tliey laid the sick in the streets, and besouglit him that they miglit touch if it were but the border of his garment:' and as many as touched him* were made whole." etc ; John 6:17, etc. J Matt . 0:6; ch. 1:35; T.u ke 0:12. k Jonah 1:13. 1 L uke 24:23. m Jobi) t D Luke 24 :i7. Isa. 43 2. p Psa. 93:3, 4. <1 Isa. 0:i: 17. T Matt. 14:. 34 -■• Matt 4:24 ; ch •i-A-i . t Num. 15:3^,39. t Or, it. u Matt. 9:2C ; oh. 5 27,28; Acts 19: 2. that all their power to do good and accomplish the objects for which he employs them, comes from liiinself 16. A guilty conscience awakened, forebodes dreadful evils ; and transgressors never can enjoy permanent peace unless they rejicnt, and believe witli the heart on Him whose blood cleanseth from sin. 1 John 1:7. 20. To show reverence towards (iod's ministers, and do many things gladly at their suggestion, avails nothing for the salvation of the soul while the sin which God's law forbids is cherished and ]iersisted in. 31. Occasional retirement from the tumult of the wiuld is needful for all men, especially for ministers of the gos- pel. They need to commune much with their own hearts and with God, that by wisdom and strength derived from him in private, they may be better fitted for their jjublic duties. 52. Ministers of Christ, notwithstanding all the displays of his power and grace, have much remaining unbelief and hardness of heart. They need the constant iiiliuences of his Spirit, and should be watcliful and prayerful, lest, after liaving preached to others, they themselves should be cast away. 55. It is not enough that wo come to Christ ourselves ; WO should be active iu bringing our fellow-men to him. 1127 The Pharisees reproved. MARK VII. Tlic Syrophoiician woman. CHAPTER VII. 1 The Pharisees find fault at the disciples for eating with unwashen hands. 8 They break the commandment of God by the traditions of men. II Meat dehk-th not the man. 24 He healeth the Syrophe- nician womait's daughter of an unclean spirit, 31 and one that was deaf, and stammered in his speech. THEN came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, wiiich came from Jerusalem/ 2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat broad with defiled,' that is to say, with unwashen liands, they found fault. 'i For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash ihrir hands oft,^ eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.'' 4 And ivhen they come from the market, except they wash,'' they eat not. And many other things there be, wliich they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots,* brazen vessels, and of tables.''^ 5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not tiiy disciples according to the tra- dition of the elders, liut eat bread with unwashen hands? G He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of j'ou hypocrites, as it is writ- ten, This people honoretli me with (heir lips, but I heir heart is far from me.'' 7 Howbeit, in vain do they wor.ut ye say. If a man sliall say to his father or motlicr. It is Corban, that is to say, a gift,'' by whatsoever thou mightcst be profited by me ; he shall be free. 12 And ye siifTcr him no more to do aught for his father or his motiior; 13 Makingthe word of t!od of none effect throiigli your tradition, wliicli ye have delivered : and many such like things do ye. 14 1 And when he iiad exiled all the people iinto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:' » M.Ttt. I.i:l,etc. • Or, common, t Or, ditigentty; Gr. witk Ifieftst — up to Ihr eUowr Thcnrihylict. b Gal. I;H; Col. 2:f, «. 23. c Job 9;3U. 31. I h^«xtarit]B 1% atiout a pint and a half, f Or, bfdi. d l*a. 20:13. c Iiia. I:li I Or,/ru)lrar«,- vi:r. 13. ( Exnd. 20:12; D«ut. 4: 10. «Exod. 21:17; Ler. 20:0; Prov. 2U:2I). I> Malt. I.',:9; 83:18. i Pror. B:5; I«a. 0:9; AcU CHAPTER VII. 1-23. Tratlitions of tho Bcribcs and Pharisees. Matt. 15:1-20. 4. Tables; (ho word in the original signiiieB couches, on ■which they were accimtomcd to recline at meals. 6. Emms; Inaiah. Isa. 29:i:<-lfi. 11. Cnrh'in — profilnl hij me ; wliiit might have gone to thy maintenance is f'orlian, tliat is, conHCcratcd its a rcligioUB gift to the service of tlie sanctuary. 19. Entereth not into his heart ; does not reach or pollute the soul. 24-30. Syrophenician woman. Matt, l.'i; 21-28. 1128 15 There is nothing from without a man, a. d. 32. that entering into him can defile him : but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. 16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.^ 17 And when he was entered into tlie house from tlie people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.'' 18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot detilc him ; 19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into tho belly,' and goeth out into tlie draught, purging all meats? 26 And he said. That which cometli out of the man, that defileth the man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness,' deceit, las- civiousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolish- ness : 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man." 24 If And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon," and entered into a house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid." 25 For a certain womnii, -wliose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of liiin, and came and fell at his feet: 26 The woman was a Greek," a Syrophenician by nation ; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daugliter. 27 But Jesus said unto her, liCt the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's l)read, and to cast it unto the dogs.'' 28 And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord : yet the dogs under the table eat of the chil- dren's crumbs." 29 And he said unto her. For this saying go thy way ; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.'' 30 And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out," and her daugliler laid ujion tlie bed. 31 1 And again, dcpaiting from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee,' througli tlie midst of the coast of Deca])olis. 32 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, K:X. J Matt ivirke(fneMcn. elo. »ch. 2: 1S:8, 9; Efh. 11 :!.'>. m Gun. . • Or 2:12-14 k Matt. 15:15 0:5; Pia.M: Gfntilt : Ii>a. r|.a. 00:2. etc. 11 ,3; .'.3: 49:12 • 1 John Cor. 0:13. 1 Cot-rtou^ ,3; .ler. I7:il. " Malt. 1' M,-iH. 7:0; 1(1:.'!, U. <1 3:». > Mall. 15:211, olo l.'):21. Rom. 2C. A Greek; that is, a Gentile. Sijrophenidan ; belong- ing to Syrfi[)hciiicia, that is, tin- Syrian rlienicia, so called to distiiigniHli it from the 1 jbyaii I'licnicia, on tlio north coast of Africa. 27. Lfl the children; God's covenant children, that is, the .lows. First he ftlhd; the gosiii'l was first to be ofl'ered to the .lews, ami to tlicin our Lord's jiersonal ministry on earth was chiefly restricted. See notes on ver. 29 and Malt. 10:.'-,, fi. 29. For thi.i sayinp — gnrie nut ; though our Lord's mission was" to the lost shc<'j> of the Iiomni' of iHnirl." .Miitl. 1.^: 24, yet he alwiiys honored personal faith in himself wherever found. Matt. 8:6-13. A deaf man healed. MARK VIII. Four thousand fed. A. D. 32. and had an impediment in his speech ; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. 33 And lie took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit,'' and touched his tongue; 34 And looking up to heaven,*" he sighed,'^ and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. 35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.'' 36 And he charged them that they should tell no man : but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it ; 37 And were beyond measure astonished," say- ing. He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.'' CHAPTER VIII. 1 Christ feedeth the people miraculously; 10 refuseth to give a, sign to the Pharisees; 14 admonishetli his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Heiod; 22 giveth a blind man his sight; 27 acknowledgeth that he is the Christ, who should suffer and rise again; 34 and exhorteth to patience in persecution for the profession of the gospel. IN those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat,'' Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, 2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothiag to eat:'' 3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far. 4 And his disciples answered him. From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?' 5 And he asked them. How many loaves have ye ? And they said, Seven. 6 And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground : and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before tliem; and they did set them before the people. 7 And they had a few small fishes: and he » Ch.K;-J-i; John 9:8. b ch. 6:41; John 11:11; 17:1. c John 11 :3.3, 33. ■1 Isi. 33:.'),«; Matt. 11:5. e Psi. W.IAA; Acts 14:11. f Exod. -1:10, 11. e Matt. 1.5:32, etc. h Psa. 145:8, 15; Heb. 3:2. i ch. 0:36, 37, etc. J Matt. 14:19. k Psa. 107:5, 6; 145:16. 1 1 Kings 17:14-16; 2 Kings 4:2-7, 42-14. 35. The string of his tongue; more literally, the band of hia tongue, meaning that which hindered its use. INSTHUCTIONS. 5. Formal and hypocritical teachers of religion are prone to add to the eonimanils of Ood traditions and ceremonies of their own, and to be very anxious that men should ob- serve them, while tliey neglect his appointments, and con- nive at, if they do not encourage, similar neglect in others. 8. Human additions to the word and worsliip of God tend to lessen tlio influence of divine institutions, and shoidd ln^ carefully avoided. 14. To understand divine things, men must hearken dili- gently to the teacliings of Clirist in his works, his word, and his iimvidence, and seek of him lialiitually Ihe illumi- nating and purifying influences of his Spirit. 18. ilea may take any kind of hciilthful food without spiritual defilement, whether human trailitions allow it or not. If they acknowledge the goodness of (io:5. i Malt. 10:31; 10:21; Luke 9:2:!; 14:27; Titus 2:12. > Esth. 4:1-1; Matt. 24. Trees, walking ; he saw men walking, but could dis- tinguish tlieiii from trees only by their motion. lie did not see tliem clearly. 2.'). Put Ills hamh agiiin — saw crrri/ man denrhj ; why the Saviour did not heal this man by an instantaneous act, as ill so many other cases, we are not inlbrined. One reason may have been, to shadow forth the gradual process by which, through his word and Spirit, he removes spiritual blindness from men's hearts. 26. T/ietou-ii; Bethsaida, where so many of his mighty works were done. Matt. 11:21. 27-38. Christ foretells his death, and rcjirovcs Peter. iMatt. 16:13-28. 27. Ccsarea Philjppi ; a town in the north part of Oalilcc, and near mount ITermoii. Phili]) the tetrareh greatly en- larged it, ami called it Ceaarea in honor of Tiberius Cesar. Philippi was ailded to diHtingiiish it from another (Jesarea which liiy on the Mediterranean sea. .Matt. 16:1:!. 32. Openly; publicly and more plainly than he had done before. 33. Savorcst not; thinkcst not. Thy thoughts and those of God do not agree. Compare Isa. .").5:8, 9. 34. Ttike up his cross; in allusion to the practice of com- pelling malefactors to bear their own cross to the [dace of execution. The meaning is, that ho must make any sacrifice, submit to any self-denial, and encounter any diOiculty which may be needful, in order to obey Christ's commands. 3.5. Save his life — lose U ; the word life is here used in two senses: tirst, for the bodily life; secondly, for eternal life. 37. In exchanae for his snul ; as the price of its redemp- tion. If his soul be lost, there is no price which ho can pay to redeem it. It must be lost for ever. 38. Ashamed of me; ashamed to be my follower. When lie Cometh; at the day of judgment. 1130 behind me, Satan:'' for thou savorest not a. d. .■iz the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. 34 1 And when he had called the jieople unto him ■with his discijiles also, he said unto them. Whosoever will come after me. let him deny him- self, and take up his cross, and follow me.' 35 For Avhosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lo.sc his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.J 36 For wliat shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose ins own soul ? 37 Or what shall a man aive in exchange for his soul ? 38 Wliosoever therefore shall be ashamed of mo and of my words iu this adulterous and sinful gen- eration, of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometli in the glory of ids Fa- ther with the lioly angels.'' i CHAPTER IX. 2 Jesus is transfigured. 11 He instructeth his disciples concerning the coming of Elias; 14 casteth forth a dumb and deaf spirit; 30 foretell- eth his death and resurrection; 33exhorteih his disciples to humility; 3S bidding them not to proliibit such as be not against them, nor u> give ofTence to any of ihe faithful. ND he said iinlo them, Verily I say unto you, That there be sonic of Iheni that stand here, A the kingdom of God come with power.'" 2 1i And after six days, Jesus taketh with, him Peter, and James, and John, and Icadeth them up 10:39 16:25; Luke (1:24 17 :33; John 1' >:a.5; 2 Tim. 2:11; 4:0, it ReT. 2:10; 7:14-17. k Luke 12 :9; 2T ira. 1:S. IJohn S:52 Ueb. 2:U. m .Matt. 10:28 Luke 9 27. IXSTHUCTION'S. 2. In following Christ, his people may, for a time, bo destitute even of the necessaries of life, lint he is never unnundful ol' their wants, and in duo time he will supply them. 12. Pious men are grieved at the deceit and hypocrisy of the wicked; and earnestly desire and fervently pray that by forsaking their sins and turning to Cod, they may be )irepared for heaven. 17. Hardness of heart and blindness <<( mind are often found to a great extent in the disciples of Christ ; and wero it not for his continual intercession, and the rich blessings of his Spirit, they would fall away and perish. 23. Allliongh Jesus Christ can bestow f;ivors instantane- ously, and without the use of means, he often sees it best i to eiiii)loy means, and to grant his favors graduuUy, that I those who receive them may better understand his char- " acter, and more wisely improve the blessings which ho gives. 33. Those who think that some other course would bo better than that which Christ takes, savor not the (hings wdiicli be of Cod. but those that be of men. This was | often the case with Peter, and it showed, that notwith- 1 standing all Christ had ilone lor him, he was veiy liable to err. 38. If men would be owned of Christ in Ihe day of judg- ment, they must bo governed by his will, must not bo afraid or ashamed to a> Dan. 7:9; Matt. •*>::!. » Psa. GS:-.': 84:10. d Dan. 10:15; Rev. 1:17. « Psa. 2:7; iMatt. 3:17; 2 Put. 1:17. 'Deut.l9:13. EActsl7:lH. li.Mal.4:5. i Psa. 22:1, etc. ; Isa. 53:3, etc. ; Dan. 9:26; Zech. 13:7. J Psa. 74:22; Luke ■-'3:11; Phil. 2:7. k Matt. 11:14; Luke 1:17. • Or, among yourselves.' 1 Matt. 12:22; Luke 11:14. II). WImt tite rising from the dead should mean; though ('hrist liad clearly foretold his resurrection from the deatl, his disciples appear not to have understood, or not to have Ijelievml it. ll-l:'.. Elms must first come; Matt. 17:10-13. 12. Restoreth alt thinrr.t; the word "restore," used also in Matt. 17:11, is taken fiom the Septii;i;;int version of Mai. 4:fi: "Wiio [Elias] shall restore the heart, of father to .son," etc.; that is, bring them back to their former state of union in Goil's service. For tlie meaning of this ])rophecy, see note on .Mai. 4:0. And how it is written; the coming of Klias fulflla the prophecy concerning him, and also brings 19 He answeretli him, and saith, faiihless gen- eration," how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you ? Bring him unto me. 20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him ; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 21 And he asked his father, IIow long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said. Of a child." 22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him : but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. 23 Jesus said unto him. If thou canst believe, all things are possible to liim that believeth.'' 24 And straightway the fatlier of the child cried out, and said with tears,'' Lord, I believe ; help thou mine unbelief.'' 25 When Jesus saw that the people came run- ning together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him. Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore," and came out of him : and he was as one dead ; inso- much that many said. He is dead. 27 But Jesus took hiin by the hand,' and lifted him up ; and he arose. 28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately. Why could not we cast him out ? 29 And he said unto them. This kind can come fortli by nothing, but by prayer" and fasting.^' 30 If And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee ; and he would not that any man should know it. 31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them. The Son of man is delivered into the iiands of men, and tliey shall kill liim; and after that he is killed, he shall rise tlie third day. 32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him." 33 1 And he came to Capernaum :" and being in the house, he asked them. What was it that ye dis- puted among yourselves by the way ? 34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. 35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them. If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.^ tOr,ilaslietkkhn. mJudelS. n Dent. 32:20; Psa. 7S:S; Heb. 3: 10. "Job 5:7; Psa. 51:5. p 2Clir. 20:20; Malt. 17:20; ch. 11:23; Luke 17:0; John 11:40; Heb. ll:(i. I Psa. 120:5. r Heb. 12:2. • Rev. 12:12. tisa. 41:13. "El>h.(i:18. viCnr. 9:27. wjnhn 10:10. » Matt. 18:1, etc.; Luke 9:41), etc.; 22:24, etc y .Matt. 20:20, 27 ; ch. 10:43. in its train the accomplishment of tho sufferings predicted of tho Son of man. 14-2!). Dnnib spirit cast out. Matt. 17:14-21. 14. Qtieslinninir ; disputing or debating with them. V>. Ware arcatlij niiiii:cil ; it h;is licen supposed that a ))ortion of the sniiern;itin';d brightness of tho Saviour's couutcniince on the niounl of transfiguration yet remained. 24. Help thou; teach me to believe more fully thy will- ingness and jiower to help. 3n--i2. Christ foretells his death. Matt. 17:22, 23. 3:i-:i7. ^VIlo sliouhl be greatest. Matt. IS: l-o. 34. Held their -peace ; they were silent ; ashamed, no doubt, 1131 Tht trw friends of Christ. MARK IX. Offences to be avoided. 36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, 37 Whosoever shall receive one of siicli children in my name, receiveth me;" and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him tliat sent me. 38 T'And John answered him, sayiii.ii'. Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us : and we forbade him, because he followeth not ns.'' 39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man whicli shall do a miracle in my name, that can lisrhtly speak evil of me.'= 40 For he that is not against us is on our part/' 41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink ia my name, because ye belong to Clu'ist, verily 1 say unto you, he siiall not lose his reward.'' 42 And whosoever shall oSend one of f/iese little ones tiiat believe in me, it is better for liim tliat a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.*^ 43 And if thy hand offend thee,* cut it off :^ it is "Luke9:4S. b Num. ll:-.>8-iS. c l Cor. 12:3. d Matt. 12::iO. e Matt. 10:42; 2o:-IO. I Matt. lS:li; Luke 17:1, 2. * OT,eaust Ihec to offend: inj Mver. 4.3, 47. E Deut. 13:8; Matt. 5:20. h Isa. B0:24; lUv. 11:11. t Sea as men always have reason to be when they contend which shall be the greatest. 38. In thy name; in professed reliance on thy power. lie followeth not tts; he did not with them attend on the Saviour. 39. Forbid him not ; the principle which the Savionr hero lays down is one of wide application. When a man is laboring in Christ's cause with His nianifL'st presence and blessing, forbid him not because ho does not in all things agree with you, or is not of your party. 41, 42. Whomever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name — whosoever shall offend; the charge respecting the man that followed not with the disciples, naturally led the Saviour to spc;ik of the great prcciousness in God's sight of deeds of kindness and love towards his disciples, especially the lowly among them, and the great sin of offending them. 42-4S. Warning against offences, or occasions of sin. Matt. 18:G-9. 43. Offend thee; load thee to commit an offence. The immediate reforence hero is to offences against Christ's little ones, whereby they are led into sin. The hand, tho foot, and the eye represent men's strongest desires and the earthly objects dearest to them. 48. Where tlieir worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched ; language borrowed from Isa.fiO: 24, where the carcasses of God's enemies are represented as devoured by worms that never die, and fire that is novor quenched. Tliis terrible imagery teaelios that in hell the misery of the wicked will never end. 49. For every one shall he sailed with fire — salted with salt ; for the right understanding of this verse, the following par- ticulars sliDuld be noted: first, the whole virse is better taken as aeompiirison, thus: For every one h1i;i11 be sailed with fire, as every sacrifice shall bo salted with salt; sec- ondly, the introductory word "for," as well as the terms used, shows that there is a reference l)ackw;ird to a salt- ing with the fire of hell; thirdly, the words inunediately following, " salt is good," "have salt in yourselves," make it clear that the present verse includes also the salting of God's Spirit. The meaning, then, seems to be this: Allow yourselves to be salted witli the fire of God's Spirit, [whicli inclmles the fire of aHliction and severe self-denial,] or you will be salted with the fire of hell. In the former case, men are living sacrifices, acceptable to (jod, seasoned with the salt of divine grace, as the Levitical sacrifices were seasoned with literal salt. Lev. 2: Hi; in the latter case, they are Bacrifices to God's wrath. ■1132 better for thee to enter into life maimed, than a. d. s2. having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched : 44 Where their worm dieth not, and tho fire is not quenched." 45 And if thy foot oilVnd thee.* cut it off: it is licttcr for thee to enter hall into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched : 46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 47 And if thine eye offend thee,* pluck it out: it is better for thee to cider into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell-iirc: 48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.' 49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.J 50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness," wherewith will ye season it'.' Have salt in yourselves,' and have peace one with another." ver. 43. i vcr. 44, 4(i; Luke l(i:24. J Lev. 2: 13; Ezek. 43:24. k Matt. 6:13; Lukel4:34. 1 Col. 4:6. m Pea. »1:U; 2Cor. 13:11 ; Ueb. 12:14. 50. Wherewith will ye season it ? the man from whose soul the salt of God's grace has perished, is fit only to be salted with the fire of his wrath. Compare Matt. 5:13. Have salt in yourselves; secure the |ireserving iiiHuences of divine grace, that you may be kci)t henceforward from contests for superiority anil from all evil, and live in harmony and peace. INSTRUCTIONS. 1. Tlie assurance of the speedy lrium)>h of the Redeemer is a source of great encouragement to his people, and pre- pares them for all needful labors, hardships, and sacrifices in his cause. 7. The great bnshiess of men is to hear the instructions of Christ, especially those wliicli relate to his sufl'erings and death, aiul so to act as to intluence as many as possible to believe on him, to the salvation of their sinils. 17. Whatever calamities come u|ion children, it is the ]irivilcgc and duly of parenls to ajiply for llieiii to the Saviour; and all their ililiicultics, however grievous or long-continued, he can remove. 'i'i. There is oiten an ini]iortant connection between tho faitli of parents and the blessings which Christ bestows on cliildrcn; and never in this world will children fully know the benefits which their parents, througli earnest applica- tion to, and strong faith in the Hitdeenier, have been insti'U- mental in procuring for them. 34. Desire of ]ire(;minence is a besetfing sin even in mirnsters of tlie gospel. It is an evidence of worldly- niindcdness which their Lord observes and highly disajj- proves, however iniobserved by men. :W. Those who think (hat ;i man cannot be useful because he does not follow Iheni, and wlio are thcrelbre disi>osed to hinder his doing good, dill'er greatly IVdiii .lesns Christ. .And if (Christ works by his serviints in overeoming tho Jiowcr of evil, ami exterminating wicked proixMisities and liabit«, even if forbidden by Christians, they si Iil not, on this account, sus|)ond their labors, or IcsBun their eflorts for the good of men. 4:i. Whatever sacrifices the tloing of the will of God may require, it is wise cheerfully ;in Eph. 4:26. i Matt. 18:10; 1 Cor. 14:'i0; 1 Pet. 2:2; Rev. 11:.5. j Matt. CHAPTER X. 1-12. Divorcement. Matt. 19:1-12. 11. Shalt put away; privately, without just cause, antl without due form of law. Committelh advltery; if a man could not marry another, after he had unjustly put away liiK wife, witliout committing adultery, he could not do it liefore he had put her away. And as adultery was always forbidden, polygamy of course was forbidden. 12. Site commitleth adultenj ; as really as the liusband did ill the other case. Neither has a man right to have two wives, nor a woman two husbands. i;i-16. Christ blessing children. Matt, 19:13-15. 13. Touch lliem ; lay liis hands on them and bless them. 14. Jesus saw it; saw that the disciples disapproved of children being brought to him for his blessing. Of surk IS the kingdom of God; both in this world and in heaven. Matt. 3:2. 15. Receive the kingdom of God ; submit to tlie guidance and government of Christ with the humble and docile spirit of a little child. Matt. 3:2. receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. 16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. 17 If And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him. Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life 1' 18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good ? there is none good but one, that is, God.'' 19 Thou knowest the commandments. Do not commit adultery. Do not kill, Do not steal. Do not bear false witness, Defraud not. Honor thy father and mother.' 20 And he answered and said unto him. Master, all these have I observed from my youth."' 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him. One thing thou lackest:" go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shaft have treasure in heaven:" and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved : for he had great possessions. 23 1 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples. How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God ! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answeroth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into tlie kingdom of Godl^ 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who tlien can be saved? 27 And Je.?us looking upon them saith. With men it is impossible, but not with God : for with God all things arc possible.'' 28 IT Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. 29 And Jesus answered and said. Verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 19:16, etc.; Luke 18:18, etc. k Psa, 86:.5; 119:08. 1 Exod. 20; Rom. 13:9. m Isa. 58:2; Ezek. 33:31, 32; Mai. 3:8; Rom. 7:9; Phil. 3:6. n Jis. 2:10. Matt. 6: 19, 20; Luke 12:33; 10:9. pJob3l:a4; Psa. 52:7; 62: 10; IIab.2:9; 1 Tim. 6:17; Rev. 3:17. q Gen. 18:14; Job 42:2; Jer. 32:17; Luke 1:37. 17-22. The rich young man. Matt. 19:16-22. 23-31. Danger of riches. Matt. 19:23-30. 21. The7i Jesus — loved him ; with tliiit natural affection which good men feel towards amiable youth who are cor- rect in their deportment, though destitute of true religion. One thing thou lackest; that one thing was supreme love to God. 22. Grieved; that this great sacrifice was required of him. Thus liis idolatrous love of wealth was immediatelj- revealed. 24. Tlicm that trust in riches; by these words the Saviour explains the difficulty that lies in the way of a rich man's salvation, which is the e.\treme danger that lie will trust ill his riches ; a danger against which nothing but the abundant grace of God can guard him. 2(i. OvI nf measure ; greatly, exceedingly. 27. With God aft things are possible ; he can bring even a rich miin to renounce his dependence on riches, and to trust in the living God. 29. For mij sake, and the gospel's; from attachment to me and my cause. 1133 \ Chrhl foreleUeth his death. MARK X. Bartivieus receives sig/il. 30 But he shall receive a hundred-fold no-«- in thi? time, liouses, and brethren, and sister?, and niotiicrs, and cliildren, and lauds, with persecu- tions; and in the world to come, eternal life. 31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.'' 32 1 And they were in the way going up to Je- rusalem;'' and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, 33 Sayin-l.''>. P.eriucst ofZel)cdee's Bons. Matt. 20:20-28. 3.5. James and John; their mother, as appears from Mat- thew, spoke for them. •41. Much displeased; the apostles were displeased at the attempts of the sons of Zebedee to obtain superior rank ; and (Jlirist showed them, with much plainness, that it was not his will that such rivalry, or even such pre'eminence among them, sliould exist. 42. IVhich are accounted to rule; who have the title of rulers. 46-52. Blind Bartimeus. Matt. 20:29-34. .50. Casting: awnij his garment ; liis outer garment, that he might more readily go to Jesus. j2. Till) faith hath made thee whole; the blessing which 1134 41 And when the ten heard if, they began a. d.m. to be much displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted' to rule over the Gentiles cxrri'ise lordship over tliem;^ and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you : but wh'v socver will be great among you, shall be your minister:'^ 44 And whosoever of you will lie the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be min- istered unto, but to minister,' and to give his life a ransom for many.'" 46 Tf And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great num- ber of people," blind Bartimeus, the son of Timeus, sat by the highway side begging. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Naz- areth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. 48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal." Thou son of David, have mercy on me.'' 49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.i 50 And he, casting away his garment,'' rose, and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus answered and said unto him. What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. 52 And Jesus said unto him. Go thy way ; thy faith hath made thee whole." And immediately he I'cceivcd his sight, and followed Jesus iu the way. misa. 53:11,12; Dan. 0:2(5; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal.;i:I3; 1 Tim. 2:6; Titu!2:14. n Matt. 20:20 etc.; Luke lS::i5. oto. o Jer. 29:13. P IVa. 02:12. 1 John 11:2'<. r Phil. 3:7-9. ^ Ot, saved ihee. • Mall. 9:22; ch. 5:34. Christ granted is here ascrilied to tlic means of obtaining it, as is often the case in tlie liible. Miittln'W iiK'Utioiis two who were cured. Mark niciitiiiiis but one. He may have been the more dLstiiiguished. j iNsrni;cTroNS. 4. God somotinies sufl'ers things to lake jilaee which are violations of his laws, and gives diroclioiis suitoil to lessen in some measure the evils of those violations, while men wickedly continue to imlulge tliiiii. This, however, is not to V)c interpreted as if lie ajiiiroved of those violations, or does not rerjuire that they should be done ;iway. i:i. Chililrcii frnni their eiirliesl ye;irs nrcd the blessing of Jesus ChriHl, ami he is gre;itly iile;tsed with those iiareiil.-i who fetd this, and bring them to him, in i)rayer and faith. that they mtiy receive it. 21. Persons may be amiable, kind, and moral in their deportment, anil yet not be in he;irt truly pious. .Siu-li persons may at times feel anxious for their salvation, and yet not be willing to make the sacrifices and perform the duties which the gospel ref|uire8. 2.5. (Ureal riches vastly increase the difficulties in the way of a man's salvation ; and so long as the jiossessor trusts in them for liappincss, his salvation is iinjiossiblr'. 27. As find is tible to show rich men that their wialdi belongs to hirn, and that their happiness here, as well as in the futun; world, reijnires them to devote it to his ser- Christ enters Jerusalem. MARK XL The barren fig-tree witheral. A.D.33. CHAPTER XI. 1 Christ rideth with triumph into Jerusalem; 12 curseth the fruitless leafy tree ; 15 purgeth the temple : 20 exhorteth his disciples to stead- fastness of faitli, and to forgive their enemies; 27 and defendeth tiie lawfulness of his actions by the witness of John, wlio was a man sent of Orod. AND when tbey came nigli to Jerusalem, unto Bethpliage and Bethany, at tlie mount of Olive.-!, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, 2 And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him."- 3 And if any man say unto yon. Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of hiin;'' and straightway ho will send him hither. 4 And they went their way, and found the eolt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. 5 And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? fi A.m\ they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded : and they let them go. 7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him ; and he sat upon liim.*^ 8 And many spread their garments in the way ; and others cut down branches off tiie trees, and strewed them in the way. 9 And tliey that went before, and they that fol- lowed, cried, saying, Ilosanna: Blessed is he that Cometh in the name of tlie Lord:** 10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David,'' that coraeth in the name of the Lord : Ilosanna in the highest.'' 11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into tlie temple : and when he hf^d looked round about upon all things,'^ and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. 12 1l And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:" 13 And seeing a fig-tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon : and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves ; ' for the time of figs was not yet. 14 And Jesus answered and said unto it. No a Matt. 21:1, etc.; Luke 19;-29, etc.; John 12:14, etc. b Acts 17:2.5. ':Zcch.fl;9. a I'sa. 118:28. e Isa. 9:7; Jer. .3.'!:15. tPsa. 143:1. B Ezek. 8:9: Zeph. 1:12. h Matt. 21:18, etc. ilsi.5:7. J Dent. 14:2.'5, 20. k Malt. 21:12, etc. ; liUke 19:45, etc. ; John 2:14, etc. ' Or, a house of prayer for all vice, all should pray that God will lead them to do this, and thus honor him and promote their own good and that of their fellow-men. 29. No one makes sacrifices or performs labors in obedi- ence to Christ, and for the purpose of honoring him, with- out receiving great benefits in this world, and greater in the world to come. 37. Those who hope to be great in the kingdom of Christ by being exalted to worldly authority and power, will be sadly disappointed. Their seeking greatness by these means shows that they are governed by the spirit of this worlil, not by the spirit of Thrist. 43. Till' way to be great in the kingdom of Christ is 0]>en to all ; and all who take this way, and perseveringly pursue it, will obtain the prize. CHAPTER XL 1-11. Christ rides into Jerusalem. Matt. 21 : 1-17. 12-11. The fig-tree cursed. Matt. 21:18-22. 13. Any tiling; any of the earlier crop, for the fig-treo man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. 15 lAnd they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers,-' and the seats of them that sold doves ; " 16 And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. 17 And he taught, saying unto them. Is it not written, My house shall be called, of all nations, the house of prayer?"' but ye have made it a den of thieves."' 18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how tjiey miglit destroy him : for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine." 19 And when even was come, he went out of the city. 20 IT And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig-tree dried up from the roots. 21 And Peter calling to remembrance, saith unto him. Master, behold, the fig-tree which thou curs- edst is withered away. 22 And Jesus answering, saith unto them, Have faith in God.^ 23 For verily I say unto you. That whosoever shall say unto this mountain. Bo thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea ; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith." 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.'' 25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any:'' that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your tres- passes. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.'' 27 1 And they come again to Jerusalem : and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, nations' llsa. 50:7. mjer. 7:11. n Matt. 7:2S; oh. 1 :22; Luke 4:32. t Or, Have the faith of God. « Matt. 17:29; Luke 17:(>. 1' Matt. 7:7; Luke 11:9; 18:1: Johnl4:13; 15:7; 1G:24; Jas.l:5,ti. qMatt.6:14; Col.;i:18. rMatt. 18:35. bears crops at different times. Vie time of Jigs; of the crop which this tree might have borne. The ciu-se repre- sented the fate of the barren church-member. 15-19. Traffickers driven from the temple. Matthew 21:12-17. 16. Am/ vessel; any vessel used in or connected with their traliic. 23. Tin's mountain; U\ remove a mountain was a common phrase for the most dillirnlt Ihiiig. Jlc shall hare lehiilsocvrr he saith; the things which, in the name of Christ, under the guidance of his Spirit, and with the faith of miracles, he shall attemjit, he shall accom]ilish; as when Peter said to the lame man, " In the name of .lesus Christ, rise up and walk;" and to Eneas, who had been confined to his bed eight years, "Eneas, Jesus Christ maketh thoo whole." Acts 3:(;; 9:34. ps- soever ye desi, ■a of tiotl, ye si 25, 26. Forgiveness in prayer. Matt. 6:12-15. 27-33. Christ's authority. Matt. 21:2:1-27. 1135 24. What things soever ye desire; in accordance with the will and promises of tiotl, ye shaU receive. Tht priests silefiued. MARK XII. T)i£. wicked husbandmen. 28 And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things ?" and who gave thee this au- thority to do these things?'' 29 And Jesus answered and said unto tliein, I will also ask of you one question,* and answer nie, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men ? answer mc. 31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say. From heaven ; he will say. Why then did ye not believe him ? 32 But "if we j^hall say, Of men: they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.'' 33 And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell.'' And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neitiier do I tell you by what authority I do these things." CHAPTER XII. 1 In a parable of tlie vineyard let out to unthankful husbandmen, Christ foretelleth the reprobation of the Jews, and the calling of the Gentiles. 13 He avoideth the snare of the Pharisees and Hcrodians about pay- ing tribute to Cesar; 18 convinceth the error of the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection; 28 resolveth the scribe, who questioned of the first commandment ; 35 refutcth the opinion that the scribes held of Christ; 3S bidding the people to beware of their ambition and hypocrisy; 41 and commenaeth the poor widow for her two mites, above all. AND he began to speak uuto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set a hedge about it, and digged a place for the wine-fat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.' 2 And at tlie season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husband- men of the fruit of the vineyard." 3 And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. 4 And again he sent unto them another servant ; and at him they cast stones,'' and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully liandJed. .5 And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others;' beating some, and kill- ing some " Num. 16;3. b Matt. 21:23, etc. ; Luke 80:1, etc. • Or, (Am?, c Malt. 3:5, 6; 14:5; ch. 8:21). i Is,!. 1:3; !»:H; J^r. H:7; lira. 4:0. o Liiko 10:21,22. ' Matt. 21:33; Luko 20:9, etc. « Soni; S:ll; Mic. 7:1: Luke 12:48; John 15:1 J^. hHcb. 11:37. I Nch. 9:30; Jor. 7:2.'), etc. 1 Matt. 23:37. k Hcb. 1:1, 2. I Hcb. 13:12. "• Prnv. 1 :24-31 ; Isa. 5:5-7; Dan. INSTRUCTIONS. 2. Christ has a right to all things, because he made all things, and by him all consist. Col. I : IG, 17. IIi- c;iii so influence the hearta of men that they will comply with his wishes, and cheerfully give up their possessions to iiny extent that he may require. 14. Even the vcgetaVjle creation is dependent upon ('hrist. There is not a plant or flower in the garden, not a tree by the wayside, in the orchard, the field, or tin: forest, but will wither away if not supjiortcd by him. 22. Men who have strong and living faith in God, who pray for things agreeable to his will, and which he has promised to grant in answer to pniyer, may confidently expect, in his time and way, to receive them. 25. In order to pray accept.-ibly, we must have a kind and forgiving disposition. If we do not forgive others. our heavenly Father will not forgive uh. To ineulealo this truth, and impress it npon our minds, God has made 1136 6 Having yet therefore one son, his well- a. d. 33. beloved, he sent iiim also last unto them,'' saying. They will reverence my son. 7 But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours. 8 And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.' 9 What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do ? He will come and destroy the husbandmen,'" and will give the vineyard unto others." 10 And have ye not read this scripture; The stone whicli the builders rtjected is become the head of the corner:" 11 This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvel- lous in our eyes ? 12 And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people;'' for they knew that he had spoken the jiarable against them: and they left him, and went their way. 13 1 And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words."" 14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carcst for no man : for thou regardcst not the person of men, but tcachcst the way of God in truth : Is it lawful to give tribute to Cesar, or not? 15 .Shall wo give, or shall we not give ? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny,* that 1 may see it. 16 And they brought it. And he saitli unto them, Wiiose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Cesar's. 17 And Jesus answering said unto them. Render to Cesar the things tliat are Cesar's,'' and to God the things that are God's." And they uiarvclled at him. 18 1 Then come unto him the Sadducees,' which say there is no resurrection;" and they asked him, paying, 1 1) Master, Moses wrote unto us, If'a man's broth- er die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, tliat his brother should lake his wife," and raise up seed unto his brother."' 9:20. Djor.l7:3. » T.a. 118:22. p ch.'.ll:18; John 7::t0. qMalt. 22:15; Luko 20:20, etc. t In valno of our money, 14 cents 4 mills, as Matt. 2*2:19. rMalt. 17:25-27; Rom. 13:7; I Pet. 2:17. "Keel. 5:4,5: ^I:ll. l:fi. l Matt. 22:23; L»ko 20:27, etc. »Acti23:8. » Ruth 1:11, 13. " Deut. 25:8. it our duty daily to pray, " Forgive us our debta, as wo forgive our debtors." Matt. 0:12-15. 29. Pertinent and discriminating questions may lead opposers to see the truth more clearly and feel it more deeply than cogent arguiiieiits or long discussions. Friends of truth who. like Christ, are called to meet opposers, may wisely imitate him by ;isl-22. 17. 77/f 1/ nxirvcllcd lU him ; on account of his wisdom in 60 easily and completely avoiding their snares. 18-27. Denial of the resurrection. Matt. 22:23-3:i. Tin Iwo great commands. MARK XII. The wicloto's two miles. AD. 33. 20 Now, there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. 21 And tlie second took licr, and died, neither left he any seed : and the third likewise. 22 And tlie seven had her, and left no seed : last of all the woman died also. 23 In the resurrection therefore, when they shall i-ise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. 24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scrip- tures, neither the power of God ? 25 For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage ; but are as the angels whidi are in heaven.'' 26 And as touching the dead, that they rise; have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob ?'^ 27 He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye tlierefore do greatly err."" 28 W And one of the scribes came, and having lieard them reasoning together, and ])erceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which )3 the first commandment of all ?"^ 29 And Jesus answered him. The first of all the oommandments is, Hear, Israel ; Tiie Lord our God is one Lord:'' 30 And tliou shalt love the Lord tliy God with all tliy heart, and witli all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first conunandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.' There is none i>thcr commandment greater than these. 32 And the scribe said unto him. Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but h.e:^ • 1 Cor. 15:42-53. b Exod. 3:15. c vir. 24. d Mitt. 22:35. e Deut. 0:4, 5; Luke 10:27. I Lev. 1>):1S; Mitt. 22:39; Rom. 13:9. e Deut. 4:39; Isa. 45:5, 0, 14; 40:9. h 1 Sara. 15:32; llos. 6:6; Mic. 6:6-3. i Malt. 22:40. ) Matt. 22:41 ; Luke 20:41, etc. k 2 Sam. 23:2; 2 Tim. 3:16. 1 Psa. 110:1. ■ 26. 7ri Mc iM,«A.,- the burning bush. Exod. 3:6. 27. Do i^rcatly err ; in denying tlio resurrection of the body, which, according to their views, implied also that the soul docs not live after death. 28. First commandment of all; the greatest and most im- portant. 29. One Lord; other nations worshipped many gods, but .lehovah, the God of Israel, was the one only living and true God. 31. Neiglihor; fellow-man. Tliere is none other command- ment greater than these; rightly understood, they compre- hend the substance of true religion. 33. Is more; more valuable than all merely external ob- servances. 34. Discreetlu; like one who had right views of religion. Not far from tKe kingdom of God; because he rightly appro- horiiled its spiritual nature, and what the service of God required of him. :!r)-37. (Jhrist David's son and Lord. Matt. 22:41-40. :;8-4n. Warning against hypocrisy. Matt. 23:1-12. 1]. The treasury; the ijlace for money to defray the ex- penses of the temple service. 42. Two mites; a very small sum. 4:!. More in, than all they; more in proportion to her means— more for her, and more in God's estimation, than all they had given was for them. 33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.'' 3-i And when Jesus saw that he answered dis- creetly, he said unto him. Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.' 35 IT And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David V 36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost," Tlie Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy foot- stool.' 37 David tlierefore himself calleth him Lord ; and whence is he then his son ? And the common people heard him gladly. 38 IT And he said unto them in his doctrine," Be- ware of the scribes, which love to go in long cloth- ing, and love salutations in the market-places, 39 And the chief seats in the synagogues," and the u])permost rooms at feasts:" 40 Which devour widows' houses,'' and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. 41 ITAnd Jesus sat over against tlie treasury," and beheld how the peojile cast money* into the treasury : and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites,* which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them. Verily I say unto you. That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:'' 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance;" but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.' ■n cti. 4:2. n Luke 11:43. o Matt. 23:1; Luke 20:40, clo. p 2Tim. 3:n. 4 Luke 21:1, etc. ' Gr. a piece of brass money; see Matt. 10:9. t A seventh partof that piece of brass money. r2Cor.H:2 12. s 1 Chr. 29:3, 17; 2Chr. 24:10. t Deut. 24:0. INSTRUCTIONS. 1. As God is the giver and o\vner of all our possossions, common honesty requires that they sliould be employed in his service. 9. A day of reckoning is coming, when Christ will call all men to account for the manner in which they have used the things which he intrusted to them, and will render to each according to his works. 17. As human government is an ordinance of God, and magistrates are his ministers to execute so much of lifs wrath against evil-doers as is needful to protect tliosc who do well, it is his will that men who enjoy the bene- fits of goverimient should pay for its support. Magistrates have a right to compensation for their services, and it is as really wicked to defraud the government as it is to defraud individuals. 24. Wicked men often think that the difiieulties which they suggest, against revelation justify them in rejecting it. But a better actpiaintanco with the word of (lod would show them their folly, and the wisdom of those who re- ceive and obey it. 34. Some persons are much nearer the kingdom of (Jod than others. Correct views of his character and require- ments, with a just estimate of internal rectitude and pu- rity, compared with fxternal observances, tend to prepare ll;n Deslriiciicn of the temple. MARK XIII. Persecutions for the gcsjcl. CHAPTER XIII. 1 Christ foretelleth the destruction of the temple; 9 the persecutions for the gospel ; 10 that tlie gospel must be preaclied to all iialions ; 14 that great calamities shall happen to the Jews; 2-1 and the manner of his coming to judgment: 3:^ ihe hour whereof being known to none, every man is to watch and pray, that we be not found unprovided, when he cometh to each one particularly by deatii. AND as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, blaster, see what manner of stones and what Imildiiigs are here!'^ 2 And Jesus answering said unto liim, Seest thou these great buildings? tlierc shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." 3 1 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 Tell us, when shall these things be ? and what shall he the sign when all these things shall be ful- filled ? 5 And Jesus answering them, began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:"^ 6 For many shall come in my name,'' saying, I am Christ ; and shall deceive many. 7 And when ye shall iiear of wars and rumors of wars, Ije ye not troubled:" for such things must needs be ; but the end shall not he yet. 8 For nation shall rise against nation, and king- dom against kingdom: and there sliail bo earth- quakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.' 9 1i But take heed to yourselves : for they shall deliver you up to councils ; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten:'' and ye shall be brought be- fore rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. 10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations." 11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate : but whatsoever siiall be given you in tiiat hour, tliat s])eak ye : for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Clhost." 12 Now, the l)r<)ther shall betray tli<^ lirotlier to death, and tlie father the sou; and ciiildren shall rise up against their parents and shall cause them to be put to death.' 13 And ye shall be hated of all 7nen for my name's sake:' but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.'' • Matt.2l:l,i!tc.; I,uko 21 : 5. etc. b ],uk» 10;44. <: Jcr. '^ib; Eph. .'):!!; 2Then. a:3; Rpv. aJiIiS. d ArU 5:3«-31); lJohn4:l. • P«l. •J7;:l; 40:1, 2: Prov. 3:2-5; John 11:1, 27, ' Tlia word, in the original, importolh l/ie minsof awomnninirannil. fMalt. I0:l7,olc.; Ilcv.li:IO. * ^latt. 'i*!:!!); Rev. M:0. !• AcU 2:1 ; 4:r<,.'n ; 0:10. 1 Mic. <;«. J Luko «:'J2; John 17:11. the mind for the reception of ChriBt, and for the devotion of heart and life to his service. 41. .Icsus Christ is witness to what each one does for his cause. From the privilege and benefit of giving fur the promotion of it, none, however poor, need he dclwr- red. Tlie value of their gifts in his estimation, and their reward, will depend not so much on the amount as on (lie proportion which they give, and their motives in giving. f'll A I'TKl; XIII. The reader shnuld hiTf consult tlie introductory note to the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew. 1-R. Destruction of the teinpli'. Matt. 24:1-R. L Manner of stones ; stones that were used in the build- 1138 14 1 But when ye shall see the abomina- a.d.ss. tion of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet,' standing where it ought not, (let him Unit readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judea flee to the mountains; 15 And let him that is on the house-top not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house : 10 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. 17 But woe to them that arc with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 18 And pray ye that your fliglit be not in tlio winter. 11) For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.'" 20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no ilesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath eliosen, he hath short- ened the days. 21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, JjO, /ic m there ; believe A/??; not:" 22 For false Christs and false ])ro])Iicts shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. 215 But take ye heed:" behold, I have foretold you all things. 24 1 But in those days, after that tribulation," the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25 And the stars of heaven shall fall,'' and the powers that are in heaven shall be shak(;n. 2(') And then shall they see tlie Sun of man com- ing in the clouds with great- ]iower and glory."' 27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from tiie four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the utter- most part of heaven. 28 Now learn a parable of the fig-tree: 'WHicii her branch is yet tender, and pultetli forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: 21) So ye in like nuinner, when ye siiall see these tilings conic to jiass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. 30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. 31 Heaven and eartii shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away." k Dan. 12:12; Rev. 2:10. 1 Dan. 0:27. m Dan. 12:1 ; Joi-1 2:2. n Luk« 17:23. o2l'ct. 317. P Dan. 12:1 ; Zcpti. 1:15-17. q I.a. 13:1U; 21:20, 23; Jer. ■I:a'<; 2 Pet. 3:10, 12; Hev. 0:12-1-1; 20:11. r Dan. 7:9-14; Matt 10:27; 21:30; ch. M:U2; Actal:ll; 1 Thou. 4:10; 2 ThoM. 1:7,10; Aav. 1:7. MKa. 40;«. ing of the temple. These were immensely large. Jose- phus the Jewish historian, who lived at that time, says some of them were twenty-five cubits long, eight thick, and twelve hroad. 4. When nil llirsclliinfrsstitilthe fulfilled; Ihelhiiigs which he had prcilictcd. 'J~2:i. IVrsecntions foretold. Matt. 24:!)-m II. 'J'dlcc no Ihoufrhl ; avoid anxiety. Ncilhcr do yn pre- mrdilitir; you need not pri'jiare your defence licliinhand. Tlip llnhj (ihosi ; he shall teach ymi what to say, and through you shall speak the right things in the right way. 21-:51. Christ's coming. Matt, 2t:2'.)-.35. .'to. All tlicielliiiif^s; the things about whicli he had bcou speaking. Chrisl's second comin";. MARK XIV. He is anoinUd at Bethany. A. D. 33. 32 1" But of that clay and that iiour know- eth no man, uo, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. 33 Take ye heed, watch and pray : for ye know not when the time is." 3-i For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and com- manded the porter to watch. 35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at mid- niglit, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning: 36 Lest coming suddenly ho iind you sleeping.'' 37 And what I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch.'= CHAPTER XIV. 1 A conspiracy against Christ. 3 Precious ointment is poured on his liead by a wom:in. 10 JinJas selletti liis I^Iaster for money. 12 Christ himself foretelleth how he shall be betrayed by one of his disciples; '22 after the passover prepared, and eaten, instituteth his supper; 26 declareth aforehand the flif;ht of all his disciples, and Peter's denial. 43 Judas betrayeth him with a kiss. 46 He is apprehended in the garden, 53 falsely accused, and impiously condemned by the Jews' council ; 6-5 shamefully abused by them ; Q^ and thrice denied by Peter. AFTER two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread : and the chief priests and the scribes souglit how they might take liiin by craft, and put him to death. 2 But they said. Not on the feast-rfay, lest there be an uproar of the people. 3 1 And being in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster-box of ointment of spikenard* » Matt. HAI; 25:13; Luke 13:411; 21:34; Rom. 13:11, 12; 1 Thess. 5:6; Rer. Hi: 15. b Matt. 25:5. c ver. 33, 3a. * Or, pure nard, or liquid imrd. d Matt. 26:6, etc.; Luke 7:37; John 12:1, etc. f See Matt. 18:2b. e Deut. 32. Neither the Son ; it was said to Mary, " The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee ; therefore " — on account of his miraculous conception by the power of God — " that holy thing," or child, '• shall be called the Son of God." Luke 1:33. The Son, as born of the Virgin Mary, or as man, might be said, in truth, not to know many things which the Word, who " was in the beginning witli God, and was God," did know. John 1 : 1-3. The day here spoken of was one of those things which the Son, as man, in the sense in which it is said, he " increased in wisdom," Luke 2:.'>2, did not know; as man, he neither knew, nor was commissioned to make it known. Nothing but the event would reveal it. 33. Watdi and pray ; Matt. 24:42-44. 35. Tlie master of the house; who here represents Jesus Christ. 36. Sleeping; unprepared to meet him. 37. Watch ; that when your Lord shall come, you may be rcadv. LVSTRUCTIONS. 1. The most firm and stable earthly structures are but temporary, and the most enduring earthly possessions (•ome to :in end. No one therefore should look to them as Ins chief good, or trust in them for happiness. ' 13. It is through much tribul;ition th;it Christians niusi enter tlie kingdom of God. Hut they should not be anx- ious. Let them bo found at all times in the path of duty, and wlieii trials come they may expect to be prepared for them. God will suffer no caUvmities to come upon them, except tliose which he will overrule for the advancement of his glory and their highest good. 14. Men must not only jmiy that God would help them, but they must make efforts to help Ihemsclves. God au- very precious ; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.'' 4 And there were some that had indignation within tliemselves, and said. Why was this waste of the ointment made ? 5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence,* and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. 6 And Jesus said. Let her alone ; why trouble ye her ? she hath wrought a good work on me. 7 For ye have tlie poor with you always,"" and wliensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. 8 She hath done what she could : she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. 9 Verily I say unto you. Wheresoever this gos- pel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her. 10 1 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto tiie chief priests, to betray him unto them.'' 11 And wlicn they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money." And he sought how he might conveniently betray him. 12 1 And the first day of unleavened bread,*" when they killed* the passover, his disciples said unto him. Where wilt thou that we go and pre- pare, that thou maycst cat the passover ? 13 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples,' and saith unto them. Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water : follow him. 14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the 15:11. < Malt. 26:14, etc.; Luke 22:3, etc.; John 13:2. e 1 Kings 21:20; Prov. 1:10-16. h Bxod. 12:8, etc. t Or, sacrificed, i oh. 11:2, 3: Heb. 4:13. swers prayer in such a way as to encourage the perform- ance of duty, not the neglect of it. 23. The minuteness and accuracy with which Jesus Christ foretold the events which preceded the destiniction of Jerusalem, and the perfect fultilment of his predictions with regard to it, arc conclusive evidences that he is " the faithful and true Witness " — that when the word has gone out of his mouth, it standeth for ever. See Psalm 33: 11 ; Isa. 46:9-11. 35. As wo know not the time of oirr death, and no man can reveal it to us, duty and interest require that wci should so live as to be always ready. Then, whether wo die suddenly or after lingering illness, no sooner shall wo be " absent from the boily," than we shall be " jirescnt with the Lord," beholding his glory and rejoicing in the fulness of his love. CHAPTER XIV. 3-9. Christ's head anointed. M;itt. 26:1-13. 5. Three hundred pence; in the (ireek, three hundred denarii. The denarius is commonly estimated at about fifteen cents. Three hundred denarii, then, would be about forty-five dollars. 8. She linth done wliat slie could ; showed her love in the best wav in her power. 10, II." Judas selleth his i\faster. Matt. 26:14-16. 12-16. Passover prepared. M;itt. 26: 17-19. 12. Kdled the passover ; killed the lamb th;it w;is eaten on that oec;ision. 13. The cilij ; Jerusalem. 14. Goodman; the nnister of the liouse. Guest-chamber: a spare room for the use of visitors. It was customary at the time of the jiassover to keep such rooms ready fur- nished for the accommodation of strangers. 1139 The Lord^s suffer. MARK XIV. Tlie agony in the garden. good man of the house, The Master saith,* Where is the gucst-chatnber, wliere I shall cat the pass- over ■with my disciples?'' 15 And he will show you a large upper room furnished and prej)ared : there make ready for us. 16 And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them:"' and they made ready the passover. 17 And in the evening he cometli with the twelve. 18 And as they sat and did cat. .lesus said. Ver- ily I say unto you, One of you which catcth witli mc shall betray me."' 19 And they began to bo sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I ? and another said. Is it I? 20 And he answered and said unto them, // is one of tiie twelve, that dip])ctli with mc in the dish. 21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: lait woe to that man l)y whom the Son of man is lietrayed ! good were it for that man if lie had never been born." 22 ^ And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them,' and said, Take, eat;*-' this is my body. 23 And he took the cup. and when he had given thanks, he gave it io them : and they all drank of it. 24 And he said unto them. This is my Idood of the new testament,'' wliich is shed for many. 25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day tiiat I drink it new in the kingdom of God.' 20 ^ And when they had sung a hymn," they went out into the moimt of Olives. 27 And Jesus saith unto them. All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is writ- ten,! will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.^ 28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.'' 29 But I'etcr said unto him, Although all shall be offcnrlcd, yet tnill not i.' 30 And Jesus saith unto lain, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, cvni in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny mc thrice. 31 But he spake the more vehemently. If I should die with llice, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. 32 And they came to a place which was named Gethscmane:'" and he saith to his disciples. Sit ye here, while I shall pray. 33 And he takcth with him Peter and James and > John II :2:<: 13:1.1. ■>IUv.3:SU. c John IO:'l. ' Pu. 41:0; SS:I^ 14. • Mitt. 18:0,7. f Matt. 28:26, etc. ; Luko -ia: 10; 1 Cor. Il:'«,ctc. IT John «:4.'^'>-5. •• John «:.W; 1 Cor. 10:10. .> Joel S-.IH; Aino. 0:1.), 11 • Or, ;;M/m. J Zfch. 1.1:7. k ch. 10:7. I Matt. 20;M, 34 ; l.uko •.-i-.-yi, ;jl ; .Win 13:37, 38. " MiU. 20:30, etc. ; Luko 22:30, nlo. ; John IH: I, clo. » John 17-31. Tlie last supper. Sfatt. 2fi: 20-3.5. 32-40. Agony in tho garden. Matt. 2fi::{G-.'>0. 36. Ahlm; a Syriac word, meaiiiiiB, Father. TItis nip; the siiffcririKs that were before liirn. ■II. Sleep on tiow — it 1.5 enrniph ; Home take the first clause interrogatively: Do ye now sleep on in such cirenm- Htances? it is enough tli;it ye have slept, etc. Others take the first elairno ironirally. and the second earnestly: Sleep on now. if ye can in siicli cirenmBtances, etc. Others still take the first clause iierniissively, as much as to say, .My season of praver when I desired vou to watch is ended : 1140 John, and began to be sore amazed, and to a 11.33. be very heavy ; 34 And saith nnto them. My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death:" tarry ye here, anil watch. 35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him." 30 And he said, Abba, Father,'' all things arc possible unto thee; take away this cup IVom mc: nevertheless, not what 1 will,l)ut what thou wilt.'' 37 And ho comi'th, and iindeth thcMn sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepcst thou? cotdd- est not thou watch one hour? 38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temp- tation. The spirit truly is ready, but the fle.sh is ^\■cakJ 39 And again he went away, and ])raycd, and S])akc tlie same words. 40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy:) neither wist tliey what to answer him. 41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them. Sleep on now, and take yoxir rest: it is enough, the hour is come ;" ))ehold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise up, lot us go; lo, he that bctrayctii mc is at hand. 43 1 And immediately, while he yet spake, com- eth Judas, one of the twelve,' and with him a great multitude with swords and staves," from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.'' 44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying. Whomsoever 1 shall kiss," that same is he; take him, and lead /li/n away safely. 45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straight- way to him, and saith, Master, Master ;" and kis.scd him. 46 And they laid theirhandsonhim, and tookhim. 47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high-priest, and cut oil' his ear. 48 And Jesus answered and said unto them. Arc ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take mc? 49 I was daily with yon in the tcm^jle teaching, and ve took me not: Init the scrii)tures must be fullilled.>' 5(1 jVnd they all forsook him, and fled.' 51 And there followed him a certain young man. having a linen cloth cast about iris naked body ; and the young men laid hold on him: 12:27. oHBb.3;7. p Rom. 8:15; G.il. 4:0. q P.a. 40:8; .lohn 4:34 ; S:.!!); 0:3^,30; 18:11; I'hil. 2:S. r Horn. 7: IH-25; Oal.S;17. •Jolin7::W| H:20; 13:1. I Mall. 20:47; Lnko22:47,etc.; John l8:3,i-lc, " I'.a. 3; 1. 2. » I'-a 2:2. » 2Kam.2U:U; IVa..'>3:21; Prov. 27:0. « Liiko 0:4(1. y I'na. 22:1, etc.; Iia.53:3, «to. ; I.uko 24:44. « P«a. BS:8; l.a. 03:3; vcr. 27. sleep on for the rest of the time before the betrayer comes. And then, after a pause, as he sees .Tudas coming. It \n enough tliat you have slept, etc. The latter is pcrliajm the jireferable view. V>. Miisirr, Master; iipiiearing lo acknowledge him as his Lord, and to be rejoicid to see him. 40. Tlir scriptures must lie fiilfiUeil ; those Hcrilitiires wlii( li forelohl that he would be tiiken and ]iiit to diittli. .10. All fnrsnoli Inm, iind fteit ; all the diseiplcH, h'St Ihc^y should be taken also. t>\. A certain yoting man; who this young man was wo Christ before tU high-priest. MARK iV. Peter denies him, and repents. A. D. 33. 52 And lie left the linen cloth,^ and fled from them naked. 53 T And they led Jesus away to the high- priest:'' and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and tlic scribes. 5-1 And Peter followed him afar oif, even into the palace of the higii-priest : and he sat with the servants, and warmed liimself at the fire. 55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death ; and found none. 56 For many bare false witness against him,"^ but tiieir witness agreed not together. 57 And there arose certain, and bare false wit- ness against him, saying, 58 We heard liim say, I will destroy tliis temple that is made with hands, and within tliree days I will build another made witiiout hands.'' 59 But neither so did their witness agree to- gether. 60 And the high-priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou notli- ing? what is it vhich these witness against tliee?'' 61 But he held his peace, and answered notli- iug.'' Again tlie higli-priest asked him, and said unto him. Art tliou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed ? 62 And Jesus said, I am : and ye shall sec the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of lieaveu.'"' 6o Then the higli-priest rent his clothes,'' and saith, What need we any further witnesses? 64 Ye have heard the blasphemy : Avhat think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death. 65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover 1). b Malt. '^6:57, etc.; Lukea2:.5), etc.; John 18:13,eto. c Psa. . 15:20; John 2:19. e Matt. 20:62, etc. f Psa. 39:9; Isa. 53:7: r T\-.^ T. 1 O . IX.T^if O 1 .O/i . .1/;. i; I . T ..!._ •!.». nri . -n ^.. i m w i _ iiCh. 13:1G. 3j: II. d ch. 1j; .;:», juiiii ^.iit. V lYiuiu. :;u;u:i, blo. ' raa. oy: y ; isa. aj: / ; lPet.2:S3. 5Din.7:I3; Matt. 24:30; 20:04 ; Luke22:69; Rev. 1:7. h Isa. have no means of knowing. He had perliaps been awak- ened by the tumult, hastily left his bed, cast a loose cov- eiMng over him, and joined the crowd. Young men; the soldiers or servants. Lnid Imld on him ; seized him, as if he were one of Christ's disciples. 55. T/ic council; the sanhedrim, which was the highest Jewish tribunal. Found none; none that testified in such a manner as to answer their purpose. 58. Made with hands ; tliis was not true. What he did say, and what he meant, is stated John 2:19-21. ii'J. Oacoflhfm; one of the disciples of Jesus. 70. Thij speecli agreeth thereto; he spoke like a Galilean. INSTRUCTIONS. 1. When men's hearts are set upon doing mischief, their minds will be fruitful in resources to accomplish it. In doing evil, as well as in doing good, it is generally true, that ■' where there is a will, there is a way." :J. Love is fruitfid in ways of expressing itself towards the object beloved. That which would be thought by otlicrs cpiite too expensive, and requiring too much seli- denial, is performed, under the influence of true affection, with alacrity and delight. 4. Persons may bo in the same society, and yet their liearts bo going out towards totally different objects. Alary, in the fervor of love (in- the Saviour, was anointing him with very prcciotis ointment, while Judas was saying, "\Vhercfore is this waste?" and preparing to go to liis murderers with the question, "What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you ?" Surely, " He will sep- arate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his aheep from the goats." his ftxce, and to buffet him, and to say unto him. Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their iiands.' 66 *lf And as Peter was beneath in the pal- ace, there cometh one of the maids of the high- priest : 67 And wlien slic saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.^ 68 But he denied,'' saying, I know not, neither understand I wliat thou sayest. And he went out into the porcli ; and the cock crew. 69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, Tliis is one of them. 70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they tliat stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them : for tiiou art a Galilean,' and thy speech agreeth thereto. 71 But lie began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of wliom ye speak. 72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind tlie word tliat Jesus said unto iiim. Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.*"' CHAPTER XV. 1 Jc'sus brought bound, and accused before Pilate. 1-5 Upon the clamor ot tlie common people, the murderer Barabhas is loosed, and Jesus delivered up to be crucified. 17 He is crowned with thorns, 19 spit on, and moclced: 21 fainteth in bearing his cross: 27 liangeth be- tween two thieves: 29 sufferetli tlie triumphing reproaches ot the Jews; 39 but is confessed by the centurion to be the Son of Crod; -iVj and is honorably buried by Joseph. AND straightway in tlie morning the chief priests held a consultation with tlie elders and scribes, and tlie whole council, and bound 37:1. i Isa. 50:0; ch. l.J:19. J Malt. 20:69, etc.; Luke 22:5.5, etc.; John 18:16,eto. k 2 Tim. 2:12, 13. I Acts 2:7. ' Ot, he weft abundantly, ot ht Ije^an to loeep. ni 2 Cor. 7:10. 19. The thought of being instrumental in betraying Jesus Christ, and injuring his cause, is painfid to his friends, and should lead them to earnest prayer and vigorous effort, that they may be kept from the commission of such dread- ful sin. 23. The "fruit of tlie vine " is a proper element with which to celebrate the Lord's supper. It is a representa- tion of his blood, which was shed for many for the remis- sion of sins. All his friends should drink of it, in kind and grateful remembrance of him. 29. Great self-confidence in a disciple of Christ is the forerunner of a speedy downfall. "He that trusteth his own heart is a fool." Prov. 2S:2(;. :15. The most earnest desires and fervent jirayers for deliverance from evils are entirely consistent with perfect resignation to the will of (iod with regard to them. 50. In times of great danger, our dependence cannot safely be placed on men ; not even on good men. They cannot trust themselves. Their good resolutions may vani.sh, and their courage die. There is no safe depend- ence but on God. G8. No one knows to what depths of iniquity a good n1an,when left to himself, will fall. He may deny his best friend, desert his greatest benefactor, and even testifj- and swear to a known lie. \V'ere it not for the grace of (lod, he would never rise, but sink lower and lower in wicked- ness and woe for ever. CHAPTER XV. 1-20. Christ before Pilate. Matt. 27:1-31; Luke 23:1- 25; John 1«:28 to 19:16. lUl Christ is condemned, MARK XV. moc/ixd, and crucified. Jesus, aud carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.^ 2 And Pilate asked him, Art thou tlio King of the Jews? And he answering, said unto him, Thou saycst it. 3 And the chief priests accused him of many things ; but he answered notliing. 4 And Pilate asked hiui again, saying, Answerest thou notliing? behold how many things they wit- ness against thee. 5 But Jesus yet answered nothing;'' so that Pilate marvelled. 6 1 Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired."^ 7 And tlicrc was one named Barabbas, which lay bound witli them tliat had made insurrection with liim, who had committed murder in the insurrec- tion. 8 And tlic multitude crying aloud, began to de- sire him to do as he liad ever done unto tlicm. y But Pilate answered tiicm, saying. Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews ? 10 For he knew tliat the chief priests had deliv- ered liim for envy.'' 11 But the chief priests moved tlic people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto tlicm."" 12 Anil Pilate answered, and said again unto them, What will yo then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?' 13 And they cried out again, Crucify him. 14 Then Pilate said imto them. Why, what evil hath he done?*' And they cried out the more c.x- ci'edingly. Crucify liini. 15 II And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Baral)ba3 unto them, and delivered .Jesus, when he had scourged him, to bo crueilied. IG And the soldiers led him away into the hall," called Pretorium ; and they call together the whole band. 17 And they clothed him with purple, and plat- ted a crown of tliorns, and jiut it about his licad, 18 And began to salute him. Hail, King of the Jews ! 19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him,' and bowing their knees, worshijiped liim. 20 And when they had mocked him.J they took oil" the purple from him, and jiut his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him. 21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who 'Va.'i.i; M,H(,'i7:l, tie ; Luki) 83rl, olc, ; John IRri'f, ch. I4:6S. J Job 13:0; Pia. 35:10; Matl. -^9:19; oh. IO:.'M; Luko 3:2:113; 10. Envy; the iiiioasiiness which they felt at liie superior excellence and iniTcaHinj; influence. IG. Prclornim; the hall where the Koman governor, or praetor, held liin court. 19, A reed; the recti, cir Btaff, which, in derision, they had put into his hand as a m.ejitrc". IVorshippetl liim ; proH- trated thenisolves in deri»ion, or bowed before him, as fcubjects do before their kinp. 21-39. The crucifixion. Matt. 27:32-04. 23. Ifinf; .Matthew says vinegar. It was probably wine which was soiirod, and might be called by either name. Mingled with myrrh ; see note on Matt. 27:34. 1142 passed by, coming out of the country, the a.d. 33. father of Ale.xander and Rufus, to bear his cross. 22 And they bring hiui unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The jilace of a skull.'' 23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh : but he received it not. 24 li And when they had crueilied him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them,' what every man should take. 25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. 26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over. Till': KING OF THE JEWS. 27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. 28 And the scripture was fullillcd, which saith, » And he was numbered with tli(^ trani^gre.s.sors.'" 29 lAiid they that ])assed by railed on him," wagging their heads, and saying. Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,"" 30 Save thyself, and come down from the cross. 31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking, said among themselves with the scribes, Ho saved oth- ers; himself he cannot save. 32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now frtun the cross, that we may see and l)elicve.'' And they that were crueilied with him reviled him. 33 TAnd when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.'' 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?'' 35 And some of them that stood by, when thcj heard it, said. Behold, he calleth Elias. 36 And one ran and filled a sponge full of vine- gar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink," saying. Let alone ; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down. 37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave u]) tlio ghost.' 38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. 39 1 And when the centurion which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Trulv this man was the Son of God. 40 There were also women looking on afar olT:" 23:11, .38. k Matt. 27:33. oto. ; I,uk« 23:33, plc; John 10:17, .l.-. I Piia. ■tl:\». ml.a. 53:12. » r«a. 22:7. o oil. l-i:.')3; .tcihii 2: IB. P linm. 3:3; 2 Tim 2:13. q Matt. 27:4.'! ; I.ukn 23:44. ' I'.a 22:1; 42:0; 71:11; I.am. 1:12. 'Pia. 09:21. ■ Matt. 27:50; Luko 23:40; John 10:30. u] John 15:27; Heb. 2:3; 1 I'ct. 5:1; 2 Pet. 1:10; 1 John 1:1: b Rom. CHAPTER I. 1. Many have taken in hand to set forth ; others wrote accouiit.s of the times besiiles the four evangelists wliose histories have onme down to us, but tliesc were the only men designated by (!od for the instnietion of the world in all a!;es in respect to our Lord's life and teaehiiiRs, and insjiired by the Holy Ghost for the right accomplish- ment of this work. Among us; among the Christians then living. 2. T7ici/; the persons who wore cyc-witnesscB. From the 2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from tiie beginning were eye-witnesses," and min- isters of the word j"" 3 Itscemedgoodtome also, having had pcrfectun- derstanding of all things from thevery first. to write unto thee in order,"^ most e.xcellcnt 'rheopiiilus,* 4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things wherein thou hast been instructed." 15:10; Kph.S;7; 4:11, 13. <:Aclsll:4. J Acts 1:1. e John 20:31. beginning; the beginning of the things which they describ- ed. Ministers of the word; prc;xchers of the gasiiel. 3. Tome; Luke, the writer of this gosjiel. IJaring Iiad perfect understanding ; literally, liavmg gone to the source, and accurately traced every thing from the first. l\Iost exccUcnt ; a title of honor given to men in ofKce. Acts 23:2(i; 24:3; 2G:2r). Tlienphttus ; friend of God : supposed to be the name of a distinguished individual of Luke's acqiiaintiinco. 4. Those things ; the things pertaining to Christ and the gospel. 1145 The vision of Zacharias. LUKE I, Gabriel appears to Mary. 5 "Ii T^HERE was in the days of Herod," the J_ king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia:'' and his wile was of tlie daughters of Aaron, and her name icas Elisabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God,'' walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.'' 7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren ; and they both were now well stricken in years. 8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the j)riest's office before God in the order of his^course, 9 According to the custom of the priest's ohice, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord." 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. "^ 11 And there appeared unto liim an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.'' 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troub- led, and fear fell upon him." 13 But the angel said unto him. Fear not, Zach- arias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elis- abeth shall bear thee a son, and thou slialt call his name John.' 14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.-* 15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord," and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink;' and he shall be fdled witii the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.'" 16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their fJod. 17 And he shall go Ijcfore him in the spirit and power of Elius," to turn tlie hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to' the wis- dom of the just; ° to make ready a people prepar- ed for the Lord."* 18 And Zacharias said unto the angel. Whereby » Matt. 2: . b 1 Chr. 2 :1( : Nnh. I-, ^-l, 17. c G-n 7 1 1 1 Km ?s 'J;l; o King. 20:3 •1 1 Cor. 11 2; Phil. 3:(i. e EloJ. 30:- 1 ^■ f I,ev. 10:17. I Exod. 30: ; Rov. H:3 4. b Juilg. 13:22 ver. 211. i ver. 611, (►!. J vpr. 5S. k ch. 7. •iri. 1 Nuni . (!:3. "» Jcr. 1 :5. » Mai. 4 5, iMatl. 11:11; 6. Course of Abia ; the priests were divided into twenty- four courses or classes. 1 Chron. 21:7-18. Each (jflici- ated a week, from one Sabbath to the next. Tlie course of Aliia, to which Zacharias beloiiKcd, was the eighth in order. iCIiron. 24:10. Abia in Greek is tlie same as Abijah in Ileltrew. 9. His lot was — temple of tlie Lord ; more literally, he was chosen by lot to burn incense going into the temple of tlic Lord ; that is, to go into the temple of the Lord to burn incense. The ofliie of burning incense was esteemed tlic most honorable of all. It was assigned by lot for each day among the priests of the course, and no person cuuld perform it more tlian once. II. Anf^el if the Lord; it had been about four hundred years since (iod had sent the Jews a prophet, or made In them any direct revelation. .Malaclii was the last, and with him the OM Test;»ment revelation closed. As tlii^ Messiah was about to ajipear, divine communications were again opened, and this angel was sent to announce his approach, the birth of his forerunner, and what he would do to " prepare the way of the I.rf)rd." I?,. John ; the meaning of this word is, tho grace of the Lord, or Jehovah is gracious. 15. Stiatl drink neither wine nor strong drink; he was to 1146 shall I know this ? for I am an old man, .i.^h yM??erI.» and my wife well stricken in years.' iS'AmJo'itom.'il: 19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel,'' that stand in tlie presence of God : and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings.' 20 And behold, thou shalt be dumb,' and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fuUilled in their season. 21 And the jieople waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the teiiiiilo ; for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. 23 And it came to pass, that as soon as the days of his ministration were accomjilishcd, he departed to his own house. 24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth con- ceived, and hid luM-self live months, saying, 2o Thus hath the Lord dealt with mo in the days wherein he looked on mc, to take away my re- proach among men." 26 IT And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joscjjh,'' of the house of David ; and the vir- gin's name ivas Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored,'"' tlie Lord is with thee:"' blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw^ him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, JIary: for thou hast i'ouiid favor with God. 31 And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.^ Mark9:12.13. 'Or, by. o l>i.a. Ill :I(1. PlI'ot.2:n. qGcn. 17:17. rDan. »:l(i; ver. 20. ■ Hcl). 1:M. I Ez"k. 3:20. u G™. 30:23; 1 Sam. 1:8; In. .54:1,4. V Matt. 1 : 18. ^ Or, i^rafiously accepted, ot much i;rattd. w Dan. 9:23. ijudg. 0:12. y I«l. 7: 14 ; Matt. 1:21. be under tho law of the Nazarites from his birth, like Samson. Judg. II!: 17, compared with Num. (J:I-(;. 17. Go before him; before "the Lord their (iod." Lithe spirit and power nfElias; with the zeal and iiiticiiidity of Klijah, as jiredicted by -Maiiichi, .Mai. i:C>. Turn the hearts of the fathers to the children; see note on Aliil. 4 :(>. I'rcparcd fw t/ic Lord; prepared to receive ('liiiKl at liis coming. I'J. Giiliricl ; this is cimijiosed of two Ilcbicw words, which mean, (lod's strong one, or man Heb.l:2-S, c 2 Sim. 7: U, 13; Isi. 9:fl, 7. , 6; Dan. 9:>l. ' Isa. 54:7-17; Jer. 30:10, II. f L"» -XyA-i: Tsa. 111.3:8-10; EzBk. 10:CO. hGen.2i:18, 17. ■ Rom. 0:32. J Titus ■.>;11, 12; 1 Pet 1 : 14, 66. Haml of the Lord; the gracious infJueiicc of his Spirit. 69. Horn of salval ion ; a mighty .Suviour, tlie horn being an emblem of power. In the home; from tlie descendants. 70. Unlij propliets; Gen. 49:10; Dout. 18:15; Isa. 9:6, 7; 53:2-12. 76. Thou, child; John. Prepare his ways; Isa.. iO:3; Mai. 4:5; .M;itt. 3:3. 78. Daij-ipring; the beginning of the glorious light of the gosi)el. Isa. 60:1-3. 79. /i( r/nriiifM; the darkness and desolation of sin. Psa. 14:1-3; l8a.59:2-14; Kom. 3:9-18. Theuvynf peace ; peace of conscience and peace with (iod. Prov. 3:17. 80. Thechdd; John. Waxed stronfr m spirit ; increased in wisdom, power, and goodness. In tlie deserts; he lived in retirement in the wilderness of .ludea. Matt. 3:1. His s'lOirin/; unto Israel ; showing himself to be the forerunner of the Messiah, and entering on his public ministry. Matt. 3* 1—3 IN'STRUCTIOXS. 1. There are certain truths taught in the holy Scriptures which are most surely believed by idl true Christians, and winch arc made the means of siinctifyiiig Iheir souls. 6. In order to be righteous in the sight of (!od, men must not only believe in ('hrist for salvation, but be dis- posed to observe all his commandments and ordinances, and to discharge with fidelity their private as well as public duties. 18. The testimony of God is the liiglicst and most con- clusive of all evidence. The disbelief of it exposes men to his righteous displeasure, and deprives them of rich blessings which they might t)therwise enjoy. 31. As God W.18 the immediate author of the human body and soul of Jesus Christ, and as in him the divine nature and the human nitiire were united, so that " the Word," who " was in the begiiming with God," and " was God," "was made liesh and dwelt among us," it was on both accounts proper that he should be called " the Son of God," and also be declared to he " (jod manifest in the flesh." 1 Tim. 3:16. 43. Distinguished favors of God to his people lead them to feel their luiworthiness, and render them peculiarly humble and grateful. " Why wM I mft'Ic tii hoar thy voice An*I enter while llierc'i room, When thoiinandfi nnake a wretched choice, And rather Hi;irve than come." 1148 of the Highest: for thou shalt go before ,,«(,"■, the face of the Lord to preparehisways 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his peo- ple by* the remission of their sins,"' 78 Through the tender mercy* of our God ; whereby the day-spring* from on high hath vis- ited US, 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death," to guide our feet into the way of peace. 80 And the diild grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel. CHAPTER II. 1 Augustus taxcth all the Roman empire. 6 Tlie nativity of Christ. 8 One angel relatelh it to the shepherds: 13 many sing praises to God for it. 21 Ciirist is circumciseJ. yj Mary punlicil. 'JS Simeon and Anna prophesy of Ciirist ; 40 who increaselli in wisdom, -16 qnestioncth in the temple with the doctors, 51 and is obedient to liis parents. AND it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus, that all the world should be ta.xcd.* 2 {Jind this taxing was first made when Cyre- nius Avas governor of Syria.) 15. k I!ev. •-•: Id. lM.il. :!:!. 'Or. far. m Acts .5:31. i Or, boweLi nf the mtrnj. 1 Or. sitn-riaing, or branch; Ua.. J 1:1; Zooh. 3;d; 0:12. n laa. 9.2; 40:9. S Or, tnrolkd. 46. The virgin Mary found no source of joy in herself. She ascribed all her blessings to the Lord, and rejoiced in him as God her Saviour, while she magniiied his grace in so distinguishing her thai "all generations should call her blessed." 47. .\s tiod is never in the r.ible called the Saviour of angels or fif holy beings, by calling him her Saviour, Mary acknowledged that she was a sinner, and needed his sal- vation; and if she needed salvation herself, she cannot save others. 55. The coming of the Messiah, and the blessings which have followed and will follow, are a fulliliMent of the prom- ises made to Abraham and his siiirilual seed, true Cliris- tians, who are of faith, and with Abraham heirs of the grace of life. Gen. 12:3; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14; Gal. 3:16, 29. 59. When parents receive their children as the gifts of God, and from their ciirliesf years imjilore for them the blessings of his grace, they have reason to hojie tliat God will renew their lie;irts,and so fill them with his Sjiiritas to fit them for usefulness on earth and for glory in heaven. 70. The more men are aeiiii;tiiited with the liilile, and the more observant they are of )iriividenee, the more they will see that one is the fiilfilnieiit of the other ; and the more abumlant and eonelusive will a]i|)e,ar the evidence that both have one Author, and are conspiring to the pro- motion of the same great end. CITAPTKH II. ). All the world; \\w words in lh<' Greek may denote either all tin- lioinaii wurld, that is, the Koin;in empire, or Palestine and the neighlioring trounlries. Shinilil he taxed; lilerally, sluiuld bo enrolled, lli:it a census might be taken of the inhabiUmts in order to their taxation. This enrol- ment was a practical act of Uoinan sovereignty, and a most decisive proof that the sceptre had departed from Jiiilah. 2. When Cijrcnius was f;overnor of Si^ria; it is known with certainty that ("yrenius was appointed govirnor of Syria several years after our S:iviour's birth, ;in(l that he then made an enrolment of the people. Upon the suppo- sition that this was the enrcilnn'iit here referred to, some have proposed to exidain the words " was first made," to mean, was first e;irried out in its original design by the actual laying of a l;ix in accordance with the enrolment. But recent investigations have made it not improbablo Angels anTwunce Christ's birth. LUKE II. His circumdsicyn in the tempk. fifth "..fb^eiSe 3 And all went to be taxed, every one S'a"""d1"". into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, wiiich is called Bethlehem, (because he was of tlie house and lineage of David,) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, be- ing groat with child. 6 f And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her first-born son," and wrapped him in swaddling-clothes, and laid him in a manger ; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 *ir And there were in the same country shep- herds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.* 9 And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them ; and they were sore afraid. 10 And tlic angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.'' 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling-clothes, lying- in a manger. ■ 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multi- tude of the heavenly host praising God,'' and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace." good will toward men. 15 1[And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from tliem into heaven, the shepherds* said one to anotlier. Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to ))ass, which the Lord liatli made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And wiien tliey iiad seen it, they made known abroad (he saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they tliat heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. » Matt. 1:L'.5. • Or. the night-watches. 1> Isa, 9:6. » Psi. 103:20, 21 ; IVel.lAi. <1 laa. 57:1!). t Gr. the men the shepherds, e Lev. 1 ■_>::!. 'Matt. 1:21; ch. l::!l. C Lev. la:a, etc. h Exod. 13:12; •»:-Jil; Num. 8: 17. ■ Mark 1.5:43; ver. 3-1. j Isi. 40:1. k I'sa. U'J-AH; Heb. 11:5. 1 Gen. 46:30; I»a. that Cyrenius was twice president of Syria, and that the onrolment connected with our Saviour's birth liajipened under his first presidency. This will exphiiii why it is spoken of as then first made, because another enrolment followed. :i. 7'oic(Z; enrolled for taxation. His own city ; tho i)\a.ce where his ancestors lived. 11. On earth peace; as the result of the Saviour's advent. AH who receive him have peace with Ood and tlie spirit of peace towards man; and the prevalence of his Ros|iel will brinj; peace to the world. Good wilt toivard men; kiniluess, compassion, and grace, manifested in the gift of a Saviour. 19. Pondered litem ; contmued to think of them and study their meaning. 22. Daijs of Iter purifiailinn; after the birth of a son, a mother among the Jews was rctpiired to remain at home, and was considered as unclean forty days. These were called the days of her purification. She was then recpiired 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered thern in licr heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 21 lAnd when eight days were accomplished for the circinncising of the child," his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.' 22 And when the days of her purification accord- ing to the law of Moses were accomplished,- they brought iiiin to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord ; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;") 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young ]iigeons. 25 T And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout,' waiting for the consolation of Israel :' and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 xVnd it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that ho should not sec death," before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace,' according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation," 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people ; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." 33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34 And Simeon blessed thepi, and said unto Mary his mother. Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel;" and for a sign which shall be spoken against;'' 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own .57:2; Rev. 14:13. " Isa. 52:10; ch. 3:0; Acts 4:12. » Ua. 42:G; 49:6; (10:3; Acts 13:47, 48. o Tsa. 8:14; Rom. 9:32, 33; 1 Cor. 1:23, 24; 2 Cor. 2:10; 1 Pet. 2:7, 8. P Acts 29:22. to offer for a burnt-offering a lamb, and for a sin-offering a turtledove, or a young pigeon. If she was too poor to bring a lamb, she was to bring two turtledoves or young pigeons, and offer one for a burnt, and the other for a sin offering ; after wliich she was considered as clean. Lev. 12 : 2-8. 23. Holy to the Lord; consecrated to the Lord as his peculiar property. Sec Kxod. 13:12. 25. Cousoliition of Israel; the Messiah, from whom con- solittion comes. 31. Full; ruin by rejecting Clirist. Rising again; sal- vation by believing in liim. A sign ; an object of peculiar derision" Lsa. .''13:3; Acts 28:22. 35. A strord ■'ihall pierce through thij oii'n soul; generally understood of the anguish which she would be called to endure as a witness of the Saviour's sufferings and death. The thoughts of many hearts may he revealed; by their treat- ment of the Saviour they will show the character of their hearts. 1149 Christ questianetk the ' LUKE III. doctors in the temple. soul also ;'') that the thoughts of many hearts maj- be revealed." 36 IFAikI there was one Anna, a prophetess, the dauii;htcr of Phanuel. of the tribe of Ard, and spai'CO of him to all them tliat looked for redemption in Jerusalem.*'' 39 And wlien they had performed all tilings ac- cording to the law of the Lord, tliey returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in Fpirit, filled with wisdom ;" and tlie grace of God Avas upon him. 41 1i Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at tlie feast of the passover.'' 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43 And when they had fullilled flic days, as they returned, tlie child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusa- lem ; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44 ]>ut they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's Journey ; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 4.5 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that after three days » John 19:25. b .Tudg. 5: 15, IB; 1 Cor. 11:19. « Acts 'JB:/; 1 Tim. 3:5. •Or, Israel, i ver. 2.% e Isa. 11:2, 3; ver. 52. f Exod. 2:M5; Dsut. 16: 1. f Pa. 119:99; Matt. 7:28; Mark 1:22; ch. 4:22, .•)2; John 7:15, 4«. Ii John 3C. Aser ; AshcT. After the captivity Rorrn.' of tlio rem- nant of the ten tribes were found united with the Jews. 37. Departed not; s!ic was uniform in licr daily attend- ance upon the services of the temjile. 39. I'key returned into (iiililee; in brief narratives like the present, intervening events are often jiasscd over in silence. We know from .\fattliew that llio wise men from the East found the Saviour at liethleliem ; that afterwards he was carried into K^rypt; and, after a sojourn Ihere of some time, to Nazareth in (jalilee, whence Mary had come with Jo8ci)h to Betlilehem before his birth. 42. Twelve years old ; at this age it seems sons went with their parents to the passover. 43. Fvlfiltcd the days; the eight days of the passover: one for preparation, and seven for the observance of the feast. Kxod. 12:15; Lev. 23:.'), (i. 44. Company; relatives and friends who travelled with them. 49. Wist ; knew. About my Father's business ; or, among my Father's matters ; wliich was, in this case, studying his Father's law in his Father's house. 50. Understood not tlie sayin/r ; about being occupied with his Father's business; esi)ecially,\vhy he should call (jod his Father in so high and peculiar a sense. 51. Siihjcrl unto them ; i)erformed the appropriate duties of an afl'ectionatc and obedient child. Tliese snyings; the sayings of .Jesus, as well as those of the angel and of others concerning him. 62. Inrreaied in wisdom ; this is spoken of Jesus as man. See Matt. 24:30; Mark l:!:32. INSTRUCTIONS. 1. Wicked men, in the [irosecution of their sclfisli pur- poses, without intending and without knowing it, take such conrses as fulfil the predictions and accomplish the benevolent i)iirposc8 of (Jod. 13. Those manifestations which God makes of himself, 1150 they found him in the temple, sitting in the a. d. f. midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.' 48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him. Sou, why hast tiiou thus dealt with us '.' behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said uuto them. How is it that ye sought me"? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?'' 50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 51 1 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them : but his motiier kept all these sayings in her heart.' 52 And Jesus increasi^d in wisdom and stature,' and in favor with Gotl and man.-' CHAPTER III. 1 Tiip prearhing and baptism of John: 1.5 his testimony of Christ. 20 Herod irnprisoneth Joim. 21 Christ baptized, receiveth testimony from heaven. 23 The age, and genealogy of Christ from Joseph up- ward.s. ATOW ill the fineenlh year of the reign of Tibe- _L\1 rius Osar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturca and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, 2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high-priests,'' 5:17; 9:4. i Dan. 7:23; ver. 19. t Or, affc. J 1 Sam. 2:28; ver. 40. » John U:49, 51; 18:31; Acts 4:0. especially in the person and work of his Son, are deeply interesting, not only to his people on carlh, but also to the inhabitants of heaven. II). The habit of treasuring up the sayings of the wise and good, especially those which are recorded in the Bible, and of observing the dispensations of rrovidencc, is a source of rich instruction, and may be made a means of grace to ourselves ;ind (Uiicr.s. 25. Aged persons who have long walked uprightly in piety towards God ;itid good will towards men, often h;ive, as they approach the close of life, remarkably clear and exalted views of the Saviour — views which disarm death of its terrors, and prepare them to ascribe " unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and jiriests unto tiod and his Father," "glory and dominion for ever ;ind ever." 49. Parents who regularly and conseieiitionsly take their children with them to the house of God, and train them in the way they should go, may expect that they will feel it to be a duty, and will esteem it a )irivilege, to en- gage early in the service of their heavenly Father. Prov. 22:0. 51. Those children who cheerfully obey their parents, in this respect resemble the holy child Jesus. CHAPTER III. 1. Tihcriw! Cesar; the linman emperor who succeeded Augustus. Ileroil; Herod Antipas.son of Herod the (Jreal. Tetrarch; literally, ruler of a fourth jiart. Ilnrea; a region of country east of the .lordan. Trachonitis ; a country north of Itiirea, towards Damascus. Abilene; this lay west of Damasiuis and north of lialilee. 2. Ilif^h-priests; Amias had l)een high-priest, and was succeeded by his son-iu-l;iw Gaia])has. I'oth were still living atul were called high-priests, though but oiio then officiated. John prcachdh repentance. LUKE III. Chrisfs baptism and genealogy. A. D. 2ir the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 3 And he came into all the country about Jor- dan," preachiny: the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins ;'' 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias tlie prophet, saying. The voice of one cry- ing in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every moun- tain and hill shall be brought low ; and the crook- ed shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth ;° 6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'' 7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?'' 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of* repent- ance, and begin not to say within yourselves. We have Al)raham to our father: for I say unto you, Tliat God is able of these stones to raise up chil- dren unto Abraham. 9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees : every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down, and cast into the fire.f 10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then ? 11 He answereth and saitli unto them, lie that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none ; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.*-' 12 Then came also publicans to be baptized,'' and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? 13 And he said unto them. Exact no more than that which is appointed you.' 14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do ? and he said unto them, Do violence to no man,' neither accuse aiiy falsely;^ and be content with your wages.*'' » Mitt 3: 1; Ma rk 1:1 bch 1:77. « Isa 40:3. dPsi. 98: .'; Isi. 40:.'5; 49:0; 5i llj ; Horr . 10:1V. , 18. e Mitt 3:7. •Or, meet for 1 Mitt. 7:10; ch. 13:7, il. « ch. 11:41; 2 Cor. b:14; John 3:17. h Mitt 21 32; ch 7:29, • ch. 19:S; ICor 0:10. t Or, Put no man in ft ar. j Exod . 23:1 Lev. 3. Tlic baptism of repentance ; it implied the necessity of repentance in order to the remission of sins. 4. The words of Esaias ; Is.a. 40 : 3 ; M att. 3 : 3. 7-9. John's preacliing. Matt. 3:7-12. 8. Not to say — We have Abraham to our father; rely no more for salvation on yonr outward relation to Abraham. Of tliesc stones — cluldren vnto Abraham; he who formed Adam out of the dust of tlie earth in liis own image, can of these stones raise up holy men, wlio shall be Abraham's children, not by fleshly descent, but by having the char- acter and doing the works of Abraham. Compare .lohn 8:39; (!al.3:7. This is a clear intimation that the time has come when Abraham's seed shall no longer be reckoned by outwaril descent, but by character. 10. Wlial shall toe do? that is, in order to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. Ver. 8. He enjoins upon each class of his hearers repentance, and the fruits of repentance approjiriate to their condition in life. 13. E.ract no more; collect no more than is required by the government. 1.5. In expectation ; of the coming of the Messiah. 19-22. John's imprisonment — Christ baptized. Matt. 14:1-13; 3:13-17. 23. About thirty years of a^e; the age at which the priests entered on the puulic duties of their oflice. Num. 4:3, 47. As was supposed; as was generally thought by those wlio 15 IT And as the people were in expectation,^ and all men mused' in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not ; 16 John answered, saying unto t/tcm all, I indeed baptize you with water ; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not wor- thy to unloose : he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: 17 Whose fan is in his hand,' and he will thor- oughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner ;'" but the chafl'" he will burn with fire unquenchable." 18 And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. 19 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, 20 Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.'' 21 1[ Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said. Thou art my beloved Son ; in thee I am well pleased.'' 23 1 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph,'' which was the .wn of Heli, 24 Which was the son. of Matthat, which was the S071 of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph, 25 Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge, 20 Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the so7r of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda, 19:11. 1 Or, allowance. It 1 Tim. 6:S. 6 Or, in suspen.te. II Or, reasoned, ordelialed. 1 Jer. 15:7, 19. m Mic. 4:12; Matt. 13:30. nPsa. 1:4. o Psa. 21:9; Mark 9:44, 48. P Matt. 14:3; Mark 6:17. q Matt. 3:13, etc.; John 1:32, etc. r Matt. 13:55; John 6:42. did not know the history of his birth. Tlie son. of Heti; in Matt. 1 : 16, it is said, " .Jacob begat Joseph, the husband of Mary." Here Joseph is called "the son of Heli." Va- rious ways have been proposed for reconciling the two genealogies of Matthew and Luke. One is, that Mary was the daughter of Heli ; and on that account Joseph is c;illed his son. Luke, it is then sup]iosed, gives the genealogy of Mary, while Matthew gives that of Joseph. INSTRUCTIONS. 2. Persons who spend the early part of life in retirement from the noise and bustle of the world, are often prepar- ing for great usefulness. In due time, (lod calls them to pubhc stations, and to the discharge of duties of exten- sive and lasting benefit to ni;iMkind. 3. The utter moral pollution of man by sin, and the necessity of sjiiritual cleansing by the Spirit of God, through re)ienlaiice ;ind faith in Jesus Christ, are funda- mental truths taught under all dispensations ; and with- out a deep conviction of these truths, men cannot be pre- pared to embrace the Redeemer and become partakers of his salvation. 10. That repentance which is unto life, leads men to desire a knowledge of their duty for the j)nr])ose of per- forming it, to break off their sins, antl to engage in doing good, as they have opportunity, to the bodies and soula of men. 1151 754e genealogy of Christ. LUKE IV. He is tempted of the deed. 27 Which was the son of Joanna, which was the .wn of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabcl, which was the son of SalathicI, whicli was the son of Neri. 28 Whicli was the son of Melchi, wliich was the xon of Ackli, wliich was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elniodam, wliich was the son of Er, 29 Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, wliich was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, whicli was the son of Levi, 30 Wliich was the son of Simeon, whicli was the son of Jiula, which was the son of Joseph, which was ///'■ xon of Jouan, which was the son of Eliakim, 31 Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Mcnan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan," which was the soji of David, 32 Which was the son of Jesse,'' which was the son of Ohed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the .vo?i of Naasson, 33 Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda, 34 AVhicli was the son of Jacob, which was the .wn of Isaac, which was Me .toti of Abraham,'' which was the son of Tliara, which was the son of Nachor, 35 Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Rai^au, which was the .50« of Phalcc, which was the son of Hcbcr, which was the son of Sala, 36 Which was the son of Caiiian, winch was the son of Arphaxad,'' which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech," 37 Which was the son of Mathusala, which was t/te son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Alalelcci, which was the son of Cai- nan, 38 Wliich was the .ion of Enos, which was the son of Setli. which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God/ CHAPTER IV. J The temptation and fasting of Christ. 13 Ho overcometh the devil ; 14 beginneth t/> preach. IG Ttic people of Nazareth admire his gra- cious words. '13 Ho cureth one possessed of a devil, 38 Peter's moth- er-in.law, '10 and diver* other siek persons. 41 The devils aeknow- ledge Christ, and are reproved for it. 43 He preacheth through the cities. AND Jesus beinfi^ full of the Holy Ghost, re- turned from Jordan, and was led by (he Spirit into the wilderness,'-' 2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days hcdiil eat nothing-:'' and when they were ended, he afterward litniLifi-cd. 3 And the devil said unto him, if thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. • Zoch l-.'ia; 4S»m. .'.iM. b n„ih 4:17-*J. ' Gen. ll:al-a). d C.n. II IJ • Gon 5:'i>. ' fjen. 1:28; i:7 ; 1»a. (H:«; 1 Cor. 15:15, 47. It Mat! I l,otc.; Mark 1:1:2. etc.; vcr 14. Ii Kxod. :ll:'il3; 1 Kings IO:l>. > Ui-iit. rt 3, 1 John 12:31 ; \1:M; Eph. 2:2; Rov. l.'l:2, 7. ' Or, /all down tr/are mt. k Dout. 0:13; 10:20. I|'.l. »I:1I. •" Dnut. 6:10. ■> Hob. 2: 17, IS; Cn AFTER IV. 1-13. Christ's fasting and temptation in the desert Matt. 4:1-11. 14. In tlie ■pmDCr of tlir fipiril ; nridcT his powerful sup- imrts, and amid tlie diHplavs ol lii.s iiidiioiico. 16. To read; portions of tli« Old TcHtamciit were read in Iho Rvnagogiies each .Sabbath. 1152 4 And Jesus answered him, saying. It is a. p.:ii. written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.' 5 And the devil, taking him up into a high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. (5 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: lor that is delivered unto inc;J and to whomsoever.! will, I give it. 7 If thou therefore wilt worship me,' all shall be tliiiic. 8 And .Icsus answered and said unto him. Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, 'I'liou slialt worship the Lord thy God, and him only slialt thou serve." 9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him. If thou be the Son of God, east thyself down from hence: 10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: 11 And in theii- hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.' 12 And Jesus answering, said unto him. It is said. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."' 13 And when the devil had ended all the temp- tation," he departed from him for a season. 14 IT And .Icsus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galileo:" and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. 1.') And lie taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. 16 1i And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up:"* and, as his custom was, he went into the synngogiie on the sabbath-day,'' and stood u]i for to read. 17 And there was delivered unto hiin the Ijook of the prophet P]saias. And w'heii he hail opened the book, lie found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the J^ord is upon mc, because he hath anointed mo to preach the gospel to the poor;'' lie hath .sent nie to heal the broken-heart- ed," to preach deliverances to the captives, and re- covering of sight to the liliiiil,' to s(;t at liberty them that arc bruised," li) To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." 20 iVnd he closed the book, and he gave // again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. 22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at 4:15, ".lohn 1:13; Acts 10:37. p M.\lt 2:2.). q Matt. I:l:.')4; John 18:20: Anu 13:14; 17:2. ' Isa. 01:1. • 2 Chr. 31:27; IVa 31:18; 51:17; 147:.1; Im. 07:IS. I I'm H'I:H; Isa. 20:18. » I«a. 42:3; Malt. 12:2U. Pja. ."i?: 14, 32, .M. i John S:,l9; I(l::i9 J Jer. 2.J:-.'9; Malt. 7:28,29; Titus 2:15; Heb. 4:12. k Mark 1:23. t Or, which he uttored as he explained to them the spiritual meaning of tlie prophecy, and the salvation which lie, as the Me.ssiah, would grant to his people. 2:i. Heal tliijself ; this was a jiroverb, the meaning of which Iiere was, What you are said to have done among strangers, do here among your acquaintance. 24. No prophet is accepted; those who have known him when a boy, especially if in circumstances beneath their own, are less likely than strangers to receive and honor him. 2,1. I tell ijon ; he told them, in illustration of what he had said and of the propriety of his conduct, of two cases recorded in their scriptures where miracles were wrought by the prophets Elijidi and Ehsha, not upon their fellow- countrymen, but n])on foreigners: one, that of tlie widow of Sarepta, a gentile town between Tyre and Sidon ; the other, that of Naaman the Syrian. 1 Kings 17:9-24; 2 Kings 5:14-17. 27. Eliscus; this is the Greek manner of spelling the IFebrew word Elisha, as Elias is that of Klij;ili. 25. Heard tlieaethinf^s; the things he liad spoken in proof of the truth of what he had said, and in justification of his having wrought more miracles at Capernaum than at Naz- areth. The most eminent Old Testament )iropliets, by the direction of Cod, had gone not only from their own town, bnt from their country, and wrought miracles among the lieathen. lie might justly do the same in the displays of his grace. Thus he showed, that he claimed and exercised the right to bestow his unmerited favors upon such per- sona and places as he saw best ; that they had no just to destroy us? I know thee who thou art,"" the Holy One of God." 35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. 36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying. What a word is this ! for with authority and power he commandeth the uncleau spirits, and they come out." 37 And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about. 38 IT And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever ;P and they besought him for her. 39 And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever ; and it left her : and immediately she arose and ministered unto thorn, 40 1 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him ; and ho laid his hands on every one of them, and hpaled them. 41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying. Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking thc7n, sufl'ered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.* | 42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him., that he should not depart from them. 43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also : for therefore am I sent." 44 And he preached in the synagogues of Gali- lee. Att'ny. I ,r.as. 2:19. 3:14. n 1 I'et. 3:22 m ver. 41. n Psa. 10:10; Dan. 9::!4; ch. 1:35; Acts P Matt. f-:14,elc-: Mark 1:29, etc. 1 Ol, to say lliat Iheij klleiohimto beCllTisl. qMarkl:3J. claim to his wonderful works; and that his salvation was intended for the Gentile as well as the Jew. Filled vnth wrath; very angry at his teaching such doctrines. 29. Til rust liirn out; by force and violence. Down limd'-^ tons; to destroy him. 31-44. Devil cast out— Peter's wife's mother and others healed. Mark 1:21-39. INSTRUCTIONS. 2. Temptations try human character. Though God often brings men into situ:itions where temptations to sin ;ire strong, he also gives them the means of resisting and over- coming them ; and if they do overcomo them, they will both honor him and benefit themselves. 16. Followers of Christ, liy imitating his example in habitually attending the luiblic worship of God on the Salibatii, will find his promises to believers fiilfiUeil in tliemselves; and that while worshipping in the way of his aiipointnieiit on earth, they are preparing to worship him for ever in heaven. 28. \VhenGod bestows more of his unmerited favors on some thiin he does on others, many are teniided to com- plain, liiit tliey should consider, "that for all which he does, he has the wisest and best reasons. Wisdom, duty, and interest, therefore, require tliat we should acquiesce, and say, "Kven so. Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight." It is an evidence of great depravity, wlien men com- plain tliat blessings are bestowed on others which tliey themselves reject. 1153 The great draught of fishes. LUKE V. One sick (f Ike palsy healed. CHAPTER V. 1 Christ teachfth the people out of Peter's ship; 4 in a. miraculous tak- in" of fishes, showclh ho .v he will make him and his partners fi^hers of'men; I'J cleariseih the leper; 16 prayeth in the wilderness; IS healeth one sick of the palsy; T, calleih Matthew the publican; '^9 eateth with sinners, as being the physician of souls; 34 foretelleth the fastings and afflictions of the aposiles after his ascension; 36 and likeneth fainthearted and weak disciples to old bottles and worn gar- ments. A ND it came to pass, that as the people pressed Jr\. upon him to hear the word of God, lie stood by the lake of Gcnnesarct," 2 And saw two .ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 Ani.1 he entered into one of the ships, which •was Simon's, and prayed him that he would tiiriist out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 1 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a drauglit.*" 5 And rfimon answering saidunto him, Master, we have toiled all tlie night, and have taken notliing :" nevertheless, at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fi.-ihes:'' and their net brake. 7 And they lieckoned unto tlicir partners, which •were in the other .^hip, that tliey should come and help them.'' And they came, and liilod both the ships, so that tliey began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw //, he fell down at Jesus' knees,'' saying, Depart from me ; for I am a sinful man, Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes wliich they had taken:" 10 And so teas also James and John the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou slialt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.'' 12 ^ And it came to |)ass, when lie was in a cer- tain city, Ijchold a man full of leprosy ; who seeing Jesus, fell on liis face, and besought him, saying. Lord, if tliou wilt, tlinu canst make nie clean.' 13 And he put forth Itis hand, and touclicrl him, saving, 1 will: be thou clean.-' And immediately the leprosy departed from him. 14 And he charged him to tell no man : but go, and show thyself to the priest, and oiler for thy cleansing, according as Mose.s commanded,'' for a testimony untt) tiicm. 15 But so much the morn went there a fame ■ Matt. 'I; I ». etc.; Mark 1:10, etc. *> John 4I:0. ' P«a. 18?:!, 2; K-wk. 37:11,12. i Eccl. ll:lt; Gal (1:9. • Exod. SH:.'.; Gal. 0:2; Prov. In:J1. 'Juclg. U-.-H; •iHa.m 0:9; 1 King«17:lS; Ina. «:.'>. It l'.a. 8:0, «. h Malt. 4:2U; 19:27; Phil. ••»:-, h. i Malt. S:2,oic. ; Mark 1 :10, nlc. J 2 KinRn .'>: Id, U. k Ler. 14:4, etc. I Mall. 4:25; Mark 3:7; John 0:2. ■» Mall. 11:23; CHAPTER V. 2. rtfo .sAip.?; fishinK-hoats. 8. Depart from mc ; tliJH was orcasionod by the display of his (livinity wliioh .Icsus had made, and Peter's convit- tion of his own iinwnrttiiiiPKs. 10. Cntrh mrn ; tiy |>riirl;iiriiing to them the gospel, and thus bringing them from the service of Satan to the ser- vice of Christ. 1154 abroad of him: and great multitudes came a.d.si. together to hear,' and to be healed by him of their infirmities. 16 t And he withdrew himself into the wilder- ness, and prayed.'" 17 And it came to ]xiss on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doc- tors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was/)7T4fnno heal them." 18 And behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy:" and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay ///;/( before him. 10 And when they could not find by what vay they might bring him in, because of the multitude, tliey went upon the house-top, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. 20 And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, llan, thy sins are forgiven thee. 21 And the scribes and tiie Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which s]ie;dv(>tli blas- phemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?'' 22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them. What reason ye in your hearts ? 23 Whether is easier, to say, Tiiy sins be for- given thee; or to say. Rise up and walk? 24 Hut that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon eartii to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the jjalsy,) I say unto thee. Arise, and take up thy coucii, and go unto thy house.'' 25 And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that wlicreon he lay, and dei)artcd to his own house, glorifying God. 2G And liiey were all amazed, and they glorified God,' and were filled with fear," saying, We have seen strange tilings to-day. 27 lAnd after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.' 28 And he left all, rose up, and followed him. 29 And L(!vi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publi- cans and of others that sat down with them." 30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying. Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? 31 And .lesus answering said unto them. They that are whole need not a physician ; but they that are sick.'' 32 f canu; not to call the righteou.<. but sinners to repentance.'" Mark 0:40. " John 3:JI. o Matt. 11:2, etc ; Mark 2:3, etc. P Pna. 32:5; 103:3; 130:4; Un 1:18; 43:4). 1 John 5:8, 12. ' Acti 4:21; Gal. 1:24. 'vor.8. I Malt. 9:0, cite; Mark 2: l:l. " ch. 1.'):1, cic. vj,.r.(,:22. >» ch. 13:7, 10; 1 Cor. 0:9-11; 1 Tim. 1:15; 2 Pol. 3:9. 12-1,'). The leper cleansed — the sickhcnlcd. Matt. 8: 1-4 ; 9:1-7. 111. lie withlrew himself into the mlderness, and prayed ; it was his custom to do this, as tlic original implies, which might be rendered, He was in tlie habit of witlidrawiiig himself, etc. 19. Tlietilintr; Mark 2:1. Tiles were flat pieces of dried clay with wliii-h the house was covered. 27-32, Levi, or Matthew, called. Matt. 9:9-13, Faslliit; and the Sabbalh. LUKE VI. T/ic twelve apostles chosen. A. D. 31. 33 1 Anrl they said unto liim, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of tlie Pharisees ; but thine eat and drink?" 34 And lie said unto tliem. Can ye make the cliildrcn of tlie bride-elianibcr fast, while the bridegroom is with tlieui ? 35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days." 3(5 *! And he spake also a parable unto them : No man puttetii a piece of a new garment upon an old;'^ if otlierwise, tlieu botli the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was tdcen out of the new agreeth not witii tlie old.'' 37 And no man putteth new wine into old bot- tles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. 38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved. 39 No man also having drunk old iwine, straight- way desireth new ; for he saith, The old is better." CHAPTER VI. 1 Christ reproveth the Pharisees' blindness about the observation of the sabbath, by scripture, reason, and miracle; 13 chooseth twelve apos- tles; 17 healeth the diseased; '2Q preacheth to his disciples before the people of blessings and curies; '27 how we must love our enemies; 4(5 and join the obedience of good works to the hearing of the word ; lest in the evil day of temptation we fall like a house built upon the face of the earth, without any foundation. AND it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went tlirougli the corn-fields; and his discii)les plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing fhcm in their hands. "^ 2 And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Wiiy do ye tliat whicli is not lawful to do on the sabbath-days?''' 3 And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, wliat David did, when him- self was a hungered, and thev which were with him;" 4 How he went into the hou^ of God, and did » Ch. 7::M, 35. b |sa. 3'3;1'2. t Ma't. 9:11), 17; Mark 2.21, 22. i Lev. I!):iyjDeut -"rll; 2Cor. 6:10. ejer. 6:l(i. f Miit. 12:1, etc. ; Mark 2:a.3,etc. BExod. 20:10; Isa. .?»:13. hlSam.21:6. ■ Lev. 24:B. J Matt. 3.V39. Disciples fastiiif;. Matt. 9:14-17. 3.'5. And thcij said unto him; in Malt. 9:14, this question is put by the disciples of John ; in Mark 2 : 18, by the dis- ciiilcs of John and of the Pharisees. Jesus gives a general answer to both. For the meaning of '\%r. 34-38, sec notes on Matt. 9:11-17. INSTRUCTIONS.' I. The common people are often more eager than their rulers to hear the truths of the gospel. These truths, [iliiinly and kindly exhibited, meet their wants as sinners, and cninmciid themselves to every man's conscience in the sight of (lod. ■). Ministers of the gospel who liave preached and la- bored long withont apparent effect, should not be discour- aged ; bnt according to Christ's directions slioukl continue to labor in humble dependence on him, and with believing expectations that in his own time and way ho will give them success. l.j. Informal ion of the effects of Christ's power and grace upon some, is often instrumental in awakening the .attention of others, and leading tliem to apply to him, and thus to become partakers of his salvation. 10. Tlic pure and sinless Saviour needed habitual com- take and eat the show-bread, and gave also to them that were with him ; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone ?' 5 And he said unto tliem. That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. 6 1 And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into tlie synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was with- ered.^ 7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, wliether he would heal on the sabbath-day;'' that they might find an accusation against him. 8 But he knew their thoughts,' and said to the man which had the withered hand. Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. 9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing : Is it lawful on the sabbath-days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy zY/"" 10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretcli forth tiiy hand." And he did so : and his hand was restored whole as the other. 11 And they were filled with madness ; and com- muned one with another what they might do to Jesus." 12 IT And it came to pass in those days, that lie went out into a mountain to pray,'' and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, he called jmto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve," whom also lie named apostles; 14 Simon, (wliom he also named Peter,') and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartliolomew, 15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Al- pheus, and Simon called Zclotes, 16 And Judas the brother of James,'* and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor. 17 1 And he came down with tiiem, and stood in the plain ; and the company of liis disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judea and 12:10, etc.; Mark 3:1, etc.; ch. 13:14; 14:3. k John 0:10. 1 Job 42:2. ■n ch. 14:3; Exod. 20:10. nMark3:5. '>Psa.2:l,2. p Matt. 0:0; 14:23. q Matt. 10:1. clc; Mark 3:13; 6:7. rJohnl:4a. sjudel. munion with his heavenly Father to prepare him for the right discharge of the duties of liis ministry. How much more do Christ's ministering servanl.s, who are but sinful men, need such communion ! 23. The works of Jesus Christ, when on earth, showed that he had power to forgive sins and is truly divine. 39. When men are tauglit of Clu-ist, and know by expe- rience the preciousness of his salvation, they will never give up his religion for any other. (Jood as the advocates of other religions may think theirs to be, the friends ot Christ know his to be better. CHAPTER VI. 1-5. Plucking the ears of corn on the Sabbath. JIatt. 12:1-19; Mark 2:23-28. 1. Second Sabbath after the first ; the first was that which occiirretl on the second ihiy of the feast of the Passover. The second Sabbath was the next, and was tlie first of the seven that were to precede the feast of Pentecost. Lev. 23:15-21. (i-ll. Ileiiling the withered hand. Malt. 12: 10-13; Mark 3:1-5. 13-lU. .\postles chosen. M;itt. 10:1-4. 1155 The, golden law of love. LUKE VI. The tree known ly its fruit. Jerusalem, and from tlie sea-coast of Tyre and Sidon," which came to hear him, aud to be liealed of their diseases ;'' 18 And they that were vexed with unclean spir- its: and they were healed. 19 And the whole multitude soun:ht to touch him;'' for there went virtue out of him,'' and healed them all. 20 1 And he lifted up his eyes ou his disciples, and said," Blessed be ye poor:' for yours is the kino'dom of God. 21 Blessed are ye that hunger now :'■' for ye shall be filled." Blessed are ye that weep now :' for ye shall laugh. 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you,^ and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach yuu, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.'' 23 Rejoice ye in that day,' and leap for joy : for behold, your reward is great in heaven : for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets."' 24 But woe unto you that are rich !" for ye have received your consolation." 2.5 Woe unto you that are full!'' for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now!' for yo shall mourn and weep. 20 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you !■■ for so did th(nr fathers to the ialse prophets. 27 1 But I say unto you wliich hear. Love your enemies," do good to tliem wliich hate you, 28 Bless them tiuxt curse you, aud pray for them wliich despitefully use you.' 29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one check, offer also the other;" and him that taketh away thy cloak, forbid not to take thy coat also." 3(7 Give to every man that asketh of thee;''' and of him that taketh away thy goods, ask them not again. 31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." 32 For if ye love them which love yon, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. > Mitt. J:i3. etc. ; .Mirka.i, eic. b Pai. Iu:l:a: IU/:l7-au. ' Num. SI :B, «; Matt. N;.1(i; John :i:\i,ir,. d Mark •'):.10; cK. 8;40. • Matt. 5:-J, oto. 'Ja».i:5. Itlw.SS:!. h Tua. 107:9. i I»a. (il :3; Rov. 21 :J. JJohn 17:14. k 1 Pel. •i.\V,-iO; .1:14; 4:14. I Acts .'):41; Col. l;ai; .las. 1:-J. m Aoi» 7:.W; Hcb. ll;:IJ-.30. » Hib. •i:0; .Ia» .'5:1. o di. I(l:-J.'i. p I«a. -Ai:?; li.'i: l:t. q I'rov. 14:13; Eph. r,A. 'John l.'):ll); I John 4:5. • Exod. ■£>:■{, iS; I'rov. •Jjrii; Matt, 5:44; ver. :M; Rom. IJ:'20. I ch. -i^lM; AcU 4 Ul) u Malt I'J. Virtue; hcalinj.; jiower. 20-49. See Bcrinoii on the mount, Matt. 5 : 39-48 ; 7:1-27; alBo M:itt. 10:24; 12:35; LI: 14. 20. lUesseil be ije poor; for tlie meaning of these beati- tudes and tlieir opixisite woes, ver. 20-26, see notes on the beatitii'lfs in .Matt. y::i-12. 24. YuH lliat are rich ; ricli in this world's goods, and trnst in them tor happiness. 2.'>. You thai are full; are satisfied with eartlily (■rijoy- ments, and desire notliing better. Laugh; live in lliouglit- IcHSTiess and sinful mirth. 2fi. Whrn all men sbiill xpenk well of you ; on account of your cotiformity to tliis world in your teaching and conduct. 40. The disciple is not above his mailer; this maxim wa.s repeatedly usfd by our Lord, in diflcreiit conncctioiiH. Compare itatt. 10:24, 2.'.; .lolin 13:1(1; 1.5:20. Here its obvious meaning is, that tin- disciple cannot be oxpcctcil to go beyond his master in altjtinments. If the master be blind, the disciple must be blind also. Thai is perfect; fully instructed in the doctrine uf his master. 1156 33 And if ye do good to them which do a. d. si. good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love ye your enemies.' and do good, and lend,^ hoping for notliing again ; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest:" for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Be yc therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged :'' con- demn not, and ye shall not be condemned : for- give, and ye shall be forgiven: 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you;'^ good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.'' For with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be nieasured to you again.'' 39 And he spake a }>arable unto thorn; Can the Idiud load the blind?'' shall tlioy not both fall into the ditch? 40 The disciple is not above his master:" but every one tliat is perfect shall be as his master." 41 And why beholdcst thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in tliiiK! own eye? 42 Kitiier how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, wiicii thou thyself beholdost not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hyjiocrite, cast out first tiic beam out of thine own eye,'' and then siialt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye. 4:') For a good tree bringoth not forth corrupt fruit;' noitlior doth a corrupt tree bring fortii good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by his own fruit.^ For of thorns men do not gather iigs, nor of a bramble-bush gather they grapes.^ 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his .');:;!). >■ I Cor. ly.T. " Ueut. l.i:7,i-, 111; I'rov. 1(1:17; ii-.M: Matt. 5:4-J, olc. I Mall. 7:|-.'. y VHt. i7. « I'«a. :l7:al; I 0.^:5. » Matt. 5:4.i. b Matt. 7:1. c I'rov. 111:17; Matt, 1(1:4-.'. <1 l'«a. :i): l-J, ' Matt. 7:2; Mark 4:-J4; J.is. a:l:l f Matt. 15:14. « .Matt 10:^1 ; John 1-1: III; 15:20. • Ur, .. b Mil. 1:0; Mitt. 7:21 ; 2.5:11 ; ch. 13:2.5; Gal. 0:7. = Matt. 7:25,20. ■! 2 P»t. 1: 10; JuJe 21. e Psa. 40:1-.'!; 02:2. ' Jas. 1 : 24-20. e Trov. 28:1S; Hos. 4:14. h Matt. S:5, etc. > Job 31:15; Prov. 29:21. i 1 Kings 5:1 ; Gal. 5:0; 1 John 3:14; 5:1, 2. k ch. f:49. I Psa. 107:20. • Gr. (All >7i(in. XO!,toffm. ■" ch. «:.5t; Acts 9:40; Rom. 4: 17. '>2Kings tlieir opposition, are peculiarly pleasing to God, and pre- pare the soul for the special enjoyment of his love. 31. A freipient recognition of the ni;uincr in which \vc ought to wish that others should tre;it ns, will help us to see the way in wliich we should treat them ; and all hojies of heaven which do not l(>ad im to strive h;iliitually to do to otliers as we would that they should do to us, will fail at the givinj; up of the ghost. Job 11:20; Prov. 1U:28; Matt. 25:40-46. 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not fouird so great faith, no, not in Israel. 10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. 11 *r And it came to pass the day after, that lie went into a city called Nain ; and many of his dis- ciples went with him, and much people. 12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, tliere was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow : and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compas- sion on her, and said unto her. Weep not. 14 And he came and touched the bier :* and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee. Arise." 15 And he that was dead sat up," and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. 16 And there came a fear on all : and they glori- fied God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us ;° and, That God hath visited his people." 17 And this rumor of him went forth througliout all Judea, and throughout all the region round about. 18 II And the disciples of John showed him of all these things. 19 And John calling unto Jiim two of Ins disci- ples, sent than to Jesus," saying. Art thou lie that ■ shoiilil come?'' or look we for anotlier? 20 Wlien the men were come unto him, tliey said, John the Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying. Art thou he that should come? or look we for anotlier ? 21 And in tliat same hour he cured many of their infirmities and ]ilagucs, and of evil spirits ; and unto many that iccre blind lie gave siglit. 22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what tilings ye have seen and heard ;' how that the blind see,' the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached." 23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.'' 24 "l And when the messengers of John were de- parted, he began to speak unto the people concern- ing John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts." 4:32-37; 13:21: John 11:44. och. 24:19. Pch.l:08. qMatt.ll:2. ry.,.cli. 9-9. 'John 1-40. 1 I«a .35:5,0. "ch. 4:18; Jas. 2:5. v Isa. b: 14, 15; M:itt. 11:8; 13:57; ch.2:34; John 0:00; 1 Cor. 1:21-2S. " 2 Sam. 19:35; Ksth. 1:3,11. CHAPTER Vn. 1-10. Tlie centurion's servant, i Matt, 8:5-13. I. Audience; hearing. II. Niiin; in (lalilee, south-west from Capernaum. l(i. J'ifiileil his people; showed them mercy in sending one who could perform such miracles. l'j-3;). Disciples of John sent to Jesus — Christ's testi- mony of John. Matt. 11:2-1!). 115V ChrisCs testimony of John. LUKE VII. Anointed in Simonh house. 26 But what went ye out for to see ? A proph- et?" Yea, I say unto you, and niucli more than a propliet. 27 This' is he, of whom it is written, Bcliold, I send my messenger bcl'ore thy lace, which shall prepare thy way before thee.'' 2S For I say unto you. Among those that are born of women, there is not a greater prophet than John tlie Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. 29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God,"^ being baptized willi the baptism of John.'' 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected' the counsel of God against themselves,* ° being not baptized of him. 31 1 And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of tliis generation ? and to what are they like?' 32 They are like unto children sitting in the market-place, and calling one to another, and say- ing, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced ; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept. 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine;^ and ye say. He hath a devil. 34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking ; and ye say, Beliold a gluttonous man, and a wine- bibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!'' 35 But wisdom is justified of all her children.' 36 IT And one of the Pliarisces desired him that he would cat with him.J And he went into the Piiarisee's house, and sat down to meat. 37 And behold, a wouum in tlio city, which was a sinner,'' when she knew that .Irsus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster-bo.\ of ointment, 38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, • Ch. l:7(i. b Mai. 3:1; ch. 1:15-17. c p,a. 31: 1 ; Rom. .3:4. J .Matt. :) S, 0; ch. 3:12. ' Or, /ruxlmud. \ Ot. within thtmstlven. e Acts •-'0:a7. 'Mill. ll;l«. etc. f Malt. 3:4; Markl:(); ch.l:15. hJohn2:3; l-.':-J; vcr. 38. I Prov. 6:3J-.1«; 17:10. i Matt. ■.>fl:0, etc, : Mark 14:3, etc. : John 11 :2, and began to wash his feet with tears, and ad. ai did wijieMcm with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed tlicm with the ointment. 39 Now when tiie Pliarisec which had bidden him, saw it, he spake within himself, saying. This man, if he were a propliet,' would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucli- eth him ; for she is a sinner.'" 40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto tiiee. And he saith, Master, say on. 41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed live hundred pence,* and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both." Tell me theretbre, which of them will love him most? 43 Simon answered and said, T suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Tliou hast rightly judged." 44 And he turueil to tiie woman, and said unto Simon, Sccst tiiou this woman? I entered into thy house, thou gavest me no water for my feet : but she hath wasiied my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman, since the time I came in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 4G My head witli oil Ihou didst not anoint:'' but this woman hath anoiiiti>d my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto tiiee. Her sins, which arc many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to wlioni little is forgiven, the same lovetli little. 48 And he said unto her. Thy sins arc forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgivetli sins also?'' 50 And he said to (he woman. Thy faith hath saved thee;'' go in peace. etc. k oh. 5:32; ver. 34; 1 Tim. 1:1.'5. ' .Min 9:24. m ch. \i:%. I Se« Mill. 1-':2S. n Psa. 40:7, 8; Rom. 5:0. o p,a. 1I6:I()-1,1; 1 Cor. 15:9; 2Cor. 5:14; ITim. 1:1:)-18. P Psa. S3:5. q Matt. 9:2, 3; Mark 2:7. r Hab. 2:4; Matt. 9:22; Mark 5:34; 10:52; ch. S:4S; Is:42; Eph. 2:». 29. Justified God; by acknowledging John iis a propliet sent by God, and approving of the counsel of God in send- ing him. Being baptized; the evangelist moans to say that tliey now acted consistently with their former conduct in submitting themselves to his baptism. 30. Lnwiiers; these were the interpreters of the Jewish law, especially their traditionary law. They belonged to the sect of the Pharisees, and were one with them in spirit. Rejeded the counsel of God; his counsel as shown in the mission of John. Against lliemselves ; to their own hurt. 31-35. Children sitting in the market-place. Matthew 11:18-19. 30. One of the Pharisees; his name was iSimon. 37. A sinner; one who had been notoriously wicked. 38. Sinoil at his feet behind him ; as, according to custom, he reclined at the table. 39. fipake vtlhtn himself; ho thought 80, though he did not ox])reas it in words. 41. I entered into thij hoJise ; by invitation. Water fir mij feel; to provide water for ;tvaHhing the feet, was one of tht^ rites of hospitality; to kiss an invited guest was another; and to anoint or rub the hair with olive oil, which im- part"! smoothness and fragrance, was another. Hut for some reason, Simon had omitted these. Yet this woman, whom he thought to be such a sinner that her presence must bo polluting, had kissed his feet, washed tlicra with 1158 tears, and anointed them with very ])recioiis ointment. If she had been as great a sinner as i^imon supposed, j'ct her conduct sliowcil that she was penitent, tliat her love was great, and she was accepted. 47. For she loved much ; according to tlio pariible, much love is the fruit of having been forgiven much. This woman shows much love, which should be to Simon a manifest proof that she had been forgiven much. Our Lord's wortls, then, may bo thus paraplirased: Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for, as tlioii seest, she hath loved much. 48. Thij sins are forgiven ; Christ had jiowcr and author- itv, even in his deepest hiiinilialion, to forgive the sins of men. M;itl. !l:fi ; Mark 2: 10; bake .'■):24. 4'.t. Who islliinl a very ]ierlinent ipiestion ; and the (rue answer is, "(ind over all, blessed for ever." liom. !!:.'). flO. TInj fulh hath saved thee; faith, " which woikcfh by love," was the means of her salv;ition, as it will lie of ;tll who exercise if. JIark liiilfi. INSTUrCTIOXS. ."?. The condition of scrv;uits, when sick, is often very ilistressing. Having no relatives to care for them, it is the duly of their employers, as far as is iiracticable, to siipidy their w;ints; and wIm ii, uniler a deep conviction of tliiir own nnworthincss ;iili1 insiilliiMeney, any apjily to Christ for help to tliose uniler their care, he delights to bestow the blessings which they need. Parahle of the. sower. LUKE VIII. Chrisl sli'kth a tempest. CHAPTER VIII. 3 Women minister unto Christ of their substance. 4 Christ, after he had preached from place to place, attended with liis apostles, pro- poundeth the parable of the sower, 16 and of the candle; 'Jl declareth who are his mother, and brethren; '22 rebuketh the winds; 26 casteth the legion of devils out of the man into the herd of swine; 37 is rejected of>,he G-adarenes ; 43 healeth the woman of her bloody issue, 49 and raiseth from death Jairus' daughter. AND it carac to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of tlic kingdom of God: and tlie twelve vcre with him, 2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magda- lene," out of whom went seven devils,'' 3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's stew- ard, and Susanna, and many others, which minis- tered unto liim of their substance."^ 4 "i And when much people were gathered to- gether, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable : 5 A sower went out to sow his seed :'' and as he sowed, some fell by the way-side; and it was trod- den down, and the fowls of the air devoured it." G And some fell upon a rock ;'' and as soon as it was sprung up, it witiiercd away, because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns ;i^ and the thorns sprang up with it, and clioked it. 8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang np, anil bare fruit a hundred-fold.'' And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.' 9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? 10 And ho said. Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God : but to oth- ers in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.' 11 Now tlie parable is this:" The seed is the word of God.' 12 Those by the way-side are they that hear; then coineth the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts,"' lest they should believe and be saved. 13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy ;" and these have no root," wliich for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. » Matt. '27:35. t Mark lti;9; ver. Jll. ''JCor. ft:U. J Matt. 13:^. ele. ; Mark 4:3, etc. « Paa. 119:118; Matt. 5:13. 'Jer.5:3, sjer.4:.'). Ii (ion. 2(i:l2. i Prov. 20:12; Jer. 13:15; -^.5:4. j Isa. 6:0. k Matt. 13:1S; Mark 4:U, etc. 1 1 Pet. 1:23. m Pn,v. ■1:5; ha. Ii.j;ll; Jas. 1:2.1, 24. ■> I'.ia. 1U():12,13; Isa. 53:2; Gal. 3:1,. I; 4:15. o Prov. 12:3; Hos. 0:4. pi Tim. (i:9, 10; aTim. 4:10; 1 John 2:15-17. q John 15:0. r Jer. 32:39. » Hcb. 12. No sorrows of a Christian mother, especially a wid- owed mother on the death of an oidy son, cseape the tender and sympathizing notiee of the Saviour. His liosom swells with pity ; and when she (hinks not of it, he is preparing to jionr into her wounded spirit the balm of eonsolation, and cause the desolate, sorrowing; heart to sitiK for joy. 111. The dealings of Christ wilh his jieople are often exeeedingly mysterious, lie Kumetiincs leaves them for a while to the most distressing I'alamities ; and judging only from present tvppearanecs, they may be tempti'd to think that lie has forgotten them. But at sui.-h times he calls (hem to eonaiiler his character and declarations ; not to be olfendeil at any thing which he either does or omits to do; but to feel that his ways are perfect, ;ind that blessed for ever will be all those who put their trust in him. 14 And that which fell among thorns, are they. which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures oi this life,'' and bring no fruit to perfection.'* 15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart,'' having heard the word, keep iV, and bring forth fruit with patience.* 16 H No man, when he hath liglited a candle, covcreth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed ; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the ligiit.' 17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad." 18 Take heed tiicrefore how ye hear :^' for who- soever hath, to him shall be given ; and whosoever hath not, from him sliall be taken even that which lie sceiucth to have.*" 19 IT Then came to him his mother and his breth- ren, and could not come at him for the press. 20 And it was told him ly certain, whicli said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, de- siring to see thee. 21 And lie answered and said unto them. My mother and my brethren arc these wiiicii hear the word of God, and do it.^ 22 II Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples:^ and he said unto them. Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. 23 But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake ; and they were filled 7vifh icater, and were in Jeopardy. 24 And they came to him, and awoke him, say- ing. Master, Master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water : and they ceased, and there was a calm.^ 25 And lie said unto them. Where is your faith? And they being afraid, wondered, saying one to another. What manner of man is this ! for he com- inandcth even the winds and water, and they obey him. 26 •[ And they arrived at tlie country of the Gadarencs," wiiich is over against Galilee. 27 And when he went forth to land, there met iiim out of the city a certain man, whicli had dev- ils long time, and wore no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. l(l::jr); Jas. 1:4. t Matt. 5: 15; Mark 4:21 ; oh. 11 :■«. " liccl, 12:1 1 ; M:ut, 10:20; ch. 12:2; 1 Cor. 4:5. v Jaa. 1:21-25. • Ov, Ikinketk that he Imtli. ». Matt. 13:12; 25:29; ch. 19:20. i Matt. 12:48, etc.; Mark 3::i2. etc. y Matt. 8:23, etc.; Mark 4:35, etc. 2 I'sa. 44:23j Isa. 51:9,10. « Malt. a-.-iS. etc.; Mark5:l, etc. 40. Jesus Christ is more pleased and honored by the affectionate offerings of penitent and grateful hearts, even of those who have been very great sinners, than by the most costly entertainments of the most distinguished self- righteous worldlings. (niAPTER VIII. 2. Called MnI:1U. • Act! 10:30. f Dout. IO:'JO, 41; P«a. 118:14, 10. ( 1 Tim. 5:H. Ii Ph. 120:4, 3. I Mitt. 9:18, etc.; M»rlc 5:44, etc. J 2 Chr. 10:14; Job 13:4; 1«». 55:4. k Mitt. B:3; 4U:34; ch. 13:1.). I ch. 0:19; I Pet. 4:U. •10-56. Jairus' daughter, and the woman with an issue of blood. Matt. 9:18-4:J. 4.1. Wtio touched meJ said not for his own 8;ikc, Vmt to draw out the woman from liur jirivacy, and bring her to an open acknowledgment of liim. 47. Cametreml>ling ; slie liad obtained healing from .lomis in a stealthy way; and for tlii.s shi' feared liis rebuke. INSTItUCTION'.'^. 2. The gospel raises women from tlic deep degradation of being the slaves, to tlic privili'ge and lionor of being the companions and most valued friends of men; and often to be tlie most devoted, self-denying, and useful followers of the JjOrd .Ichuh. 10. The manner in which tlie Siiviour communicatcH instruction is suited to impart knowledge to those who desire it, who seek for it as men seek for silver, and 1160 41 If xVnd behold, there came a man named a. d. si. Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue ;' and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that lie would come into his house : 42 For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. 43 'i And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, wliich had spent all her living upon pliysicians,J neither could be healed of any, 44 Came behind /mn, and touched the border of his garment; and immediately her issue of blood stanched.'' 45 And Jesus said. Who touched me ? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude tlirong thee and press t/iee, and sayest thou, Wiio touched me? 46 And Jesus said. Somebody hath touclied me; for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.' 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid,"" she came trembling," and falling down before him, she declared unto him belbre all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. 48 And he said unto her. Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. 49 1[ While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house" saying to him. Thy daughter is dead ; trouble not tiie Mas- ter." 50 But when Jesus heard //, he answered him, saying. Fear not; believe only,'' and she shall be made wlude. 51 And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. 52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but lie said, Weep not; she is not dead, but slcejieth.' 53 And they laughed him to scorn,' knowing that she was dead. 54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying. Maid, arise.' 55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway : and he commamled to give her meat. 5(i Anil iicr parents were astonished: but ho diargcd them that they should tell no man what was done." m P»a 38'!l Ho> r,n. n 1,1 00:4; Ho« 13:1 ; Acta 10 49. o ver. 41, 44. I' Malt 9:4:) etc. Mark .5:35, eto. q John 11:45 ; Horn .4 17. r John 11 11 I.X ■ P.!. 44:7; «h. 10:14. 1 ch 7:14; John 11:43. Matt S:4 9:30; Mark 5 :43. search for it as they do for hidden treasures ; while those who despise it, he leaves in ignoranec, darkness, degrada- tion, and deiitli. 21. None are so neiir to .lesus Christ ;i8 those who hear the word of (lod and do it. The union between him and them will live when all other ties are Kuiiilered, and will grow more intimate ami delightful for ever. 2;'). lielievers, nntwilliHUindiiig their union to Christ and his dee)! interest in tlicir wclf;iii-, nuiy nevtrthelcss be in great danger ; and nothing will keep tliiiii from torment- ing fears, but living and li:ibitiial faith in liini. :i7. Those who regard Iho posHessioii and security of pro|)erty more than tlie ]Ji Matl. 43. Tliat faith in Christ which works by love leads those will) have it to apply to him for wliat they need. And tliDiigh tlicir case, in the view of men, may be hopeless, in the Saviour they will find sure and all-sufficient aid. CHAI'TER IX. 1-1). Twelve apostles sent out. Matt. 10:1-42. 7-9. Herod desires to see Christ. Matt. 14:1, 2. 10-17. Five thousand fed. Matt. 14: i:{-21. 10. Went aside privately; he went by ship. Matt. 14:13; 15 And they did so, and made them all sit down. 16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. 17 And they did eat, and were all filled:'" and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets. IS II And it came to pass, as he was alone pray- ing, his disciples were with him; and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am ?" 19 They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias ; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again." 20 He said unto them. But whom say ye that I am ? Peter answering said. The Christ of God.'' 21 And he straitly chai-gcd them, and command- ed them to tell no man that thing ; 22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and bo rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day." 23 % And he said to t/iem all, If any mari will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."' 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away ? 26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of mc and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and ill his Father's, and of the holy angels.^ 27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some stand- ing here which shall not taste of death till they see the kingdom of God.' 28 T And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings," he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray." 29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his counte- nance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. 30 And behold, there talked with him two men, wliich were Moses and Elias : 31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his de- cease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep:'' and when they were awake, they saw his glory,"' and the two men that stood with him. 33 And it came to pass, as they departed from 16:13, etc.; Mark 8:27, etc. o Matt. 14:3; ver. 7. 8. p John 6:60. ■! Matt. 16:-)1; 17:22. r Matt. 10:;!4; 10:24; Mark S::i4; ch. 14 27; llnm. 8:13; Col. 3:5. • Matt. 10:33; Mark S::j8; 2 Ti)n. 2:12. t Matt. 1U:2h; Mark 9:1; John S:.52; Heb. 2:'J. 'Or, things. " Matt. 17: 1, etc. ; Mark !1:2, etc. »Dan. 8:18; 10:9. "John 1:14. Mark 6:32; John G:l. licthxnida; there were two phices of this name. That best known wa.i on the western sido of the sea of fialilee. The other was on the northern shore of the same lake ; and to that the present passage refers. 18-21. Peter ei)nfeH.se.s Christ. Matt. Ifi: 13-20. 22-27. Christ foretells liis death. Matt. l(;:21-28. 28-30. The transfiguration of Christ. .Matthew 17:1-9; .Mark 9:2-10. 31. His decease; literally, departure, meaning his death. 32. Were lieavy with steep; the transfiguration seems to 1161 An unclean spirit cast out. LUKE IX. IIuic lu follow Christ. him, Peter said unto Jesu?, Master, it is good for us to be here:" and let us make three tabernacles: one for tliee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias : not knowing what he said.'' ;54 Wlule he tlms spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed tlicm : and they feared as they en- tered into the cloud. 35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, say- ing, This is my beloved ^ow." hear him.* 80 And Avhen the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept if close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.'' 37 1l And it came to pass, that on the next day, •when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.' 38 And behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son; for he is mine only child.'' 31) And lo, a spirit takcth him, and he sudilenly criethout ; andittearellj him thai he fnaineth again, and bruising him. hardly dcpartelli fnjm him. 40 And I besought thy disciples to cast him out ; and they could not."* 41 And Jesus answering said, faithless and perverse generation,' how long shall I be with yon, and suffer you?-' Bring thy son hither. 42 And as ho was yet a coming, the devil threw Iiim down, and tare him. And .Jesus rebuked the unclean s))irit,'' and iu-aled tlie child, and delivered him again to his father. 4^5 ' And they were all amazed atthe mightypow- er of Go 1.' But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples, 44 IjCt these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the bands of men.'" 4.5 But thi'v understood not this saying, and it •was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to a.sk him of that saying." 40 If Then there arose a reasoning among them, whicii of them should lie greatest." 47 And Jesus. ]iereeiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, • Pil. -n-.i; 7.1:W. b Mark 10:38. « Matt. .1:17; 2 Pet. 1:17, 18. ut. IS:!.'), Act«.'}:2a. eEccl.3:7. ' Malt. 17; II, oto. ; Mark 0:17, etc. » Zech. 1->:IIJ. h AoUl9:l3-lfl. I Doiit. 32:5; Piveth him that sent me:'' for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.'' 49 H And John answered and said. Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name;'' and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us. 50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not : for he that is not against us is for us.'' 51 lAnd it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up,' he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, 52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans," to make ready for him. 53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though ho would go to Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Loi'd, wilt thou tliat we command lire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did '."' 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of sjjirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.'''' And they went to another village. 57 'l And it came to jiass, that as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, 1 will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.'^ 58 And Jesus said unto him. Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 5!) And he said unto another. Follow me. But he said. Lord, sufl'er me first to go and bury my father.-^' Oil Jesus said unto him, Let the dead liury their dead ; but go thou and jjreach the kingdom ol'tiod. 01 And another also said. Lord, 1 will I'ollow thee ; but let me first go bid them farewell which are at home at my house. 02 And Jesus said unto him. No man, having put his hand to the ])lough, and looking back, is fit for the kiiiy-dom of God. ".Mark 0:32 ch. •• :.W; 1S:34. oMalt. 16:1. elo. ; Mark 0:31. etc. P Matt. 1U:40; John 12:44 13 2(1. q Matt. 23: 1,12 ch 14:11. rNum, 11:27-29 ■ Mall. 12:30; ch. 10:13. 1 Mark 1«:U ; Ada 1 : i. « John 4:4. » 2 King. 1:10,12. »• John 1:17 12 47. « Mnll. H:lil clo y 1 Kings 19: 2C .54. Saw this; saw that the Pamaritaiis would not enter- tain Christ. Elias; Elijah. 2 Kings 1:10-12. fi2. Iliivitiji put his lianil In Ihr phiin^li, null lonhiiif; hark; the husbaiiilinaii who puts his hands to the )iloMgh Miust keep them, and his eyes too, fixed upon it. If he hjoks back, as for examjile to converse with those behind liiin, his work will be ]ioorly done. The .'Syrian jiloiigh, being light, refpiired the weight of the ploughman's body on it to keep it in the furrow. If he looked oil', it would start aside. So he who would be a worthy servant of Christ must give Him his whole heart and his whole time. J''it for llie kiiipiimn of (iod ; lit for the iniiiislry of Christ's gos- pel in his kingdom. Such was ]dairily Ihe originiil iijipli- cation of Ihese words, lint they apply with ecpud I'cirie to every kind of servii-e which CIhIhI ncpiires. No man I who is not ready to le;iv(iill when Chrinl calls, is prepared to serve him on earth, or eiij(]y him in heaven. IN'S'I'KCCTION.S. 1. The ]iower and iuithority of ministers to preach the gospel and administer its ordinances, come from Jesus The seventy sent forth. LUKE X. Their instructions and return. CHAPTER X. 1 Christ seiideth out at once seventy disciples to work miracles, and to preach; 17 aJiiiunislieth them to be humble, and wherein to rejoice; 21 than'teth his Father for hisj^race; 23 luagnitielh the happy estate ■ of his church; 20 teacheth the lawyer how to attain eternal life, and to take every one for his neijjiibor that needeth his mercy; 41 repre- hendeth Martha, and cominendeth Mary her sister. AFTER these things tlie Lord appointed other sovciity also, and sent them two and two befirc his face into every city and phace, whither he Iiiinself would come.'' 2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great,*" but the laborers are few •.'^ pray ye there- fore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry nei ther purse, nor scrip, nor shoes ;'' and salute no man by the way." 5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. 6 And if the son of peace be there,'' your peace shall rest upon it:°' if not, it shall turn to you again. 7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire.'' Go not from house to house.' 8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:^ 9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say « Matt. Ill;l, etc. ; .Mark IJ:7 etc. 1' .Malt. <);:I7: Jciliii ■!; I.>. » 1 Unr. .i: !i ; 1 Tim. 5:17, ' 28 And lie said unto him, Tiiou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.'' 2!) But he, willing to justify himself,' said unto Jesus, And who is my neiglibor?^ 31) And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell annHig thieves, which stripped him of liis rainiciil, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. • Eiod. :H:M; P«i. U'J:-i^; Ui. 4:3; lUn. I;!:l; I'lul. -1:3; lleb. l-J:-il; R«». 13:8, l!U:l.J; 21:27. • Minr ancient copips add, And turning to his ditriplts.kt taiil. 1> Matt. 2'*: H ; John 3:35. c John 6:44, ■l(i. illPct.l:U). e Act. 1(1:30, 31; Gal 3: IH. ' Dcut. 0:5. rLcv.l9:lK. h Lev. lt!:5; Neh. 9:29; Ezelc. 2I):11, 21 ; Rom. 10:5; Gal. 3: 12. i.lDb32:2; ch. 1(1:15; Rorn. 4:2; Gal. 3:11 ; .la.. 2:21. J Matt. 5:43, 44. k Pia. .3'^:11. i P«a. 100:2.5; ChriBt gives his servants over all evil, of which the out- ward deliverances sometimes vouclisafed to them in tliis world are symbols and pledges. CoMi]i;iro Itoiii. 8:28, :i7. 20. Yournamcs arcwritlenin heaven ; as heirs of eternal lifV. 21, 22. Tilings hid from the wise and prudent. Matt. 11:2.^-27. r.i, 24. Things seen by the disciples. Matt. i:j:16, 17. 2'). A certain lawyer; one whose business it was to study, explain, and tcatli the divine law. Tempted him ; put his wis lorn to the test. 27,28. Love to God and man. Matt. 22:37-40; Lev. 19:18; Dcut. C:4, 5. 29. Jimlifij himielf; maintain that he could not be con- demned for having broken the divine law. Ifhii is mi/ neif^hhnr? who is the person whom I am to love as niysijIfV 30. Jericho ; about twenty miles north-east of Jerusalem, and seven from the .Jordan. Fell amonf; thieves ,- more ex- actly, fell among roblicrs. Tlie road from .lerusalem to Jericho led through a wilderness abounding in narrow and rocky passes, and was anciently, as now, infested with robbers. 31. Ri/ chance ; without any design to help the Jew, or knowledge of his condition. 32. A Levile ; the Levites assisted the priests in the ser- vices of the temple. 35. Two pence; in value about twenty-eight cents, or the 1164 31 And by chance there came down a cer- a. p 32. tain priest that way : and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.'' 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.' 33 But a certain Samaritan,"" as he journeyed, came where he was ; and wlicu he saw him, he had compassion on him," 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds," pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and look care of him. 3.5 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence,* and gave them to the host, and said unto him. Take care of him; and what- soever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.^ 36 Which now of these three, thiiikest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, lie that showed mercy on him.'' Then said Jesus unto him. Go, and do thou like- wise. 38 1 Now it came to pass, as they went, that ho entered into a certain village : and a certain wom- an named Martha received him into her house.'' 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet," and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serv- ing, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Mar- tha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:' 42 But one thing is needful;" and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Prov. 27:10. niJohn4:'J. n KxoJ. •J:(i. " l'»a. 147:3; l»a. 1 :l). t Seo Matt. 20:2. P Prn». 19:17; ch. 14:14. 1 Prov. 14:21; Hoi. Ii:«; Mic. 0:S; Matt. 2:!:a3. r.I.>hn 11:1; 12:2. 3. ■ ch. 8:35; Acta 22:3. t Mark4:19; ch. 21 :3I ; 1 Cor. 7:12,35. u Psi. 27:4; 73:25; Eccl. 12:13; Mark 8:30; ch. 18:22: 1 Cor. 13:3. price of two days' labor. Matt. 20 : 2. The host ; the keeper of the inn. 3G. Was neighbor; the ruler, who would have restricted the word neighbor to a very ii;irrow circle of friends, is shown that all men whom he has the power of beiidiliiig are his neighbors, and Ihat he owes to all ;t debt of lovo and self-denial. 38. A certain viltaiic; Bethany. Matt. 21:17. 40. Cumhercil; busily (leeui)ied. Much serving; in pro- viding eiilurtainmeiit lor her guests. 41. Caicftil ; anxious, jierplexiMl. Many things; with regard to this world. 42. One thing is needful; needful esiieeially, above all other things. That gnad purl; the favor of (jod, through love and ob(Mlleiice to his commands. Not be taken away; Job 17:9; J(din 4:14; 10:27-30. INSTRUCTIONf. 1. When Christ is about to visit a jilaee in mercy, he, in his providence, often prepares the way for it; and the manner in which the manifestations of his will are trcaliil, shows the ch.iracter of its inh;ibitants, and the way in which Ihey w'ill receive him. 12. Those who reject the gospel reject the Saviour ; and the greater their light, if they do nut iinprovi! it. llio greater will be their guilt and the more dreadful their coDdcinnation. Chap. 12:47, 48. Christ teacheth to pray, LUKE XI. and castcth out a devil. CHAPTER XI, A. D, 33. 1 Christ teacheth to pray, and that lustaiuly; 11 assuring that God so will give us good things. 14 He, casting out a dumb devil, rebuk- eth the blasphemous Pharisees; 28 and showeth who are blessed; 29 preacheth to 'he people. 37 and reprehendeth the outward show of holiness in the Pharisees, scribes, and lawyers. A ND it came to pass, that as he was praying in X\. a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven," Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day* our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us." And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. 5 And ho said unto them, AVhich of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend mo three loaves; 6 For a friend of mine in his journey* is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him: 7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed ; I cannot rise and give thee? 8 I say unto you. Though he will not rise and give him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he ncedeth." 9 And I say unto you. Ask, and it shall bo given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.'' 10 For every one that asketh, receiveth ; and he that secketh, findeth ; and to him that knocketh, it shall be oi)enod. 11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fisJi, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 (3r if he shall ask an egg, will he ofler* him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good » Malt. 0:i), etc. • Or, /or Ike day. >> Mark 11:45, 20. 1 Or. out of his way. ' ch. 1S:1-S. <1 .Matt. 7;7; ai:2'2; John 15:7; Jas. 1 :3; 1 John .i-.H. 1 lir. aioe. e Matt. 9:32; 12:-2->, etc. ! Gr. Bedzebul, and so ver. IS, I'J. 19. Christ is able to give his ministers all the aid which they need for fhe discharge of their duties. In his name and strength they may commence their work, ami go on from conquering to conquer, till every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that he is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 2(). The attention of those who inquire what they shall do to be saved, should be directed to the great fact, that liy the Works of tlie law they cannot be justified, ;ind that till- only way of salv;ition is tlirough faith in Jesus ('hrist, who is "the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth." :iH. The love which the law of God requires, leads those wlio have it to do good, not meri-ly to their friends or countrymen, but, as they have oiiiiortinjity, to all, in imi- tation of Him wiio m;Uie8 his sini to rise on the evil and on the good, and semis his rain on the j\ist and on the un- just, and '-who, though he was rich, for our sakes became poor, that we tlirough his poverty might be rich." 40. Though diligence in business and ju-oper regard to f;tmily concerns are duties whicli should by no means be neglected, yet we may be so engrossed in them, and so tronliled about them, as gre;itly to displease the Haviour, and injure ourselves. Our first regard should be for God, U'ifts unto your children; how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him ? 14 And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb." And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; aud the people won- dered. 15 But some of them said. Ho casteth out devils through Beelzebub^ the chief of the devils. 16 And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. "^ 17 But he, knowing their thoughts,'^ said unto them. Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation ; and a house divided against a house falleth." 18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how .shall his kingdom stand ? because ye say tliat I cast out devils througli Beelzebub. 19 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast thc7n out? therefore shall they be your judges. 20 But if I with the finger of God cast out dev- ils,' no doubt the kingdoui of God is come upon you. 21 When a strong man armed keepeth his pal- ace, his goods are in peace : 22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him,J he taketh from him all his armor wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. 23 He that is not with me is against me ; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. 24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. 25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. 26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other s])irits more wicked than himself; and they cuter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first." f Malt. 12:3S; n;:l. PJolin2:23. h Malt. 12:25; Mark 3:24 iExod.«:l9. Jlsa. 53:12; Col. 2:13. k John 5:14; Heb. 6:4; 10:26,27; 2 Pet. 2:20, 21. and our chief concern to learn and do his will. He will then so order his providence, that we never shall want any thing essential to our highest good. CHAPTER XI. 2-4. The Lord'e prayer. Uraft. fi:3-13. 7. fihut ; bolted, as tlie origin;d w(M-d implies. 8. Because of A/-< impnrtuniti/ he will rise and pive him ; the point of the parable is to show the power of importunity in prayer. If it prov;iils willi sellish men, how much more with God, who loves his children, and takes pleasure in granting their reijuests. !l-l:!. Asking of God in prayer. Matt. 7:7-11. it. Ask, and it. sliall he friven ; now comes the application of the paral)le. lie imiiorlunate in asking, seeking, and knocking at (Jod's door, and 3'ou will be heard and an- sweix'd. God often delays answering prayer, that he may try the faith and e;irnestncss of the snp]diant. 12. Scorpion; a jioisonons reptile, with eight legs, eight eyes, and a sting in its tail, wliich iiillicts great pain. i:j. Gir-c the Htihj Spirit ; this is the gift of gifts, including in itself all needed good. 14-2:i. Casting out devils by Beelzebub. Matt. 12: 22-30. 24-26. Return of the unclean s|iirit. Matt. 12:43-45. 1165 The Pharisees reproved, LUKE XI. also scribes and lawyers. 27 lAnd it came to pass, as he spake these thinf;:s, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him. Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast suck- ed. ••> 28 But he said, Yea, rather, blessed are they that liear the word of God, and keep it.** 29 1" And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say. This is an evil genera- tion : they seek a sign ; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the projjhet." 30 For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites,* so shall also the Son of man be to this genera- tion. 31 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon ; '' and behold, a greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh shall rise up in the judg- ment with tliis generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas;' and behold, a greater than Jonas is here. 33 No man, when he hatli lighted a candle, put- teth it in a secret place, neither mider a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come iu may see the light.'-' 34 The light of the body is the eye:'" therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole liody also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil,' thy body also is full of darkness. 35 Take heed therefore, that the light which is in thee be not darkness. 3() If thy whole body therefore he fidl of light,^ having no part dark, the whole shall be full of liglit, as when the bright shining of a candle* doth give thee light." 37 '\ And as he spake, a certain Pharisee be- sought him to dine with him ; and he went in, and Bat down to meat. • Ch. IrS'*, "Is. b I>,a, Il!):l.2; Milt. 7:31; ch. «:-Jl; ,laj. l:-2d. ' I2:M, etc.; Mark H:l-i. J Jonah 1: 17; 2: 10. e 1 Kings 10: 1, etc. f. 3:.'i, 10. ( Matt. Sjl.";. etc. ; Marlt 4:21 ; ch. 8:16. h Mall. 0:22, etc. I I'rov. 2-i:22; Mark 7:22. J P«a. llU:10j; Prov. 0:23; Isa. 8:2U; 2 Cor. 4:8. " Gr. o » Malt. Jonah Prov, 28. Yen, rallier, blessed; the outward relation of Mary to Jesus as Iiis motlicr was not so lii^^h a luivilci^c, and did not confer such blessedness, as a l)elieving and obedient 8|iirit lirinps to the Iminldest of ids disciples. How wiiinjc. then, to e.\alt Mary to be au object of worsliip because of this outward relation. 29-32. A sign Hou;,'ht. Matt. 12:38-12; ^ra^k 8:11, 12. 33-3(1. Candle under a bushel, .\falt. ,0:1.'); ti:22, 23. 3(!. If Ihij whole Lolly— fiUI oflij^lit; a clear view of spir- itual things is to the soul what si;;ht is to the body. It enaliles us to see clearly and correctly all truth that relates to God and Christ. Tlius the soul becomes like u well- lighted ch.iinhcr, having no dark corner. 38. Wanked; in the original, baptized. 39. And the Lriril said; this discourse at the Pharisee's table has much in common with that recorded in .Matthew 23; liut it was delivered on a ilifferent occasion. Make clean; cleanse by washing. Matt. 23:2.'), 2G. Ravenmg; greedy violence. 40. Fooh; they who mock flod with outward forms merely, while inwiirdly full of impurity, are not only wick- ed, but most foolish. Made Itinl vtiich is without — that which is within; the argument is, lh;it since (Jod made the spirit as well as the outer man. he must reijuire that also to bo kept clean from ])ollution. 1106 38 And when the Pharisee saw it, lie mnr- a. d.i!. veiled that he had not first washed before dinner.' 39 And the Lord said unto him. Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter ;'" but your inward part is full of raven- ing and wickedness." 40 Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? 41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have;*" and behold, all things are clean unto you. 42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of (Jod : these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other un- done. p 43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! for yc love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. i 44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypo- crites ! for ye arc as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over tlum are not aware of them J 45 Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying, thou reproachest us also. 4(5 And he said. Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers." 47 Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. 48 Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers :' for they indeed killed them," and ye build their sejiulchres. 40 Therefore also said the wisdom of Ood, T will send them prophets and a]ioslles, and some of them they sJiall shiy and persecute: 50 That the blood f)f all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may bo required of this generation ;" randk by in brislil burning, k Prov. 4:1S; 20:27. 1 Mark 7:3. m Malt. 2:!:-.'5. ■> Tilii.s 1:1,5. f Or, n,i you are aWc » laa. .W:7; ch. 12:a3. P .Matt. 23:2.1, 27. q Matt. 23:0; Ma.k 12:38. ' I'aa. .?:!). • isa. 58:0. ' Kzek. 18:li). ulleb. 11:35, 37. v Exod. 20:5; Jer. 51 :50. 41. Give alma nfxnch tliinp:'< n.? ijehavr ,■ tliat is, according to our version, bestow your jiroperty, as you have means and opportunity, in deeds of love for Christ's sake, and you will be acc"ei)ted of him. Hut we niiiy better render, (Jivo the things within as alms; the tilings, namely, within the cup and ]datter. Instead of spemliiig your time in wash- ing their outside, while " witliin they are full of extortion and excess," 8e(^ that their contents are made clean by being devoted, in the fear of (Sod, to men's good, and then the outside will be clean also. The cup ;ind jilatter hero rejjresent covetous and rapacious men, whose souls are polluted by unrighteous gain. Let them begin by making their hearts clean, and tlien they need not be troubled about outward delilemcnts, 4,'!. UppcrmonI seiilx — and prcdinf^s; the most honoralih^ places and public salutations. Matt. 23:6, 7. 44. An proves which iippriir not ; so that men walking over them arc polluted without knowing it. In Matt. 23:27, 2S, there is a contrast between a fair outward ajipearanee and inw;ird abomimition. Here the point is the carefulness of the riiarisees in hiding their wickedness. 4.1. Reproiiclicst ws ; as being inwardly corrupt. 4«-:-il. .Sinand doom of the I'liarisees. M;itl. '.'3:1, 29-36. 49. 'I'lic wisdom of God; as mauifcBtod iii the words and works of Christ. Against hypocrisy, LUKE XII. and worldly carefulness. A. D.r.T 51 From the blood of Abel "unto tlie blood of Zacliai'ias,'' \yliicli perished between tlie altar and the tein])Ie: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation." 52 Woe unto you, lawyers ! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge:'' ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye liiniiered.* 515 And as he said tliose things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him ve- hemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things :■=' 51 Laying wait for him, and seeking to patch something out of his mouth, that they migiit ac- cuse him.' CHAPTER XII. 1 Christ preacheth to his disciples to avoid liypocrisy. and fearfulness in publishing his doctrine; 13 warneth the people to beware of covet- ousness, by the parable of the rich man who set up greater barns. 23 We must not be overcareful of earthly things, 31 but seek the king- dom of God, 33 give alms, 36 be rea,dy at a knock to open to our Lord wliensoever he cometh. 41 Christ's ministers are to see to their charge. 49 and look for persecution. Cy\ The p'ople must take this time of grace, 5S because it is a fearful thing to die without reconcil- iation. IN the mean time, when there were gathered to- gether an innumerable multitude of people, insoinucli that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all. Beware yc of tlie leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypoc- risy." 2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, tliat shall not be known.** 3 Therefore, whatsoever ye have spoken in dark- aGen. 4:S. b ■> chr. -.ij :iO. « Jer. T-.a-. -JU. d Mai. -2; 7. • Or, forbaile. ' I Cor. l:!:.5. f Mark 1^: 13. f Matt. 10:0, etc. ; Mark >:!.'), etc. ' l> Matt. 10:27; Mark4:3->; oh S:17. iJohnJ.3:14. J Isa. 51 :7-13; Matt. 10:-2?, etc. t See Matt. lU:-ja. k 1 Sam. i-.M; Psa. lli):4li; 2 Tim. 2: 1-2; Rev. 2:10. 52. T/ie key afkiioideJge; they prevented the people from obtaining the true knowleilge of Jesus as tlie Messiah. They would not believe in him themselves, and they hin- dered others. INSTRUCTIONS. 1. All who are wise will earnestly desire to be taught rightly to pray, and will ask .Tesus Christ to instruct them. This is a blessing which he delights to give, and with it is connected, in his providence and by his grace, all needed good. "Ask, and it shall be given you." Matt. 7:7. 13. God loves to liavc men pray for the greatest bless- ing he can bestow, the Holy Spirit, which he has promised to those who ask him. If any. therefore, do not receive it, and are not enlightened, sanctified,- and savetl, it is be- cause they do not in faith and love ask for this blessing. 2fi. Wicked men reject the revealed truth of (lod, not because there is not sufficient evidence that it is truth, but because they are wicked, and the truth condemns them. When men reject evidence which (lod gives, and seek such as ho will not give, they grow more wicked, and tlieir last state becoin<>s worse than any which preceded it. 28. A disposition to hear the voice of God and obey it, is the greatest of blessings. Hlessed as was the Virgin .Mary on account of her being the mother of Jesus, more blessed, accoriling to his decision, ar(^ all who believe on and oli(\y him. Kvcn Mary herself was more blessed as his believing and obedient disciple, than as his mother according to the llesh. 38. Great attention m,iy be paid to outward forms and ceremonies, especially when men arc taught to depend on them for salvation, and yet their hearts be abominably wicked. -\11 such dependence is vain. To be accepted of God, men must give him their hearts, and must iiiani- ness, shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets, shall be pro- claimed upon the house-tops. 4 And I say unto you, my friends,' Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you wliom ye shall fear: Feai" him, whicli after he hath killed, hath jinwer to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you. Fear iiim.' 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings,* and not one of them is forgotten before God ? 7 But even the very hairs of your head arc all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value tlian many sparrows. 8 Also I say unto you, Wliosoever shall confess me before men,'^ liini shall the 8ou of man also conl'ess before the angels of God :' 9 But he that denieth me before men,™ shall be denied before the angels of God." 10 And wliosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven hiin : but unto him that blasplicmeth against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven." 11 And Avhen tliey bring you unto the syna- gogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take yo no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:" 12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour wiiat ye ought to say.*" 13 1 And one of the company said unto hinij Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inlieritance with me.'' 14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you ?'' Ijuile24. n> Acts3:13,U; Rev. 3:8. n Matt. 2.1:31. ■> Malt. 12:31 ; 1 .lohn 5:lli. pMatt. 10:19; Mark 13:11; ch. 21:14. q Acts 6:10; Acts 20. r Ezek. 33:31. sjohn 1S:35. fest this by obeying him and doing good, as they have opportunity, to tlieir fellow-men. 52. To hinder men from obtaining that knowledge which God has revealed in his word, is a great sin, and one which exposes all who against light continue in it, to an awfully aggravated condemnation. CHAPTER XII. 1. Jit the mean time; while lie was delivering his dis- course to the Pharisees. The lenvcn of the Phiinsccx ; hy])oc- risy. the great sin of the Pharisees, which, like leaven, mingled itself with and corrupted all their religious ser- vices. 2. For there is nothing covered; the Saviour shows the folly of hypocrisy from the consideration that every thing will at last be made known. 4-12. Be not tfmiil ; a very common form of hypocrisy has always been dissimulation and the denial of Christ through fear of man. Ciunpare John 12:42, 43. The Sav- iour, therefore, next warns his disciples against this sin, because, first, men can do us no real harm, while fiod can destroy both soul and body in hell, ver.ses 4, 5; because, secondly, God, who watches over the sparrows, will pro- tect his faithful servants, ver. (i, 7 ; because, thirdly, if wo deny Christ here, he will deny us liereafter, ver. K, 9. lie then warns his disci])les .against the blasphemy of tho Holy Ghost, a sin in which the denial of Christ might end, ver. II); andag;tinst anxiety in respect to their defence when brought bclbrc magistrates, ver. 11, 12. 13. Speak Id nil/ lirolher; he wi.sheil to make use of the Saviour's autluu-ily and infiuence to increase his own es- tate, as some men now vtdue religion simply from its worldiv advantages. 1107 Earthliness end unldief reproved. LUKE XII. Fidelity and vigil ancx enjoined. 15 And he said unto them, Take liced, and be- "ware of covetousnoss : '' for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the tilings wliicli he pos- sessetli.'' 10 And lie spake a paralilc unto tliom, saying, The ground of a certain rich uuiu brouglit fortli plentifully : 17 And he thought within himself, saying. What shall I do, because I have no room where to be- stow my fruits? 18 And he said, Tliis will I do : I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will 1 be- stow all my fruits and my goods.'' 11) And I will say to my soul. Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years;'' take thine ease, eat, drink, mid be merry.'' 20 But God said unto him, T/wu fool, this night thy soul shall bo required of thee:"' then whose shall tliose things be, which thou hast provided ?•"' 21 So is he that layctii up treasure for himself," and is not rich toward God.' 22 T"And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you. Take no thought for your life, what ye shall cat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23 Tiie life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.' 24 Consider the ravens:'' for they neither sow nor reap ; which neither have storehouse nor barn ; ami God fecdeth them. How nuich more are ye better than the fowls ? 2.5 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of tiicsc. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to- day in the field, and to-morrow is cast into the • 1 Tim. 6:7-10. b Job 2:4 ; Malt. 6:2.1. e Jan. .1:15. 18. il P.si. 49 IS. • Ecol. 11:9; 1 Cor. 15:3-.>; Ju. i-.r,. • Or. do they reiiiiire thy soul. I Job W ]>^-X\\ 27:9; P«a. 5-.':7; Ja«. 4:11. t Psa. :jiJ:ii; ■1U:10. 17; Jnr. 17:11. l>Hib.2:0. i vcr. W); ITim. 0:IS; J;v..2:.5. J Mitt, rl: 2.1, etc. k .Inb 3.^:41 ; P-a. 117:9. Mil, live not in careful naspfnitt. I .Matt. r»;3:i. m Psa. :)•! : lU ; 1.5. Cmclmi-sncss ; over-anxiety ;iik1 Hellish greediness for earthly tilings. Consisteth not; neither the lcr]j.;th, useful- ness," and happiness of a man's life in this world, nor his eternal life hereafter, depend upon the amount of his earthly possessions. 2(1. 27/w sntxl sliall he required; thou shalt die, and thy soul Kliall be ret|uired to RO to judgment and give an ac- count of its deeds while in the \itii\y. 21. Tlitit layeth up treasure for himself ; lives Bupremely for himself, not for God, which was the great sin charged upon this man. 22-31. Taking thought for the morrow. Matt. 0:2.5-3-1. 25. Add to his slalure one cubit; see note on Matt. 0:27. 32. IVi* Ain^e/om ; of heavenly glory. Matt. 3:2. 33. Give alms; use your wealth in doing good, and then you make it impossihlc that it should be lost; for the treasure which is given lo the poor in Christ's name, is given to Christ, and he will Lay it nj) for us in heaven. Bags which wix nnl old ; heavenly jiurses to contain heav- enly treasures. I.ct that which you regard as your chief good be in heaven. Your iicarts will then be heavenly, and your treasure and blessedness be eternal. 3J-4G. The faitlifiil servant. Matt. 24:42-51. 11G8 oven; how much more icill he clothe you, a.d.ss. ye of little faith? 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what yc shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.* 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and y(nir Father knowctli tliat ye have need of these tilings. 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God;' and all these things shall be added unto you.'" 32 Fear not, little flock ;" for it is )"our Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." 33 1i Sell that ye have, and give alms;'' provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief ap- proacheth, neither moth coi-rupteth.'' 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 35 T Let your loins be girded about,'' and your lights burning ;' 36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wed- ding; that when he cometli and knoeketh, they may open unto him immediately. 37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching:' verily I say unto you. tiiat he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and lind t/icm so, blessed are those servants. 39 And this know, that if the good man of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, anil not have sulVcred his house to be broken through." 40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.^' 41 If Then Peter said unto liim. Lord, speakest thou this ])arable unto us, or even to all ? 42 And the Lord said. Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler Tua. Ki:\(i; Rnm. .°:3I, 32. ■> Ua. 40:11 ; John 10:27, 2^. o Matt. •i'):3l; Jnhn 1S:.3B: Hnb. \■2■.■i■^■, Jas. 2:5; 2 IVt. 1:11; Rev. I:li; 22:.5. P Malt. 19:.J1; Acu 2:4.); 4:31. 1 Matt. Ii:20; 1 Tim. li:IO. r Kph. (i: 14 ; 1 Pet. 1:13. • Matt. ■2.0:1, l:J. I Malt. 24:40, etc. u 1 Tlin.».. .0:21 2 Pet. 3:10| Rov. 3:3; 10:15. v oh. ■i\:M,:sn. 35. Let ynur loiii.i l>e girded ; the girding up of tlic loins was a preparation for action, lie ready for duty. Your lights Imrniiig; be always watchful. 30. When he will return from the wedding; either his own wedding, in which he is the bridegroom, or the wedding of a friend. AVeddings were atlended in Ihi^ night; and servants were accustomed to sit up and w;iit lor their master's coming, that on his arriv:il lliey might immeili- ately open the doors. 80 our Lord told his discijilcs to watch, and proceeded to point out the blessedness of thoso who should do so. Matt. 25: 1- i:!. :J7. Come forth and serve them ; he will greiitly honor and bless them. 38. Second watch; from nine in the evening to twelve. Third wiilrh ; from twelve to three in the morning. .39. (iiml man of the house; ni;ister of th(^ house. 41. Unto IK, or even to nil? is it meant for us, aw tliino aposlles, or for all men? Our Lord, in his answer, spc.aks of a steward set over his master's household, thim inti- nniting th;it the jiar.alile has its liighest refiTence to the rninislers ;ind riders of his chureh ; but shows nt the close, ver. 48, that it:ip|ilies to every one according to the meas- ure of his knowledge and of the duties laid upon him. The, day of judgtiient. LUKE XIII. The signs of the times. A. D. a over his household, to give them their por- tion of meat in due season?" 4B Blessed is that servant, whom liis lord when he Cometh shall find so doing." 44 Of a trutii I say unto you, that he -will make him ruler over all that he hath. 45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayetli his coming; and shall begin to beat tlic men-servants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;'' 4(i The lord of that servant will come in a day when he lookcth not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder,* and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.'* 47 And that servant which knew his lord's will, ;ind prepared not himself, neither did according to his will,'' shall be beaten with many stripes' 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten witli few stripes.^ For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required;'" and to whom men have com- mitted much, of him they will ask the more.' 49 H I am come to send fire on the earth ; and what will I, if it be already kindled? •50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with ; and how am I straitened* till it be accomplished! 51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you. Nay ; but I'ather division.J 52 For fi'om henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 53 The father shall be divided against the son. 'ICur. 4:-2. b Tcr. .17. c Matt. 2i:6. ' Or, cut /lim of . d Psa. 37;9; 94:14. e.Tas.4:17 fDeut.25:2. eAotsI7:30. h Ley. 5: 17; John 15:2i; I Tim. 1:13. ' 1 Tim. 6:20. t Or, pained. J Matt. 10:34. k Mic. 7:6. 49. To send fire; in the same sense in which he came to send a sword. Matt. 10:34. Fire and sword are emblems of contention, distres.s, and ruin : not that this was the object of Christ's coming, or tbe tendency and proper effect of his gospel, but it wouUl be tlie effect of tlie op- position which wiclied men would make to it. What wilt I, if it be already kindled? did he regret the pubhcation of the gospel, or would he desist from it on account of the contention it would occasion ? No ; he desired its pub- lication, and that, as soon as practicable, it might be uni- versal. .50. A baptism; extreme suffering which he must pass through before the gospel could be fully published. Strait- ened; oppressed in spirit, in view of the suflerings which were before liim. HI. Rather division ; Christ came to send divisions in the 8ame sense in which lie came to send fire and sword. His gospel would not produce divisions, but men's opposition to it would. Ver. I'J; Matt. 10:34-36. 54. Out of tlie west; from the Mediterranean sea, which lay west of Judca. .'5.5. The south wind; from the hot and sultry deserts of Arabia and Egypt. Mi. Tilts time; the indications of the presence of the Messiah. ;>7. Even of yourselves ; under the guidance of your own consciences eiiliglitened by God's word. Juds;e — what is right; make a true judgment respecting the signs of the times and my claims to be the Messiali. Why not do this before you are summoned to (iod's judgment-seat to have him decide tlic question against you ? .58. When thou goest with thine adversary; literally, For when thou goest with thine ailversary; the word '-for" connecting this verse immediately with the preceding. Under the figure of a man Kummoned by his ailversary to appear before the magistrate, our Lord, in tomliiding 74 and the son against the father ; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the moth- er ; the mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."^ 54 1 And he said also to the people. When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway yc say, There conieth a shower; and so it is.' 55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. 56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth ; but how is it that yc do not discern this time? 57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge yc not what is right?"" 58 1l When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate," as thou- art in the way," give dili- gence that thou mayest be delivered from him ; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge de- liver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. 59 I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.* CHAPTER XIII. 1 Christ preaclieth repentance upon the punishment of the G-.aliIeans, and others. 6 The fruitlecs fig-tree may not s-tand. 11 He healetii the crf'olied woman; 18 showeth the powerful worlving of the word in the hearts of his ciiosen. by the par.able of the grain of mnstard- seciJ, and of leaven; ~4 exhorteth to enter in at the strait gate, 31 and reproveth Herod and Jerusalem. ''INHERE were present at that season some that. _L told him of the Galileans,'' whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices." 1 Malt. l(>:a, etc. m 1 Cor. 11 :M. n .Matt. 5:25. o Isa. 55:6. 1 See Mark 12:42. P Acts 5:37. q Lam. 2:2f). this series of addresses, solemnly warns his hearers to be reconciled to God, who is both their adversary and their judge, while they are on the way to his judgment-seat, Ijy acknowledging the claims of his Son Jesus Christ. Thus they can obtain pardon and eternal life ; but if they refuse this, at God's bar the very last mite will be de- manded of them ; and as they will have nothing to pay, they must lie in the prison of despair for ever. Give dili- gence that thou jiiayest be delivered from him ; by acknowledg- ing of thyself his just claims, and satisfying them. This will be judging of one's self what is right. INSTRUCTIONS. I. Men should be especially careful to be at heart in all things honest, upright, and sincere, and to act from good motives ; thej' should be more desirous of being right in the sight of God, than of appearing to be right in the sight of men. 16. In providing for happiness, men should act, not for time merely, but for eternity, that, at whatever moment they may be called from earth, they may go to, and not from, their treasures. 20. In trusthig to riches for that happiness which can come onlj' from (Jod; in dei)cndiijg uiion long life, when death may come this night ; and in laying up treasure on earth, and not in heaven, men act the part of fools. 22. Those who have that fear of God which leads them to avoid what displeases him, have no reason to fear anv tiling else. In him they may trust for whatever they need, and he lias promised that, in the best way and time, he will supply them. 4U. Opposilion to the best things often produces the greatest mischiefs. But no good thing, rightly done, is to bo charged with any of the evils which opposition to it occasions. 54. Were men as quick to discern, and as wise to judge, 1 1 tli) FaraLks of theftg-tree, LUKE XIII, tht musiard-secJ, end 'c icn. 2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye tluit tlicse Galileans were sinners above all tlic Galileans, because they sullered sucii things? 3 I tell you, Nay : but, except ye repent, ye shall all lilicwise perish." 4 Or those cigliteen, upon whom the tower in Biloam fell, and slew them, think ye that tlicy were sinners* above all men that dwelt in Jcru- ealein ? 5 I tell you, Xay : Init, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. G T[ He spake also this parable: A certain 7nan had a fig-tree jilautcd in his vineyard;'' and he came and sought fruit tliereon, and found none.'' 7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on tliis fig-tree, and find none: cut it down;'' why cumberetli it tlic ground? 8 And lie answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:" 9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, t/ien after tliat thou shall cut it down.'' 10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on tlie sabbath. 11 And beiiold, there was a woman whicli had a spirit of inlirmity eigliteen years,- and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. 12 And wlien Jesus saw lier, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, tliou art loosed from tiiine infirmity." 13 And lie laid his hands on her: and imme- diately she was made straight, and glorilied God.' 14 And tlie rul(;r of the synagogue answered witli indignation, because that Jesus liad healed on tlie sal)t)ath-day,J and said unto tlic pcoj)]e. There are six days in which men ougiit to work : in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath-day." 15 Tlie Lord then answered him and said, Thou • Acu 3:19; Re». vVai. -W. ' Or,i/c'yfoM. b Isa. 5:1. olc; Mm. 21:10. ■'" d Kxixl. .32: 10. e Psa. KIU:;;:!; al'et. - yiviif .). Ill , nw.^.n,a. \jr, iie'jiors. w lya. o:l.olc.: iviatt. ::) : I'.). • John l.'>;IO; Gal. 5:a>; Phil. 4:17. d Kxixl. .32: 10. e Psa. KlU:;!:!; 2 Pet. 3:0. f Jo'in 15:2; Ilcb. fi:'^. s I'm. 0:2. hjTOl:!:10 1 Mark 10: IS; Acts (1:17. I Matl. 12:10; Mark .3:2; ch.0:7; 11:3; John 5:10. k Exml. 20-9 I ProT. 11:9; MiU.7:5; 2):l:),21; ch. 12:1. mch.l4:5. ■ich.l9:0. o I,a, ill spiritual as they are in tcinjioial things, and did tlioy as earnestly and persevcringly )iur8ue tlicm, they inislit all, througli grace, become rich for eternity. Hut uliilo they know that to obtain temporal good tlioy must bo awake and active, must exercise judgnnut, l;iy jilans, iind diligently pursue tliein, they ol'leii hope to obtain eternal good without thought, plan, or effort. CriAPTLR XIH. 3. / Icll mu, Nnij ; Hudden de;itli is no cviilcnco of pecul- iar wicketfness; but death in any form is tlie effect of sin, and shouM rendnd lis that wo must repent of it, and be delivered from its power, or wo shall perish. 4. Tower in Hiloam; probably in the wall of Jerusalem, near the south-east corner, where was the jiool of .Sil(i;ini. See comment on .John 9:7. 11. A spirit nf iufirmilij; a spirit that kept her bowed together ; for her infirmity is ascribed to the power of Satan, vcr. 16. l.>. Ilijporrile ; he condemned .Tesus for relieving on the Sabbath an infirm wom:in, who had suirereil for eighteen years, when he would himself |>erform more labor for the relief of an animal from thirst for a bin'do day. 1170 hypocrite,' doth not each one of you on the .\ d.^s. sabbath loo.-e his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?'" 16 And ou^litnot tiiis WDiuaii, being a daughter of Abraiiaiii, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath-day ?" 17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed:" and all the ])eoj)lc rejoiced for all the glorious tilings tliat were done by him.'' 18 IThen said he. Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whcreuiito .--hull I resemble it?« 19 It is like a grain of mustard-seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden ; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in tlie branches of it. .20 And again lie said, Wliorcunto shall 1 liken tiie kingdom of God ? 21 It is like leaven, whicli a woman took and hid in three measures* of meal, till the whole was leavened. 22 And he went through the cities and villages teacliing, and journcyiug towards Jerusalem. 23 Tlicn said one unto liim. Lord, ari^ tlierc few tliat be saved? And he said unto tiiem, 24 T Strive; to enter in at tlie strait gate:'' for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." 2.') When once the master of the house is risen up,' and liatli shut to the door," and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us;'' and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence yo are: 2() Then shall ye begin to say. We have eaten and drunk in thy jire.-euce, and thou hast taught in our streets. 27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are;" depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity." ■I.-):21; 1 Ppt. :):1«. P Kxod. 15:11; Psa. 111:3; I.a. 4:2. 1 Matt. 13:31; Mark 4:311. etc. t Sec Matt. 13:3.3. ■■ M,ilt. 7: 13. • John 7:34; f;21 ; Rora. 9:31. ' Psa. 32:0; l»a. .'jr>:0. u .Matt. 25:11). » ch. 0:10. " .Mitt. 7:24, 2.3; 25:12, 41. i Pja. 0:8; 101 :». Ifi. A dauf^htrr nf Ahrnhnm ; a ilescemlaut of Abraham, and possessing his l';iilli. W/inm Snliin lintli htninil — loosed; the allusion is to the loosing of an animal from the stall, vcr. I."). !S;itan has bound down tliis woman as an o.\ or ass is bound to the stall. lH-21. I'arabk's of the niu.stard-seed and leaviui. M;ilt. I8::ti-:i:i. 21. Strive: in the original, agonize, make immediate and Btrenuous clforl. Slriiit pnir: diflicult oiitnincc of the way of life. M;itt. 7:i:i, II. Sliall not lie ali/c; they do not seek in season, nor in ii ludper way. 'I'lius (he .'~;iviour answers the question virtually, lliough not directly. 25. The ma.itcr^sliul lo the door; the refereiico is to the sliutling of the door iit a feast, iifter which none can be iidniitled. ('ompare Miilt. 2:'i:I0-12. The moaning is, that the day of grace is limited, and afler it is closed, none who have continued to iieglecl it can obtain salvation. I know yon not ; he did not know llum ;is his friends, because they had never been sucli. 2(i. We hair mien mid drvnlc in thy presence; they rely on their outward relation lo ( 'hiiKi ; but he te.achcs them that this can be of no .1^:111 lo (hose who have not kept his commandments. He o\ai o i of Jerusalem. LUKE XIV. Christ healeth the dropsy. A. D.33. 28 There sliall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraliam, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves tiirust out." 29 And tiiey shall come from the east, and//-om the west, and from the north, and/;-o»i. the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of (iod.'' 30 And behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.'= 31 '[The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him. Get thee out, and de- part hence; for Herod will kill thee. 32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox,'' Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to- day and to-morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. ° 33 Nevertheless, I must walk to-day, and to-mor- row, and the day following: for it cannot be that a projiliet perish out of Jerusalem. 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, ami stonost them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered tliy chil- dren together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!'' 35 Behold, your house is left uuto you desolate :^ and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that eomoth in the name of the Lord." a Mitt. 9:ia; 13:4-2; •Jl:51. b Rev. 7:9, 10. » Matt. 10:30. JZerl].3:3. « Heb. 2.10. t Mitt. ■ii:"u. S Lev. ••«::!!, 32; Psa.. W:ij; Isa. 1:7; 5:5, (i; 29. Sit down in the Icingdom of God; literally, recline in the kingdoin of Gorl, as at a joyous feast. 30. Last—first^irst — laat; these solemn words have a twofold fulfilment. First, in this world: (he scribes and Pharisee.? stooil first in God's kingdom as to their outward position and privileges ; but by rejecting Christ, they made themselves last, while the publicans and sinners and the gentile nations, whom they despised, by receiving him, became first; and so it has often been since. Secondly, in the world to come, where many that have stood high in reputation and outward privileges will be thrust down to hell, and many that have here been despised and perse- cuted will be exalted to glory everlasting. 32. That fox; sly, subtle, mischievous man. Tn-daij and to-morrow ; a short time. I shall be perfected; shall have completed my work. 33. / must walk; act openly for a few days, then go up to .Jerusalem, and die. It mnnot he; this is an instance of the manner in which the word cannot is sometimes used in the Bible, as describing what is not common, what is dilficult, and will not take place. Out of Jcrnsalem ; here the great council of the Jewish nation and the l?oman gov- ernor held their courts ; here criminals were tried ; and liere most of the propliets who had been murdered were put to death. 3t, 3J. Lamentation over Jerusalem. Matt. 23:37-39. INSTKUCTIOXS. 2. The visible dealings of Providence with men in this world are no certain indications of their real character ; but arc suited to teach them the evil of sin, and tlie ne- cessity of forsaking it, the certainty of death, and the wis- dom as well as duty of being at all times prepared for it. 9. If those who enjoy the means of grace neglect them, and bring forth no fruits of lioliness, (iod, in due time, will remove ;ill such blessings from them, and leave them to endless barrenness and death. 16. Jesus Christ lUdights to bless those who habitually attend public worshi]). Though Satan niiiy have bound tlii'm in chains of sin for many years, Christ is .able and willing to deliver them. lie often shows this on the Sab- bath in the house of God. CHAPTER XIV. 2 Christ healeth the dropsy on the s.abbath ; 7 teacheth humility; 12 to feast the poor: 16 under the parable of the great supper, showeth how worldly-minded men, who contemn the word of '.rod, shall be shut out of heaven. 2-5 Those who will be his disciples, to bear their cross must make their accounts aforehand, lest with shame they revolt from him afterward, 34 and become altogether unprofitable, like salt that hath lost his savor. AND it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath-day, that they watched him.' 2 And behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. 3 And Jesus answering, spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying. Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath-day ?-i 4 And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go ; 5 And answered them, saying. Which of you shall have au ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath-day?'' 6 And they could not answer him again to these things. 7 11 And he put forth a parable to those which were liiddcn, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, ■ 8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wed- ding, sit not down in the highest room;' lest a more honorable man than thou be bidden of him ; Dan.9:2f; Mic,3:l->. h ch. 19:38; John l-i:13. iPsi.37:32; lb. 29:20, 21 ; Jer. aO:lU, II. J oh. 13:14. kch. 13:15. 1 Prov. 25:6, 7. 19. Divine grace in the heart may at first be small and feeble; men may hardly be able to perceive it; but by a proper use of the means, under the influences of the Holy Spirit, it will increase till its manifestations shall become visible to all. 24. The striving of men to enter the way of life, is the means by which God enables them to do it; while the neglect of this till death, renders it certain that they will never enter it, or take a step towards heaven. 29. The salvation of men does not depend upon either their outward position or the number or variety of their privileges, but upon the manner in which they improve them. Many who have had small advantages, and have moreover been despised and neglected, will be saved, because they have faithfully improved their opportuni- ties ; while others, who have had great adv;int;iges but neglected them, will be lost. Thus the contrast between men's standing in this world and in the world to como will be, in many cases, inconceivably great. 34. The persevering wickedness of sinners greatly griev- ed the Lord Jesus Christ. He would gladly have received them, and given them his salvation ; but they refu.scd to accept it, and thus bccaiue the guilty authors of their own destruction. CHAPTER XIV. 1. On the Sabbath; Jesus Christ was on a journey, and had no home. It was proper that he shoulil take food where ho was inviteil. He went to take such refreshriient as his physical wants on that day required, and to do gooil to those who might be present. This ;ilVords no ju8tiRc;i- tioii to visiting, or making dining-parties on the Siibbath. T/ieij watched liim ; to see if he would not do something for which they might accuse him. 3. Answcrinjr; he reidied to tlieir thoughts by the ques- tion which he put lo them. .'-,, 6. Healing on the Sabbath. Matt. 12:11, 12. 7. lie put fur til a parable; showing the importance of humility. 8. Highest room ; moathonorable place atthe table, whcro the principal personagcB reclined. mi The gospel ftast. LUKE XIV. Bearing ilic cross. 9 And lie that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place ; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. 10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room ; that wlicn ho that bade thee Cometh, he may say unto thee, Fricud, go u]) high- er: then slialt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. 11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased ; and he that humbletii himself shall be exalted." 12 1 'I'hon said he also to him tliat bade Inm, Wiien thou malcest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor tliy bretiiron, neither thy kinsmen, nor t/iy rich neighbors;'' lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. 13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, tiie maimed, the lame, the blind :" 14 And thou shalt be blessed ; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou siialt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. 15 \And when one of them that sat at meat with him iieard these things, he said unto him. Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God." IG Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper,"^ and bade many:' 17 And sent his servant at supper-time to say to them that were bidden, Come; lor ail thiags are now ready.- 18 And they all witli one consent began to make excuse. The lirst said unto him, I have bought a i)iece of ground, and 1 must needs go and see it : '' I pray thee have me excused. 19 And another said, 1 iiave bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them : 1 pray thee have me excused. • ISam. 15:17; Job«:aO: Pal. 18:27; Pro». 15:33; 129:^:!; Miitt. 23:12; oh. \i:U: Ju. 4:6; I Pel. 5:5 b ProT. 22;1G. » Nell. 6:10, 12 d Rev. tO:B. e Malt. 22:2, etc. riu.25:R,7. f Prov. 9:2, 5; Song .0: 1 ; Isa. 55. 1, ■i. I>ch. 8:H. 1 vor. 20; ICor. 7:3:J. JPsa. 2:12. kllov. 22:17. ' I Sam. 10. Jlnvc worship; receive honor. 11. WhmocKer exalteth himself ; is proud, and Beeks to bo honored above others. Shall he aliased; by God. lie that humhtelh hiinsc'f; who in limnblc, and shows it in his con- duct. Shall be exalted ; lionored; raised to higher difrnity and influence. Prov. 1(;:1S, 19; .Matt..';:;!; 11:29; 18:1"; 23:12; .Jarnes 4:fi. This [irovcrb is abumhiiilly ilkistnited in God's dealint;s witli men in this world, Imt will hav<- its liighest fulfilment in the world to come. 13. Call the poor; do good to the needy who cannot reward you. 14. The resurrection of the just ; when Ooil shall reward those who for his sake have done good, without the hope of any earthly recompense. 15. Eat bread in the kingdom of God; enjoy its blessings. See Matt. 3:2. 16. A areat supper; representing tho rich and abundant provisiiiii.s of the gospel. 17. Tu them tluit were bidden ; to them that were regularly invited. These represent liere the Jews, to whom the gospel \yas first offered, especially the scribes aii'l I'liari- Bces. Come; for nil things are now readij; the iiivit;ition to those who bear the gospel to partake of its blessings. 18. To make excuse ; showing the unwillingncHS of men to accept the oB'crs of s;ilvation. I must needs; literally, I have a necessity. This sIkiws the manner in which necessity is sometimes used in the Hibli; to express a strong desire. 20. I cannot come; tluit is, he did not wish to come. Uc chose not to do it. 1173 20 And another said, I have married a a. d.ss. wife, and therefore I cannot come.' 21 So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Tlieu the master of tiie house being angry,-' said to his servant. Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of tlie city,'' ami bring in hither the poor,' and tin; muiined, and the halt, and the blind.™ 22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast comiuandcd, and yet there is room." 23 And the lord said unto the servant. Go out into the highways and hedges, and comiiel than to come in," that my house iiuiy be llllcd. 24 For I say unto you, Tluvt none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my sup])er.'' 25 1' And there went great multitudes with iiim: and he turned, and said unto tiiem, 26 If any mcDi come to me, and hate not his fatlier, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters,'' yea, and his own life also,"" lie cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disci]ile.' 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, wheth- er he have sufficient to finish it ?' 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the fiuuidafion, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock liim, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish." 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consult- eth whether he be able witli ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thou- sand?^ 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way 2:-'; Pisa. 113:7, 8. m I'sa. 3^:7; Isa. :i:l:2:!; 35:0. n Psa. 103:li; 130:7. Psi. 110:3. p Prov. 1:21; Mali. 21:43; lleb. 12:25. <[ Deul.33:»; Mall. 10:37. r Acts 20:21; Rev. 12:11. > .Malt. 10:24; Mark 8:34; ch. 0:23; 2 Tim. 3:12. 1 Prov. •. 1:27. uHeb.e:ll. v Prov. 20:1S. 21. Angry; because those who were bidden slighted liis invitation by neglecting his feast for totiilly iiiade(]uale reasons. Streets and htics of the criij; the il\velliiig-|ilace8 of the poor and disabled, who here represent tlie ))ulilican8 and sinners. 22. Yet there is room ; however many may partake of the lilcssiiigs of salvation, there are ciiDUgli fur all others ; and all to whom the gospel is preached, are urged to partake of them. 23. The highways and hedges; lying witliout tho city, by which is signified" the calling of the Gentiles. Compel them ; not by force, but by persuasion, by earnest, persevering entreaty. 24. None of those men — taste (f my supper; a solemn an- nouncement of the coming rejeclion of llie.lcws as a nation for their nnliilief lint tli<' words apply in ;tll their force to the multitudes now in Cliristiiin lands who desjjisc and neglect the gospel, w'hile lunvirts frmo ;iiiiiiiig llic liea- llien nalions are mnlli]ilied. 2.'i. Great multitudes with him; without ;iny suitable a|p- prehension of the Kclf-deiii;il which his service would recpiirc of them. 2(i. Hate not ; if lie be not willing for my sake to leave fillier ;iMd mother. Alalt. 10:37. 2x. A tower; a high building, erected for observation and defence. 32. Ambassagc; persons sent from one government In another, to represent the interests of their country. Thi- point of this and the preceding comparison is, that they Parable of the lost sheep, LUKE XV. and nf the prodigal son. AD. 33. off, lie scndeth an embassage, and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of 3-011 that for- saketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my dis- ciple." 34 1 Salt is good : but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be seasoned?" 35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill ; but men cast it out."" He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. CHAPTER XV. 1 The parable of the lost slicep; S of the piece of silver; 11 and of the prodigal son. ^yHEN drew near unto him all the publicans .1. and sinners for to hear him.'' 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, say- ing, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." 3 IF And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?'' 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Re- »Phil. 3:7, 8. bMatt. 5:1.1; Mark 9:50. ■: John l.^):0 d Malt. 9:10, etc. e Acts 11:3; 1 Cor. 5:9-11; Gal. ■J:12. f Mut. l!;:ll>. 5 Psa. 119:171); 1 Pet. 'i:'25. h ch. 5:3'2. * Gr. drackma, here translated a piece of silver, is ■who undertake Christ's service should count the cost be- forehand. 33. Forsaketh not all ; all that stand.s in the way of duty — all that would hinder a man from doing the known will of God. 34. Salt IS good ; to season provisions, and preserve them from putrefaction. In the present connection, salt means divine grace manifested in a spirit of self-denial for Christ's Bake, 'fhis brings salvation to its possessor and to others. If the salt have lost his savor ; its saltness ; if holy self-de- nial has given place to worldliness and self-indulgence. Seasoned 1 its saltness be restored. 35. For the land — the dunghill; for being sown to fertilize the soil, nor for being mingled with the dunghill. So a professed follower of Christ, who has lost His spirit, is of no value to the church here, and has no fitness for admis- sion to heaven hereafter. Let all worldly-minded disci- ples hear this. INSTRUCTIONS. 5. We should form the habit of drawing spiritual in- struction from the common occurrences of life ; and in our social intercourse, as well as in our religious efforts, should endeavor to do good to our fellow-men. 11. The indulgence and display of pride indicate great wickedness of heart, and are sure precursors of coming abasement; while the cultivation and manifestation of humility are evidences of greatness, and harbingers of coming glory. 14. (ienuine benevolence will lead those who liixve it to do good for goodness' sake, rather than for any expected reward ; and the less the recompense which it receives in this world, the greater may be its gracious reward in the world to come. _ 17. Jesus Christ has provided, and freely offers, the richest and most abundant blessings. All excuses wliich men make for not accepting them are vain and wicked. 24. God i.s angry with men who will not accept of his salvation, anil be for ever hapjiy ; and when for ever mis- erable, they will see that no part of the blame attaches to him, but that it all belongs to themselves. joice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.'^ 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." 8 1 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver," if she lose one piece, doth not light a can- dle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? 9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbors together, saying. Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece wliieli 1 had lost. 10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.' 11 1[ And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12 And the younger of them said to his father. Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.' 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land ; and he began to be in want." 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen the eighth part of an ounce, of the value of 14 cents 4 niills. and is equal to the Roman pennv; see Malt. IS: 09, i Ezek. lS:3;f, 32; 33:11; Acts 11:18; Phile. 15, 10. J Mark 12:44. k Amos 8:11, 12. CHAPTER XV. 1. Publicans and sinners. Matt. 9:10. 2. Murmured ; found faidtwith him for associating with vicious persons, or permitting them to approach him. He therefore spoke three parables, showing that God receives and rejoices over sinners who return to him, however wicked they have been ; and that it was highly proper that the Saviour of sinners should do the same. 3. He spake this parable; the three parables of this chap- ter contain each a vindication of the Saviour's conduct in receiving publicans and sinners. The point of them all is, that not what is safe, but what is lost, is the just occa- sion of labor in finding and joy upon recovery. We are not to infer from ver. 7 that there are any who were never lost and never need repentance. The Saviour simjilj' rea- sons with the Pharisees upon common ]irinci]iles,as much as to say. If, as you think, j'ou arc safe wilhin God's fokl, why blame me for my solicitude to find and save the lost? 4-7. The lost sheep. Matt. 18:11-14. 7. Joij shall be m heaven; as there is joy in heaven over the repentance of sinners, it was proper that Christ should associate with them, for the ]iurpose of jiromotiiig their repentance. Ninety and mne just persons; there is more joy in heaven over one who rejionts ;ind turns to God, than over many who have never sinned and need no repent- ance, or who, liaviiig sinned, think that they need none. 8-10. This parable is another illustration of the same truth. 12. The younger; he represents openly wicked )>ersons, such as the"iiublicans and sinners ;" as the elder son docs the Ph;irisees, "who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others." His living; literally, the living, that is, the estate in his hands.. He paid over to the younger sou his portion, but reserved in his own hands the elder son's portion. l.'>. To feed svine ; this was considered a very degrading employment, and to a Jew was especially odious. Lev. 11:7; Ucut 14:8. 1173 The prodigal san. LUKE XVI. Tke unjust skward. of that country ; and he sent liini into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would fain have filled his belly witli the liusks tliat the swine did cat:'' and no man gave unto hiui. 17 And when lie came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my fatiier's have bread enough and to spare, and 1 perisii with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my lather, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy FOii:'' make me as one of thy hired servants. 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off," iiis father saw liirh, and had comjiassion, and ran, and fell on his iieck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven,'' and in tliy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants. Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him;'' and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it: and let us eat, and be merry: 2-i For this my son was dead,'' and is alive again ;'^ he was lost, and is found.'' And they began to be merry. 25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.' » Vsx. Ti.ii; Isa. 44:dO: Hos. 1-2:1. b I'm. 3-i:i. c Acts i:3'): Eph. -l: 1.), 17. a Psi. .01:1. e Zoih. iM-Ti. f ver. '.M; Kph. 2:1; ry.W; Rev. :):1. « Rom. «:11, 13. h Ezck. 31:4-10; ch. 1U:I0. i Psa 30:11; 1-J(i:l, 2. 16. Husks ; large pods growing on the carob-tree. They have a swectisli pulp, anil siiudl scctLs like beans. Swine are fed on them, and pour people sometimes eat them. 17. Came lo himself; came to have just views ol" thiiififs. 13. Agaiiiit licavcn ; against God as well as against his father. 20. Run and fcU on his neck; this represents the readi- ness with whicii (jod receives returning sinners. 2?j. lie merry; be joyful and happy; literally, eating, let us rejoice. 24. Ml/ son wji ilc'iil — hist; he was dead to excellence and to haiJjjiness.and dead as to being the means of either to his father's house. Jle was lost to goodness, to duty, and to heaven. Alive— fonnd ; lie has returned with right feelings to his father and friends, and is a source of rich enjoyment to himsidf and them. \\'\k>, not lost to goodness, would not be partaker of their joy? 25. Jlis elder son ; he represents the scribes and Phari- sees, who fouMil fault with Jesus for receiving and kindly treating sinners who came to him. Music and dancing; c::1U-14. t The word here interpreted a measure, in the original contains abont fnnrteen bush- els and two quarts, b John l'J;3::i4-4(;. 10. Faithful; as God's steward. In that which is least; our Saviour teaches that it is not the cpiantity committed to us that Gotl will regard, but our fidelity in using it; unrighteous mammon,* who will commit to your trust the true riches ? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is auotlicr man's, who shall give you that which ia your own ? 13 Tl No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other ; or else he will hold to the one, and desiiise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." 14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous,^ heard all these things: and they derided him. 15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men;» but God know- eth your hearts:" for that which is iiighly es- teemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.' IG The law and the prophets v.cre until John:J since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. 17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail." 18 Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marri- eth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marricth her that is put away from lur hu.-^band, committeth adultery.' It) *i. Tiicrc was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sump- tuously every day : 20 And there was a certain beggar named Laza- rus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 1 Tim. G:18, 19. i Matt. 25:21, 2:3. e Josh. 24:15; Matt. 0:24. t Malt. 2.3:14. S ch. 10:29. !> Psa. 7:9; Jcr. 17:1U. i Prov. 10:5; Mai. 3:1". J Man. 11:12, 13. k Psa. 102:20; Isa. 40:3; 51:0. I Matt. 5:132; 1 Cur. 7:10, 11. and that oiir disposition is as thoroughly tried by a small as by a large amount of property or influence. 11. Unrighteous mammon; worldly things. True riches; heavenly treasures — satisfying, eternal good. 12. Not been faithful; if not honest as stewards in what God committed to you for time, no one will give you heavenly riches for eternity. 13. God and mammon; Matt. C:24. 14. Derided him; because of the doctrine contained in the ju-eceding discourse, in which he taught that all our wealth belongs to liod, and that to obtain heaven, we must faithfully use it in his service, and that too with undivided love and devotion. 15. Justify ijourselves ; you pretend before men to be just and gootl, and are by them higlily esteemed ; but God, who sees your hearts, abhors ami condemns your hypoc- risy and worldliness. IC. Were until John ; see notes on Matt. 11 : 12, 1 3. Every man; the Saviour alludes to the fact that the despised publicans and sinners are pressing into the kingdom of heaven, while the proud Pli:irisecs reject it. 17. Oiietittle of the hiwtofail ; he shows that the gospel — the kingdom of heaven wliich he has come to establish— does not relax the strictness of the divine law. Of this he gives, in the next verse, an instance. 18. Puttclh awaij his vfc, and marrieth another ; the Sav- iour here connects covctousness with licentiousness, both being sins of the Pharisees growing out of the common root of worldliness, and both excluding men from tlio kingdom of he;iven. 1!1-31. To illustrate the foil}-, guilt, and ruin of being dishonest low;irds (!od iind em|)loying whitt he gives only in self-indulgeiiee, our Saviour gave this account of the rich man iind Lazarus. m. Clntlied in purple ; an indication of great wealth. Fared sumpluintsly; lived iu ;i luxurious ;inil costly iii;tiin('r. 20. Ikggar; literally, a poor m;tii. Laid at his gate ; there 1175 The rich man and Lazarm. LUKE XVII. Offences to Ic cvcided. 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from tlie ricli man's table : moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom :" the ricli man also died, and was buried;'' 23 And in hell ho lifted up liis eyes,'' being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried, and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on nic, and send Lazarus, that he may dip tlie tip of liis finger in water, and cool my tongue;'' for I ain tormented in this llanie.'' 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in tliy lifetime rceeivedst tiiy good tilings,' and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is com- forted, and tliou art tormented. 26 And besides all tiiis, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed : so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that icould come from thence." 27 Then he said, I pray thee tlierefore, father, tliat thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28 For I have five brethren ; tliat he may testify imto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraliam saitli unto him, Tiiey have Moses and the pro[thets;'' let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, fatlicr Abraluxm : but if one went unto them from tlie dead, they will re- [iCIlt. 31 And iie said unto him. If they hear not Moses and tlie prophets,' neitiicr will they be persuaded, tliougli one rose from tiie dead.J « Mitt. 8:11. b Prov. 14:32. » Rev. 14:10, 11. J Zech. 14: 12. « Isa. (;6:-2l; Mark U: 14, etc. 'Job 21:13; I'sa. 73:12-19; ch.0:24. e Kzek. a-<:24. h 1.1. 34:1«; John 5::J9. iSCor. 4:3. J John I-2:lll, 11. kMatt. Is:0,7; was tlien no public provision for the poor, and, when dis- a\)led, they were often laid at the gates of the rich, that they mi};lit receive aid. 22. Ahraliam's bosom ; a common expression among the Jews for the rest and bliss of heaven. 24. Father Abraliam, have mercy on me; tliis shows that he was a Jew, or one of Abraliam's descendants. This is the only instance mentioned in Scripture of any one pniy- ing to a dejiarted spirit, and he gained nothing by it but an increase of torment. I'niyer is an act of religions wor- ship, and the command of Jehovah is, "Thou slialt wor- sliip the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Mutt. 4:111. 25. Good Ihingt ; wealth, honor, and pleasure. Evil thinf^fi; poverty, contempt, and distress. 20. Neither can they pa.s.1 ; there can bo no interchange of jilaccs between those in heaven and those in hell. 2!). Tiicy have Moses and tlie propliets ; the Old Testament scriptures. 31. Neitlier will they he persuaded ; persuaded to rejient. IN.STI'J'CTIOXS. 2. Riclies and all the blessings which men ])o8ses8 come from (iod and belong to him. With them men, as his stewards, arc intrusted for a season, l-'or the use of them Ihey mii.st give account, and they will be treated accord- ing to their works. II. To be happy hereafter, men must bo honest towards (iod here. If they continue knowingly to rob him of wdiat lio gives them on earth, he will never bestow on them the riches of heaven. 19. A man's condition in this world is no certain crite- rion of his character. A wicked man may be rich and surrounded with all the comforts and luxuries of life, while 1176 CHAPTER XVII. *°-3. 1 Christ tcachclh 'u avoid occasions of offence. 3 One to forgive another, t) The power of lailh. 7 How we are bound to God. and not lie to us. 1 1 He healeth ten lepers. 22 Of the kingdom of G-od, and Ihti coming (if ihc Son of man. ^^HEN said lie unto the disciples. It is impossi- _ ble but that offences will come :'' but woe unto hti/i tlirough wiiom tliey come! 2 It were lietter for him tliat a millstone wore hanged about his neck, and he east into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3 1[ Take heed to yourselves : If thy brotiier tres- pass against thee, rebuke him;' and if he repent, forgive him. •1 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn airaiii to tiiee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.'" 5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith." G And the Lord said. If ye had faith as a grain of mustard-seed, ye might say unto this sycamine- tree. Be tiiou phieked up by the root, and bo tliou jilantcd ill tiio sea; and it should obey you." 7 But wliicli of yon, having a servant ]iloughing or feeding cattle, will say unto iiim by and by, when he is come from the field. Go and sit down to meat ? 8 And will not rather say unto him, Jlake ready wherewilii I may sup, and gird thyself, and servo mc, till I liave raten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt cat and drink? 9 Doth he tliaiik tliat servant because he did tlie things that were coninuuided him ? I trow not. 10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done; all those things which are connnanded you, say, We Mark 9:42. I Lev. 19:17. "» Mall. 0:12, 14- Col. J;13. » Hob. 12:2. o .Matt 17:2(1; 21:21 ; Mark 9:23; 11:23. , a good man may be poor, utllictcd, ;uul helpless, lie may want even that which is squandered by the wicked on their dogs. 22. (Jood men and bad must die. lint their souls will live after death, in heaven or hell, according to their char- acter. An impiiKsable barrier will divide them. Those ill heaven cannot help those in hell, ami none from liell can ever ascend to heaven. 2.5. The faculty of memory is a great blessing ; but riion may so conduct in this world tliat the exercise of il will for ever torment them in the world to come. 29. (jreatand niomcntoiis truths are reve;iled by (Jod in the Uible. If men who liavi- the liibli! and the prcaihing of the gospel are not led, under the iiillnencc! of the Spirit, to believe, no other means would be aviiiling ; but lliey will be left to iinrsue their chosen course of wickedness to the place of endless torment. (Ml.vn'KIl XV 11. 1. Impossible; siicli is the wickedness of men, that they will commit sin, ami tcmjit others to sin. Alatt. 18:6,7; .Mark 9:41, 42. 3,4, Forgiveness. Matt. IR: l.')-22. :>. Increase our fndh ; see noti^ on Matt. 17:20. G. Syaimiiie; tlie siune as sycamore. .Matt. 17:20. 7-10. These verses imiiliate the duty of obedience, patience, and humility ; that after all the disciples h;id done or would do, their reward must bo of grace, not of debt. 7. fli/ and by; rather, immediately. The meaning is, ho will not at once direct him to take his meal, but will have him w;iit till he has first served his master. 9. / liow not; think nut. Christ heakth ten lepers. LUKE XVII. Coming of the Son of man. AD. 33. are unprofitable servants:" wc have done that which was our duty to do. Ill And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusa- lem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee." 12 And as ho entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar oflf:'' 13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. 14 And when lie saw them, he said unto them, Go show yourselves unto the priests.* And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed." 15 And one of them, wlien he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glori- fied God,'' IG And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him tliauks: and he was a Samaritan.*-' • 17 And Jesus answering said. Were there not ten cleansed? but wliere are the nine? 18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.'' 19 And he said unto him. Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.' 20 1[ And when he was demanded of the Phari- sees, wiien the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said. The kingdom of God Cometh not with observation:* 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here ! or, Lo there ! for behold, the kingdom of God is within you.^J 22 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, wlien ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.^ 2'6 And they shall say to you, See here ; or. See there: go not after them, nor follow tkcm.^ 24 For as the lightning, that lightencth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other » Job 23:3 3 i7; Pii . I(i:2, 3; La. 01:6; Rom 11:3.3 1 Cor. 0:10, 17. bch. 'J:.3 1,.5-i J ilin 4:4. » Lev. l:i:48. d Lev. 13 2; 14:: ; Matt 8:4; ch. 5:14. e •2Ki ICS .5:14; 1 SI. 63: 24. f Psa. 3U: 1,2. S Jolin 4:3'J-C. . h Psa. 1U6;13. i Matt. 9:2.'. Or, with outward show. t Or, anions jjoit ; John 12. Stootl afar off ; lepers were not allowed to dwell with or come near to persons in healtli. Matt. 8 : 2-4 ; Lev. 1 3 : 46 ; Num. 5:2, 3. 14. S!iow yourselves unto the priests; to obtain tlicir testi- mony th;xt tliey were re;vlly cnred, and might be again admitted into society. Cleansed; healed. 15. This stranger; a foreigner, as were the Samaritans, and not a Jew. In this transaction the Lord saw fore- shadowed tlie bringing in of tlie Gentiles to liis church. 19. Thij faith halh made tliee w'lole ; liis confidence in Christ was the means, and the power of Christ the cause of his cure. 20. Kin^ihm of God; the reign of the Messiali. Jfalt. 3:2. Not with observation ; not witli outward pomp and display, so tliat you can mark its progress, as you would that of an army, and sayof it,"Lo here!" or, " Lo there!" 21. Within i/ou; the true reign of Christ is in the hearts of men, :uid it had alrciidy begun among them. 22. Uiie of the duiia of the Son of man; he refers to the a\vful calamities abcnit to come on the .Jewish nation for their rejection of himself, when tlic unbelieving multitudes, who had rejected their true Mr.ssiah, would in vain wait and pray for the Messiah of their own inuigiiiations ; and even his discijiles would desire the return of one of those blesseil d;iys when their -Master was with them. At th;it time false Christs would appeiir, and they might l)e temj)!- ed to follow them ; but he w;irned them not to do it. 23. See here, or See there ; to witness the works of these pretended Messiahs. Matt. 24:23-27. pai-t under heaven ; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. 25 But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation."" 26 And as it was in the days of Noe," so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. 27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until tlic^ day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they cfrank, tliey bought, they sold, they planted, they builded ; 29 I>ut the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and de- stroyed them all." 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed." 31 In that day, he which shall be upon the house- top, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. 32 Remeniljer Lot's wife.'' 33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life, shall lose it ; and whosoever shall lose his life, shall preserve it.'' 34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed ; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left."* 35 Two vjonun shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the otiier left. 36 Two mc?i shall be in the field ; the one shall be taken, and the other left.* 37 And they answered and said unto him. Where, Lord ? And he said unto them. Wheresoever the body is, thither will tlie eagles be gathered to- gether.' 1:26. JRom.l4:17. tMatt.<):I5. 1 Matt. 31:2.3, etc. ; Mark i:!: 21 ; ch. 21:8. mMarl(8:31; cli 9:2-2. n Gen. 7: II. 2:J. ■> Geii. l!):2:i.-.'4. p 2 Thoss. 1 :7. qGeti. 10:20. 'Matt. 16:25; Mark 8; 35; ch.9:24; John 12:25. s Matt. 24:40, 41. 1 Verse 30 is wanting in most Greek copies. 'Job .30:30; Matt. 24;!B. 24. In his day; the day when Christ shall come to de- stroy his enemies, deliver his friends, and establish his kingdom. There is the same double reference here to Christ's providential coming to destroy the city and tem- ple, and to his second personal coming, which has been noticed in the notes to Matthew, chap. 24. If will be like the lightning, which fills the heavens from one end to the other with its briglituess. 25. Suffer many thinirs; JIark8:31. 20-31. Christ's coming. Matt. 24:1", 18, 37-39; Gen. 19:23-25. 32. Lot's wife; she lost her life by disoVieying God's command. Gen. 19: 17, 20. So, if men do not follow Christ's directions, they will peri.sh. 33. Seek to save his lif; by disobeyitig t!ic will of Christ. This declaration was fuliillcil at the destruction of Jerusa- lem by the Romans, in respect to the temporal life of the Chri8ti;ins; and it will be fulfilled :it the last day in its highest sense, in respect to the eternal life of iill believers, even though they nuiy have been slain for Christ's sake. Matt. 10:39. 34-3fi. One shall he taken; Matt. 24:40, 41. ;i7. Where, Lord? where will such cidamities come? Wheresoever the body is; wlicrever the unbelieving Jews are, there will their destroyers be upon them, as eagles upon their prev. M;itt. 24:28. IX.'^TiaCTIOXS. 1. Men iiiiiy be so wicked as to make it certain that they will commit great sins, and stromal v tempt others to sin ; 1177 The importunate widow. LUKE XVIII. TTic pulllcan, and Ike rich ru'rr. CHAPTER XVIII 3 Of the importunate widow. 9 Of l!ie Pharisee ami the publican. 1.5 ChilJren brought to Christ. IS A ruler thai would follow Christ, but is hindered by his riches. X'S The reward of them that leave all for his sake. 31 He foreshoweth liis death, 3.3 and restoreth a blijid man to his slight. AND he «pako a paralilc unto tlicin fo f/iis end, tliat iiiou ought always to \n-dy, aud not to faint.'' 2 Saying, Tlicrc was in a city* a judge, whicli reared not God, neither regarded man : 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Aveng'e me of mine adver- sary. 4"And lie would not fur a whili>: but aftci-ward lie said within himself, Though 1 fear not God, nor regard man, 5 Yet, because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. (i And the Lord said. Hear what the unjust judge saitli. 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect,'' which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily.'' Nevertheless, vrhen the Son of man cometh, shall he Cud foith on the earth?'' 9 And ho s]iake this parable unto certain wliicli trusted in tliemsolves that they were righteous,* and despised others:'' 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The I'harisee stood and prayed thus with him.-ieir, Goil, I thank theo, that I am not as other men arc'' extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 1'2 1 fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. lo And the publican, standiiig aiar ofl", would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but ■ !•«. Bj 2; 1IIJ:I7; eh.ll:>!; •2\:m: Rom. Iv!:!;;; Epti.li:lS; I'hil.l:!). • IjTinnrtrlaintily. b Rev 0:111. « IVa. 4l>:.il Ueb. lU::i7 ; 2 Pet. «:«. 3. J .Mall. 21:l'i. t Or, as being Tighltovs. c ch. IU:i». ' laa 6j;5; Rev. 3:17. It Ji!r.31:10. I> ]ob-32:-iO; MM. ■a-.U. I Malt. 19:13; Mark lU: 13, ;iiwl yet tliiit certainly not diminish their responsibility or lo.sKi;n their K"ilt- ;"). To do their duty, ;d! men need an inoreaso of faith ; a'ld as Cliri.st is the iiuthor and finisher of f'aitli, all should liabitiially look to him for this ineRlimable (jiff. Ileb. 12:'.'. 10. No man ever did or ever can do for (jod more thiin lie reiiuiren; and no mirc man ever diil his whole duty. Of course, no man can jicrform works of sn|ierero^atioii. that is, more than enon;;li to save himself; he cannot do enon;;h to insure liis own saU'atioii, nor can he ever he saved execpl tliron^li the Rracc of (jod in Jesus Christ. ]K. lIo\v(rver great or numerous the temporal favors (lod bestows upon men, few comparatively give him the glory — :uid tiiose, only tlirongli the riches of divine grace. 31. Kaith in Christ is the great ch;iracteristic of a saint, and tlie want of it, of a sinner. This makes a miglily ililT-rence in their character, condition, and prosjieit.s. Tliongh thi'y live in the H;ime family, work in the same fuld. or sleep in the same bod, one, believing Christ, is lod to follow his directions and be saved ; the other, not believing bini, neglects his directions, and is lost. CIIAPTKR XVIII. 1. Alviaijts; habitually, perseveringly. Nutto/aiul; not to be discouraged, or cease to pray. 1178 smote upon his breast,^ saying, God be mer- a. D.33. ciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased ; and he that hum- bleth himself shall l>e exalted." 15 • And they brought unto hiin also infants, that he would touch them:' but when /»V disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto nie, and forbid them no.t: for of such is the kingdom of God. 17 Verily I say unto yon, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.-' 18 T Anil a certain ruler ask (h1 him, saying. Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 19 And Jesus said unto him. Why callest thou rnc good ? none is good, save one, that is, God. . 20 'J'hou knowest the c(Uiiniandmcuts, Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not Ijear false v.'itness. Honor tiiy father and thy mother.' 21 And he said, All tliose have 1 hept from my youth up. 22 Now when Jesus heard these things, lie said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing : sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the ])Oor, and thou slialt have treasure in heaven:'" and coine, follow me. 23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrow- ful : for he was very rich. 24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sor- rowful, he said. How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God !" 2') For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than lor a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 20 Ami they that heard it said, AVho then can be saved ? etc. J I'»a. 131:2; Mark 1U:15; 1 I'el. 1:11. k Matt. 10:10, etc.; MarklO:P, etc. I i:xr>it.20:l>-IO; Dent .1: 10--J0; lloni. 13:9. m .Matt. 0:19, -JU; 1 Tim. 0:19. nl'rov. n:l&li 1 Tim. 0:9. 3. Jvenpe me nf mini: arlrcrs/inj ; by attending to my suit, and compellin;^ him to do nir JMslice. G. Jlnir; attend and receive the inslrnctioii wliicli tliis case idl'ords. 7. Shalt not God avenge his (^vn elect; llie ur;;uiiu'nt is from the less to the gri!:iter. If fniporlunily li:id such power with an unjust judge, who cared not for the poor widow's ch. a-i 1: John 18: ■iS; Actsr :13. f Mark 9:3-2; Jnh n 1-. :I8. e Matt •2(1: 39, etc. Mark 10:46, etc. h I'sa. Oi 12. t Psa. in 1. J cli . 17:19. k Psa. ^U :a. lch.5:aii; Acts 4 ai ; 11 la Gal. l:-24. 31-33. Christ foretells his death. Matt. 20: 17-19. 31. All things that are written by the prophets; those who in the Old Testament had foretold his death. Dan. 'J : 25- 27; Isa. .'53:3-10. 34. Understood none nf these things; the things concern- ing his death, of which he had spoken. They supposed that the Messiali would be a great temporal prince, and reign for ever. Their wishes for tliis, and their expecta- tions of it, were so strong that they did not believe or apprehend the meaning of what he had said. Matt. IC: 21- 2i; 20:17-19. 35. A>i he was come nigh unto Jericho ; was near to, or in the vicinity of Jericho. Matthew and Mark .Siiy that it w;is as he dep;u-teil from or went out of .lerieho. J[at- tliewalso says that tliero were two blind men: Mark ;uid Luke mention but one, proli;tbly becaiisc he was the most distinguislied and best known. J[atthcw 20: 29-31 ; Mark 10:10-52. INSTRUCTIONS. 1. No man fulfils his obligations to God or to himself who is not in the liabit of daily prayer, and who is not sincere in his supplications for himself and his i'cllow- mcn. _9. A high opinion of our owni goodness in comparison with that of others, and a disposition to exalt om-selves, are exceedingly offensive to (j(jd ; while ;i deep eonvicliuii thee? And he said, Lord, tliat I may receive my sight. 42 And Jesus said unto him. Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.^ 43 And immediately he received his sight,'' and followed him, glorifying God : ' and all the people, when they saw //, gave praise unto God. CHAPTER XIX. I Of Zaccheus a publican. 11 The ten pieces of money. 28 Christ riileth into Jerusalem with triumph; 4] weepeth over it; 4o ilriveth tlie buyers and sellers out of the teinple; 47 teaching daily in it. The ruler.s would have destroyed him, hut for fear of the people. AND Jesus entered and passed through Jeri- cho.™ 2 And behold, there icas a man named Zaccheus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was ; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a syca- more-tree to see him ; for he was to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him," and said unto him, Zaccheus, make haste, and come down; for to-day I must abide at thy house." G And he made haste, and came down, and re- ceived him joyfully. 7 And when they saw (7, tliey all murmured, say- ing, tiiat ho was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner." 8 And Zaccheus stood, and said unto the Lord ; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor;i and if I have taken any thing from any man l.)y false accusation,'' I restore him fourfold." 9 And Jesus said unto him. This day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham.' m .losh. 6:26, IK ngs 16:34. Esa. l:l9:l-3. John 14 23; Rev 3:20. P Matt. 9:11 ch. 5:30. 1 Psa 41:1. r Exod. 2( :16; ch. 3:14. » Exod. 22:1; 2 Sam. 12:0 Ich 13:16. ot our own luiworthiness, hearty contrition for sin, and humble supplication for mercy, are his delight. b). Infants are not too young to need a Saviour; par- ents should feel this, and in faith implore for them his grace. He died ti> redeem them, and delights to have all parents seek for their children the blessings of his salvation. 22. Christ, in his providence, tries the hearts of men, and gives them opportunity to sec themselves, ami lo manifest to others whetlier they love him supremely. If they do, and show (his by giving up whatever is incom- patible with his will, they gre;illy increase their present enjo^'uient, and secure etern;d life. 31. Desire has gre;it innuenco on belief. It is exceed- ingly difficult to make men correctly apiu-ehend and cor- ilially believe what they are o|)|]osed to; while they read- ily understand and easily believe what they wish to have true. CHAPTER XIX. 3. 77i(' press; the great crowd of people. S. False accusation ; charging a man, and t;tking from him more than he owed. Fourfold; four times as much. Exod. 22:1; Num. 5:6,7. 9. He alto is a son of Abraham ; by outward descent, and has ;ilso the faith of Abraham. ino The ten i,icccs cf money. LUKE XIX. Christ riddh into Jerusalem. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.* 11 1i And as they licard tliese things, he added and spake a paraljle, because he was nigli to Jeru- salem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God sliould immediately appear.'' 12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to roturn.*^ 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds,' and said unto them, Occui)y till I come. 14: But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this vian to reign over us.'' 15 And it came to pass, that when he was re- turned, having received tlic kingdom, then he com- manded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given tlio money,* tiiat he might know iiow much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17 And he said unto him. Well, thou good ser- vant: because tiiou hast been faithful in a very little." have thou autiiority over ton cities. 18 Ami the second came, saying. Lord, thy pound hath gained live pounds. 19 Ami he said likewise to him. Be thou also over five cities. 20 And another came, saying. Lord, boiiold, here is thy pound, which 1 iiave kept laid up in a nap- kin : 21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up tliat tiiou layedst not down, and rca])cst tiiat tlioii didst not sow. 22 And he saitii unto him, Out of thine own mouth will 1 judge thee, i/ioic wicked servant.' Thou knewcst that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that 1 did not sow : » EwklMilft; Malt. 8:11 ; Rom. 5:B. bAcul.O c Malt. 25:1<1, etc. ; Mark 13:31. * Gr. mina. hero trjnslaleil a -pound, is twelvu ounces and a half, which, at 1 1.J 5-l:t cents the ounce, is 14 dollars \i cents .3 mills. ^ John 1:11; l'.:l'i. tlir. »/7rcr, and so vet. 23. «ch. 10:10. t 2 Sam I:lfi;Job 10. T'lat u-hirh wnshist; Matt. IS: 11. 11. Tfie lcinp;diim nf God s'lould immediatdi/ appear ; tlioy thou;;tit tliul, wlimi Cliri.st shoiilil fiiter.lcriiHulcm he would procliiiiii liiirisclf kni;.;, (lolivor tlicm from tlie Romans, aiitl raise them to great earthly renown. To correct this idea, and give thciri right views of his kingdom, Christ spoke the following ])aral)le, which has some striking jioints of agreement with that recorded in Matt. i.liIl-liO, hut also differs from it in some essential partieiihtrs. There, differ- ent Slims are intrusted to tli:0; Mall. 12:37; fi-M; Rom .'):I9 S Rom. 2:4, 5. i> Matt. 13:14; 25:2U; Mark 4:23; ch. 8:1.1. ' Psa 2:4,5, I); 21:8,9; Isa. 0(i:B. 14; Nah. 1:2, 8; H«b. 10:13. I Matt. 21:1, etc.; Mark 11:1, etc. k I'aa. S0:10. 12 Kings 9: 13. in John 12:14. 1). His citizens; the .lews. .Tuhii 1:11. 20. A napkin; a towel or cloth. 21. An austere man; hard in his dealings, harsh, and cruel. Renpcst that ttinn. didst not sow; unreasonable, re- quiring too much, and l;iking wh:it (lilace of safe-keeping and profitable use. Usury; lawful interest, as the term then implied. Matt. 2.'i:27. 25. Tliri/ said unto him ; the serviints that stood by, vcr. 2). //(■ linlli ten pounds; they are ama/cd ttiat their lord should give the slothful servant's )ioiiiid to the man who has alri'iidy the most money in his h;incls. 2fi. Fur I sa 1/ uulo you ; the nobleman, wilhoiit pausing in his discourse, goes on to state the iiriiiciple 11)1011 which he proceeds in the ilistribiition of his |iroperty to his ser- vants. Knriionewhictilialh; he who, by jiroper diligence, has already increased the amount committed to him. Com- pare Matt. 2-.:2!». 27. Slay them before mc; an emblem of the ruin which would come on his persevering opposers. 28-10. Christ rides into Jerusalem. Matt. 21:1-10. Ue mourneth over Jerusalem. LUKE XX. Paralle of the viiuyard. A.D. Ki. God with a loud voice for all the mighty works tliat they liad seen ; 38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in tlie name of the Lord : " peace in heaven, and glory in the highest." 39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy dis- ciples. 40 And he answered and said unto tiiem, I tell you, that if these should hold tlieir peace, the stones would immediately cry out."^ 41 1 And when lie was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it," 42 Saying, If thou Iiadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day,'" the things which belong unto thy peace ! but now they are hid from thine eyes. 43 For the days shall come upon tliee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and com- pass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,*^ 44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee ;" and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another;'' because thou knewcst not tlic time of thy visitation.' 45 And he went into tlie temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;* 46 Saying unto them, It is written. My house is the house of prayer ;'' but ye have made it a den of thieves.' 47 And he taught daily in the temple." But the ciiief priests and the scribes and the chief of the ])oople sought to destroy him, 48 And could not find what they miglit do: for all the people were very attentive' to hear him. CHAPTER XX. 1 Christ avouclieth his authority by a question of John's baptism. 9 The parable of the vineyard. 19 Of giving tribute to Cesar. 27 He Ronvinceth the SadJucees that denied the resurrection. 41 How Ciirist is the son of David. 4-3 He warneth his disciples to beware of the ")es. ND it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and scribe A » Psa, 1IS:96; ch. 13:-!5. b rfi. 2:U; Rom. 5:1; Kph. 2:14. <= Hab. 2:11; Matt. 3:!). d Psa. 119:I3li; Jor. 9:1; i:i:17; 17:10; John 11:3.5, • Psa. 95:7, 8; Heb. 3:7, 13, 15. tlsi. 20:2, 3; Jcr. 6:5, 0. s 1 Kings 9:7, «; Mic. 3:J2; .Malt. 2:!:37, :»; ch. 13:34, 35. h Matt. 24:2; Mark 13:2. i Lam. 1:8; lPet.2:12. J Matt. 21:12, 13; Mark 11: 15-17 ; John 2:1.5, 17. 40. Tke stonen would immediate/ y cry out; a proverl)ial (expression, denoting the strong reasons there were for praising him, and the necessity that such praise should be offered to him. 41. Wept over it; in view of its guilt, and the miseries which were coming upon it. 43. Thine enemies; tlie Romans. Compass thee round/ this tliey did by digging a trench around Jcrnsalcni. Sec .Tnsephus, Jewish Wars, book (i. 44. Thy children ; the inhaliitants of the city. One stone upon another ; Titns, their conqueror, caused the very ground to be jjlouglicd up, in fnhilment of this tU'cIaration. The time of thy visitation ; the time when mercy was offered, and they were entreated to accept it anut fliemsclves in tlie way of obtaining this knowledge, may be, and often is, the means of their salvation. lie is more ready than men suppose preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, 2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?" 3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one tiling; and answer me: 4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men ? 5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying. If we shall say. From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not ? 6 But and if we say. Of men ; all the people will stone us : for they be persuaded that John was a prophet." 7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it teas. 8 And Jesus said unto them. Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things. 9 1 Then began he to speak to the people this parable: A certain man planted a vineyard," and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.i 10 And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give iiim of the fruit of the vineyard:'' but the husbandmen beat him, and sent hitn away empty. 11 And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty. 12 And again lie sent a third: and they wound- ed him also, and cast him out. 13 Tiien said the lord of the vineyard. What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see hiin. 14 But wlien the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir:^ come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.' 15 So they cost him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them ? k Isa 5n 7. 1 Jer. 7 11. m John 18:20. ' Or, fiaii ^cf/ cm him. n Matt. 21 2:J etc .; Mark U: 27, pIc. ; Acts 4:7-10 ; 7:27. o .Matt. 14:5. P Song S: 1, 12; Isa. 5:1 -7. q Matt 21:33. etc.; Mark 12: , etc. r Johr 15:16; Rom. 7:4 ' Psa. 2:R Rom. t :17; Heb. 1 2. t Mm 27:21 -25; Acts 2:23; 3: 15. to meet them, and bestow upon them the blessings of his grace. 8. True repentance, wherever it exists, will dispose those who exercise it to "do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God." If they have wronged others, it will lead them to make full restitution, and as they have op- portunity, to do good to such as they have injured, and to all. 26. Those who in this world are disposed to use the blessings which God bestows to his glory, tvill hereafter receive more and greater blessings ; while those who are not, will be deiirived of wliat they now have, and be left destitute and wrctclied, 40. The character and works of Christ furnish the most abundant ;ind powerful reasons for blessing and praising him ; and neither he nor his friends are disposed to pre- vent any from doing this. It gives them joy, and they desire that all shoulil join in it. CHAPTER XX, 1-8, Christ's authoritv. Matt. 21 : 23-2". 9-18. Parable of the Oinevard. Matt. 2I::!3-44. IISI Scriles and Sadducees confuted. LUKE XX. Christ Durid's son and Lord. 16 He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall g-ive the vineyard to others." And when they lieard it. they ^;aid, God forhkl. 17 And lie beheld them, and said, What is this tlien that is written, The stone wiiich llie builders rejected, the same is become the head of the cor- ner?" 18 "Whosoever shall f:\ll upon that stone shall be broken ; but on wliomsoever it shall fall, it will grind iiim to powder.'^ " 19 'i And tiie chief priests and the scribes tlie same jiour sougiit to lay hands on liim; and they feared the people : lor they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them. 20 And they watclied /urn, and sent forth spies, wliicli should feign themselves just men, that they niiglit take hold of his words,'' that so tiiey might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. 21 And they asked him, saying, i\Iaster, we know tiuit tliou sayest and teachest riglitly. neither ac- ceptest tliou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly :' 22 Is it lawful" for us to give tribute unto Cesar, or no ? 2:5 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Wiiy tempt ye me? 24 Siiow me a penny.* Wliosc imago and super- scription hatii it? They answered and said, Cesar's. 2.") And lie said unto tiiem, Ilender therefore nnto Cesar tlic tilings which be Cesar's, and unto God the tilings wliicii be God's." 2(> And tliey could not take hoM of liis words before tiie people: and titey marvelled at his an- swer, and held their ])eace.' 2" "i Then came to /n/n certain of the Hadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection ;*■' and they asked iiiin, 28 .Saying, Master, Mo.ses wrote unto us. If any man's brotlier die, iiaving a wife, and he die with- out children, that his brotlier sliould take his wife, and raise up seed unt(j his brotlier.'' 2'.t There were therefore seven brethren: and the iirst took a wife, and died witiiout children. • Noh. «:3«,37. b Pa. IlSr'Ji. e Dan 2:31, 3S. ' Matt. 2->:1.5, etc.; Mirk \i:\<. ' Or. of a Irallt. t Sue Mall. I8:*i. « Rom. 13:7. f Tilu» 1 : 10, II . « Acl. al:*, 8. I> Doul ■i'i-.^l. 1 Matt. 22:23, etc.; Mark 12:1a, elc. J ch. -il^W; Rot. 3:1. kRev. !!1:4. 1 1 Cor. 15:49, 52; 1 John :i:2. 19-38. Tribute to Cesar — the resurrection. Matthew 22:15-:«. 34. Children of this world; men in this world. 3:'). That world; the world of hlossediicsH into wliicli the rif^litcoiis enter after the rosiirrectlon. 3fi. K(/iml unto the angels ; in their iintnortalify and bliss. Children of Gail — rcmrrection; like uiito liirn after liavlng lieoii raisril from tlie dead. 3**. All live uiilii him ; liioHKh deail as to lis, llicy live to and with find ; so that his covcniint with them to be tlicir (jod rciiiaiiiB. 40. They; the Sadducees. 41-44. ( hrisl David's son and Lord. Matt. 22:41-4G. 45-47. Scribes denounced. Matt. 23:1-33. INSTRUCTION'S. 1. Rulcr.s in . in 1; Acta 2:31. r 1 T m. 5:20 ■ Mark etc. ■ ch II 43. u iKa 10 2; Malt 23:14 a Tim. 3:0. V I TheM 2:5. "ch. 1U:12 14 Ja< .3:1. the direction of Christ, Matt. 23:8-10, and of searching the Scriptures, to see whether wliiit rulers and teachers inculcate is according to them. If it is not, all bIiouUI reject it. !). Parables ami similitudes drawn from cartrdy tilings, willi which people are faniili;ir, are wise and ellieieiil means of inculcating divine tnilli : ami that preaching which leads the hearers to think, ;iiid draw correct con- clusions for themBclvus, will be likely to do them the most good. 19. Opposers of the gosp(d and of its Hiitlifnl preachers arc prone to represent Ihiir teaching as iiijiirioiiB to tlie state, ami llnis to atli'iii])t to set politicians and worldly iiifii in active hostility ag;iinst them. In this they would oftener succeed were- il not that the truths of the gospel, plainly and kinilly exhibited, commend thcmselveK to Ihi! conscience, and thus through grace secure the common people in tln'lr favor. 40, Instead of always imitating the rich and great, and following those who are in high stations, it is sometimes Tht w'.doio's two mites. LUKE XXI. Ruin of Jerusalem foretold. CHAPTER XXI, 1 Christ commendcth the poor widow. 5 He foretelleth the destruction of the temple, :uid of the city of Jerusalem; 25 the sinus also whicli shall he before the last day. 34 He exhortetli them to be watcliful. AND he looked up, and saw the rich men cast- ing- their gifts into the treasury." 2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two niitcs.' 3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all :'' 4 For all these have of tiieir abundance cast in unto the oflerings of God : but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. 5 1" And as some spake of the teni]ile, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts,"^ he said, 6 As for tliesc things wiiich ye behold, the days will come, in the wiiicii there shall not bo left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down/' 7 And they asked him, saying. Master, but when sliall these things be? and what sign will there he when these tilings shall come to pass? 8 And he said. Take heed that ye be not deceiv- ed:^ for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near:' go ye not tiierefore after them. 9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commo- tions, be not terrified:" for these things must tirst come to pass ; but the end is not by and by. 10 Tlien said he unto them. Nation sliall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:'' 11 And great eartiiquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. 12 But before all tiicse, they shall lay their hands on you. and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons,' being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.J 13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.'' « Mark l-i:41. • See Mark \iA'2. b 2 Cor. 8:12. <: Matt. 21:1, etc.; Mark |:J-.l,eto. dob. 19:44, etc. c 2 Thess. 2:3, i), 10; 1 John 4:1; 2 John 7. ' Rpir. l::i. e ProT. 3:25, 2(i. h Hag. 2:22. i Acts 4::J; 518; 12:4 ; lli:24; Rev 2:10. JActs25:a3. k Phil. 1:28; 2 Thess. 1:5. IMatt. 10:19; ch. 12:11. m Acts 6:10. » Mio. 7:5, 6. o Acta 7:.59; 12:2; 26:10; Rev. necessary, in order to obey Christ, to reject their maxims, renounce their doctrines, and avoiil their practices. This course may subject those who pursue it to many incon- veniences, but it will honor the Saviour, benefit them- selves, and promote the good of mankind. CHAPTER XXI. 1-4. Tlic widow's two mites. Atark 12: 11-44. 5-24. Destrnctitm of .Jerusalem. Matt. 24:1-22. For the principles on which this projdiecy is to be interpreted, and the double reference contained in it to the destruction of .Terus;ilem and the end of the world, see introductory note to .Matthew, ch.ap. 24. n. Good! 1/ stones; great and beautiful. Gifts; donations which had been received, and were suspended in dillerent parts of the temple. 11. Fearful sip;hts and great signs ; these words had their primary fiillilnicnt in the fearful appearances which were seen jircvious to tlie th'strnction of Jerusalem, and which are particularly descril>ed by ,h)sephus in the sixlh liook of hi.s history of the Jewish' wars. A more awfnl fnllil- mentawaits them when " the end of the world " draws nigh. in. Tarn to you for a testimony; it shall give you the opportunity of bearing testimony to my gospel l)cfore kings and rulers. This will be a testimony in your behalf of your fiilhfuhicss, and against them, if they reject it. Compare Matt. 21:14; Mark l:i:y. 14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to med- itate before what ye shall answer:' 15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.'" 16 And ye shall be lictrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends;" and some of you shall they cause to be put to death." 17 And ye shall be hated of all men for mv name's sakcP 18 But there shall not a hair of your head perish.'' 19 In your patience possess ye your souls.'' 20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. 21 Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let tlicin whicli are in tiie midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in tlie countries enter thereinto. 22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written^ may be fulfilled. 23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days!' for there shall be great distress in the laud, and wrath upon this people. 24 And they sliall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of tlie Gen- tiles," until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. "' 25 IT And there shall be signs in the sun, and iu the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity;"' the sea and the vaves roaring; 20 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth : for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." 27 And then shall they see the Son of man com- ing in a cloud with power and great glory.'' 2:13; 6:9; 12:11. pJohnl7:l4. qMatt.lO:30. r Rom. 5:3; Heb. 10::!(i: Jas. 1:4. » Deut. 2H:25, 4.-^; Dan. 9:26, 27; Zech. 11:0; 14:1,2. t Lam. 4:10. u Dan. 12:7; Rev. 11:2. v Rom. 11:25. w Dan. 12:1. i 2 Pet. 3:10-12. yRev. 1:7; 14:14. 15. A mouth and wisdom; ability rightly to speak, a gift which no man or angel could bestow. 18. Not a hair — perish; 3'ou shall suffer no real harm, though you die for my sake. Compare Eom. 8:28-39; 1 Cor. 3:'21-23; 1 Pet. 3:1.1. 19. Ln your patience possess ye yoursoids; the word "pos- sess " is here to be taken in the sense of gaining or sav- ing. Tlie whole verse might b^ rendered. By your endur- ance save ye your souls ; the same as, " lie that shall en- dure unto the end, the same shall be saved." Matt. 24 : i:i. 24. By the edge of tlie sword; eleven hundred thousand were slain. Led away captive ; ninety-seven thousand wore carried into captivity. Trodden doien; desolated, oppress- ed. This has been dime successively by the Romans, Saracens, Mamelukes, Franks, and by the Turks who con- tinue to exercise dominion over and oppress it. The times of the Gentiles licfdjilled; the times during whicli God has determined tli;il the (ientiles shall tread down Jerusalem. 25-33. Signs of Christ's coming — parable of the fig-tree. For the exposition of these verses and their twofold rof- cnce, see notes mi Matt. 24:29-35. 25. The sea and the waves roaring; in the first application of the prophecy to the overthrow of Jerusalem, these words are to bo understood figuratively of commotions among the nations. 2(j. The powers of lieanen ; the same as the hosts of heav- en ; that is, the sun, moon, and stars. 1183 Signs of Christ's comfig. LUKE XXII. Conspiracy against Christ. 28 And wlicu those tilings begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; ibr your re- demption drawetli nigh." 29 And he spake to them a parable: Behold the fig-tree, and all the trees ; 30 Wlien they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.'' 31 So likewise ye, wlicn ye see tliese tlnngsconio to pass, know ye that tlie kingdom of God is nigh at hand. 32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. 33 Heaven and earth shall pass aw^ay; but my words shall not pass away." 34 ^ And take heed to yourselves,'' lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness," and cares of this life, and 6o that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare sliall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. "^ 36 Watch ye therefore,^ and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escai)e all these things that shall come to pass,'' and to stand before tiie Son of man.' 37 And in the daytime he was toacliing in tlic temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.-' 38 And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him. CUAPTER XXU. I The Jews conspire against Christ. 3 Sat.in prepareth Judas to betray him. 7 The apostles prepare the passover. 19 Christ instituteth his holy supper. 21 covertly forctelleth of the traitor, 24 dissuadeth Che rest of nis apostles from ambition, 31 assureth Peter his faith should not fail; 31 and yet he should deny him thrice. 39 He pr.ayeth in the mount, and swcateth blood; 47 is betrayed with a kiss; .50 he healeth Malchus' car; 51 he is thrice denied of Peter, 63 shamefully abused, G6 and confesseth himself to be the Son of (rod. W the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, wliich i.s called the Passover." • Rnm. a-.-ll. I> Matt. 24:32; Mark 13:38. ' Ua. 40:8; r>\:6. d Rom. 13:12,13; tThe««.5:8-S; 1 Pet. 4:7. c I,a. 2S:l-3; 1 Cor. 0: lU. f 1 The^H. .■5:2; 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev 111:15. » Matt. 2.5:13. hch. 20:3.5. i P«a. 1 : 5 ; Judo 2-1. J John 8:1,2. k .Matt. 26:2; Mark 14:1, etc. 1 Psa. 2:2; Actt 4:27. 34-3G. Warning to be ready for Christ's coming. Slatt. 24:30-51. 34. Overcharged with surfeiting; made licavy and care- less by immoderate eating and driiiUiiig. T/iat day; the day when ChriRt will conic to Have liis peo])le and take vengeance on his foes. These exhortations wore apjili- r.ablo to tlie day of whicli he h:id bten speaking, to the day of death, and to the day of judgment. 3fl. Always; habitually. Tlieie things; the woes that would come on the wicked. Stand; stand witli acicjitance. 37, 3S. These verses show the manner in wliich Jesus I'.liribt spent the last days of liis life, teaching tlie penple ilie great truths of salvation. All who heard ought with the heart to have believed and been saved. So it is with all who hear the gospel now. INSTRUCTIONS. 3. Tlic value in the sight f>f God, of what is given fr)r Ids worship or for charilahh^ piirjioses, depends not so much on the amount, as on the amount eomp:ired wilh the ahility and the motives with which it is done. 18. However great the wickedness of men, and however active their opposition to the jjcoplc of (iod, they shidl not in the end be abh^ to injure them. His peoide should therefore be cairn and (jiiiet, as well as active and perse- vering in their labors for the [iromotion of his cause, trustins in him for whatever they necil. 11S4 N 2 And the cliiof priests and scribes sought a. d. 11. how tliey might kill him ;' for they feared the peo- ple. 3 ^ Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot,'" being of the number of the twelve. 4 And he went liis way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how lie miglit betray him unto tliem. 5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money." G And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multi- tude.* 7 T Then came the day of unleavened bread," when the passover must be killed. S And he sent Peter and John, saying. Go and prepare us tlic passover, that we may cat. 9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou tiiat we prepare? 10 And he said unto them. Behold, when ye avn entered into tiie city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into tht; house wlicre he entereth in. 11 And ye .^hall say unto the good man of the house, Tliu Master sailli unto thee, Where is the guest-chamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? 12 And he shall show you a large upper room furnisiied : there make ready. 13 And they went, and Ibund as he had said unto them: and tiiey made ready the passover. 14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.'' 15 And he said unto tiicm. With desire 1 have desired* to cat this passover with you before I suffer : 16 For I say unto you, I will not any more cat thereof, until it be fullillcd in the kingdom of God." mMatl.2n:14; Mark 14: 10. etc. ; Jolm 13:2, 27. nZech. 11:12. • Or. wilA- oul tumuli, o lixod. 12. P Matt. 20:20; Mark 14:17. 1 Ol, I have htarlily desired, qch. 14:15; 1 Cor. 5:7,6; Eev. 1U:B. 34. E.xceKsivc eating and drinking tend not only to pro- duce various bodily diseases, but to blind the mind, stu- pefy tlie conscience, and corrupt the heart. Christians should not indulge in these sins, which unlit lliem for the discharge of their duty, and prevent their heing prepared for the coniiiig of Christ. CHAPTMR XXII. 1. Feast of unleavened l>read ; Ihe passover — so called, because during that feast they ate nothing that was leav- ened. Matt. 2C:2, 17. 3. Then entered Satan into. Judas; exerted over him jiecul- iar infiuenec, and exciled him lo betray liis Loril. 4-13. .ludas sclleth Christ — passover prepared. Matt. 2f.: 14-19. 4. Captains; those who commanded the guard that kept Wiitch at the temple. 7. Tlie passdvcr must lie killed ; the lamb which was eaten at the passover-festival must be killed, iind iircparations ma Rev. 19:9. k Matt. 17. The cup; not tlie cup mentioned verse 20, but the cup that was used in eelebiatiiig the passovcr. l.S. I will not drink; for the meaninj;' of tliese words, see notes on Matt. 2C:2!). 10, 2U. The Lord's supper. Matt. 26:20-30. 21-23. What is mentioned in these verses took place wliilc they were eating the passover, and Ijcfore tlie insti- tution of the Lord'.s supper. Tlie facts are not all men- tioned in the order in which they took place. John 13:30 ; Matt. 211:21-2.5; Mark 1 1: l.S-21. 24. Tae ^rcate^t ; the most honoralile — Iiave the highest oflices in th:it earthly kingdom which, notwithstanding all his instruction, they still thought he was about to estab- lish. It seems to have been in connection with this strife about preeminence that our Lord rose from the table and w:ished his disciples' feet, thus setting them an example of condescending humility. John 13:4-17. Similar con- tests are mentioned in Matt. 18:1 ; 20:20-28. 2.5. Jinnefaclnrs ; a title of honor applied to earthly rulers, especially the kings of Syria and Egypt, and such as ex- ercised (lominion over others. 2(!. iVi)? he .>io,- in the kingdom of Christ, one of his min- isters w;is not to h;ive dominion over the others. They were all brethren, and he would be the greatest who should be the most humble, and most ready to perform all useful services. 28. Trmptiititins; trials, labors, and sorrows. 29. / appoint nato ijou a kmgdnm, an my Father halh ap- jminteil unto me; that is, as the next verse shows, I make you sharers with me in the kingdom which I have received of my Father. But this is a spiritual kingdom, in wdiich 75 30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kiugdom,J and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.'' 31 IT And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you,' that he may sift you as wheat:™ 32 But I have prayed for thee," that thy faith fail not : and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." 33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. 34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. 35 1i And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing?!' jYnd they said. Nothing. 36 Then said he unto them. But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip : and he that hath no sword, let him sell his gar- ment, and buy one. 37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reck- oned among the transgressors:'' for the things concerning me have an end. 38 And they said, Lord, behold, here arc two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. 39 11 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives;'' and his disciples also followed him. 40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that yc enter not into temptation. 41 And he was witiidrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove' 19:i8; 1 Cor. 6:-2; Rev. 3:21. I 1 Pet. 5:8. mAmos9:9. n John 17:9. 15; Heb. 7:25; 1 John 2:1. » Psa. 51:ia; John 21:1.1-17. p ch. 9:.3. •) ha. .5:J:12. T Matt. 20:30; Mark 14:32, etc.; John Iri;!, etc. ' Or. mllhig tn remove. the most humble and active in serving their brethren are the greatest. 30. Eat and drink at my table; ho admitted to near com- munion with me, as are the servants of a king who stand high in place and honor. Sit an thrones; to administer, under Christ's authority, the affairs of his spiritual king- dom. In the pre'emineiit place held by the apostles in the establishment of the Christian church, we find the earthly fulfilment of this promise. Another fullilment is reserved for " the regeneration, " when Clirist shall make all things new. See note on .Matt. 19:28. 31. Sift you ; :dl the apostles. Js vhrat ; gre;xfly agitate your mind with inward and ontwaril trials, to induce you, if possible, to deny me, apostatize, and iierish. 32. For thee; wliile lie intercedes for all the apostles, he offers a special pr.ayer for Peter. Fail not; not utterly fail, but when weakened revive again and become trium- phant. Converted; turned from thy sin. 33. 34. Peter's denial forctoUl. Matt. 2C:33-3,'). :i.5. When I sent i/mt; Matt. 10:9, 10. Lacked y cany thing? did you suffer with want? 3(>. Let liim sell his garment, and buy one; a figurative mode of warning the apostles that great dinicullics ;uid trials awaited them, which woulil retiuire them to be like armed warriors, ready for the conflict. 37. This thill IS written ; Isa. 63: 12. 38. It is enough; they dill not ueed such swords: they needed the swortl of the Spirit, the shield of faith, the l)re:istidate of righteousness, and the iKilmet of s;dvation. :i!i-4i;. Agony in the garden. Matt. 20:30-10; Mark 11:32-1L 1185 Christ is Id rayed, LUKE XXII. denied, and condemned. this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strcngtliening him." 44 And being in an agony, lie prayed more ear- nestly : and his sweat was as it wore great drops of blood falling down to the ground.'' 45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 And said unto them. Why sleep ye ? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." 47 1" And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and lie tliat was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.'' 48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betraycst thou the Son of man with a kiss? 49 Wlien they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword ? 50 ir And one of them smote tiie servant of the high-pricit, and cut off his right ear. 51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his car, and healed him. 52 Tlien Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be yo come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? 53 Wlien I was daily with you in tlie temple, ye stretched forth no iiamls against mc: but tliis is your hour,'' and the power of darkness. 54 1 Then took tiiey him, and led him, and brought luni into tiie liigh-pricst's house. And Peter followed afar off. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in tlie midst of the hall, and were set down togetii(?r, Peter sat down among them. 5G But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by • Mitt. 4:11. b Lim. 1:12; John 12:-.'-; Htb. .^:7. c vor. -111. ■! Matt. 88:47, He; Marlt 11:43, etc.; John IH::), etc. e Job ■iO-j; John Vi.il. < Malt. a0:09; Marlt 14:00. «!); John IM:!/. (C Mitt. Sli:"!; Mark I4:im; John H:'.M. h Malt. 28:73; Mark 14:70; John l.'i:*). ■ .Matt. 20:55; Mark 43. Strengthening him i as a man, he needed and received aid from on liigh. 47-71. Christ betrayed, led to the high-iiricst, and de- nied. .\[;itt. 2(1:47-75; Mark 14:43-72. 48. With It kiss ; customarily a sign of affection, but now used by .Jiiilas to pointout to the Koldicrs wliich was .Icsim. .01. Suffer ye tliii.1 far ; adiircssed to tlic f;ii:trd wlio had eeized )iim immodialcly upon tlic kiss of .ludas. ,\I:itt. 2C:48; ,\I:irk 14:4.'), 4(i. The prob;ible mtaniiii; is, Allow me tlius far ; th:it is, give inc liberty so far as to touch this man's car. Somo, liowevcr, suppose hirn to mean. Suffer the zeal of my disciples to have proceeded thus far in defending rne. CO. Man, Iknownot; Matthew and Mark say thata maid in the sccoucl instance charged I'etcr with being one of Clirist's disciples. Hut lie here answers to a man. The maid may have st,atod it to those that were present, and a man Mu-ti have charKcd I'cter with it. 67. If I tell ijoh; you do not ask for the sake of gaining information ; your mimls are fully made up to condemn mc, and no stati-inent of mini- can inllucn<-e your belief. C8. If I alsn a.sk you; propose questions to you to be answered, as the .Saviour often diil in reasoning with the Jewish rulers. For an example, see .Matt. 21::i:i-27. Nev- ertheless, as his time for suffering had now come, he pro- ceeded solemnly to affirm his messiahship, ver. 69, 70. 118(1 the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and a. d m. said. This man was also with hini.'^ 57 And he denied him, saying. Woman, I know him not. 58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them." And Peter said, Man, I am not. 59 And abinit the space of one hour after, an- other confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fc/low also was witli him ; for he is a Galilean.'' GO And Peter said. Man. I know not what tliou sayest. And immcdiateiy, wliilc he yet spake, the cock crew. 61 And the Lord turned, nnd looked U))on Peter. And Peter renicmbored the word of the Lord,' how he had said unto him. Before tlie cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.-' 62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.'' 63 *|[ And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote /lim. 64 And when they had lilindfoldcd him, tlicy struck liiin on the face, and asked liim, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?' 65 And many other things blasphemously spake they against him. 66 1 And as soon as it was da)', the elders of the pcojjle and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into tiieir council,'" saving, (jl Art thou the Christ?" tell us. And he said unto thcin, If I tell you, ye will not lielieve: 68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. 69 Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God." 70 Then said they all. Art thou then the Son of God ? And he said unto them. Ye say that I um. 71 And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth. 14:7-J. J ver. :M. k I'sa. 1:10:1-1 ; U3:M; .ler. 31 :l!J; Kzuk. 7:10; 1 Cor. 10:12; 2 Cor. 7:10, 11. I Matt. •2<1:0-, 88; Mark 14:0.-;. m Matt. 27:1 ; AcU i:-il\--ii. n MaU. 20:63. oto. ; Mark 14:01, olo. o Heb. I:3j 8:1; Rev. 69. Sit 071 the right hand of the -power of God ; this they justly considered us his (-lainiing to be the Messiah. 70. Ye siiij thill I am ,- this iiii-;iiit, Yes, I am. 71. IIai:e heard; luivc heard his claim to bo the Son of God, which llii-y said w;ts blaspliemy. INiSTIJUCTIONS. r>. Money has a )iowerful influence over the humim heart, .ind the lio])e of obtaining even a sniiill sum may awaken the most corrupt desires, .-tnd lead to llie commis- sion of the most horrid i-rimes. Well did he who knew what was in man s;iy, " Take heed, and beware of eovet- ousness." 18. \\'h;it was drunk at tin- oidinance of tlie supjier was not blood, but the fruit of the vine, the juice of the grape. This ('JMist used, nnd it is a tit einl)lem of his blooil, w-hich w:iH shed for the i-(-missi(Wi of sins. 32. .lesus Christ is ii(-ipi;iiiitcd with all the dangers of his projdi-, :ind gn;irds them, that when they tall, they m;iy rise iig:uii, anil be for ever victorious over all their foes. 48. I'ersons who, knowingly, for their own sellish ends, express towards .Jesns ("lirist tliat wliii-h they do nut feel, imitate Jiidiis the traitor; and, unless tiny repent .'iiid ;iro forgiven, it will be true of them as it was of liiui, lli;it it would h;ivo been better for them if they had not been born. iMatt. 26:24. Christ is mocked by Herod, LUKE XXIII. and sentenced by Pilate. CHAPTER XXIII. 1 Jesus is accused before Pilate, anJ sent to Herod. 8 Herod mocketh him. 12 Herod and Pilate are m.ide friends. 13 Barabbas is desired of the people, and is loosed by Pilate, and Jesus is given to be cruci- fied. '27 He telleth the women, that lament him, the destruction of Jerusalem: .31 prayeth for his enemies. 30 Two evil doers are cru- cified with him. 4G His death. OU His burial. AND the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.-' 2 And they began to accuse him,*" saying, We found thii fellow perverting the nation," and for- bidding to give tribute to Cesar,'' saying, that he himself is Christ a King.'' 3 And Pilate asked him, saying. Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said. Thou sayest it.'' 4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.*' 5 Ami they were the more fierce,'' saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. 6 WlieuPilateheard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilean. 7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction,' he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time. 8 1 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceed- ing glad : for he was desirous to see him of a long season,' because he had heard many things of him ; "^ and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.' 9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.'" 10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. 11 And Herod with his men of war set him at naught," and mocked /lim, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe," and sent him again to Pilate. 12 T And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together;" for before they were at enmity between themselves. 13 1 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 1-1 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that pervertelh the people; and > Matt. 'iT-.-i, II, etc.; Mark 1.5:1, elc; John 18:-J8, elo. b Zech. 11:8. « ver. .0: Acts |i. 211. ••! : l':(i,7. J Matt. 17:27; 2-):-Jl ; Mark 12:17 e Jolin l~::ili; 19:12 ' 1 Tim: 0: 1:!. « John l-'iS-; 19:4; Heb 7:.'li; I Pet. 2:22. h I'aa. 57:1. ich.:):l, J ch. '.1:9 k Mm. 1 1:1 ; Mark C: M. 1 2 Ki.ig.- fiA]. mPsa. 33:1:1, 11; .19:1,9; Isa. .5:1:7. » l.a. 49:7 ; .W::!. o,I„l„, 19:o. CHAPTER XXIII. 1-5. Christ brought before Pilate. Matt. 27 : 1, 2, 11-18. 2. Perverting the nation; exciting the people to rebel against tlie Roman government. Give Irilmtr ; pay taxes. 'i. TItou saijcsl it; .lesus not only aeUnowleilged Iiimself to lie the King of the .Jews, lint e.xplaineil to Tilate that his kingdom was not of this world ; so that he found no fault in him on thi.s ground. John lS:3(i, 37. .5. He stirrelli. up the people ; causing tumults among them. All Jewry; the whole Jewish country. 7. He sent him to Herod; seelcing thus to get rid of the case altogether. This was Herod Antipas, who put John to death. He was son to Herod the Creat, under whose reign Christ was born, Matt. 2:1; uncle to Herod Agrippa, by whom James was killed, and who was eaten of worms, Acts 12:2, 23; and great-unele to that AgripjKt who was almost persuaded by Paul to become a Christian. Acts 2.->:2S. 9. He answered him nothing ; tlio Saviour would not an- behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:'' 15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. 16 I will therefore chastise him,'' and release him. 17 For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast. 18 And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: 19 (Who, for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder," was cast into prison.) 20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. 21 But they cried, saying. Crucify him, crucify him. 22 And he said unto them the third time. Why, what evil hath he done ? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. 23 And they were instant with loud voices, re- quiring that he might be crucified.' And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. 24 And Pilate gave sentence" that it should be as they required." 25 And he released unto them him that for sedi- tion and murder was cast into prison,*' whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will. 26 ^ And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyreuian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he migiit bear it after Jesus.*'' 27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. 28 But Jesus turning unto them said. Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for your- selves, and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Ble.ssed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck." 30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us: and to the hills. Cover us.'' pAot34:27. 1 ver. 4. r Isa. 53:5. >Aots3:U I Psi. 22:12; ver. 5. -Or, assented, u Exod. 2.3:2. v Acts 3:14. w Matt. 27:.32, etc ; Mark l.'i: 21, etc.; John 19:17. x Matt. 21:19; ch. 21:23. y Isa. 2:19; Hos. 10:-1; Rev. i;:l(>; U:U. swer tiuestions prompted by a vain curiosity, without any desire to know the truth. n. Men ofu-ar; the soldiers of his guard. Set him at naug/il; treated him with contempt. 1.";. Is done unto him ; rather, is done by him. The two examinations before Pilate ;ind Herod had brought to light no action of Jesus worthy of dealh. IG. C/iantise; scourge or whip him. 17. Of necessil 1/ ; it was the custom, and the people would be disjilinised if'he should not comiily with it. Matt. 27 : 1."). This shows the manner in wliicli the word necessity is somi'times used in the Bible. 18-25. Christ condemned by Pilate. Matt. 27:20-2G. 21;. Simon, a Cyreniaii; Matt. 27::i2. 2S. Weep for yourselves, and for yniir children; on account of the great calamities that were coming n])on them. 29. HIesscd are the barren ; it were better not to have chil- dren than to have them exposed to such distresses. 30. To the mountains. Fall on us; to shelter us from the wrath of God. Compare Ilosea 10:8; Kev. 6:1«. They 1181 Christ's crucifixion, LUKE XXIII. death, and burial. 31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dr_y?" 32 And there were also two others, malefactors,* led with him to be put to death. 33 And when they were iHirae to the place which is called Calvary,' there tliey crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34 1 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them ; for they know not what they do.'^ And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 35 And tlie jieoplc stood beholding. And the rulers also with tliem derided /rim,'' saying, He saved others ; let him save himself, if he be Clirist, the chosen of God. 36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to bim, and offering him vinegar, 37 And saying. If thou be the King of the Jews, save tliyself. 38 And a sujierscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 1 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him," saying. If thou bo Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying. Dost not thou fear God,' seeing thou art in the same condemnation ?' 41 And we indeed justly ; for we receive the due reward of our deeds : but this man hath done noth- ing amiss.'' 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember nic when thou comest into tiiy kingdom.' 43 And Jesus said unto him. Verily I say unto thee. To day shalt thou i)C with me in paradise.J 44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there > Prov. 11: )l: Jer. 2o:J9; Kzck. -^1:17; 21 : 1 : 1 Pet. J: 1 7. b l,a. .'".I.;!. • Or. l/ie p'.ai-r of a ukuU. ' Mall. r,:H ; Acts 7:00; 1 Cor. 4: l-J. d p,j. •2->:7. e cli. 17: H-tii. ( P.a. 30:1. « Jpr. 5:). hlPrt. I:1U. i Psi. 11)0:4. .i; Rom lU;!), Ill; 1 Cor, 0:111, 11. ) Rom. ■'-■.■HI, 21; 2 Cor. 12:1: Rev. 2:7. feel that il is better to be crushed beneath the weight of the inoiiiituiiis, tlian to meet God in judgment, and boar the fierceness of liis wrath. 31. Iftheij (Id thae ////n?.? in a preen tree ; this was a, jiro v- erh. A green tree rciiroHcnteil one innocent and good ; a dry tree, those wlio were wicked. If such distress as that of crucifixion wonlil conu; upon one wlio was jierfcctly innocent, wliat would be the distress which, under the just in li;.;nation of (rod, would come upon those who were so exceedingly wicked as to ninrder his beloved Son? 32. Mdlef.iclors; evil-doers, thieves, robbers, etc. Matt. 27 : 38. 33-49. The crucifixion. Matt. 27:.3.3-,')fi. 34. Falher, forg.ve t!iem; this was a prayer for tlie par- don of his niiirderers. 39, One nf the malefictnr.i ; Matthew and Mark speak as if both the robliers hiid at first reviled him. One however repented, rebuked his coiniianion, confessed the justice of their pMiiishment, and looked to Christ for salvation. 42. (r/iCTi tlum corncsi into tliij kinf^dom ; more litenilly, When thou comest in thy kingdom ; that is, whin thou comest in glory as the King Messiah. This will lie when he shall "appear the serond time without sin unto salva- tion" for all who have tielieved in him. 43, Pnrndise; the place and state of blessedness. 50-50. Christ's burial, .Matt, 27:57-61. 60. A counsellor ; a member of the great .Jewish council. 51. Deed of tliern ; the doings of the council in condemn- ing Clirist. Watted for the kingdom of Ood; the reign of Jesus as the Messiah. Matt. 3:2. 1188 was a darkness over all the earth* until the a. d. ss. ninth hour. 45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. 46 1 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, ho said. Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit:'' and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.' 47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying. Certainly this was a righteous man. 48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things wiiich were done, smote their lireasts, and returned. 4',1 Anil all his acquaiiitance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar oft','" behold- ing these things, 50 1 And behold, there iras a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: 51 The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them: he vns of Ariiiuitlica, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the king- dom of God." 52 Tliis 7nan went unto Pilate, and begged tlie body of Jesus. 53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepidchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid." 54 And that day was the preparation,'' and the sabbatli drew on. 55 And tiic women also, which came with him from Galilee,'' followed after, and beheld the sep- ulchre, and how his body was laid. 56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments ;■■ and rested the sabbalh-day, according to the commandment.' lOr, land, k P«i. 31 :.''■; 1 Pel 2:2') I Mali. 27:50, pto. ; Mark l.');37, etc. ; ,Win l'.l:30. m p,i. :18: 11 ; M2:J. n Mark l.J:43; ch. 2:2.5. 3i<. o 1m, S.l:ll. P.Matl. 27:62. q ch. b:2; vcr, -I'J. rMarklO;!. ■ ExoJ. 20:8-10, 54, T/ie preparation; the preparation for the solemnities of the next day, which was thr Salili;itli, INSTIUICTIDNS. 2. The accusation which the .Ji \vs liroiight against.Iesus before Pilate was not that of blasphemy in claiming to be the Son of Ood, fur which their council had oondemned him, .Matt, 2(!: li'> ; il w;is that of treason against the Itoman government. His rhiiming to be the Son of fiod was no crime in a Homaii court. They could not imlnce I'llale for this to put him to death. They therefore invented another accusation, and sought false witnesses to support it. So that while they conilcmned him for what was no crime, they sought to have I'date cMiidriiin him for a crime which he never comrnitled, .Justly did he who knew what was in them, say, " Ve serpents, ye geni'r;ition of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell ?" .Matt, 23:3.'), 22, As civil govirnnieni is an onlinance of (iod, estab- lished for the jirotection of the innocent, and the condem- nation and punishment of the guilty, magistrates who, against evidence, acquit the guilty and condemn the inno- cent, are iui abomiiiiition to the Lord. Injustice under the cover of hiw is aggravated wickedness. False witnesses and corrupt judges merit, and without re]>entance will receive a most awful condeinnation, 31, .Jesus Christ, who \v;ih most compassionate and be- nevolent in his life, \v;is ;i1no most kind and forgiving in his death, lie desired the evcrlaslUig salvation even of his murderers, and for it he was willing to give nj) his life, 40. True repentiince leads a sinner to feel and acknow- ledge the justice of his condemnation, and at the same Christ riset/i from the dead, LUKE XXIV. and appearctA vnio many. CHAPTER XXIV, N 1 Christ's resurrection is declared by two angels to the women that come to the sepulchre. 9 These report it to others. 13 Christ him- self .appeareth to the two disciples that went to Einni:ius; 36 after- wards he appeareth to the apostles, and reproveth. their unbelief; 47 giveth them a charye; 49 promiseth the Holy Ghost; 51 and so ascendeth into heaven. "''OW upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre,* bringing tiie spices which they had prepared, and certain ol/iers with them. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. H And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it came to pass, as they were much per- plexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:'' 5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them. Why seek ye the living* among the dead ? 6 He is not iiere, Init is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,"^ 7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the liands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. 8 And they remembered his words, 9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna,''and Mary the mother oi James, and otlier tcomen that were witli them, whicli told these things unto the apostles. 11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales," and they believed them not. 12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepul- chre;'' and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wonder- ing in himself at that which was come to pass. I'd ^ And behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Einmaiis,^ which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 And it came to pass, that while they com- > Matt. 2S:I, etc.; Mark 10:2, etc.; John 20:1, etc. 1> .lohn aO:l'>; Acts 1:11). • Or, him thatlieetk; Rev. 1:18. « Matt. 1C:->1 ; 17:31; Mark 8:;31 ; !):31; ch. 9:«; John ■i:'ii. J ch. 8:3. e Gen. 19:14; i Kings ',:-l; Job 9:IG; Tsa. \iC,:\; Acts ia:9, 15. f John 20:3, 6. B Mark 16:12. li Mai. 3:16; Matt. 18:20; ver.SB. ■ John 20: U, 15; 21 :4. J John 19:25. 'Acts time to look to Jesus for salvation ; expecting through liini to receive it, th;vt when absent from the body ho may be present with the Lord. 2 Cor. 5:8. (JHAPTER XXIV. 1-12. The resurrection. Matt. 28: 1-10. 4. Two men; angels in the form of men. Matthew and Mark mention but one. This does not make tlieir state- ments incoiisistent with each other, but it shows that they did not write in concert, and that each gave his own inde- pendent acroiint. IX Two (jf Ikem ; not of the eleven apostles, but of the other disciples. Threescore fiirlonga ; ten ancient furlongs are eiiiiiv:ilent to the modern geographical mile. The dis- tance from .Jerusalem to Emmatis was, then, about six geo- graphical, or nearly seven English miles, )i;. Their eyes were holden ; kept from discovering who he was. Mark IC: 12. IS. Clcopai; supposed to be the same as .\lpheus, the fatlier of James the less and Jude. 21. Redeemed Israel; they were thinking of an outward muned together and reasoned,'' Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. 16 But tlieir eyes were holden, that they should not know him.' 17 And he said unto them. What manner of com- munications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad ? 18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleo- pas,J answering, said unto iiim. Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? 19 And he said unto them. What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word" before God and all the people:' 20 And how the chief priests and our rulers de- livered him to be condemned to death,'" and have crucified him. 21 Butwetrustedthatithadbeenhewhich should have redeemed Israel :" and besides all this, to-day is the third day since these things were done. 22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sep- ulchre;" 23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. 24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre,'' and found it even so as the women had said : but him they saw not. 25 Then he said unto them, fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:'' 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things,"' and to enter into his glory?" 27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets,* he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." 28 And they drew nigh unto the village whither they went: and lie made as though he would have gone further.'' 29 But they constrained him, saying. Abide with us; for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. 7:22. 1 ch. 7:10; Jolin 3:2; Acts 2:22. 1:0'!; Acts t:0. o ver. 9. 10. p ver. 12. 17:3; Heb. 9:22, 2:!. MPet. 1:3,11. 1 2(i:22. V Gen. 32:20; Mark 0:4d. m ch. 23: 1 ; Acts 13:27. 28. n ch. q Heb. 5:11, 12. r ve'r 40; Acts ver. 44; Acts :);22. " Acts 10:43; deliverance from bondage to the Romans, and the restora- tion of the kingdom to Israel. Compare Acts 1:6. 25. O fools ; this is not the same word in the original aa that wliich Christ condemns, Matt. 5:22. That ini)ilictl great wickedness; this, duhicss, want of reflection and discernment, as manifested in not belter understamling his teaching and the Scrii)tureB. Slow of heart; indisposed aud reluctant to believe that he must die. 26. Ought not Christ; was it not needful, in order to fulfil the prophecies, that tlu! Mcssiidi should die? Did they not clearly foretell that he would be cut off, but not for himself? Dan. 9:2fi. 27. At Moses; the books which Moses wrote, the first books of the Old Testament. The thtnf^s concerning himself; some of these things arc mentioned in Gen. 3:15; 40:10; Num. 2I:S, II; Dout. 18:15; Isa. 9:6, 7; 53:1-12; Psalms IG, 22, an.l 110; I);in. 9:25-27 ; Mai. 4:2-6. 28. Made as though he would have gone further ; he kept on, giving no intimation that he would stop, till they en- treated him to do so. 29. Constrained him; by their entreaties. liS'J Christ afpcarelh to his LUKE XXIV. disciples, and ascendeih. 30 And it came to pass, as ho sat at meat with them, ho took broad, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them." 31 And tiieir eyes were opened, and they knew him ; and ho vanished out of their siglit.* 32 And tliey said one to another. Did not our heart burn within us,'' while ho talked with us by the way, and while he of)ened to us the scriptures? 33 And they rose up the same hour, and return- ed to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, 3i Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. '^ 35 And they told what things iffredo?!(' in the way, andhowliewasknownof them in breaking of bread. 36 1i And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them.'' and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and su])posed that they had seen a spirit.*^ 38 And ho said unto them. Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts ? 39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 40 And when he had thus spoken, he showed them fiif hands and his feet. 41 And while they yet believed not for joy,'' ami wondered, he said unto them. Have ye here any meat?" " Mitt »:19. • Or ceaxftt to be seen of them b Psa ya:3i Jer. 20: !l: 21; 29. c 1 Cor. 1.5:. 5. i Mark 111:1.1. etc.; John 20:19, c tn. e Mark a-.i'X ' Gen. 4 J 20. f Joliii 2 1:5, etc. liAcl»lU:4l. ■ Matt. 11 21 t ch. • !l:22; Acts 3:13 ; 13:2- , ■■». k ver 27. 1 V,3.. 22, 110, etc. n> Isa. 53:3, 5 Acts 30. Sai at meat ; reclined, as the custom was, at supper. Blessed it ; asked the blessiiiK of God, and Rave thanks : in this he hatli set us an example which we should follow. 31. Tiieir eyes were opened ; the difficulties in the way nf their knowin;; him were removed. He vanished; disap- peared. They saw him no more. 32. Ourheiut hum ,-j;lo\v with wonderand delight. Open- ed to us tlie scriptures; explained to us their meaning. 34. Simon ; .Simon Peter. 3C. Peace be unto yon; this was a form of salutation, and an expression of j^oorl-will. 38. Thoughts; doubts and suspicions as to who and what he was. 39. Thai it is I myself ; tliat I liave really arisen from tlie dead. 40. Sliowed tliem his hands and his feet; compare Jolni 20:27. 41. Believed not for joy, and wondered; the news was so strange and joyful, tliat they did not believe it. 4.'{. Took It, and ihd eut before them ; this was further proof of the reahty of his bodily presence with tliem. 44. Law of Moses — prophets — psalmi; (liesc ciiMijirelicnd- ed the wliole of the Old Teslament; and were the names of the three portions into which it was divided by the Jews. 45. Understand the scriptures; tliosc portions of them which foretold liis death and resurrection, wliicli tliey did not correctly understand before. 4B. It behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise; otherwise he could not fulfil the propliccies concerning him. prove that he was the Messiah, or i>rocure the salvation of men. 47. Beginning at JeriLvilcm ; the dwelling-place of liis murderers, who liad enjoyed and liitherto resisted all the mea-1 of grace. 4(-. These things; his life, miracles, teaching, death, and resurrection on the third day according to the Scrii)lure8, proving him, beyond the possibility of a mistake, to be 1190 42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled a. d m, fish, and of a honeycomb. 43 And he took it, and did eat before them.'' ' 44 And he said unto them. These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you,' that all things must be fuliilled which were writ- ten in the law of Moses,' and in the prophets,'' and in the psalms,' concerning me. 45 Then opened he their nndcrstanding, that they might understand the scri])tiires, 46 And said unto them. Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to sufl'cr,'" and to rise from the dead the third day:" 47 And that repontanco and remission of sins should be jireached in his name among all na- tions," beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things.'' 49 1 And behold, I send the promise of my Fa- ther upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jciu- salcm, until ye bo endued with power from on high." 50 T And ho led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried uj) into heaven.'' 52 And they worshipped him," and retuj'ned to Jerusalem with groat joy : 53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing; God.' Amen. 4:12. nlPel. 1:3. o Acts 5:.11 ; 13:38. PActs1:H. 1 Is,.. 41::) J.ml 2:2S, etc.; Acts l:8j 2:1--J. r Acts 1:9; Hcb. 4:14. • Malt. a=:U, 17. t Acts 2:40, 47; 5:42. the true Messiah, and that throuj;h repentance and faith in him, and in this w;iy only, men can lie saved. 40. The promise of my Father; his promise to give them the Holy yi)irit, to enable them to work miracles in con- firmation of the truth of their tesliiuony, and to lit them for the duties of their oflice. .loel 2:2S,'2i); Acts 2:1(;-21. Pomr from on high; the power which the Holy .Spirit would give them to sjieak the various languages in which they would be c;dlcd to prcitcli, and do whatever might be needful to extend a knowledge of llie gospel, and promote the salvation of all who should embrace it. 50. liettinnij ; a vill;ige on the side of mount Olivet, about two miles east of .lerusalem. 52. Worshipped him; as the Messiah, the Son of (Jod, and tlie Siiviour of men. :>X ConlinuaUij in the lanplc ; they worslii|ipiMl there daily till the feast of IVntecost, which took i>lacu In about ten days. Then the Holy Siiirit desi'dided upon them in cloven" tongues, like as of lire, and the i>ioiiiise, verse 49, was fultilled. Acts 2::{. IN.STItt'CTIONS. 7. Events which the friends of Christ 'most dread, and against the occurrence of which they most earnestly strive, iire often essential to their highest good. They should therefore never mourn as those who luive no liope, at any thing which (!od does or sufl'ers to be done, but should s;iy with submission, " It is the bold ; let him do as seem- etli him good." 25. A more intimate aciiuaintance with the Scriptures, and a lietter Hndeist:in(jrt his pi'o]de in tri;ds, would nerve them for duty, and fur- nish them more thoroughly for every good work. 44. The events of divine providence are a fiiKilment of the divine word. In order to see this, and be rightly affected by it, men must have their understandings en- lightened and their hearts purified by the Holy Spirit. THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN. John was one of the three apostles whom our Lord admitted to peculiar intimacy with himself. They alone were permitted to witness the raising of Jairus' daughter, Mark 5:31 ; the transfiguration, Matt. 17 : 1 ; Mark 9:2; Luke 9 :28 ; and the agony in Gcthsemane, Matt 26 :37 ; Mark 14 :33. lie received peculiar evidences of his Lord's love and confidence in being repeatedly called "the disciple whom Jesus loved," and occupying the place next to him at the last passover, John 18 :23. If, as is probable, he was one of the two disciples referred to in John 1 : 35-40, he was among the first called by our Lord. How- ever this may be, it is plain from his narrative that he became one of His disciples very early in His minis- try. Thus he possessed, besides the supernatural illumination and guidance of the Holy Ghost, all the human qualities and advantages necessary to constitute him a witness of our Lord's life and teachings. His gospel stands last of the four in the sacred canon, in accordance with the imiversally received opinion that it was written last, and probably after the destruction of Jerusalem. The peculiar character of its style is at once noticed by every reader. But aside from this, its contents are peculiar also. It has comparatively little matter in common with the other three evangelists. This is explained partly by the fact that they are more occupied with our Lord's ministry in Galilee, John with that in Jerusalem. But the great characteristic of John's gospel is the fulness with which he records those discourses of our Lord, in which he unfolds his own divine person and office, partly in controversy with his enemies, chap- ters 8-12 ; partly in confidential intercourse with his disciples, chapters 13-17. Thus the wisdom of Ciod assigned to "the disciple whom Jesus loved," and who had been in a peculiar sense his bosom-companion during his earthly ministry, the ofBce of supplying' in the largest degree that part of the evangelic record which sets forth the nature of his divine person and office. So far as the Saviour's personal ministry is concerned, we have in the four narratives combined, all that is needful for the instruction and edification of the church to the end of time. CHAPTER I. 1 Tlie divinity, Immanity, and office of Jesus Christ, l-l The testimony of John. 3y The calling of Andrew, Peter, etc. N the beginning'^ was the Word,'' and the Word was with God,*^ and the Word was God.** I > Prov. 8:?i>-31; Col. 1:16, 17; 1 .lohn 1:1. 1> Rev. ll);1.1. c ch. 17:5. d Phil. 2:6; Heb. 1:S-13; 1 John 5:7. e Psa. 3:J:6; Eph. 3:9. ( ch. 5:26; Thpy should therefore liabitiially seek his teaching ; and while "careful for nothing," should "in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make known their requests unto God." He will then "supply all their need, according to liis riches in glory }iy Clirist Jesus." '17. The Saviour dicil and rose again, that repentance and forgiveness of sins might lie preached in his name to all nations; and it is his revealed will that this sho\dd be done. All therefore, as they have opportunity and ability, Bho\dd aid in this work, that the knowledge of his salva- tion may, tliro\igh grace, he enjoyed by all people. 52. As the disciples, who had been moKt fully instructed by Christ, worshipped him as he ascended to heaven, and as the inhabitants of that world worshi]) him, ascribing "blessing, and honor, and glory, and power to Him that sitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever;" all to whom he is m:ide known should worship him also, that they may be fitted to join the employments and par- take of the joys of heaven, llov. 5:7-14. 2 Tlie same was in the beginning with God. 3 All tilings wore made by him;' and without him was not any tiling made that was made. 4 In him was life;' and the life was the light of men.''' lJohn5:ll. 5ch.8:12. CHAPTER I. 1. Ill the beginning ; of the creation. Tie who was with God in the beginning of all created things, is before all things, and has existed from eteriiitv. Compare chap. 17:5; Col. 1:17. Tlir Word; a term iqijilied by Joiui to the second person of the (Jodhead in his eternal existence, .lust as he is called " the Life " and " the Light," because he has in himself life ;ind light, and imparts them to his creatures at his jdeasure ; so he is called "the Word," because in liirn " .are hid all the treasures of wisdom and kiiowdcdge," and by his word .and Spirit he reveals Ihciii to men. With (Ind; in holy union, fellowship, ami com- munion. Wax (1ml; this is a direct assertion of his divine nature as existing from eternity. 3. All things were made — not ntuj tiling mode; all things in the widest sense. Compare Col. 1: l(i ; Ileli. 1:2. And as God, he upholds all things which he has made. Heb. l::i. 4. In him was life; ho is the author and sustainer of all 1191 Incarnation of the Word. JOHN I. The teslimovy of Jul in. 5 And the light shinetli in darkness;" and the darkness comprehended it not.'' 6 T There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.*^ 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that ail mm tlirongh liim might believe. 8 He was not tliat Liglit, but icas sent to bear witness of that Liglit.'' 9 That was tlio true Light, which lighteth every man that comctli into the world." 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.' 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.^ 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power* to become tlie sons of God,'' even to them that believe on his name:' 13 Wliich were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of tlie will of man, but of God.J 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,"" and we beheld his glory,' the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.*" 15 1 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying. This was lie of wlioni I spake. He tiiat conieth after me is preferred before me ;" for he was before me. 16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace." 17 For the law was given by Moses, hut grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.'' 18 No man hath seen God at any time;' the • Ch.3:19. l>lCor.2:14. t Luke 3:2. -I. iiAct3l9:4. e Isa. 40:0. fver. 5. e Acts3:*2G; l.'3;4G. ' Or^ the rii^ht, or prii-iUge. h Isa. 5G;4. 5; Rom. H. 1 2 Pel. I :I7i 1 John 1:1. 2. «> Psi. 4o;2; Col. 2:3, U. n Matt. 3:11, etc. created natural and spivitnal life. T^e life u-aa the li^ht of men; the Word is the light and life of men absolutely ; since every kind of light and life comes from him. But here the apostle means more especially, that he who is tlie spiritual life isalso the spiritual light of fallen men," dead in trespasses and sins ;'' because it is by making them alive to (Jod, that he enlightens them ; so that the two gifts of life and light always come together. 5. Shineth in darknc-if; sheds its rays among the spiritu- ally ignorant, debased, and wretched. Cumpreliended it not ; did not understand, and thrrefore rejected it. Compare chap. 8:19; Ki:,'!; .M;itt. 11:W^27; 1 Cor. 2:8, 14. 6. John; John the liaptist. Matt. 3:1. 7. The Liglit; the Messiiih. Through him mif;ht believe; through the testimony of .John, might believe in Christ. 8. He was not that Light ; John was " a burning and a shin- ing light," chap. 5:. 35; but ho received all bis brightness from the eternal Word, who alone is the true Light, be- cause he has light in himself, and is the only source of light to men. 9. LiglUetli every man ; the meaning is, that all true know- ledge is from Christ. 10. In the world ; as its Creator, Instructor, and Redeemer. Knew him nut; did not apprehend his true character. 11. His own; his own land Juilea, and his own people tlic Jews. Received him not; they did not believe on him, but rejected and crucified him. 12. Power; right, privilege. Sons of God; spiritual chil- dren, adopted into his family, and conformed to his image. l.^. Were born — of God; changed, by his Holy Spirit, froui supreme love of self and sin to supreme love of God and holi- ness. No man inherits this holy character by nature, nor can it be given to him by man. It is the gift of God alone. 14. Made flcah ; took upon hiin human naturf — became a man. Thus the apostle teaches, in the most direct terms, that "the man Clirist Jesus" is also the Word that was 1192 only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of a. d. x. the Father, he hath declared him.' 19 1 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Wiio art tliou ?'* '20 And he confessed, and denied not; but con- fessed, I am not tlie Ciirist. 21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet?* And he answered. No. 22 Then said they unto liini, Wlio art thou? that wo may give an answer to tlieni that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 23 He said, I am tlie voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Jjord,' as said the prophet Esaias." 24 And they which were sent were of the Phar- isees. 25 And they asked him, and said unto Itim, Wliy baptizost thou then, if thou be not tliat Clirist, nor Elias, iieitlicr that proiihet? 26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but tlicro standeth one amoug you, wliom ye know not ;^' 27 1 1 e it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latcliet I am not wortliy to unloose. 28 These tilings were done in l>etliabara beyond Jordan,'" where Joliii was bayitiziiig. 29 1l The next day John scetli Jesus coming unto him, and saitii, Bcliold tlie Lamb of Uod,"' wliich taketh* away the sin of the world !^ oc:i.3:34. pPsa. 85:10; Rom. 5:21. 1 ExiJ. .13:2(1; ITiin. (i: 10. r 1 .John 4:!). ■ Luke 3:13, etc. \ Oi , a proplict . I .Matt. 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4 ; ch.3:2s. " Isa. 40:3. v Mai. 3:1. wjudg. 7:21. i KxoJ. 12:3; l»a. 53:7, 11 ; Rev. 5:0. 1 Or, bearelh; Heb. 0:2S. J Acts J3:38; I Pet. 2:24; Rev. i:S. with God before the world was. Beheld hix plorij ; Matt. 17:1-9; Mark 9:2-10. Only begotten of the Father; pos- sessed of his nature, and peculiiirly the object of his inti- nitc affection, dwelling in him, knowing him, and j)erfcctly fitted to make him known. Grarc and truth ; favor to the guilly, knowledge of truth, and all needed good conmiuni- cated to men. 1.'). //(' v'lis before me; because he existed from eternity with the Falher. Compare chap. 8:58. 1(). All we; disciples of Clirist. Grace for grace; the fuller grace of tlie gosjicl for the less grace of the law ; or, as some understand the words, continually new and larger measures of grace — all needed variety ami abundance of unmerited favors. Matt. i:i:12. 17. The law was given by Mosex; a certain measure of grace accompanied the law of Moses, else no man could have been saved under it. Yet the projier office of the law itself was not grace, but ralhcr restraint and convic- tionofsin. l!om.:!:20; (;al.:!:19. Giiirc anil truth came by Jesus Christ; all the graci' that belonged lo the disiiensa- tion of ttio law came Ihrough Christ, while Ihe gospel which he revealed is ilsidf gniee and trulh in full measure. 18. Ikclaredhim ; revealed him. The ;ijiok|U' here teaches that all Ihi: revelations men have received of (lod, whether under the law or the gospel, had Jesus Christ for their source. 21. VAias; Elijah. Mai. 4:.'-.; Matt. 11:14; 1(;:14. lam not; not in their sense — not Klij:ih in person, though ho was Elijah in the sense in which Malachi had ]ire(li(led him. fhiit prophet ; JercMni;ih, or some distinguishiil proph- et who they expected would appear. : tX The voice; Ahitt. W-.X ' 20. With water; in distinction from the Ijaptism of tho Holy (Jbost, which Christ shall bestow. See Matt. :i: 1 1. 28. Hct/(md Jordan ; on the east side. 29. Liimb of God; him who is to be offered as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of men. Exod. 12:3; 29:38-40; Isa. Calling of Andrew, Peter, JOHN I. Philip, and Nathanad. A. D. so. 30 This is he of whom I said, After me Cometh a man which is preferred before me; for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should bo made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come bap- tizing with water. 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not : but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me. Upon wliom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him," the same is he which baptizeth witli the Holy Giiost." 34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. 35 IT Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples ; 36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Beiiold the Lamb of God ! 37 And tlie two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them. What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpret- ed, Master,) where dwellest" thou? 39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day : for it was about the tenth hour.^ 40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brotlier. 41 He first lindetli his own brother Simon, and saith unto him. We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.* aCh.^:^4. b Acts 1 :5; '2:4. ' Or, a^ifUst. ^ Tliat was two hours before night, t Or, the Anointed, c Matt. 1G:1». i Or, Feler. d Luke 2J:'J7, "IJ. «oh. 7:11. I Vsl.3i:>; Rr>m.-2:-i8,-X). e Psa. i:Ji):l, a. h Matt. 14:33; ch. 53:7; 1 Cor. 5:7; 1 Pet. 1:18-21; Isa. 53:4. Takdh away; expiates it anil I'emoves the penalty of it from man by beariiifc it in hi.s own body on the tree. 1 Pet. 2:22-25. 31. I knew him not; sec note to verse 33. But that he should be made manifef:t ; as much as to say, I knew not yet who tliis person was, but only that ho was about to be manifested to Israel. 33. I knew him not; John may have had a personal ac- quaintance with .lesus, but he did not know him as the one that was to baptize with the Holy Chost. He was not authorized to say of Jesus, This is the one of whom I spoke, till he had received from God the sign named in this verse. fL' Duit sent me; Goil. Wliicli hapitzetli with the Holy Ghost; whose it is to give both the ordinary and the miraculous influences of the Holy Spirit. 31. Bare record; ver. 19-23; Matt. 3:17. 39. Tiie lenlk hour; four in the afternoon. 41. Messias — Christ; the former word being Hebrew, the latter Greek, and both signifying the Anointed One. 42. Cephas; a Syriac word, meaning the same as the Greek word Peter, and the English word stone, or rock. Matt. Hi: 18. 41. Bethsaida; .Matt. 11:21. 45. Moses— the prophets ; Luke 24:44; Gen. 3:15; 49:10; Dent. 18:15-18; Isa. 9:0, 7; 53:2-12; Jer. 23:5, G. 4I>. Nazareth; Matt. 2:23. 47. Israelite indeed; not merely a descendant of Israel, but one who has the true character of an Israelite — a holy and believing man. No guile; not hypocritical; open, honest, upright, sincere. 48. [saw thee ; ho saw him in a sn)icni;itural way. This manifestation of his supernatural knowledge led Philip to the coDfession in the following verse. 42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said. Thou art Simon the son of Jonas: thou shalt be called Cephas," which is by intei'pretation, A stone.^ 43 If The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and tindeth Philip, and saith unto him. Follow me. 44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of An- drew and Peter. 45 Philip lindeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write,'' Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth ?° Philip saith unto him. Come and see. 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile !' 48 Nathanael saith unto him. Whence knowost thou mc ? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee.'-' 41) Nathanael answered and saith unto him. Rab- bi, thou art the Son of God;" thou art the King of Israel.' 50 Jesus answered and said unto him. Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the tig- tree, be- lievest thou ? thou shalt see greater things than these. 51 And he saith unto him. Verily, verilj-, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open,J and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.'' 20:-2S. '29. ■ Matt. 21:5; 27:11. JEzek. 1:1. k Qen. 38:12; Ban. 7:0, lOj Acts 1:10, 11. 49. Rabbi; ^Master. Matt. 23:7. Son of God; this was an acknowledgment of him as the Messiah. 50. Greater things; greater and more abundant evidences of his Messiahship. 51. Verily, verily; truly, truly. When thus repeated, it denotes the groat importance and absolute certainty of what was declared. Hereafter; rather, henceforward. Heaven open — the angels of God ascending and descending ; the allusion is to Jacob's vision of a lar tlicy hail wine at the begitjning, verse? Id. Tlie words seiTM to contain a tacit request thai Jesus woulil now supply the deficiency. 4. U'trnimi, wlnit have I to do with thee? an intimation that he cannot allow her or any other ])erson to ilireet in re- ganl to the exercise of his divine power. Mine hour; his time to furnish wine by a miracle, ajid thus show forth his glory. (i. Six wnler-pnt^ nfxinne; it was the custom of the Jews to have such vessels for water, for jiurposes of ]iiirilic:ition. Firkina; the Greek word ri-ndeied firkins is supposed to detiote the same measure as the Hebrew word bath, con- taining about Hi gallons. 5. (iovernnr of tlie fca.it ; the pi-rson who had the general superintendence. 10. Every man; this is a statement of what was usual U'Jl 12 IT After this he went down to Caper- ad. to naum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciple.-'; and they continued there not many days. 13 1 And the Jews' passover was at liand,*^ and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.' 14 And fo'uiid in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the slice]), and the o.xeii ; and poured out the chang- ers' money, and overthrew the tables;'" IG And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence ; make not my Father's house a house of merchandise. 17 And his disciples remembered that it was written. The zeal of thy house hath eaten me up." 18 "f Then answered the Jews and .said unto him. What sign showcst thou unto us, seeing that thou docst these things?" 19 Jesns answered and said unto them. Destroy this temple, and in three days 1 will raise it up.'' 20 Then said the Jews, Forty and si.x years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it uj) in three days? 21 But he S])ake of the temple of his body."" 22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them ;'' and tliey l)cli(!ved the scri)iture, and the word which .Jesns had said. 23 If Now when he was in Jerusalem at the pass- over, in the feast-dfly, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. fi:l; ll:.-!?. m Matt. 31 : 1 -J : Mark 11:1.1; l.iike 1D:«. C!:*-, etc.; ch. Ii:a0. p Matt. ■J8;«l ; •.!7:lll. q Eph Heb. S:-2. rLuke-it:S. 1 Pna. Cfl:9 » .Malt. •i:'i\, ■ii; Col. -i-.v; on such occasions. Tlius the governor of the feast testi- fied to the purity and excellence of the wine miraculously furnished by lliu 8;iviour. 11. Manifested forth his plorij ; showed his divine power, and thus ]irovcd liimsih' to be llie Mossiali. It is never said in the Scriptures, lliiit any mere creature ever wrought miracles to sliow forth his own glory. This statement, wiiich is hero made with regard to the Son of God, is lieeuliar to him, and is adapted to iriid men to ]iay liim divine hotiors. Chap. .'):2:t. 12. Ciiperniium ; Matt. 4:13. 14. Found in the temple; this ehsiMsing of llie lemple was early in our Lord's ministry, ;ind must uol be conliiiinded with that recorded in .Matt'. 21:12. 17. // U'lm vnllen; I'sa. (II):!). llnlh eaten me up ; I ;iiii full of consuming desire for the honor of thy house, and the purity of thy worshiii. 18. ll'hni .Hii^n .s//rj!/vv^ thmi ; wh;il miracle dost thou work in jiroof of thy authi>rity to do lliese tilings? li). Thi.i temple; meaning his body, ver. 21. / vill raise it up; Jesus Christ had power to raise his own dead boily to life, and aetu.-illy iliil raise it on tlie third d;iy ;ifter his death, according to his prediction. M;itt. 12:40; Horn. 1:4. 20. Fort 1/ and six years; it w;is so m;iny years since Ibrod the Gre;it had conmienced ri'pairing. or, more projieily, ndiuilding the temple, sixteen yi'ars before the Saviour's birtli. Ilnring this period additions, more or less, li;id been from time to time made to it. To lids temide they wrongly applied Uie Saviour's words. Tlie saine misiip- pliciilioii of his words they made when they accuseil hiin before I'ilate. Matt. 2r,:)ll; M:irk M:.^. 22. The scripture; those passiiges which foretold his death and resurrection. I'sa. 1«: 10, 11 ; Acts 2:22-bli. Christ teachcth Nicodevnis JOHX III. his need of regeneration. A D.a 24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men," 25 And needed not tliat any should testify of man ; for lie knew what was in man. CHAPTER III. 1 Christ teacheth Nicodemus the necessity of regeneration. 14 Of faith in Ins J«uh. 16 T;ie great love of (joii towards tile world. 18 Con- deninatjon for unbelief. 23 The bapiism, witness, and doctrine of Juliti concerning Christ. THKRE was a man of tlie Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:'' 2 The same came to Jesus by nigiit, and said unto liim, Rabbi, wc know that tiiou art a teacher come from Gotl : for no man can do tliose miracles tliat tiiou doest, except God be with him.'' 3 Jesus answered and said unto liim. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, E.vcept a man be born again.* lie cannot see the kingdom of God.** 4 Nicodemus saitli unto liiin, How can a man be born when lie is old ? can lie enter tlie second time into his motiicr's womb, and be born ? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee. Except a man be born of water and o/"tlie Spirit,^' he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.' • I Sam. 10:7; 1 Chr. ffiiO; 39:17; Jer. 17:9, U); Matt. 9:1; ch. Ifi::JU; Ads 1:21; Re«. ■i:-l\. b ch. 7:50, •'51; 19:39. » ch. U:10,.1:!; Acts •2:22; lll.:H. • Or, Jrom above. ■! ch. l:l:i; Gal. 0: lo; Eph. 2:1 ; Titus 3:5; Jas. 2-t. Did not commit himself unto them; did not trust him- self in their power. 23. Hf knew what was in man; he knew the hearts of men, and how, under all eircuinstanees, they would act. Of course he knew in all respects how to treat them. Jer. 17:10; Rev. 2:23; chap. 1:1. INSTRUCTIONS. 2. Marriage is an ordinance of divine appointment, and a means of great usefulness and happiness. At weddings, the presence and blessing of Jesus Christ should always be sought, and every thing conducted in such a manner as ■will honor him, and promote the benefit of all concertied. 17. The transactions recorded in the New Testament are in many cases a fulfdment of the declarations of the Old ; and tlie more we become acquainted with each, and with the connection of one with the other, the more clear to our minds will be the evidence of the divine inspiration and value of both — that they have one Author, tend to form one character, and promote one great and benevolent end. 25. The perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ gives him the fullest acquaintance with human character, shows him how in all respects to treat men while on earth, and hts him righteously and wisely to award to all the retributions of eternity. CHAPTER HI. 1. A ruler; a member of the Sanhedrim or great Jewish council. 3. Except a man he born afrnin ; our Ijord saw that Nico- demus had no true apprehension of the spiritu;il nature of the kingdom which he had come to establish, nor of the sjiiritual character required (or admission to it. lie there- fore met his ilifficulty at the outset by teaching him that all men, be they Jews or (ientiles, must be made new in the inner man by a new spiritual birth, before they can enter inti) his kingdom and enjuy its privileges. To be born again is to be macle new men inwardly by a great change from supreme love of the creatiu'e to supreme love of the Creator. See the kins^ilom of God; imderstand or enjoy its blessings. Matt. ;i:2. 4. How can a man; this question referred to natural birth, of earthly parents; the asserlinn of Christ referred to a. spiritual change by the Holy Chost. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesli ; and that whicli is born of the Spirit is spirit.''' 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.^ 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and tliou iiearest tlie sound thereof but canst not tell wlicncc it Cometh, and wiiither it goetli: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.'' 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him. How can these things be ? 10 Jesus answered and said unto him. Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 11 Verily, verily, I say unto tliee. We speak tliat we do know, and testify that we have seen ;' and ye receive not our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye be- lieve not,, ho]y shall ye believe if I tell you of heavenlytftmgs ? 13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, ew?i the Son of man which is in heaven.-' 14 1 And as Closes lifted up the serpent in tlie wilderness, even so must the Son of man bo lifted up:'' 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.' 1:13; 1 Pet. 1:2:!; 1 John 2:29; :1:9. e Rom. 8:2; 1 Cor. 2:12. ' Matk Hi: IB; Acts 2:33. s I Cor. 15:-17-I:J; 2 Cor. 5:17. t Or, /Vom aioce h 1 Cor. 2:11. i 1 John I:1-:J. J Kph. 4:9, 10. kNum.21:9. 1 ver. 30; Heb. 7:25. 5. Born of water and of the Spirit ; purified by the Holy Spirit ; of which baptism by water is a divinely appointed symbol. Enter into; become a member inwardly, and not merely in an outward way. 6. Born ofthcflis'i isfesli — horn of the Spirit is spirit; by the natural birth, fleshly children come from fleshly par- ents ; by the spiritual birth, spirituid children come from the Holy i^pirit. Flesh and spirit are here opjiosed to each other. The first denotes whitt is earthly ;ind impure ; the second, what is heavenly and holy. Conqiare Rom. 8:1-9. 8. Listeth; pleaseth — where its author iilcaseth to have it. So IS every one ; the Spirit's operation, like that of the wind, is directed by God, unseen, and known by its eti'ects. 9. Hoiv; Nicodemus here asked a question which Jesus did not answer. He had revealed the fact, its nature, necessity, and author. The mtmner it was not necessary, and would not be useful, f(U' Nicodemus to know. The fact might be believed, and all its benefits be secured, without knowing how it was accomplished. 10. Muster of Israel; teacher, which he was by virtue of his odicc as a ruler. These things; the things relating to the new birth, about which he had been speaking, and which were revealed in the Old Testament, which the Jew- ish rulers professed to teach. Psa. 51:10; Ezek. 11:19; 31): 20. 11. Do know — have seen ; Christ's knowledge of truth was direct. He always spoke what he h;id seen with his K;ifher, ch;ip. 5 : 20 ; 8: 3s". What his followers, therefore, had heard ;uid learned of him, they could declare with certain know- ledge of its truth. 12. Earthlij things; things which take place on e;irth, such as being born of the Spirit, the evidences of which aro obvious to the senses. Hcurcnli/ things; things less ]ilain, relating to Cod, Christ, heaven, and eternity, Iho eviilences of which are not addressed to sense, but to faith. 13. Hath ascended vp to heaven; Icarnctl heavenly things by actual presence there, and come ilown from that woild to reveal them. Son of man; Jesus Christ, Wlio is in heaven; whose ])roper dwelling-place is in heaven. Ho left heaven for a season only, to return thither ag;iin, 11. Moscslftcd up the serpent ; Num. 21:8,9. Bclijtcdup; on the cross, a propitiation for the sins of men. 1 John 2 , 2. 1195 God's great love to men. JOHN III. Johii's testimony to Christ. 16 ^ For God so loved the world, tliat lie gave his only begotten Son, tliat whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." 17 For God sent not ins Son into the world to condemn the world ; but that the world through him might be saved. '' 18 1 He that believeth on him is not condemned: "^ but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because tiieir deeds were evil.'' 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither conieth to the light," lest his deeds should be reproved.* 21 I3ut he tliat doeth truth com'eth to the light,'' that his deeds may be made mauif^t, that they are wrought in God.'' 22 \ After tliese tilings came Jesus and his disci- ples into the la!id of Judea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.'' 23 IT And John also was baptizing in .Enon, near to Salim,' because there was much water tliere: and tiicy came, and were baptized.^ 24 For Joiin was not yet cast into jjrison." 25 * 'I'iien there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about pui'ifying. 26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, ' I .Io:in4:9. b Luke 'J:.5fl. c i-h. Il: 10. J7 d ch. 1 ; I. 0-11. cli.4:d. il.--am. 9:4. J Matt, 3:.'i. (i. k Matt. 14: i. 1 ch. I :7. I.'i. etc. m Psa. 6.5:-2; li-i. 4.5: il. t Or, lake iialo himself, n 1 Cor. -.2:1 '.'-1 4; 4:7; Heb. ■'5:4; Jas. 1:17. o ch. I:i0, i". I> Luke 1:17. q Song 4;S-12; Jer. •.J:-2; Kzek. 16:8; Ki. Gave his otdij hcgcitcn Son; Ihe highest expression of lii.s infinite coniyiassioii. Chap. 1:14. 17. Miirlit be saved; on their compliance with the terms of salvation. 1«. iVo( condemneil ; Horn. 8:1. 111. The coiidemiialwii ; cause of condemnation. Light is com;; divine truth is revealed. Darkness; error and sin. 20. R-prnved ; shown to be evil, and as such condemned. 21. Dneth Irutit; acteth according to truth. Wrought in Gild; Ipy the aid of his Spirit, and itccordiiig to his will. 22. liiiplized; not personally, hut through his disciples, chajp. 4:2. 2.'>. AbinU purifying; the question seems to liavc had reference to the relative worth of John's baptism as corn- pared with that of .lesus. 2(i. All men come to him; many more came to Christ tlian to .lolin. 27. Except it be given him ; every oOice in (Jfirl's kingdom, .and all success in doing good, is from (lod. He gives to all their place and work as he sees best. Vou should not be dissatisfied that a greater than I has come, for this is what I foretold. 2n. Uatlt the bride is the bridegroom ; in these words John teaches that Christ's relation to "the kingdom of heaven" is that of till' bridegroom to the briile. The chunh is liis own. ami ought to render to hiiri supreme honor. John, on the other hand, is only the bridegroom's friend, lie was sent to fr)retell his coming, and now rejoices to be lost sight of in his greater glory. ;iO. lie ; (Ihrisl. MilsI increase; in influence and honor. :il. lie that cnmeth; Christ, h above all; in character and work, and ought tri be honored above all. Is of the earth ; as are John and all merely human teachers. Is cnrthlij; inferior in character and teaching, and ought to hold an inferior place. .'i;i. .Seen nni/Z/cnrd; in heaven with his Father. No man; few lompared with the whole, and none uninfluenced by the Holy Sjiiril. 1196 Rablii, he that was with thee beyond Jor- a n.so. dan, to whom tiiou barest witness,' behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.'" 27 John answered and said, A man can receive^ nothing, except it be given him from heaven." 28 Ye yourselves bear mc witness, that I said, I am uot the Christ," but that 1 am sent before him.P 29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom :i but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and hearcth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the brideirroonrs voice:'' this my joy therefore is ful- lilled!" 80 He must increase, but I mud decrease. 31 He that cometh from above is above all :" he that is of the earth is earthly,' and spcaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. 32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth ; and no man rcceiveth his testimony." 33 He that hath received his testimony, hath set to his seal tiuit God is true.^' 31 For he whom God hath sent speakcth the words of God :"■ for God giveth not the Spirit by measure xinto him.'^ 35 Tiic Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.^ 3C lie that believeth on the Son hatli everlasting life:'- and he that bcdievetli not the Son, shall not see life ; but the wrath of God abideth on him." Hos. -JAfl. ail; Matt. 22:3; 2 Cnr. 11:2; Kph. ry.V,. 27; Rev. 2I;!I. ' Snng r,:]. soil. (i:3.3; 8:2.'); Eph. 1:20, 21. 1 1 L'fr. I;'.: 17. ucli.l:ll. v 1 .!„!,„ 5:in. »■ ch. 7:10. ' Psa. 4.5:7; Isa. 11:2; 59:21; ch. 1:10; Col. I:1'J. y Matt. 2!j:lS. » Hib. 2:4; ver. 15, 10. «Rom. 1:1b. 33. llath set to his .teal that God is true; by believing in Christ, he acknowledged that what Uod hath said con- cerning him is true. 34. lii/ mciisiire; John and the apostles received the Holy Spirit oiily in a certain measure, but Christ without meas- ure. 'A5. Ilatti given all things ; pertiiiniiig to the salvation of men. Into his hand; as .Mcdi;itor, liuit he might give eter- nal life to all who should believe in him. Compare chap. 17:2. INSTRUCTIONS. 7. As all men are ii;itur;tlly destitute of the love of Ood, no one should think it strange that he must experience that change which Christ called being born again. 9. It is not necessary, in order to believe a fact and re- ceive the benefit of it", that a man shoulil understand the manner in which it is aceomplislird ; and he should not let his ignonuice of what tiod has not revealed hinder him from receiving and treating as true wdiat he lias re- vealed. 11. As JcSHS knew the truth of what he taught, all are bound to lielievo it, and to let it liavc its due intluenee over their hearts and lives. 20. The re;ison why men do not believe wlmt Christ has taught is, that they love error, they do evil, and his truth on this account conilemns them. 2fi. When sinners in great iiiimbirK come to Ihe Saviour, some men, if it lessen tlu; number who follow them, arc greatly grieved. liut good men, with right views, rejoice in every accession t'l the number of ('hrist's ftdlowers. Tlwy are delighted to sec him increase, though it cause tliein to decrease. :iO. It is a high Bi)iriliial att;iiiinient to be willing that ! others should exctd us in UNcfuliu'Ss ;ind honor. Xi. As all things jiertainiiig to the souls of men are in the hands of Christ and at his dispnsiil, tln' ctc-nial life of those who believe in him, and the eternal death of thoso who continue to reject him, are certain. Christ talketh with JOHN IV. a woman of Samaria. AD30. CHAPTER IV. 1 Christ talketh with a woman of Samaria, and revealelli himself unto her. 27 His disciples marvel. 31 He declareth to them his zeal to God's glory. 30 Many Samaritans believe on him. 43 He departeth into Galilee, and healeth the ruler's son that lay sick at Capernaum. WHEN therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had lieard tlmt Jesus made and baptized more disciples than Jolni,^ 2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) 3 He left Judea, and departed again into Gali- lee. 4 And he must needs go through Samaria." 5 Tlien cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph."^ 6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well : and it was about the sixth hour. 7 There cometli a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. 8 For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat. 9 Tlien saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it tliat thou, being a Jew, askcst drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.'' 10 Jesus answered and said unto her. If thou knewest the gift of God,"' and who it is tliat saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living- water.'' 11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw witJi, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? 12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, whicli gave us the well, and drank thereof him- self, and his children, and his cattle ? » Ch. 3:*2, 20. b Luke a;49. c Gen. 33:19; 4tl:'ia; Josh. a4:3-2. J Acts \»:i± e Eph. 2:8. ' Isa. 12:3; 41:17, l«; Jer. 2:13; Zeuh. 13:1; 14:b; Rev. 22:17. 6 ch. G::W, 58. ti ch. 7:3p1; 17:2, 3; Rom. 0:2:3. ich. 1:48, CHAPTER IV. I. How the Pharisees hail heard; he was aware that the knowledge of liis growin;; popularity exeited their envy and ill-will, whieh lie wished for the present to avoid. i. S:iniaria; lying between Judea and Galilee. 5. Si/cliar; in the Old Testament it is called Shechem. Gen. 33: IS. It is now called Naploiis, and lies a few miles south-east, of the city of Samaria, between the mountains Ebal and Gerizim. Jacob gave to his son Joseph ; sec note to Gen. 48:22. 8. Meat; according to the usage of the word in our ver- sion, moat is used for all kinds of food. 9. No dealings with the Sumar.tans ; no friendly inter- course. Matt. 10:5. 10. The gift of God; the Saviour, and the blessings which he is ready to bestow. Living water ; under the figure of living \v;tter, that is, the flowing water of a fountain in con- trast with the stagnant water of a jiool or cistern, he means the Holy Spirit, who iturifies, refreshes, and invigorates the soul. Compare c.h;ip. 7:37-30. II. Whence; she snpiiosed him to speak of literalliving or running water, which was i)ceuliarly fresh and good. 14. The water that I shall give him; the Holy Spirit shall dwell in him, and satisfy his soul. Shall never thirst ; he docs not mean that one draught shall satisfy him, but that he shall always have in his soul a well of living water, from which he shall continually drink and be satisfied. 13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him, shall never thirst;^ but the water that I shall give him, shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.'' 15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me tliis water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. If) Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. 17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her. Thou hast well said, I have no husband: 18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast, is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. 19 The woman saith unto him. Sir, I perceive that thou art a pro])het.' 20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain;^ and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." 21 Jesus saith unto her. Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neitJier in tliis moun- tain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship tiic Fatliei-.' 22 Ye worship ye know not what:'" we know what we worship; for salvation is of the Jews." 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth ;" for the Father seeketh'such to wor- ship him. 24 God is a Spirit :p and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth. 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Mes- sias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he." 49 1 Judg. 9:7. k Dent. 12 :.'-ll 1 K Mf;S 1:3. 1 Mai. :II ; Malt. 1> 20. ■n 2 h ings 1 ":29. n Isa. 2 3 Kom 9:0. 'l.ll 3 3. P 2 Cor 3:17. 1 ch. 9:37. 18. Not thy husband; she was living with a man who was not her husband. 10. I percerve ; this she did from his manner and his Icnowledgc of her liistory. 20. This mouiitam; mount Gerizim, which lay at a little distance- from Sychar. As she perceived him to be a prophet, she appealed to him to decide a disputed cpies- tion between the Samaritans and the Jews about the proper place of public worship. 21. The hour cometh; the time is near. Neither in this mountain; not in this or that pilaec merely, but in all placets, may you worship liim who is a Si)irit, •' in spirit and in truth." 22. We know what we worship; th(! Jews h;id l)olh ;i di- vinely apjiointed system of worship, and a clear revelation from (iod of his nature and the service retiuircd liy him. The Samaritans received only the live liooks of .Moses, and their services on nioiinl Gerizim were without the tlivine warrant, and mingled with superstitious (diservanees. Sal- vation is (f the Jews; liom tlieiii the Messiah w;is to come. 23. Worship the Father; in heart, with sincere love and devotion, in every pl;iee where they may be. 21). ]Ie; the Messiuli. This was the first time, so far as we are informed, that Jesus explicitly declared himself to be the Christ. It was, moreover, not in the iireseiice of the rharisees, wdio would have taken advantage of the a.ssertion to misrepresent and persecute him ; liut among the Samaritans, who had no intercourse in religious mat- 1197 Many Samaritans believe. JOHN IV. The ntkr's son heiled. 27 IT And upon this came his disciples, and mar- velled that lie talked with the woiium : yet no man said, What seukest thou? or, Why talkest thou ■with her ? 28 The woman then left her water-pot, and went her way into the city, and j^aith to the men, 2'J Come, see a man whieli told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 31) Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. :51 1 In the mean while liis disciples prayed him, sayinir, Master, eat. 32 But he said unto them, I have meat to cat that ye know not of. 33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Ilath any man brought hiui au«;ht to eat? 3-t Jesus saitli unto them. My meat is to do the will of him that sent me," and to finish his work." 3.5 Say not ye. There are yet four months, and l/im coineth harvest? behold, I say unto you. Lift up your eyes, and look on the lields; for they are white already to harvest." 3l5 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gatliereth fruit unto life eternal i*" that both he that soweth and lie that reapeth may rejoice together.'' 37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, aud another reapeth.'' 3S I sent you to reai)that whereon ye bestowed no labor: other men labored, aud ye are entered into their laljors." 3'J Z And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, lie told mo all that ever I did.'' 40 So when tiic Samaritans weic come unto him, they besought liim that he would tarry with tlicm : aud he abode there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his own word ; «. lob *1:li; ch. 6:31. b ch 17:4, » Matt. 9::J7. d Rom. G:*>. » 1 Cor. .1:.'.-'.). I Mic. «:15. s I Pet. 1:1J. h vcr. ■£). i ch. 17:!<; I John 4:14. ) .Milt. l.):o7; Mark«:4; Luke 4:24. k ch. -J-.-ia. > Deut. 10:10. m ch. tcrs with the Jews, and would make no bad use of the di;cliir;iti<)n. ;i.'). S'lij not ye; that is, when ye have committed your bocmI to the ground. Four inoiUkt; tliis was the usual pc- riol between seed-time ami liarvcsl. Look on tlie ficbU ; tlie Samaritans, called by the wuinan, coming to hear thf Kii,s]iel ; and men in every direction perishing for lack of kniiwledfje. 'M. lie thiit snwelh and lie that reapeth ; Jesus and others li:id siiwed spiritual seed. The disciples might gather the IVuit by being iimtrumental in the conversion of men ; and tIm.H tliirist and liis discililcs, like sowers and reapers, rejoice together. as. / .si/i/ ijou ; spoken in anticipation of the mission of his a])Ostles, when lie should have finished his wmk im earth. Oilier men Inhored; spoken of all the ]ire|iaration m:i I" by Christ and holy men before hini fur tlie work of till- ajmstles. Ye arc entered into their Inlmrs; they have preparecl the way for your reajiing tlie fruit. 41. Manij more l/elieird; this was the beginning of the harvest of which Jesus bad sprjken. ■14. //">• own cmtnlri/ ; this is the same word which is used M;itt. i:):.')4, and applieil to Nazareth, where Jesus was brought up. As they did not receive him, he visited and wrought miracjeK in other jiarts of (Jalilee. 4H. Kjrrept 11'^ nee sifriix; uidiss by miracles ho showed that ho was the Messiah, they would not believe on him. 52. Seventh hour; rme o'clock in the afternoon. 11!I8 42 And said unto the woman, Now we a. n so. believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard /liryi ourselves. and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.' 43 "I Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee. 44 For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hatli no honor in his own country.-' 45 Then when lie was come into Galilee, the Galileans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at ihe feast:" for they also went unto the feast.' 40 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made Ihe water wine.'" And there was a certain nobleman,' whose son was sick at Caper- naum. 47 When he heard that Jesus jvas come out of Judea into Galilee, he went unto him, and be- sought hiiii that he would come down, and heal his son : fir he was at the point of death. 48 'J'luMi said Jesus unto liiin. Except ye sec signs and Wdiiders, ye will not believe." 4t) Tlie iKibleiuan saith unto him, Sir, comedown ere my child die. 50 Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son livetli." And the man believed the word that J(>sus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met liiin. Then mil told //('//(, iiKiuired he saying. Thy son liveth. f)f them the hour when ho began to amend. And they said unto him, Yes- terday at the seventh hour the fever left him. 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son livctli:'' and himself believed, and his whole house,'' 54 This is again the second miracle t/uit Jesus did, when he was come out of Judea into Galilee. '.'•1,11. ' Or, courlirr. or nilrr. i> I Cw. I : 'W. o .Mall. 8:1:) ; Mark 7:'.>0, aO; Luke 17:14. P I'sa, 107:'JU. I Acts 10:34; 18:8. .'>4. The second miracle ; the second that he had wrought at Cana, the first having been the turning of water into wine. Chap, 2:(i-ll. In the interval he had wrought many miracles al Jerusalem, vor. 34, INSTilUCTIONS. 3. When good men arc opposed, and Iheir usefulness obstructed in one jilaee, it is often wise fur ihem to go to another; and the rejection of the gos|iul liy smiie, proves the occasion (if its being embraced by others; thus (!od, angels, and nn-ii are led to rejoice logelher, l.uke 1,'):7-10. l:i, Karthly blessings, however iiunierous and great, cannot satisfy Ihe desires of men. Hut Ihe lilessings of Ihe Holy Spilil, which Christ gives to those who ask him, furiiish anil secure to Iheni satisfying and eternal joys. 2:1 .Men are prone to think too nnuli of the jilace and mode of religious worshi]!, C!od reg:uils the slate of the heart; and spiritual worship, in any jdace, is accejilcd of him, ;!l, -As fo.id to till' hungry, and water lo Ihe Ihirsly, so is the iloing of the will of (bid to those who love him ; and whether engaged in sowing the sjiirilual seed of divine truth, or reaping the harve.'il, their eniploymcnt is a source of the most elevated and refreshing joy. ■V). The failh of jiareiils and masters, Luke ":1-10, and their jirayers to Jesus Christ, are often the means of un- speakable blessings to Iheir children and servants; and however distant they may be from their friends or from An impotent man /lealul. JOHX V. T/tc Jcies sa/c to kill Christ. CHAPTER V, 1 Jesus on the sabbath-day cureth hini tli;it was diseased eight and thirty years. 10 The Jews therefore cavil, and persecute him for it. 17 He answerelli for Iiimself, and reproveth tlieni, showing by tlie testimony of his Father, 3J of John, 36 of his works, 39 and of the scriptures, who tie is. AFTER this there was a feast of the Jews;" and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is at Jeru.saloui by the sheep mar- ket' a pool, wiiieh is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five poi'ches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in,*" was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."^ 5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eiglit year.s." 6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case,'^ he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made wliolc? 7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no mail, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool:' but while I am coming, another stcp- peth down before me. 8 Jesus saith unto him. Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.*"' 9 And immediately the man was made wliolc, and took up his bed, and walked : and on the same day was the sabbath.'' 10 1 Tlie Jews therefore said unto him that was » Lev. •i'J:4,cto.; Deut. 1(1:18; ch. 3:13. * Or, ffnre; Neh. 3:1; 12:39. 1" rfov.M:17; Eccl.9:IO; Matt.ll:l-J. c Ezek 47:M); Zech. 13:1. <1 Luke 6:43; I3:IG. e Psa. 142:3. f Deut. .3i:3(i; P.sa. 7-,>:la; 14->:4; Rom. S:.'.; aCor. 1:9, 10. E Matt. 9:0; Mark 2: 1 1 ; Luke 5:21. hch. !):I4. > Jer. Christ, his power can reach them, and his grace supply their wants. CHAPTER V. The present cliapter contains the first of tliose wonderful discourses of our Lord recorded by John, in which he sets forth his divine nature and office in his twofold relation to God and man. For tlie clearer understanding of his words, the reader should notice tlic following things: First, Goil is his I'^itlier and he is the Son of God in such a high and incommunicable sense, that he is equal with the Father in nature, verse 18; enjoys his perfect love and knows all his counsels, verse 20; performs all the works that his Father performs, verses 19-21; has life in liimself as the Father has it, and gives it to whom he will, verses 21, 26; claims equal honor with the Father, verse 23; raises the dead and juilges them, verses 2), 22, 24-29. Secondly, as the ,Son of (lod on e;irth, he ;tlways acts in subordination to the will of the Father. He has not come of liiinself, but the Father has sent him, verse 23, etc. ; the Father has apiiointed to him the works that he shall do, verses 20, 22, 26, etc. ; lie can do nothing of himself, but must always act in accordance with the Father's will, verses 19, 30; the Fatlier who sent him bears witness to him by the works that he has given him to do, verso 36, and by the scriptures of the Old Testament, verses 39, 45-47. Thirdly, it i.s as the Son of in.an— the Word made flesh- that he not oiil\' redeems, but judges men, verse 27. Eciuality with the Fallicr in uiiture, subordin;ition to the Father in office, union with huinitu n;iture in the work of redeeming and judging men, and in all these perfect union with the Father in counsel and will: these are the gri-;it doctrines that run through the present and similar follow- ing discourses. cured. It is the sabbath-day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.' 11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me. Take up thy bed, and walk. 12 Then asked they him, What man is that wliicli said unto thee. Take up thy bed, and walk ? 13 And he that was healed wist not who it was:-" for Jesus had conveyed himself away,'' a midtitiide being* in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him. Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more,' lest a worse thing come unto thee. 15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus which had made him wliole. 16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him. because he had done these things on the sabbath-day. 17 1 But Jesus answered them. My Father work- eth hitherto, and I work."' 18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him," because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God." 19 "I Tlien answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Tiie Son can do nothing of himself, Init what lie seeth the Father do:'' for what tilings soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 20 For the Father lovcth the Son,'' and showoth liim all things that himself doeth : and ho will show him greater works than these, tliat yc may marvel. 17 21 . etc ; Matt. 2: J etc. jch. 14:9. k Luke 4 30. t Or from til mtil- titudethat was. 1 ch iS :11. m ch 9:4; 14 10. n ch. 7:19. Zenh. 13:7; ch 1U:3U, 33; Phil - H P ver. 30 •1 Matl 3:17; ch. 3:35; 17 2(i; 2. Market; this word, as shown by the italics, is not in the original. It probably should have been, as in the margin, gate. Neh. 3:1, 32; 12:39. Bethesdn ;'' \wusc of mercy." Many at that pool had been mercifully healed of their liiseases. 8. Thy l)ed; which was a simple mat. 10. To mrrij thij bed; which they reckoned among the servile labor forbidden liy the law. See Jer. 17:21, 22; Neh. 13:15-20; where, however, the burdens borne were in the way of traffic and ordinary labor. 14. A icorxe thing; a worse evil than that from which Jesus had delivered him. 17. Workcth hitherto; workcfh without intermission in upholding and quickening creation, ever since the day when he finished it. Ivorlc; he claimed to bo the Son of God in such a sense that he h;td tlie ]iowcr :ind right of working as God works. This they thought was blasjihemy ; and had he been only a man, it would have been. Hut as he was God as well as man, clutp. 1: 1, it was speaking and acting according to truth. The question was not whether Jesus possessed power to do those things, but it was whether he exercised his power agreeably to the will of the Father, or in op)Hisition to it; and lie answered them accordingly. 19. Of hiinxetf; in ojiposition to, or without the concur- rence of the Father, which was the crime with which they charged him. lie denied the charge, and asserted, that instead of opposition, as they contended, there w;is be- tween him and the F;ither the most lierfect ;igrrenuiit in ])laii, will, anil opcr;ilion. These (dm doclh the Son; there is oneness of operation. 20. Shiivrlli him all Ihitiixi ; makes him partixker of all his counsels. ;is well as acts with him in all his works. Orcnlcr wnrh than these ; the works referred to in the following verses. 1199 Christ will raise t/.e dead. JOHN V. He showeth who he is. 21 For as tho Fatlicr raisctli up the dentl, and quickenetli thon; cvuu so the Son quickencth whom he will." 22 For the Fatlier judgctli no man, but hath conimittod all judgment unto tlie Son:'' 23 Tliat all men shouhl lionor tlie Son, oven as they lionor the Father, lie that honoroth not the Son, honoretli not tlie Father which liath sent iiim. 24 Verily, verily. I say nnto you. He that hear- eth my wonl, and" lielieveth on liiin that sent me, hath everlasting life," and shall not come into con- demnation; but is passed from death unto life.'* 25 Verily, verily, I say unto you. The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of Cod :" and they that hear shall live. 26 For as the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;'' 27 And hath given liim authority to execute judgment also,'' because he is the Son of man. 28 Marvel not at this: for tlie hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 2i) And shall come forth : they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life;'' and tiiey that have done evil, unto the resurrectiou of damna- tion.' a I /uke e-.H ch. 11 ;« \7:i. b Mill. 11 27; Acts 17:31 a Cor . S 111. e cii. «: 10, J7. JIJolin3:14. ' ver. i-i Epl . -i: . f 1 Cor. n:4.5. B ver. •i- Ii Dan. 1> ■>. i Mat! ■ivAa J ver. 111. k p (1. m-.T.fi; Matt. 2 :1U; Cil.'l il; «;:«. 1 Prov. 27 i: ch. 8; Hi Kev. 3 ■M. m ch. .■-: It) ; Acts lU 4:i; 21. Tiie Son quickenetli; giveth life, natural and spiritual, to wlioni liR will — tliiLS (Ioiti<:; the work of God, and show- in;; tli;it 111' is (joil. Tliis is one of the greater things rcfcr- rcti to. Tlic other was llic judging of all men at the last daj, and awardin;; to them the rctriluitions of eternity. 22. Titc Father jiulgetli no man ; in the scheme of redemp- tion, tlie .^oii was to be tlie final judge of men, tlic antlior of their resurrection from the dead, and of their eternal life in heaven. Tliis was, " tliat all men should honor the Son, even as thcj' honor the Father." lie that thus hoii- oreth not the Son. honoretli not the Father. The Phari- Bccs, therefore, wliilc they were pleading ostensibly for the honor of Ooil, were in reality treating liim as they treated .Je.sus Christ ; and so it is with all men now. 24. Hcarclli mij word; receivctli my instructions, and trcatetli them as true. Ililh everlasting life; the beginning of that spiritual life which shall continue and increase for ever. From drnt'i unto life; from a state of sin and guilt to a state of holiness ami bliss. 25. Tiie dead shall licar — s'/a// live; the dead here include both the spiritually and the naturally dead. Christ gave life to the sfuils of men, and also to their bodies, when he chose to do so. Jairus' daughter, the widow's son, and Lazarus were all by Jesus raised to life, and many who were dead in sin were quickened and made alive to God. 21). Given to the Son to have life in himself ; here the Sav- iour lirings to view both his oneness with the Father in nature, and his subordination to him in oflice. To have life in himself, with the jjowor of giving life at will, is to be proper (lod. Hut the oflice of quickening wdioni he will he has received, as Mediator, from the Father, and exercises it in accordance with tho Father's appoint- ment. 27. Bcean-iehe is the Son of man; it is the appointment of the Father that he who redeems and judges men should himself lie the Son of man ; that is, the Wonl made flesh. In this character God has ai>|ioiiited him to be Mediator, to open the way for, and give eternal life to all who shoulil believe in him, and in [lursuance of his work, to perform miracles, die, rise again, raise the dead, judge the world, and tix the condition of all for eternity. 1200 30 I can of mine own self do nothing:^ a. n, 3i. as 1 hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; be- cause I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." 31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.' 32 T There is another that beareth witness of me;'" and I know that the witness which he wit- uesseth of me is true. 33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the tnitli." 34 But I receive not testimony from man : but those things I say, that ye might be saved." 35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.'' 36 • But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father lialh given me to finish,'' the same works that I do, bear wit- ness of me, that the Father hath sent me.'' 37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me.^ Ye liave neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.' 38 And ye have not his word abiding in you:" for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. 39 1[ Search tho scrijitures ;*' for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which tes- tify of me.''' lJohn5::-9. "ch. 1:7.32. o ch. 211:31 ; Rom. 3:3. p Malt. 21 :26; Mark (i:-JO. n ch. 17:1. ' ch. 10:25; 13:21; Acib 2:22. « Mall. 3:17; 17:5. 1 Dent. 4:1!; 1 Tim. fi:ir.. u 1 John 2: 14. vIsa.8:2U; 34:10; Lukol8:29. " Luke 24:27; I I'pi. 1:111, 11. 28. 27(6 hour is coming — all that are in the graves shall hear his voire; he passes to the greatest and most astonishing manifestation which he is to make of the truth th;it ho has life in himself; namely, the final resurrection by'his word of the just ;ind the unjust, and the decision of their destiny for eternity. 30. Of mine own self; in opposition to, and without tho concurrence of the F;ither. I hear; from my Father. The idea is, that he dwells in the Father's bosom, and hears and knows all hi.s counsels. Not ?nine own will; not to exalt myself, or build up a separate interest, but to honor the Father by doing his will. 31. Of mi/sc/f; concerning myself, without any accom- panying testimony from liod. Not true ; not to bo received as valid. 32. Another; God, who tcsliricd of him by.Ioliiithe I!ap- tist, by the descent u]ion him of the Holy Ghost, by mira- cles, and by a voice from heaven. 31. Not testimony from man ; not from man only ; yet Christ apjicaled to the testimony of John, as what ought to convince them. 3G. The works which the Father hath given me; the whole course of his teachings ;ind miracles. 37. The Father himsrlj'—'ialh Ixnne witness of me; in addi- tion to the testimony hirnished by my works. lie seems to refer to the tcstiinnny "f the F;ilher through tho Scrip- tures, which he imi li;itcly :il'terw:irds urges. Some think that he also includis the voice from hciiven upon his baptism. Neither heard his voice — seen his shape; tho allusion is to the way in which holy men of old received revelations from (Joil by voices iinil visions. The imiiort of the Saviour's wonls is. The state of your hearts makes you unable to receive any testimony of the Father con- cerning me, outwaril or iiiw;ird. 3S. Ye have not his word; they did not receive the tisti- niony of God, and they showed this by rejecting that of his Son. 39. Tlic scriptures ; the Old Testament, by following whieli Ihey hojied for heaven; and yet those scriptures showed that he was the Messiah, and that they must bclievo in him, or perish. Christ fp£ddh JOHN VI. five thousand men. A.D.3I. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life."'' 41 1 receive not honor from men.'' 42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. 43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye re- ceive me not: if another shall come in liis own name, iiim ye will receive. 44 How can yc believe, wliich receive honor one of anotlier,'' and seek not the honor that cometh from God only ?** 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Fatlicr : there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in wliom ye trust." 46 For iiad yc Ijclievcd Moses, yc would have believed me: for he wrote of me.'' 47 But if ye believe not his writings,^ how shall yc believe my words ? CHAPTER VI. I Christ ftedeth five thousand men with five loaves and two fishes. 15 Thereupon the people would have made him king. 16 But withdraw- ing himself, he walked on the sea to iiis disciples; 2G reproveth the people fiocking afrer him, and all the fleshly hearers of his word; 32 declarr-tli liiniself to be the bread of life to believeis. 66 Many disci- ples depart Oi>m him. 6S Peter eonfesseth him. 70 Judas is a devil. AFTER these tilings Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias." 2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on thein that were diseased. 3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and tiiere he sat with his disciples. 4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigli. 5 Wlien Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Wlience shall wo buy bread, that these may eat ? »Ch. 3:ln. bv^r. ;M; 1 Thess. 2:6. Cch.la:43. d Rom. 2:10. e Rom. 2:12. ' Gen. 3:1.5; 2^:18; Deut. 18:15, IS; Acts 2(1:22. S Luke lti:-». I> Mitt. U:!.';, etc. ; Mark 6:34, etc. ; Luko 0:12, etc. ■ Num. 11:21, 22; 40. Ye iDill not come to me ; notwithstanding this evidence that he was tlie Messiah, they would not receive him. 41. I receive not honor; it was not liis object to obtain human applause, but to honor God and save men. 42. Have not the love of God; this was tlie reason why they would not embrace him as the Messiah. Compare chap. 8:42. 43. In my Father's name; bj' his appointment, and with conclusive' evidence of bcin;; sent of him. In his own name; without being sent of God; actuated l:)y a worldly spirit, and promising thom tenipor;iI dominion and honor. Such were the false Christs who afterwards appeared, and whom the Jews followed to their destruction. 44. Receive honor; seek suiu'omcly huniiin applause. 45. Do not think that I; he did not come to condemn them, nor was there any occasion that lie should do so. Moics; he had foretold, heut. 18:1.5-i;i, the coming of the Messiah, and the condemntition of tliose who sliould re- ject him. Ilia writings therefore, which they professed to follow, condemned them. INSTRUCTIONS. 14. All diacascs are consequences of sin. Both the sufferings resulting from them, and the experience of relief, should therefore lead us to abhor :md forsake it, that wc may thus, through faith in the Kedecmor, escape its endless consequences. 23. As Jesus Christ the Son of God was appointed of the Father to be the dispenser of life to men — not only 10 G And this -ho said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered iiim, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of tlicm may take a little.' 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto Iiim, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes : but what are they among so many ? 10 And Jesus said. Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So tiie men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 x\nd Jesus took the loaves ; and when he had given thanks, lie distributed to the disciples, and tlie disciples to them tliat were set down ; and like- wise of the fishes as much as tlicy would. 12 When they were filled,^ he said unto his dis- ciples. Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost." 13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto tlicni tliat had eaten. 14 Tlieu those men, when they had seen the mir- acle that Jesus did, said. This is of a truth that Prophet that sliould come into the world.' 15 1^ Wlien Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take liim by force, to make liim a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. 16 And wlien even was 7iow come,"" his disciples went down unto the sea, 17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. 18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew." 2 Kings 4:43. J Neh. 9:25. k Neb. b:lU. 1 (ien. 40: lU; Deut. 18:I5-1S. m Matt. 14:23; Mark G:47, etc. a I'sa. 107:25. to heal the sick, but to raise the dead, and judge the world, "that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father," those who do not thus honor him, but con- tinue to neglect the object of his coming, will lose tho benefits of his redemption. 42. Tho reason why men do not receive tho words of Christ and treat them as true, is, that they do not love God. As God manifest in the flesh, they do not love him. and clioose not to have him to reign over them. 44. Men cannot seek supremely human applause, and iit the same time seek that lienor which conies from God liy believing on his Son. They should therefore, without hesitation and without delay, renounce tho one, that they may secure tlie other. CHAPTER VI. 1. Over the sea of Galilee; to its northern shore. See note to Luke 9 : 10. 2-14. Five thousand fed. Matt. 14:13-21; Mark 6:32-44; Luke n: 10-17. G. To prove him; try him whether he believed in tho power ol Christ to supply them. 14. That Prophet ; tho Mcas'ah. Deut. 18:18. 1!>. Make him a Icinp; ; a temporal sovereign, such as they expected their Messiah would be. 16-21. Christ walks on the sea. Matt. 14:22-33. Mark 6:45-53. 17. Over tlic sea; to the west side. 1201 Chriit loalkelh on the sea. JOHN VI. The Jews seek a sign. 19 So when tlicy had rowed about fk-e and twen- ty or thirty furlong?, they see Je^us walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and thoy were arrail2:l; ch. b:l^; Acts 2:2i; 2 Pet 1:17. '1 John 3:2.1. ' Mill. I2:.3a ; 1 dr. 1 :22. B Kxoil. lu:15; Num. 11:7; 1 Cor. 1U:3. 1> Neh. 9:15; I'sa. 7S:21, 25. i Gal. 4:'l. 19. Five and twenty or thirty furlongs; between three and four miles. 22. 0/1 lite other side ; on the north side. None other boat ; there was no other wlien tlio di.sciploH left. 23. Tiiere came nllier Itimt^; from tlie west side of the sea, after tlie disciples left. 24. Took sliippins; boats that came from Tiberias, wjiicli was on tlie west side of tlie sea. 20. Nut becau'ie ye saw the mirndes ; not because ye were attracted to me by the revelation niaih; in the miracles of my divine power and glory. Jicrame ije did cat of the loaves ; you seek from me only earthly Kood- 27. Lahnr nut for ; Victtor, as the margin, work not fur. Bestow not your chief labor and anxiety upon, ileal which peris'teth ; tiiii|iiir!il blcssiiiKS. Meat v'hir.h cnilurcth ; spir- itual and i'tcrM;il good. Scaled; authenticated as tlie true Messiiih. the giver of eternal life. 28. Work III" irorki of (lod ; lliey have reference to the cxliortalion just given by I lie Hjiviour, " l,;ibiir — for that m"at which cndureth." TItc works of (1ml; such as he rc(|iiireiri(iial n;itiire, bnl siippnsing il to be sunie inir;icu- loiis kind of bre;id tli:il kIujiiIiI give life l.o the liody. X>. lam the bicacl (f life ; llie autiior, iidini.sher, ami suii- porter of spiritual, eternal lifl^ 1 hiving siiuken uf the i)rcad from jjeaveii, he now rej)reKents himself iimler the similitude of iK';ivcnly bread ; ami the eating of his llcsh and drinking his blood, or s|iiritually believing on him, as essential to spiritual life. Ncrrr htinger — never thirst ; never desire any higher or niore satisfying good. 3(i. IMicvc not; of course they were still unsatisfied, and not partakers of the gomi of which he spoke. :i7. finvth inr; Isa. .'•.3:1(1-12; .John 17:2; Ki>h. 1:3-12. (^oine to me; this means the same as he before meant by eating his fh'sh.or believing on him, and as ho afterwards meant by ilrinking bis blooil. ■Irt. I will raise him tip; in everlasting life, lie would thus do the will and accom])li8h the object of the Father. Christ is the bread of JOHN VI. life to believers. A. D.32. said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. 42 And they paid. Is not tliis Jesus tlic son of Joseph,''' whose father and mother .we know? how is it then tliat he saith, I came down from heaven? 43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto tliem, Murmur not among yourselves. 44 No man can come to me, except tlie Father which hath sent me draw him:'' and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the propliets, And they shall be all taught of God.'' Every man therefore that liath heard, and hath learned of the Father, com- eth unto me.'' 46 Not that any man hath seen the Father,'= save he whicli is of God, he hath seen the Father.'' 47 Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that be- lieveth on me hath everlasting life." 48 I am that bread of life." 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.' 50 Tills is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.J 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven : if any man eat of this bread, he siiall live for ever: and tlie bread that I will give is my flesh,'' which I will give for the life of the world.' 52 The Jews tlierefore strove among themselves, saying. How can this man give us Ms flesh to eat?'" 53 Then Jesus said unto them. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you." 54 Wlioso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day." " Matt. 13:55; Mark 0:3; Luke 4:2-.>, 1> Song 1:4. ' Isa. 54:13; Jer- 31:34; Mic. 4:2. d Matt. ll:-27. e ch. 5:37. fLuke 10:22. B ver. 40. 1> vcr. 3:J, 35, 51. iZech. 1:5. i ver. 63. k Heb. 10:5, 10, 20. Ich. 3:10; 1 JoKn 2:2. m ch. 3:9. ■> Matt. 26:26, 23. " vcr. 40. P Psa. 4:7. q Lam. 44. Can come; trust in me as his Saviour. Draw him; by teaching him his need of a Saviour, and leading him to trust in liim for salvation. 45. In the propli£ts ; Isa. 54:13. His doctrine about be- ing drawn or tauglit of God was not new, but was the same which was taught in the Scriptures, and which they ouglit to liavc understood and heheved. 4G. Nut that any man hath seen tlie Father; he guards them against the error of su]iposing that the Fatlier teaches men by his personal visible jiresence. lie teaches by his word, his Sjjirit, and Ins providence ; leading men rightly to apprehend and cordially to obey his truth. He hath seen; the Saviour sets his ininicdiate and full vision of the Father in contrast with the indirect kmiwlcdge which mere men have of him. His meaning is, tliat be- cause he has seen the Father, he can teach men of the Father. 50. Not die; the eating of that bread will give eternal life to his soul, and, in the end, a glorious immortality to his body also. Compare ver. ."SO, 40. 51. il/(/ flesh, which I will f^ive for the life of the world; an allusion, whieli could not be understood at the time by his hearers, to the gift of his flesh on the cross for the salvation of the world. 52. Hix flexh to cat; thoy meant litoralfy. .And the true answer to that question was, he would not in any way give them literally his flesh to eat. That was not his meaning. But by eating his flesh, he meant, believing on him as a Saviour, and thus receiving spiritual life and nourishment from him. 53. Ent the flesh — drink his blood ; not literally but spir- 55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed." 56 He that eateth my flesh," and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.'' 57 As the living Father hath sent mo, and I live by the Father ; so he that eateth me, even he shall live V)y mo." 58 This is that bread which came down from heaven : not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead:' he that eateth of this bread shall live iVn- ever. 5'.) These things said he in the synagogue, as he tauglit ill Caiicrnaum. 60 JIany tlierefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it? 61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disci- ples murmured at it, he said unto them. Doth this oficnd you ? 62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man as- cend up where he was before?" 63 It is the Spirit that quickeneth ;" the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, fhcy are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there arc some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were tliat believed not, and who should betray him." 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.'' 60 1 From that tiryie many of his disciples went back.^' and walked no more with him. 67 Tlien said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 3:24. r ch. 15:4; 1 John 3:24; 4:15 16. ! 1 Oor 15:22. t ver 40-51. " Mark 16:1! ; ch.C :13; Eph. 4:3 -10. V 2 Cor 3:6. w Rom 8:29; 2 Tim 2:10. I ver. 44, 45. y Zepli. 1:0 Luke 9:62; Heb. 10:3d. itually, as the food and drink of the soul ; thus, by a living union with him through faith, receiving from him forgive- ness, sanctification, and eternal life. The Saviour has in mind the gift which he is abolit to make on the cross, of his flesh and blood for the life of the world. The view which he here gives of eating his flesh and drinking his blood, is the same that underlies the ordinance of the Lord's supper, afterwards instituted by him. 55. Meat indeed — (Irink indeed ; I am the giver and sns- taiuer of endless spiritual life. 5G. Dwelleth in me; has a vital, saving union with me by faith, .John 15:5 ; 1 Cor. 6: 17 ; resembling in some respects the union between me and my Father. .John 17:21. 00. His disciples; disciples is here used in a general sense, for those who attenil(' Acw 5:20: 7:38. b Matt. 10:16; ch. l:S!i); 11:27. ' ch. l3:-27. d I,r-v. 83:34. e. Mark 3:21. ' ch. 'J:-! ; 8:2; vor. S, 30. « ch. 15:19. h oh. 11:50. 68. T/lOu hast the words; teachest the way of eternal life. 70. A devil; under the control of Satan, and like him in character. INSTRUCTIONS. 6. God in hi.s providence docs many things to prove his people ; to lead them to show wliat is in their hearts, and thus prepare them to renounce dependence upon them- selves, and put their trust in him. 12. However c;isy it is for God to supply all needed good, and however much he may give, he requires that nopartof it be squandered, or sufl'ered tlirou.^Ii negUgcnce to be lost; but tliat all, by prudent care, should be saved for the benefit of tliose who need it. 26. Men often pay an external regard to Christ and his ordinances, not for tlie p\irpose of honoring him and ob- taining spiritual blessings, but for the purpose of pro- moting their worldly interests, and accomplishing their Hellish ends. 29. The great work which God requires of a sinner, and that which is essential to salvation, is to believe on the Lord Jesus Ohrist. 44. The drawing of the Father mentioned in the Now Testament, and which is needful to lead sinners to Christ, is the same as the teaching of the I'ather mentioned in the Old Testament. Isa. .'>4:l.'i; Micah 4:2. The reason why this ilrawing or tearliing is neeilful is, men :irc so wicked that they never will come to Christ without it. 52. M Jer. 3:4, .5; ch. li:l'i; 1 Cor 1:-Jli. • dr. 10 him. i ch. 3:\i. j Deut. IT:.-?; 40. Tiie Prophet; the proplict wlio tliey thought would precede the >le.s8iah. Chap. 1:21; .Matt. l(i:H. 42. Of the seed of Daviil — the Inwn if liethlehem ; all this was fullilled in .Jesus of Nazaretli ; but from the neglect of careful inquiry, they remained ignorant of the fact. 49. Thispcnplc; the common pcojili;, to whom the Phar- isees imputefl criminal ignorance of the Scriptures. 50. One (f them ; one of the great council, or rulers of the Jewish nation. ('Iiaj). 3:2. 52. Of (Idlilcc; this was an expression of contempt, as Galilee was a dcKpisi d country. They knew tliat Nicodc- mu8 was not from (Jalilee, but they meant to reproach him for favoring a Galilean. INSTRUCTIONS. 5. The teaching and example of the holiest man on earth will not, without the grace of God, lead even his relatives to believe in Christ and live. 17. All men who have the I?ible may know whether it is from (!od, and whelhcr its doctrines are true. If they do not know, it is because they do not love and obey God, and it is wholly their own fault. 28. An aflirrnation of the liible may be true in one sense, and not true in another. In order, therefore, rightly to treat it, we must understand the sense in which a decla- ration is made, and in that sense, on the authority of God, nnist receive it. 3S. No man is at liberty to interpret the words of Christ in a literal sense, when such interpretation is shown by the aenscs of men to be false. 1206 into the temple, and all the people came a. d.si unto him ; and he sat down, and taught them. 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery ; and when tlu^y had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was . taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now jMoses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned:' but what saycst thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard I hem not. 7 So wlien they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them. He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.'" 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard (7, Leing convicted by their oun conscience, wont out one by one, begin- ning at the eldest, f?'f?i unto the last : and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up hiin.sclf, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those tiiine accusers? hath no man con- demned thee? 11 She said, No man. Lord. And Jesus said unto her.Nei tlicr do I coiulemn thee:" go.and sin no more." 12 1 Then s])ake .Icsns again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:'' he that followetli me shall not w.-ilk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." 13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.'' 14 Jesus answered" and said unto them. Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence 1 come, and whither I go." I'rov i»:ia k SI 11 1. ■-'. 1. V. .JU ni m 1 ■ut . [: • 7 K >in 'J: 1 , ii. nch. 3: IT. ooh !i 14. Pch. 1:4 «:5. 1 ch IS: 1^, 4(i. r ch a:3l. • oh. 7:« 9:-XI, 3«. 49. Tyrannical teachers and rulers fear the elevation and influence of the connuon people. They wi.sh to keep tlicm in ignorance, and are often opposed even to their reading the liible, an:'11. ich.7:.10. j ch. 7: « k Job •,'U:!1 ; Psa, 7:!:1.---.'U; Pro». U:.!-J; Isi. fi5:-iO; Eph. a:l. 1 Luke lC:-i6. m ver. 21. n Mirk Hi: 16. had before said, " If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true," chap. 5:31 ; but tliere lie was speaking of the valiilily of testimony accordinj,' to tlie linnian rule of try- ing it. Here, on tlie contrar_y. he speaks of the quality of his own testimony from the high consciousness of his divine nature and mission. I know whence I came — wliither I go; I know that I come from the Father and return again to him ; therefore I know that my testimony of him is true. Ye cannot tell; more literally. Ye know not, as in the first part of the verse. As the Jews did not under- stand his divine nature and mission, they were not qualified to judge of his testimony. 1.1. After the Jlcah ; according to outward appearances, under tlie power of prejudice, with selfisli motives and worldly ends. JVo man; chap. .■!: 17 ; 12:47. IG. / am not alone; in my judgment. The Father is always united willi me in it. Comiiare chap. .5:30. 17. The teal nnonij if tiro men. is true; Deut. ]7:U; 19:1.'). Compare Matt. IS: IG. He now returns to the humau rule of trying testimony. IS. / nni one that beareth witness — the Father that sent me bearctk witness; his case is like that of an ambassador fully accredited by him who sends him. The testimony of such an ambassador is valid according to the human rule of judgment. I'J. If i/e had known me — known mij Father also ; the union between him and his Father was sucli, that to know tile one was also to know the other. Compare chap. 11:9, 10. 20. Tlic Ireasurij; the apartment in wliich was kept the money for the support of the temple service. Uis hour; clia]). 7:30. 21. Mij wall; chap. 7:33. 23. From beneath; earthly and sensual. From above; heavenly and divine. 24. lam he; the .Messiah. 26. Manij things; he might say much more, but he con- fined himself to those things which would bo useful, and which he was commissioued of the Father to declare. 26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true;" and I spenk to the world those things which I have heard of him. 27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. 28 Then said Jesus unto them. When ye have lifted up the Son of man,'' then shall ye know tliat I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, 1 speak these things. 29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone ; for I do always those things that plense him. 30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.i 31 1 Then said Jesus to those Jews wliicli believ- ed on him, If ye continue in my word, thin are ye my disciples indeed;"' 32 And yc shall know the truth/' and the truth shall make you free.' 33 They answered him. We be Abraham's seed, and were never in Iiondage to any man :" how say- est thou. Ye shall be made free? 31 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.*' 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever:"' but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free," yo shall lie free indeed.^ 37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed ; but ye ■ ch. 7:28. P oh. 3:14; 12::|-2. q ch. 1(1:42. r Rom. 2:7; Ool. 1 :::3; Heb. Il::i,--, .39. » llos. U:3. t Pal. llil;43; ch. 17:17; Roiii. li:U, I", 22; Ja'. :2:5; 2:12. " Lev. 2.3:42. v Rom. 6:16, 20; 2 i'et. 2:19. " Gal. 4:3U. :l3a.6l:l. y Rom. S:2; Gal. 5:1. 28. Lftedupthe Son of man; upon the cross. Another of the obscure hints wliich the Saviour was in the habit of giving concerning the manner of his approaching death and its mighty results. The Jews raised liiin upon the cross to destroy him ; but God made this the way of rais- ing him to universal dominion. Compare cha]i. 12:32. Nothing of myself ; nothing in opposition to, but all things in accordance with the appointment and will of the Father. 31. Continue in my word; continue to believe my decla- rations and obey my commands. Disciples indeed; true disciples. 32. Shall make you free ; under the idea of freedom, our Lord includes two tilings : first, deliverance from the do- minion of sill ; secondly, the condition of sonsliip as con- tr;isted with that of servants. Both of these he explains in tlie fiillowing verses. 33. Abralutm's seed ; and therefore not servants, but free- men. Were netter in bondage; they probably refer, not to their national servitudes, which were iiolorious to all; but to the civil freedom secured to Abraluim's seed by tho law of Moses. According to this, a Hebrew could not be reduced to tho condition of a boml-servant. Lev. 2.')::!9-46. 3"). Abnielh not; not perm;uiently ; he is liable iit any time to be dismissed. Abideth ever; lie has a permanent resi- dence, and is heir to the estate. The son is here, first, tho Hon of God, who dwells with tho Father, and is "heir of all things." lleb. 1:2: secondly, every one whom the Son of (Jod makes one with himself by faith, and (bus makes him a child of God, and !i joint-heir with himself to the heavenly inheritance. Kom. S:17. 3G. Ifihe Son; the Son of God.wdio iibides in his Father's hoii.se lor ever, and to whom he h;is cnnimitted all power over it. Free indeed; for ye shall not only be delivered from the bondiige of sin and its punishment, but made sons of God with and through Clirist. ;iiid have an ever- lasting home with him in his Father's house. 37. Abraham's seed; literally they were, but not sjiiritn- ally, not in the sense in which the promises to him were 1201 Christ refutelh the Jews, JOll^ VIIL and avoidelh llmr malice. seek to kill iiie, because m)- word hath no place in you. 38 I speak that which I have seen with my Fa- ther:'' and ye do that which ye liave seen with your father. 39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father.'' Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham."^ 40 But now ye seek to kill me. a nuui that hath told you tiie truth, which 1 have heard of God: this did not Abraham.'' 41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him. We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.'' 42 Jesus said unto them. If God were your Fa- ther, ye would love me :'^ for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.''' 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.'' 44 Ye are of your father the devil." and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth,^ because there is no truth in him. When he speak- cth a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 4.5 Atid because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not." 46 Which of you convinceth me of sin?' And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? 47 He that is of God heareth God's words: yc therefore hear tliem not, because ye are not of God. • Cli. 11:10,21. bMatt..T:9. c R„m. S:3S. 29; 9:7; Gal. 3:7, 29. J Rom. 4:12, f Isa 0:J:16; W:S. ' Mai. 1 :0; 1 John .5:1. ech. 17:8,25. h I,a. 0:9. 1 .Matt. 13:38; IJohn 3:S. J Jude 6. k Gal. 4:10; 2 TheK. 2:10. marlo. Gen. 12:3; 18:18; 22:18; Oal. 3:14, 1()-18, 29. Mij word liallt no place ; they would not receive his trutli. 38. S-<;ii Willi my Fatlier ; wli.it is in ;iecorfl;ince with the will of Ool the l-'iither. Y our fiitlur ; ver. 14. 39. Jf ijc w^re Abraham's diildren ; if ye were like him in faitli an 1 practicR. 41. We be not born of fornirntion ; perceiving that .Ii'sus uses the word father in a spiritual sense, they reply thai they are no spurious race sprung from idolaters, \mi are the true children of fiod, since they and their f;ilhers have worshipjjed him only. Willi the Hebrews, idolatry' was Bpiritciil fornication. 43. Mijxpter.h; niy manner of discourse and its true mean- ing. Ciinnot liear 7n y word ; that is, my doctrine. The rea- son why they couhl not was the perverse state of their hearts, as is t;iught in the ne.xt verse. 41. The lii'il.'i of your fiitlter ; they would comply with his wishes in seeking to ninrditr Christ. A murderer from lite beginning; the first work of the devil on caiih was to seduce our first parents into sin, whereliy they iind all their posterity were made siiliject to death. In this he was b )th a murderer and a liar. Tlve father lmlli-dnij ; he did not keep it as the Pharisees directed, but he did keep it according to the letter and spirit of the fourth commandment. A sinner; a transgressor of (Jod's law. 21. lie is of as:e; old enough to answer for himself. 'It. Put ovt of llie sijiiagoguc; excluded from the people and worshi]) of (iod — excommnnicat<'d. 21. The prohe; the praise of lie;ding him. 33. Do nothing; do no miracle. 34. Vast liim out; of the synagogue. 1209 Opposition of the Pharisees. JOHN X. Christ is the Good Shepherd. altogetlier born in sins," and dost tliou teach us? And tiiey cast him out.'" 35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out ; and when he had found him, lie said unto him. Dost thou believe on the Son oF God V^ 30 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I miiiht believe on him? 37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh witii tlieC' 38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he wor- shipped him." 3'J 1 And Jesus said, For judy his works th:it he is Christ the Son of (rod; -'{9 4-sc:iPetb tiie Jew.s, 41) and went again beyond Jordan, where many bt'li'Vcu on him. 7ERILY, verily, I say unto you, lie that enter- ■' ctli not by the door into tlic shco])rold, but \ * Ver. d. ' OT,excominunimttd him. b ha. ! . Slnniirers; false, irreligious teachers. (>. Uiidcrstnoil not ; the meaning of what he hail been say- ing. ll(^ therefore jiroceeded to explain it. and in so iloing he changed the figure somewhat, representing himself as the door. 7. I nm the door; as the Father is the door to Christ, so he himself is the door to the under-shepherds anil to all the sheep. Through him alone can men enter his church or the ministry which he has ajipointed. 8. Cnmc Itrfiirc vtc ; without enlering the door. See note lo vcr. I. 'I'tie sheep did not hear llicm ; the truly pious did not receive their false doctrines, or imitate their corrupt examples. !(. Find pasture; receive spiritual food, satisfying good. 10. Tile lliief; one who takes the emoluments of the sacred olliie without |ierfiirmiiig its spiritual diitiis. and seeks his own aggrandizenii-nt, not the salvation of souls. L;/V ; spiritual, ilirn;il lite. 11. I am the piml S/ienherd; in respect to the power of adinissioii to liud's folu, Christ has declared himself to be The safely of ChrUl's flcch. JOHN X. He cscupelli from l/.c Jews. A. D.32. 12 But lie that is a liireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coining, and leaveth the sheep, and flceth:" and the wolf catcheth tliem, and scattereth the sheep. 13 The hireling flecth, because he is a hireling, and carcth not for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my skeep,^' and am known of mine.'' 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father:'' and I lay down my life for the sheep."" 16 And other slieepi have, which are not of this fold :'' them also I must bring, and tiiey shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.^ 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again." 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself.' I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it a^aia.-' This commandment have I received of my Father." 19 1 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. 20 And many of them said, He hath a devil,' and is mad ; why hear ye iiim ? 21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eves of Ihebliad?™ 22 1 xVnd it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in tlic temple in Solomon's porch." 24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him. How long dost thou make us to doubt?* If tliou be the Christ, tell us plainly. » Ezek. 34:a-8; Zech. 11:17. !■ -2 Tim. "2: 19. = I John 5:20. i Matt. 11:27. t tsi. 5:):4, 5; ch 15:13. f Fsa. •I9:(i; .50:S. S Ezek. ■17:2-2; Eph. 2:14. _h Isi, 53:7-1-2; Heb. 2:9. i Phil. -2:0-3. J ch. -2:19. k ch. G::J8. I cii. 7:-20. m ch. 9:fi, etc. ° Acts 3: 11 ; 5:1-2. ' Or, hoUl us in su.^pense. the door ; in respect to his care over those within the fokl, he now, by another change of the fif^ure, calls liimself " the good Shepherd " — the Shepherd of shepherds and of the Hock, and the source of good to all. 12. A hireling ; one whose great object in preaching is his own interest. Tke wolf; the enemy of God and his people. 14. Know — am known; tlie knowledge of ('hristaiid his people is mutual, and it is a knowledge of deep love and interest. 16. Not of this fold; those who as yet knew not God, especially from gentile nations. Isa. 5ti:8. 18. No man tnkelh. it ; m> man hail power to take his life till he should vohnitarily .surrender himself to crucifixion and death. Tiii!< coinmanilment tiavr [received ; he was com- luissinncd of (iod to die for the sins of men, and rise again for tlieir Justification. lie had the power, disposition, and right to do these things. 20. h mad; beside himself, through the influence of an evil spirit. 22. Fcii.1t nfthe dcdimtion ; this was a feast instituted by .ludas Xfaccabajus aliout one liiuidred and sixly-livo years before Oirlst, in commemoration of the purilication of the temple, and its renewed dcilicatlon to the woi-kIiI]) of Jeho- vah, after it hail been desecrated by idiil-w-orshii) and the otfering In it of swine's tlesli, by Antiochus Epiphani-s king of Syria. It began on the •i.-)th day of tlieir month Chisleu, or the l.'ith of our IJecembcr, ami coiillnueil ci'..,'!!! days. .losephus. Ant. b. 12, chap. 11; 1 Maccabees •l:r)2- 59; 2 Mai-. 10: IS. 23. Solomon's porch; a portico on the east side of the temple. 25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye be- lieved not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me." 26 But ye believe not, because ye arc not of my sheep,'' as 1 said unto you. 27 My sheep hear my voice,'' and I know them, and they follow ine : 28 And I give unto tlicm eternal life: and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.'' 29 My Father,'' which gave them me,' is greater than all ; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and mi/ Father are one." 31 Tiien the Jews took up stones again to stone liim.^' 32 Jesus answered them. Many good works have I showed you from my Father ; for which of those works do ye stone me ? 33 The Jews answered him, saying. For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makcst thyself God.^' 34 Jesus answered them. Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken ; 36 Say ye of him whom tiie Fatiier hath sancti- fied,'' and sent into the world, Tliou blasphcmcst; because I said, I am the Son of God?^ 37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.^ 38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works ; that ye may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I in hiin. och. 5:36. Pch. s 47; 1 John 4:0. q ver 4. 'ch. 17: 1-2: 1S:9; Ileb 7 25. sch. 14:-29 tch. 1 7: -2. "ch. 7:11 ■>± vch 8:59 wPsa. b-i:6 ; ch. 5 IB; ver. 30; R Din. l:l 1 X Isa. 11 :-2, 3 49:1 '■i\ cli. a -27 y Phil. 2:0. z oh. 14:10, II; 15:-21. 2!>. The worh; miracles. Bear witness; prove nie to bo the Messiah. 2lj. Not of mi/ .$hcep; not my true followers. 20. h Greater than all; see note to chap. 14:28. 31). I and my Father; the Jews rightly understood him to call God his Father, and himself the Son of God, in such a sense that he was equal with God. Compare chap. 5: 18. Are one; in nature, counsel, will, and openitlon. 33. Mahest th ijself God ; claimcst to be divine, equal with the Father. 34. Your law; the Old Teshimeiit scriptures. Psa. 82:6. 35. Unto whom the lenrd of God came ; wlio were appointed and commlsslonetl to act as his agents In ruling and adiiiih- istcrlng Justice In his stead among men. Cannot hi: liroken ; cannot be set aside as speaking Inqjroperly when it calls magistrates gods on account of their ollice. The term is always used in such a connection as shows that they were but men. 36. Sanctified; set apart to the ollice of the Kedeemer of lost men. Sent into the world; to do the work of tin: Mes- siah. Because I said, I am the Son of God; the argument is from the less to the greater: If mere men were called gods because the woril of (!od cami^ to them, how much more may he who Is one with the Father, and whom the Father has set apart and sent into the world as the Saviour of men, call himself the Son of God. He goes on to sliow tli:it his works Justlty him In taking to himself tlii.-^ Idle. 37. The works of my Father ; divine workjs — the works of God. Believe me not; admit not my claim to bo the Son of (!od. 38. Believe not me; that is, mv ileclaration concerning 1211 The sickness of Lazarus. JOHN XI. Jesus Cometh to Bdhamj. 39 Therefore tliey sought again to take liim ; but ho escaped out of their lianil, 40 And went away again heyond Jordan, into the phice where John at first lj;iptized ;■' and there he abode. 41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: Ijut all things tiiut .lolui ispalce of this man were true." 42 And many believed on him tiiere. CHAPTER XI. 1 Christ raiseth Lazarus, four days buried. 'I-') M.any Jews believe. 47 The hi^h-priests :tiid Ph:irisei-s gather a council aj;aijist Christ. 49 Caiaphas prophesieth. ^11 Jesus liid himself. 5-') At the passover they inquire after liiin, and lay wait for him. ATOW a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, l\ of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.'^ 2 It wcist/iat Mary wliicli anninted the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her litiir,'' wliosc brothi'r Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefiirt! iiis sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, Ijeliold, lie wiioni thou lovest is sick." 4 When Jesus heard t/iaf, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God,' that tiie Son of God might be glorified thereby. 5 Now Jesus loved ^lartha, and her sister, and Lazarus. () \Vlien he liad heard thcrcforo that he was sick, lie abode two days still in the same place where he was. 7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judea again. 8 His discii>lcs say unto him, Jfastcr, the Jews of late sought to stone thee;*'' and goest thou thither again?" ' Cii. l;-2i. b M.m. :t:ll, \-i; oh. :):aU-:W. c l.uke 10;3-i, an. J Mark 14:3; cii. IJ:3. e Heb. I-J:(i; Rev. 3: 19. f ch. 9;3; vcr. 40. 5 ch. 10:31. h Aclii-J'J:JI. I ch. 1-2:33. JEcol.2:l4. k Deul. 31 :10; Acts 7:80: 1 Cor. myself. Tlic Fullier is in me, and I in hiin ; tliat we are one, lis I (leclarcd to you, ver. 'M). 39. Ttcy snuirlit a^am In take him ; because lie still claim- ed to lie tlie -Messiah, the Son of (ioil, truly divine — be- cause lie claimed to be what .lohn, under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, at the be^imiing of this gospel declared him to be, God — in the language of I'aul, "over all, (iod blessed for ever." Kom. 9:5. IN.STRUCTIOXS. I. None are true disciples or ministers of Christ who do not believe in him and obey his cduiinands. All others who enter the Christian chiucli or ministry arc falser and selfish. Instead of aiding, they hinder the progress of his cause. 4. Real Christians have spiritual discernment and relish of the great truths of the gospel. No instruction, however specious or learned, which denies or omits the life. Miglil be glnrijicil ; by rais- ing La/.arns from the dead. 6, III l/ie mme pliirc ; Helhabara, chap, 1:2S; 10:40; on the east side of the Jordan, abdiil thirty miles norlli-east of Jern.salein. 9. Twelve hours in the tlai/ ; ;iti ;ip]iointed season for mo and all men to do the work assigned to us by God. Walk in llie ilaij — slvnilile'h nnt; if. in its jiroper seasoi^i, a ni;in does thai to which (iod calls him, he is safe, because under GoiI'h proteition, 10. IValk in the nipht — sliniihlilh ; if, tlirongh fear or self- ishness, he neglect lln^ wrirk ;ipp(iinle ch. 6:40, 41. c Isi. 3S:10; oh. 14:6; ] John 1:2. d .lob 19:-26; Isi. •2(>;19; Rom. 4:17. e ch. 3:1.5; 4:14. fch. 21:7. Sch. 13:1:). 6 Mirk IU:4'J. i ver. 19. J ch. 4:49; ver. 21, 27. • Gt. he troiMed himselt. k lai. 63:9; Luke 19:41; Heb. 2:16, 17. 1 ch. 9:6. m Mark 1B:3. i \>U. 23. Tliper; and Martha served:'' but Lazarus was one of them tliat sat at the table with liim. 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spike- nard, very costly, and anointed tlie feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with iier hair:' and the house was lilled with tiie odor of tlie ointment. • Ch. 10:16; Eph. 2:14-17. b P«a. 109:4, 5. c cli. 7: 1 ; 18:20. daSam. l;)-2:|- 2Chr. l:);19. e ch. 2:1:1; 5:1 ; 0:4. t ch. 5:IG, IS: ver. S. f ch. 11:1.4:1. I> Luke 10:3-<-12. i Matt. 20:0, etc. ; Mark 14:3, etc. J 2 Kini;s 5:20-27; Pna. 511:18. kch. 13:29. IDeut. 13:11; Matt.2ti:ll; Mark 11:7. 4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas a. d :;3 Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, 5 Why was not tliis ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the jmor? 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief,' and had the bag,'' and Ijare what was ]>ut therein. 7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone : against the day of my burying hath she kept this. 8 For the poor always ye have willi you;' but me ye have not always."' 9 jMiich people of tlie Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might ,^ee Lazarus also, whom lie had raised from tlic dead. 10 ^ But the cliicf priests consulted that they miglit ]mt Lazarus also to death ;" 11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus." 12 ^ On the next day, much people tiiat were come to the feast, when they heard tiiat Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 Took branclies of iialm-trees, and went forth to meet him," and cried, llnsanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.'i 14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, 15 Fear not, daughter of Sion : behold, thy King cometli, sitting on an ass's colt.'' 16 Tliese things understood not his disciples at the first:" but when Jesus was glorilicd,' tiien re- membered they that these things were written of him, and tltnt they had done these tilings unto iiim." 17 The people tlierefore that was with iiim wlieii m Song 5:0; oh. 8:21; ver. 35; cb. 1:):33; l«:.5-7. n I.uke 10:31. » ch. 11:45; ver. 1». P Matt. 21 :8, otc. ; Mark 11:8, etc.; Luke l!l::!0,elo. IPm. US:25, 2C. ' Zech. 9:9. • Luke 18:34. I ch. 7:39. " ch. 14:28. that Jesus CiiriHt, as the Saviour of lost men, shoultl die, the jii.st for the unjust — not for the Jewisli nation only, l)Ut for all nations, a i)roi)itiatioii for the sins of the world, tliat he mif^lit gather into heaven all who should believe aiiil obey him, 5:!, From thai day; adopting the counsel of Caiaphas, they sought to kill liim. 54. The Wilde rtics>:; the wilderness of Judea, that bor- dered on the Dead sea and the lower part of the Jordan v,alley. 55. To purify themselves ; according to the requirement, Lev. 22:1-0. INSTRUCTIONS. 4. The dispengatlons of Providence, as well as the in- structions of the Bible, arc dositcned to Rlorify the Hon of (!f>"l. by le;iilin;; men to honor him ;ih truly divine. 9. The man who makes it his object to loani the will of (lod, and to rlo it, however it may riffcct him and his ron- ditinn in this world, is like one who travels in the day- time, when he can sec objects distinctly, and treat them according to their character. Ibit a man whose great object is himself, and who seeks supremely earthly things, is like one who travels in the night, without sun, mocm, or stars. III! is in darkness, and liable every moment to fall and perish, 2,'). To the believer, whoso soul is made alive by union with tlod through Christ, the dcitth of the body will be only a sleep, from which it sludl be awakened at the resurrection, to a glorious imniorliility. :i'). Jesus Christ tenderly and deeply sympathizes in human sorrow. lie delight* in soothing hearts that trust 1214 in him, and turning their teniiior:u-y niouriiiiig into ever- lasting joy, 45. The exhibitions of Christ in his wiu-d and his w'orks. arc treated by dilVerent jiersons in very dilTerent w;iys. Some are led to trust in him as their !S:ivioiir, iuiil give him their hearts. (Tlliers bitterly oppose him, and do what they i-;in to hinder the progress of his cause. Thus, to one his teaching by being received becomes a savor of life unto life, and to another, by being rejected, a savor of death unto death. 48. The nil aim which sinners use to save themselves from coming evils, only hasten their appro;icli, and make them more terrible, cii.u"I"i;h .xii. 1. Belhami; chap. 11:1. 2-8. Christ's feet anointed by Mary. .Matt. 26:G-l:i: Mark 14::j-9. 2. Served; waited on the company. 3. Spikenard; an aromatic jilaiit, from which was niadi a precious ointment. fi. Thi' Img; the purse which contained their money, and from which they assisted the poor. II. Ill) reason of him ; his presence was a standing proof that Jesus, who had raised him from the dead, was the Messiah. 12-19. Christ rides into .Terus;deni. Miitl. 21 : l-lfi; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44. l(i. Wn.i glorififd; had asiended to heaven. 17. linre record; they related what Jesus liad done in raising Lazarus from tlie dead. Christ forddldh his death. JOHN XII. Tht muUitade rejcc'. him. A.D.33. he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from tlie dead, bare record. 18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.'^ 19 The Pharisees therefore said amon^- them- selves. Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? be- hold, tiie world is gone after him.'' 20 % And there were certain Greeks'^ among them that came up to worship at tlie feast:'' 21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee," and desired him, saying, 8ir, we would see Jesus. 22 Pliilip Cometh and telletli Andrew : and again Andrew and Pliilip tell .Jesus. 23 f And Jesus answered them, saying, Tlie hour is come, tliat tlie Son o£ man should be glorified. ' 24 Verily, verily, 1 say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abidoth alone:'" but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth !iis life shall lose it; and he that hatcth his life in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal.'' 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me ;' and where I am, there shall also my servant be:^ if any man serve me, him will my Father honor." 27 Now is my soul troubled;' and what shall I say ? Father, save me from this hour : but for tiiis cause came I unto tliis hour."' 28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven," .so^/^o-, I have both glorilied it, and will glorify it again. 29 The people therefore that stood by, and heard «Ver. 11. bcl .11:47 ,48. = Ads r :4; Rom. :10. i\ Kins s 8:41, 42. ech. :41. tch. 13: 3-2; 17:1. s 1 Cor. l.'i: 30. h Matt. 111:39; lli 25; Mark 8:35; Luke9:-J4; 17:33. i Luk C:4G: ch 14 l.T- IJolm 5:3. J oh 14:3; l7;-24 1 Thes3. 4 17. k 1 Sam. •- :30; 1 rov 27 13. IMatt. 28:33, 39; Luke 18. Also met him; went out to meet him and accompany him intd the city. 19. Ye prevail nothing; nothing to stop his increasing inflacnce among the people. 20. Certain Greeks ; that is, as the of iginal word implies. Gentiles u.siiig the Greek language. The word shoiilii be distinguished from "Grecians," Acts 6:1; 9:29, who are Jews liy birth or descent, using the Grecic language. 23. Tiie hour ts^ome; the request of the Gentiles to see him he regards as a sign that the hour is at hand for the conversion of the gentile nations to himself. But this must be through his approaching suffering and death. Should be glorified; by his death, resurrection, and ascen- sion to lieavon. 21. It idjideth alone; remains a single kernel ; its death is essential to its future life and increase: so the deatli of Christ was essential to tlie future increase and prosperity of his kingdom. Without that he could not become the Saviour of either Jews or Gentiles. 25. Loveth his life; jMatt. 10:39; Ltd V ,ler 13 10. " ch. 11 10. X Uph. 5:8 y Isa. 53:1. 30. For your sokes; that you might have this additioiuvl evidence that I am the Son of God, and always do that with which ho is well pleased. 31. The judgment (f this world ; the time when this world, which is opposed to me and under the power of Satan, is to be conquered and subdued to myself. Prince of this world; Satan. Cast out; conquered, so that his power on earth shall thenceforward decline, till he .shall be utterly subdued. 32. Lifted up; on the cross, as a sacrifice for the sins of men. Draw all men; chu]i. 3:H, 15; ():44. 34. Heard out of the law; learned from the Old Testa- ment. Isa. 9:7; Dan. 2:44; 7:14. 35. Theliglit; the Messiah, the source of all true spir- itu;xl knowledge. Walk; while you have the means of knowledge improve them, lest they be taken away. 3C. Believe in the light; receive and obey my instruc- tions, tJiat you may be wise, and be instrumental in making others wise to salvation. 38. The sai/ing of Esaias; Isa. 53: 1, fulfdled in their re- jection of Christ. :59. They cnuld not hclicvc ; it is said of Joseph's brethren, that they could not speak peaceably to him, Gen. 37:4; and Christ said to the Jews, " How can ye believe, who rei'eive honor one of another, and seek not the honor tlnit Cometh from God only?" John 5:4-). The two things were incornjiatible. They must cease from the one in order to do the other. So hero; as they would continue to love and clicrish their sins, they i-oiild not, continuing this course, enibniee the Messiah. The two things could not coexist. This was the reason why they should have renounced the one, and performed the other. Hut they would not do it. The prophecy of Isaiah showed tliat it was certain they would not, Is;v, C:9, 10, 10. He hath blinded their eijrs; bv presenting to them 1215 Muny believe on Christ. JOHN XIII. He washeth his disciples' feet. their heart; that tlioy shoukl not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be con- verted, and I should lical them." 41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his f^lory, and spake of him.'' 42 1 Nevertheless, among the elnef rulers also many believed on him ; but because of the Phari- sees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue :"= 43 For they loved tlicpraise of men more than the praise of God.'' 44 T Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on hira tliat sent me." 45 And ho that seeth me, scetli him that sent me. 46 I am come a light into the world,' tiiat who- soever believeth on me should not abide in dark- ness. 47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.^ 48 He that rejccteth me, and receivcth not my words, hath one thatjudgoth him :" the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father whicli sent me, he gave me a couniian(inu.'nt, what 1 siiould say, and what I should speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting:' whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. • Isa. 0.-9. ID. 1> l«a. n:l. c ch. U:-2i. d ch. 5:44; Rom. 2:2!). c Mark 0:37; lPet.l:21. f ch. 1:5; 3: 19. ech.3:17. h Deut. 1S:19; Luke 9:26. i I John S:*-). J Matt. 20:2, etc. k ch. 17:1, II. 1 Jet. 31:.); liph. 5:2; truths whicli lliey would reject, their rejection bringing them into greater darkness. In a similar sense it is said, that Jesus ('hrist came into the world to set members of families at variance, by leading some to trust in him, while others on this account opposed them and Bought their death. Matt. 10:21, 3.5, 36. 41. His glory; the glory of Christ, called by Isaiah the glory of Jehovah. Isa. 6:1. 42. Mnn\i believed on him ; were convinced that ho was the Messiah. Did not confess kirn; did not openly declare thoir belief. 44. Not on mc; not on me only, but also on my Father. 45. Me — him that si^nt me; chap. 10:30, 38. 47. I came not tojvd'^e; it was then his business to act not as judge, but as Saviour. 48. The word; the gospel, according to their treatment of which men will be judged at the last day. 49. Of myself ; notof my own authority mercdy, but by the authority and api)ointment of the Father. i'Atn\i. 7: IC-IS. .lO. Ills commnnilmcnt; the message which he has com- manded rnc to deliver to men. Is Ife everlasting; to them •who believe and obey it. IN'STRUCTIONS. 6. It is dangerous to bo intrusted with public money, and those who are inclined to theft or fraud will often bo placed in situations where they will bo strongly temjitcd to commit it. The less our conduct is under the insjiec- tion of men, tlio more mindful we should be of the inspec- tion of God, and the more careful to secure his approb;ition. 10. Innocence is, in this world, no certain security againsl Huffering. The greater a person's inlluence for good, the greater may be his exposure, even from i>rofc8HeiJ friends of God, to persecution and :ai. i ch. '20:2; 1:27, SO. t Or, mor- .«/. i Luke ■- 2:3. t ch. 12:6. 1 ch. 12:2:3; 17:l-li. m ch. 14: 13; 1 Pel. 9. 'Not my feci only; if this washing be necessary to my having a part with thee, let it extend to my whole person. 10. He that is washed ; tliat is, batheil, as the original im- phes, which licre uses a dift'erent word from the preceding. The l}athing represents "the wasliing of regeneration," which the apostles, with one exception, liave already re- ceived. Save lo wash hisfei't; which have licen soiled in passing from the bath to his own home. This beautifully sets forth the (hiily cleansing which even regenerated men need from the defilement of daily life. Clean, but not all; washed in the bath of regeneration, with one exception. 12. Know yc; do you understand the meaning? 15. An example; of humility, condescension, and love. To inculcate the importiince of those was his objfct in doing what was usually done by a servant. 17. These things; the truths which he had been teaching them. 18. Tlie scripture; Psa. 41:9, strikingly fulfilled in Judas. 19. Ye may believe; have new evidence _that I am the Messi:xh, and continuo to believe it. 20. Whomsoever I send; as my minister. 23. Leaning on Jesus' bosom ; the guests reclined on couches, each resting on his left elbow, with a pillow supporting his head, his face towards the table, and his 17 26 Jesus answered. He it is to whom I shall give a sop,* when 1 have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 xind after the sop Satan entered into him.' Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. 28 Now no man at the table knew for what in- tent he spake this unto him. 29 For some o/'Mf?/i thought, because Judas had the bag,'' that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the i)oor. 30 He then, having received the sop, went imme- diately out; and it was night. 31 i Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said. Now is the Son of man glorified,' and God is glorified in him.™ 32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glo- rify him. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto tlie Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come;" so now I say to you. 34 A new commandment I give unto you. That ye love one another ; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." 35 By this shall all men know that ye are ray disciples, if ye have love one to another. 36 II Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest tliou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, tliou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt fol- low me afterwards.'' 37 Deter said unto him, Lord, vidiy cannot I fol- low thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sakC! 38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake ? Verily, verily, I say unto Ihce, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied mo thrice. 4:11. Boh. 7:34; b:21. o Lev. I9:I.S; ch. 15:12, 17; Eph. 5:2; 1 Thess. 4:9; Jas. 2:8; 1 Pet. 1:22; 1 .lohn 2:7, ti; 3:11, 23; i:-M, 21. p oh. 21:18; 2 Pet. 1:14. 1 Matl. 20:33, elc; Mark 14:29, etc.; Luke 22:33, etc. feet towards the hinder part of the couch. As John lay next below Jesns, his head was in front of the Saviour's bosom; and in asking a question, he would naturall}' turn his head over and lean it U]uin his M;ister's breast. One of his disciples; John, the writer of this liook. 2(i. A sop — (lipped; a piece of food dipped in the sauce used on th;it occasion. 27. Eidcrcd intoliim ; took full possession of him, and in- stigated him to carry out the purpose, already formed under his influence, of betraying his Ahisler. Compare vcr. 2, :il. Is the Son of man glorified; the hour of His conflict with Satan was to be that of His triumph over liim and exaltation to heaven. , .■J2. Glorify him ; in his death, resurrection, and ascen- sion, as the conqueror of death and hell. 33. As I said; chap. 7:34. 34. A new commandment ; new as to its peculiar applica- tion to Christians, the clearness and power with which it was taught, and tiie motives with which it was enforced. :K. Tliou shall fullow me; through the dcatli of the cross to heaven. Ch;iii. 21: IS, 19. 3«. Not crow; Matt, 2(i:74; T.uke 22:00, INSTIM'CTKIX.^. 1. The love of Jesus Christ to his people is unchanging. The disdples comforted. JOHN XIV. 7^ Holy Ghost promised. CHAPTER XIV. 1 Christ comforteth his Jisciples with the hope of hea»en; 6 professeth himself (he way. the truth, and the life, aiiJ one with the Father; 13 assureth their prayers in his name to be eliVcliial; la requesteth love and obedience, 16 promiseth the Holy Ohost the Comforter, '21 and leavet I his peace with them. LET not jour heart be troubled :" ye believe in God, believe also in me." 2 III my Fatlier'.s house are many mansions: if a were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.'' 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself;'' that where 1 am, there ye may be also."" 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5 Thomas saith unto liini, Lord, wc know not •whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way,'' and the truth,'' and the life:'' no man conicth unto the Fa- ther, but by me.' 7 If ye liad known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from huncolbrth yc know him, and have seen him. 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Fa- ther, and it sufBceth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time a Ua. 4.1: 1, 2; ver. 27 : -J Tn.-ss. i-.-l. b Isa. ll>:'i, 3; Eph 1:1-.', 13; 1 Pel. 1-21 c Hcb. 6:211; 9:f<, 24; Rev. 21:2. <1 Heb. »:2a. e ch. 12:20; 17:21 ; IThess. 4:17. ' Isa. 35:3, U; eh. 1U: ch. 14: 13; vcr. 7. over. 3. Nnw ye aredenn; prnnod, and thus Biiiritiially juiri- fied and iiiail(! fruitful, 'I'he word " clean " is used with reference to the word " purKcth " or cleansoth, in vcr, 2. 4, AInih in me, and I in you; the union between Christ and his disciijles is mutual. They abide in him l>y faith. love, and obedience. He abides in them through the Holy Spirit, as the sourt-e of their spiritual life, light, and strength, l.'orn])are I'liil, 2:12, 13. 6. Cast forth at a branch ; cut off and cast away as a use- less liraiieh. This separation of the iinfniitfiil branches takes pliice in a measure only in this world. It will be completed at the judgment-day. f'onipare the panible of the tares in the field, .Matt. l:i": 24-30. 3r.-43. 7. // s'lall be done; your prayers offered according to the will of (»od, shall be answered. 9. Continue ye in my love; by continuing to obey my will. 11. Thai my jnt/ mijrht remain in ijnn; that j-ou might have, in union with me, that joy wliirji I have in union with the Father. MiglU be full ; namely, by having my joy abiding in you. 12. Mij cnmmnnilmrnt ; chap. 13:34. V>. I rail ijou not servants; do not treat you aa servants in merely coniinariding you, Imt as friends, in communi- cating to you my platm, and the reasons of them, IC, Ye have not choicn me; they had not first chosen him, but he had chosen them ; and tlu'ir choice of him was the fruit of his choice of them, 1 John 4:19. Ordained you; set you apart to the work to which I have called you. 1220 j'ou,' and ordained you,"" that ye should go .\ n.ii and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should i-emain ; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Fa- ther in my name, he may give it you." 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.'' 18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.'' 19 If ye were of "the world, the world would love his own ; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world liateth you.'' 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater llian his lord.'' If they have jicrsccutcd mc, Ihcy will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying,- they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.' 22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin;" but now they have no cloak* for their sin."' 23 He that hateth mo, hateth my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did," they had not had sin ; but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. 2o But this cnmcth to pass, that the word might be fullilled that is written in their law. They hated me without a cause,'^ 26 But when the Comforter is come,^ whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which procecdctli from the Father, he shall testify of me:'- 27 And ye also shall bear witness," because yc have been with me from tlie beginning,'' 12. p lJnhn3:l, M. qch. 17:14, f Matl. 10:'.'4 ; Luko 6 40; oh. 13:16, ■ Ezek.3:7. 1 Matt. 10:22; 24:9; ch. 10::). "ch.9:41, ^ Or, cxruM. » Jas, 4:17. Well. 7:31. i P»a. 35: 19; 09:4. ych. 14:17. "lJohn5:6. • l.tlke •HAS; Act»2:32; 4:211, ,33; 2Pot.l:16. bi.T„hnl:2. That your fruit should remain; that the precious results of your holy labor should remain to the worltl for all time, and to yourselves anil the souls saved by your instrumen- tality throughout eternity. That trhatsnever ije shall axk of the Father; to Vje coinicoteil, like the ]irceediiig clause, im- mediately with "I have onlained you," The ii])]iointment that they should go and bring forth fruit, and th;it their prayers to Hie Father should bo answered, are both ])art8 of one whole, 19, Of the world; governed by the principles and max- ims of wiU'Mly men. Chosen you; to be my followers, and like me in character. 20, 77iCiTm;?i/— /ii,«/or(/,- iMatt, 10:21, 2,'-., 21, For my name's sake; on aeeonnt of your likeness and attaehnient to me. Know not him that sent mc; and there- fore li;ive not known nie nor yon, Chap, 8:19, 22, Had not luid sin; to such a ilegrec; because they would not have sinned against such great light. I.uke 12:48. No cloak; no covtrring or excuse. 2:i, 24, Me— my Father; elia]), 10:30; 14:7, 9, 2r>. Their lair; Tsa, :i5:I9; (;9:4; 109:3, 26, He shall testify of me; to the integrity and divinity of my character, and to the truth and meaning of my teachings, 27. Ye also ; the apostles. From the beginning; the begin- ning of his public luiniHtry. Afatt. 4: 17-22 ; Acts 1:21, 22. rNSTKUCTIONS. 5. The union of the branch to the vine by a vital com- munication is uo more essential to its life and fruitfulncss, Persecution foretold, JOHN XVI. and comfort promised. A.D33 CHAPTER XVI. 1 Christ comforteth llis disciples against tribulation by the promise of the Holy G-host, and by his resurrection and ascension; "^3 assureth their prayers made in his name to be acceptable to his Father. 33 Peace in Christ, and in the world affliction. THESE things have I spoken unto you, that ye should notTbe offended. 2 They shall put you out of the synagogues : yea, the time cometh, that wliosoevcr killeth you will think that he doeth God service." 3 And these things will they do unto you,'' be- cause they have not known the Father, nor me.'' 4 But these tilings have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because 1 was with you. 5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou ? 6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hatli filled your heart.'* 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth : It is expe- dient for you that I go away : for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove" the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin," because they believe not on me ; 10 Of righteousness,' because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more ; • Acts 26:9-11. b, convince: Acts'2;37. :h. 15:21. t 1 Cor. •2:8; 1 Tim. 1:1.1. d ver. aS. 'Or, e Rom. 3:20: 7:9. f Isa. 42:21; Rom. 1:17. S Acts than tlio union of souls to Christ, by receiving and trust- ing in liim as a Saviour, is to their hoHness and bliss. l(i. Tlic originating cause of the salvation of men is not their love to God, or their choosing him as their portion, but his love to them, and liis choosing tliem to salvation tlirough sanctification of the Spirit and belief of tlie truth. 2Tliess. 2:13; Eph. 1:4,5. 24. Such is the union between Christ and the Father, that as men treat the one, so they treat the other ; and the greater tlie light wliicli any have as to the character and will of God, the greater will be their guilt and coiidemua- tioD, if they do not love and obey him. CHAPTER XVI. 1. Have I spokemmto ijou ; forewarning you of the per- secutions that shall come upon you. Offended; led to apostatize, or commit sin, to avoid suffering. 2. Oul of thesijudgogues; chap. 9:22. 4. / «'.(S with you ; it was not then needful for them to know the trials that were coming upon them ; but as lie was to depart, it became needful that by looking to the Holy Spirit they might bo prepared to meet them. 1). W/iither gncst Hiou ? this vcr}' question had been asked before, chap. 13: 3(;, but in a different sense from that in- tended by our l^ord. 'I'here tlie inquiry had respect sinqily to the place whither. Here it refers to the nature of the place, whicli is the right hand of God, and the great good thus to be secured for the disciples who remain be- hind for a season. 7. Expedient; for the gift of the Spirit would bo better for the church than the continued personal presence of Christ. 8. Reprore; convince. 0. Of sin; especially the sin of rejecting the Saviour. 10. Of righleouanea-i; that he was' perfectly righteous; and that his work was accepted of Cod as a ground for the justiftcatioii of sinners. Thfe was proved by his resurrection from the dead, and liis ascension to heaven. 11. Of judgment ; that as Satan the god of this world was vanquished and condemned, so all liis continued ad- 1 1 Of judgment,^ because the prince of this world is judged.'' 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, Ijut ye cannot bear them now.' 13 Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth :■> for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you tilings to come.'' 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you. 16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. 17 Then said some of his disciples among them- selves. What is this that he saitli unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me : and again, a little while, and ye shall see me : and, Because I go to the Father? 18 Tiiey said therefore. What is tliis that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith. 19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him,' and said unto them. Do ye inquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?"" 17:.1I ; Rom. 2 HRev. 1:1, 19, 2: Rev. 20:12, 13. h ch. 12:.il. i Heb. 5:12. J ch. 14:20. Ich.2:21,25. nich.7:33; 13:.33; 14:19; ver, 16. hercnts will be, and have their part with him and his angels. Chap. 12:31; Matt. 2.5 : 41. 12. Many things; with regard to the object and efiects of his death, and the establishment and progress of his kingdom. Cannot bear them ; they were not then prepared rightly to apprehend and properly to improve additional iusti'uction. 13. Into all truth; all that would be needful to a full revelation of the gospel. Not speak of himself; not in op- position to, but in accordance with the Father and the Son. Cliap. 5:19, 30, 31; 12:49, 50. T/mt shall he speak; he would communicate the will of the leather and the Son as far and as fast as the glory of God and the good r, and am come into the world: again, I leave tlie world, and go to the Father. • Luke 21:17. at. b Isa. 20: 17. = ver. 6. J Luke 2):41, 52^ ch. 20:20. • iri!t.l:3. f Mitt. 7:7, S; Ji3. 4:2, .1. sch.l.'i:!!. • Or, parnblts. liver. •Zi. i ch. 14:21, 2:1. J ver. 30; ch. 17:8. f Or, parable. 1 Or, An own home. k .Mitt. 26:31; Mark 14:27. 1 Isa. 50:7, 9; ch. 8:29. m ch. 14:27; Rom. 20. Weep and lament ; a.t his death. The world ; wicked men. Turned intojny; Ijy liis rfsiirrcctiou and ascension, and the ilescent of the Holy Spirit. 21. Remembereth no more llie anguish ; the time of Zion's keenest anguish lias always been the birth-time of her enlargement; anil the time of the lielicver's deepest sor- row, the birth-time of liis highest and holiest joys. 23. Ask me nollting ; it would not be needful, as it then was, that they should make iiuiuiries of him. The Holy Ghost would give them all needful instruction. 21. Asked nothing in mij niimi: ; they had not been accus- tomed before this to imiy in the name of Christ ; but after tJiis they would be, and for his sake God would bestow whatever they needed. 25. In proverbs; or parables — somewhat obscurely, and in such manner that tliey did not fully imdcrstand his rneaniiif^. The lime comuth; after his resurrection, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Plainly; he would more i)lainly instruct them by his Spirit, and they would more fully un- derstand his truth. 26. I sai/ not — that I will prnij the Father ; that is, I Bay not this simply, but sometnin;; more. The Saviour does not mean to deny that he will intercede with the Father for his tlisciples; but rather to lead their rninds beyoml this truth, which he liad freiinently stated, to another: that the Father is one witli Idm in loving them, so that his in- tercession for them must prevail. 27. The Fattier himself; of his own accord. 30. liij this we liclieve; he had in the last few verses so fully met their ililliculties about his mianint; in verse Hi, and that without tlieir stalitijj; them, that they were more than ever convinced of his omniscience and Messiahship. 32. To hisnxm; notwithstiuidiiif; the strong faitli in him whitli they had expressed, they would soon desert him, and return to their liomes, or places of abode ; and so far as human friends were concerned, he would bo left alone. 1222 29 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now .\ n .■» speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.* 30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee : by this we believe that tiiou camest forth from God. 31 Jesus answered them. Do ye now believe? 32 Beliold, the hour comcth, yea, is now conic, that ye shall be scattered every man to his own,* and shall leave me alone:'' and yet 1 am not alone, because the Father is with me.' 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace."" In the world ye shall have tribulation:" but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. CHAPTER XVII. 1 Christ prayeth to his Father to glorify him, 6 to preserve his apostles, H in nnity, 17 anil truth, 20 to glorify them, and all other believers with liiiii in heaven. '^T'^HESE words spake Jesus, and lifted up his JL eyes to heaven, and said. Father, the houi- is come;" glorify thy Sou, that thy Son also may glorify thee : 2 As thou hast given him ])Ower over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.'' 3 And this is life eternal,'' that they might know thee the only true God,' and Jesus Christ, whom tiiou hast sent." •i I have glorified thee on the earth:' I iiave finished the work which thou gavest me to do." .■i 1 ■ Fph 2:11. n ch. -, 19-21 ; 2T im. 3 12. ch. 12 23; 13:32. P ch. .1 27 ; ver. 24. 1 1 .lohn b 11. ' Jer. 9:23, 24; 1 Thess. 1:9. • ch. 1U:36. I ch. 14:13 uch 19:30 ■t'lm 4:7. 33. In me; in liviiiK union with me. In the world; from the men and s\nr\l of the worlil. Overcome; overcome all your enemies, and obtained for you eternal redemption from their power. INSTRUCTIONS. 2. It is not cnouf;h that a man follow the dictates of conscience. His mind must be enlightened as to the will of God; and when ho understands what that will is, he must be disposed to do it, or his conscience will not bo a safe puide. 7. Things which men exceedingly deprecate are often highly expedient; and (ioil in aeciim)>lisliiiig them con- sults not only his own glory, but their highest good, and the gociil of his liingclom. 20. Men often wei'ii at what will give them the greatest joy, and rejoice at that which will cause them the deepest sorrow. ;!0-32. Discijilcs of Christ may at some times possess and manifest strong contideiice in him. and at others act as if they hail none: were it not for his grace, all would utterly forsake him ami perish. CHAPTER XVII. 1. The-ic wards; the words contained in the preceding chapters. The hour; the time for his sufi'ering and death. Glorify th II Son; by sustaining him in his coming trials, and showing that he is indeed the Messiah. May glorify then; in m;iking known thy salvation, and pre])aring multi- tudes for glory. 2. I'ovrr mrr oil ; for the eidvation of his people. Malt. 2S:1H; .lolin .'■):21 ; fi::i7,'t0; 1(1: l.-i. IG. 3. Jliis IS life etcrnol; the right knowledge of (Jod and .Jesus Christ gives cnijless siiiritual life to the soul. 4. Clorified thee on tlie eiirlh ; by doing in all things what he was commissioiieil of the Father to do. Finished the work; the work to which he was appointed. Christ's prayer for his people. JOHN XVII. Their future glory. A. D. 33. 5 And now, Father, glorify tliou me with thine own self, with tlie glory whicli I had with thee before tlie world was." 6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which tiiou gavest me out of the world:'' thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.*^ 7 Now they have known that all things whatso- ever thou hast given me are of thee. 8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me;'' and they have received the7n, and iiave known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed tliat thou didst send me. 9 I pray for tiicm: I pray not for the world,'' but for them which thou hast given me ; for they are thine. 10 And all mine arc thine, and thine are mine;' and I am glorified in them.s 1 1 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Fatiier, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me,'' that they may be one, as we are. 12 While I was with tliem in the world, 1 kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.' 13 And now come I to thee ; and these things I speak in tlie world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given tiiem thy word ; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.' 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out » oil. 1:1,2; Phil. 2:0; Heb. 1:3,10. bPsa. 2-2;22; ver. 2,9, 11, 26; Rom. 8:30. cHeb.3:0. J ch. 6:08; 14:10. olJolin5:19. rch. 16:15. E Gal. 1:24; I Pet. 2:9. h Prov. 1S:10; 1 Pet. 1:5; Jude 1, 24. i Psa. 109:8; Acts 5. Before the world was ; Phil. 2 ; 6. 6. I have manifested thij name; thy whole character and attributes; for these are all comprehended in God's name. The men; his disciples, especially the apostles. 7. All things — are of thee; they understood the truth, wlvich the Saviour had so often maintained against his persecutors, that all his mighty works were wrought not merely of himself, but in accordance with the commission he had received from the Father. Chap. 5 : 19, 30, 36 ; 7:28; 8:28, Hi; 10:37, 38; 12:43. 8. TItc words which thou gavest me; the instructions which ho was commissioned to impart. 9. I pray for than ; his disciples. Not for the world; the wicked. Ife did not at this time pray for his enemies, but for his friends. 10. lam glorified in them; on their side, by their recep- tion of me as a Saviour, and conmiitting themselves and all their interests to my guidance and disposal; on my side, by the manifestalioii which I make in them of my power and love, in sanctifying them, giving them the vic- tory over the world and Satan, and bringing them to glory everlasting. 11. Through thine own name; see note to ver. 6. 12. I kept thrm in thij name; by the manifestation of thy character anil will in my instructions and example. Son of perdition; .luiliia, wliose ruin was foretold in the Scrip- tures. Psa. 109:8; Acts 1:20. i:i. Mi/joii; see note to chap. 1,';:11. Fiil filled; made perfect and lasting. 17. Through thij truth; by giving them right views of truth, and leading them to obey it. 19. / sanrJfij myself; consecrate and devote myself to my work, that they may be prepared and disposed to per- form theirs. of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.'' 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth:' thy word is truth.'" 18 Ab. thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth."" 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on nie through their word ; 21 That they all may be one ; as thou. Father, a7-t in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us ;° that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them;" that they may be one, even as we are one : 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one ; and tiiat the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me. 24 Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am ;'' that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 2.5 righteous Father, the world hatli not known thee : but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent inc. 26 And 1 have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the love wlicrowith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. 1:20. i ch. 15:18, 19. k Gal. 1:4. 1 Acts 15:9; E|ih. 5:20; 2 Thess. 2:13. m I'.^a. 119:151. • Or, truly samlifitil. n I Cor. 1:2, 30. o Rom. 12:5. p 2 Cor. 3:13. q 1 Thess. 4: 17. 20. These ; apostles, or those who were then disciples. Which shall believe; all who should become his disciples and followers. 21. The y all ma y be one ; Christ brings all his true disciples into an inward living union with himself and the Father, and thus makes them all one with each other. That the world may believe; the manifestation in believers of this inward union of love and lioliness, first with the Father and the Son, and then with one another, is to the world the most convincing proof of the truth of Christ's mission. 22. The glory ; given him as a reward for his labors and sacrifices as Mediator. I have given them ; by p;trticipation .and promise, in order to their com]ilctc' and jierfect union to him and one another, that the world might see the ex- cellence of his religion, and be led to embrace it. 24. With me where I am; in heaven. 25. Not known ; not known so as to love and obey him. These; his apostles and disciples. 26. Declared unto them thy name; made thee known to them. Will declare it ; will more fully make thc^e known to them, to the increase of their love, union, and blessedness. INSTRUCTIONS. 3. The knowledge of Cod and of .lesus Christ is as im- jiortaiit to men as their eternal salvation. Hence, it is the duty of those who have this knowledge, to aid in impart- ini'itto all people ; and all laws, customs, ;ind us;iges which tend to prevent this are wicked, and ought for ever to bo done away. 8. The reception of the doctrines revealed, and the per- formance of tlie duties reipiired by .lesus Christ, are evi- dences of our being given to him of the Father ; they increase our knowledge of him ;inil love to him ;is a Sav- iour, and awaken expectations which will not be disap- pointed, of dwelling with him for ever. 1223 Judas betrayetk Christ. JOHN XVIII. Peter denieih him. CHAPTER XVIII ^\ 1 Juiias betrayeth Jesus. 6 The officers fall to the ground. 10 Peter smiteth offMalchus' ear. 12 Jesus is taken, and led unto Annas and Caiaphas. 15 Peter's denial. 19 Jesus examined before l^aiaphas. 2S His arraignment before Pilate. 30 His kinydom. 40 The Jews ask Barabbas to be let loose. THEN JesiLS liad .«poken tliese words, he went r forth with hi.s disciples over the brook Ce- droii,'' where was a garden, into the wliich he eii- tereil, and liis disciples. 2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place : for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. 3 Judas then, havinir received a band of men and officers from the chief jjriests and Pharisees, com- etlithitlier with lanttjrns and torches and weapons.'' ■1 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him,"-' went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? 5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth.* Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. G As soon then as lie had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground." 7 Tiien asked he tiiein again. Whom seek 3'e? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. 8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if tiierefore ye seek me, let these go their way :^ 9 That the saying might bo fulfilled which he spake. Of them which tiiou gavest me, have I lost none." ID Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it, and smote the liigh-])riest's servant, and cut oU" his rigiit ear." Tlie servant's name was ilalchus. 1 1 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the siieath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?' 12 Then the band and tiie captain and ofScersof the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, • 2 .Sam. ir,n. h Malt, ai: 17, etc. ; Mark H:43.etc.; Luke 22:47, etc. « oh. lii;17 H; Acts 2:2-. d Matt. 2:2.1; ch. 1!):I9. « P«a. 27:2; ll):ll. ' Im. aj:6; Eiih. 3:2.5. J ch. 17:12. h Matt 2U:.5I ; Mark 14:47; I,uk« i Matt. 20:22; 20:09, 4i. J Luke :j:2. • And Annas sent Christ ■HM, 50. 12. Tlio.sc maiiifcBtatioiis of God by which he makes known his character ami will, the duty and blessedness of servinj^ him, and the sin and misery of nej^lecting liini, are means by wliieli be keeps liis peojile witli his mighty power, tlirou};h faith nnto salvation. 1 IVt. 1:.'). 14. Tlicre is a great difference tietwecii tlie 8|)irit of the world and tlic spirit of Christ. One leads us to seek our chief good in earthly tliiiiKS, the other to seek it in learn- ing anil doing the will of (Jod. 17. As divine truth is the great means of sanctifuation, tlie more clearly it is iniderstood and the more faitlifully it is obeyed, the more holy men will be, the more lovely will be their character, and the greater their usefulness and enjoyment. 2:1. increasing union of views, affections, and efforts among the l; I.ukB22:54. m Luke 4: 15; ch. 7: 14. 20. 2t;; l-:2. " Acti 21i:28. t Or. loilh a rod. o Job 18: lU; Jer. 20:2; Acts 23:2, 3. P 1 I'et. .1.111 .lO n C... ..._ t1 2:iu-!>3. q See ver. 13. east side of Jerusalem, between the city and the mount of Olives. It has water only in the rainy season. 2 Hum. 15 : 2.3. 2-11. Jesus is betrayed. Matt. 2n:47-.'')r,. (i. Fell to the jxrnnnd ; jirostrated llicniselves licfiire liim under tiie iiillupnce of his divine power. This showed that they were completely in his jiower; had he seen lit, he could easily have escaped their hands, or summoned legions of angels to his rescue. K T/ie.ic ; his discijiles. !l. Lost none; clia]i. 17:12. 11. Tlic cup; the KulTerings ■which my Father hath ap- pointed for me, shall I not endure them? 13,11. Christ before Caiaphas. Chap. 11 :lfl-,'-)2 ; Matt. 26:. '57. 1.5. Another disciple ; 8Ui(|i08ed to be John, the writer of this goH|iel. I(i. IhonphI in Peter; into the hall or court, which was a square space open above, around which the )ial;iei: Wiis built. The chamber in which the trial of Jesus was going on was open in front, so that I'eler eoulil wilness the trial, and Jesus could see I'ctcr. Mark ll:lli;; buke 22: CI. 19. Asked Jesus; questioned him, as if he and the Sanhe- drim liei'ded information on these jioiiits. 20. Opcn/i/; Malt. 2(i:fl5. 21. Ask llicm wliirli heard me; this was the legal and proper way of gaining evidence. Pilate absolvctk Christ. JOHN XVIII. T/ie Jews choose Barahhas. A.D.33. 25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said. I am not. 26 One of the servants of the liigh-priest, being his kinsman wliose car Peter cut oif, saith, Did not I see tliee iu the garden with liim? 27 Peter then denied again ; and immediately the cock crew." 28 IF Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment:*" and it was early; and tlicy themselves went not into the judgment-hall, lest they should be defiled;'' but that they might eat the passovcr. 29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against tliis man? 30 They answered and said unto him. If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. 31 Then said Pilate unto them. Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:'' 32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should dic.^ 33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment-hall » Matt. a0:74; Mark 14:73; Luke ii-.m, ch. 13:33. • Or, Pilate's /lOuse. b Matt. '27:"2, etc, ; Mark 15;!, etc, ; Luke '2.3:1, etc. <; Acts 10:28. tl Gen. 49:1U; Ezek. 21:27. f Matt. 20; 19; Luke 18:32, 33. f cli. 19:11 ; Acts 3:13. 25-27. Peter's denial. Matt. 26 : 69-75. 28. Hull of judgment ; the (jlace where Pilate the Roman governor held his court. _ Lest theij should be defiled : they would not enter this apartment of a Gentile, lest tliey should be unfitted to partake of the passover ; ,so careful were they about contracting ceremonial pollution, while they were seeking to commit the most horrible crime. But that they might cnt the passover ; see note to chap. 13:1. 28-40. Christ Tiefore Pilate. Matt. 27:1-25. 30. Malefactor ; an evil-doer, violator of law. 31. Ti-ike ye liim, and judge him; see note to chap. 19 :G. Not linrfnl ; the power to put one to death had been taken away from the Jews by the Roman government; and this was the reason why they sought to have Pilate condemn him. 32. T/u saying of Jesus; crucifixion was a Roman pun- ishment, while the Jewish punishment for the crime of which they accused him was that of stoning. Lev. 24:11, 15, IG. By taking him to the Roman governor, they fulfilled his own ]>rediction concerning the manner of his death. Matt. 20:19. 33. Art thou the King of the Jews ? this question was put in consctpience of the Jews having charged him with pre- tending to be a king, which they said was rebellion against Cesar. Luke 23:2; John 19: 12. 34. Of thyself; have you observed any thing treasonable in me ; or do you ask this question iu consequence of what others have told you? 35. Am I a Jew ? as much as to say, Since I am not a Jew, I cannot be sujiposed to be acquainted with the con- troversy which thine own countrymen the Jews have with thee. I wish to liear from thine own mouth in respect to this charge of making thyself !i king. 36. Not of this world; not an earthly kingdom. 37. Art thou a king then ? a king of any sort ? Tliou say- est; this was equiv;ilent to ro]ilying, I am a king. lie then proceeded to show what kind of ;i king he was ; one who came into the world to m;ike known the truth, ;ind to gov- ern men not by force, but l)y spiritual infiuence. Pilate saw that his cliiims were no crime against the Roman gov- ernment, and lience said, 3S. U'hat IS truth? by this question Pilate manifested again, and called Jesus, and said unto him. Art thou the King of the Jews ? 3-1 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself or did others tell it thee of me ? 35 Pilate answered. Am I a Jew ? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me:*' what hast thou done? 36 Jesus answered. My kingdom is not of this world :s if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants light, that I should not be de- livered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.'' 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then ? Jesus answered. Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.' Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.-i 38 Pilate saith unto him, Wliat is truth ? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. 39 But yc have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews ? 40 Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber. e P.-a. 45:3,0; I.=a. 9:0, 7; Dan. 2:44; 7:14; Zech. 9:9; Lnke 12:14; ch. 0:15; Rom. 14:17; Col. 1:13. lilTira.C:13. i Isa. 55:4; Hev. 1:5: 3:14. Jch. 8:47; IJohii 4:0. both his ignorance of our Lord's meaning, and his indiffer- ence in respect to His doctrine. I find in him no fault ; this the Holy Ghost caused to be written on an imperish- able record, that it might stand an eternal monument of the falsehood of the Jews, and the perfect innocence of Jesus Christ. 39. lie have a custom ; Matt. 27 : 15. 40. Not this man, but Barabbas ; Pilate had asked them which they would have him set at liberty, Baraljbas or Christ. Matt. 27:17. Barabbas was guilty of sedition, the crime which they wrongfully charged upon Jesus ; lie w;ts also a robber aiul a murderer. Yet they preferred him (o the Son of God, the Saviour of the world. Mark 15:7; Luke 23:19, 25. INSTRUCTIONS. 1. By communing with Ciod in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, a man is prepared to go forth, in His name and strength, to any duties or trials to which he is called. 4. The sufferings and death of Christ were all foreseen by him, and were perfectly voluntary. He carefully avoid- ed committing Iiimself to his enemies, or suffering them to take him before his time had come; but then he mado no attempt to escape. He even went forth and met them, and conmiittcd himself to their disposal. He went as a lamb to the slaughter ; as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. Isa. 53:7, 8; Acts 8:32, 35. 8. Such was the love of Christ to his disciples, and such his delight iu tlieir enjoyment, that he was more ready to save them from their enemies, than to save himself from the agonies of the cross. 14. The words of Scripture sometimes have a twofold meaning. They may express a meaning which the spc;ikcr had in liis own mind ; they may also express a more im- jiortant me;uung, intended by tlie Holy Spirit, though llio speaker did not ;ipprehend that meaning. Others may ai'ferwards a]iprehenil, and be more benefited liy this meaning, than liy that which the speaker had in his mind. Chap. ll:49-.52. 22. Men may violate law, commit injustice, and art the jiart of tyrants, out of professed regard to the ministers 1225 Chrhsl is scourged, crowned JOHN XIX. with thorns, and crucifitd. CHAPTER XIX. 1 Christ is scourgeJ, crowned with thorns, and beaten. 4 Pilate is desirous to release hitn, but being overcome with the outrage of tiie Jews, he delivered him to be crucified. 'Zi They cast lots for his gar- ments. 26 He commendeth his mother to John. 2S He dieth. 31 His side is pierced. 33 He is buried by Joseph and Nicodemus. THEN Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.'- 2 And the soldier,? phitted a crown of tliorns, and put it ou his head, and they put on hiin a pur- ple robe, 3 And said. Hail, Kino; of the Jews! and they smote liiin witli their hands. 4 Pihite therefore went forth again, and saitli unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I tind no huilt in him.'' 5 Then came Jcsiis I'orth, wearing tlie crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saitli unto them. Behold the man ! 6 When the cliief priests therefore and officers saw liim, they cried out, saying. Crucify him. cru- cify kirn. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in liiin. 7 The Jews answered him, We Iiave a law,'' and by our law he ought to die, because lie made him- self the Son of God." 8 1 Wlien Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid ; 9 And went again into the judgment-hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou ? But Jesus gave him ni) answer." 10 Tlien saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? know(^st thou not that 1 have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?' 1 1 Jesus answered. Thou couldest have no power «!»»..'):): 3; Milt. 27:20, etc. ; Mark 15:15, etc tch. I8:3S; ver. 6. c J^cv 24:1U. i ch.5:ls; 1U:3:1. c Psa. a^:la-, Isa .W:7, Matt. ilM, 14; Phil. \:-l-i. ( Din. .■):I4, 15. r I'aa. 39:9; Luke •22:5:i ; ch. 7:')0. li i\Iark 14:44 ; ch. In::i; Heb. 6:4-S; Ja.«. 4:17. i Luke -ia-.i; Acts 17:7. J Prov. 30:35; and institutions of religion ; and while instigated by the devil and their o\ni evil passions, they may think that they are serving (Jod. Clia]). l(i:2. 2«. Men may be very scriiijulous as to tlio observance of outward ceremonies, yet very reckless as to the com- mission of enormous crimes. No outward profession or inward experience is evidence of jiiety, unless it lead men to hate known sin, and have respect to all Gods command- ments. Psa. 66:18; 110:6. 36. The kingdom of .fesus Christ is a spiritual kingdom, lie reigns by triitli and love over the hearts and lives of men. The friends of truth obey liis voice, and lind in doing it great reward. 2 Cor. 1:2 ; I'sa. 19: II. CIIAPTKll XIX. 1-3. Christ scourged and mocked. Matt. 27:26-31 ; Mark 15:1.5-20. 1. Si.nurfred him ; apparently hoping by this punishment to satisfy the .Ie%vs. Compare Luke 23:22. G. Tiikc lie him, and crntifij him ; said in irony by Pilate, and so undierstood by the Jews, ('ompare chap. 1H:31. 7. We have a law; Lov. 24:16. Pilat« having pronounced bim not guilty of sedition, of which they had accuscil him, they went back to the charge of blasphemy, on which be had been condemned by the council. Matt. 26:63-60. 8. He vrif the more afraid; this was to Pilate a new charge, lie saw that the Jews were resolved to kill him, though innocent ; and as he claimed to be the Son of (jod, he was therefore more an.\ious to release bim. His wife also had sent to hirn to have nothing to do with that just man, for she had suffered many things in a dream because of him. Matt. 27:19. 9. Whenu .irt thou 7 what is thine origin, human or di- < 1226 at all against me, except it were given thee a. o. m. from above:" therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.'^ 12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him ; but tiie Jews cried out, saying. If thou let this man go, thou art not Cesar's friend : wlio.-oevcr makcth himself a king speaketli against Ccsiir." 13 1 When Pilate therefore licard tliat saying, he brought Jesus fortli, and sat down in the judg- ment-seat, in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.J 14 And it was the preparation of the passover,'' and about tlie sixtli hour : and he saitli unto the Jews, Behold your King! 15 But they cried out. Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate sailii unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests an- swered. We have no king but Cesar.' 1() Then delivered he him tiierefore unto them to be crucified.™ And they took Jesus, and led him away. 17 And he bearing his cross wont forth into a place called the place of a skull, wliich is called in the Hebrew, Golgotha: 1 8 W iiere tiiey crucified him, and two others with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst." 19 'i And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And tiie writing was, JESUS OF NAZA- RETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS." 20 This title then read nniny of the Jews; for tlie place where Jesus was crucihed was nigli to tlie city: and it was written in Hebiew, and Greek, and Latin. . 21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Ac:ts4:19. k Matt. 27:02. 1 Gen. 49:10. m Malt. 27:28. etc. ; Mark 15:15, etc.; Luke 23:24, etc. u Num. 15:36; Ileb. 13:12. ' Matl. 27:37; Mark 15:20; Luke 23:38. vine? Noansifer; Jesus had given all needful infurniution about himself, and he did not think proper to add to it. 11. Given thee from above; the power of the civil m:igis- trate is from God, and to (lod he is accountable for the use of it. He that delivered me; CuiapliaB, as high-priest, representing the Jewish council. The jcreutcr sin ; guilty as Pilate was, the Jewish council was still more guilty. They had not only abused the power which (iod gave tliem, but were urging Pilate lo aliuse his; and they were doing it under gre;iU'r light than lie had. 12. Not Cesar's friend ; Tiberius CeKiir. then eni)ieror of Rome. Finding that Pilate would nut cnnilinin .Ickus fur hlasphemy, they returned to the Inrnier charge, of rebel- lion ;igiiiiiHt the Uniniin governmeiil, atid conlended that if he released Jesus he was an enemy to Cesar. He might Iherefore be ciiin))lained of lo the emperor, who was a very jealous and cruel man : and lie niiglit thus lose his ullice, perhaps his life. This induced him lo proceed with the trial. 13. Sal down in the jvd<:mcnl-sfal ; the place for jiassing sentence on criminals. He did this for the purpose of condemning .lesus. He loved his oOice more Ihan his duty; and feared the loss of it more than the commission of juilicial murder. Puremcnt — Gabballia; an elevated place, paved with costly stones. 11. The prejmration : the preparation for the next day, which was the Sabbath, and the great day of tli<^ Jewisii Passover. .Mark 1.1:12. Ahmt the sixth tiour; not far from noon. .Mark says the third hour, or nine o'clock in liio morning. Mark 1.1:2.'). The whole proceedings took sev- eral hours, and thc^ dilTerent evangelists refer to dififcrout periods of the tnmsaetions. 16-22. Christ crucified. Matt. 27:32-35. The death of Christ. JOHN XX. Joseph cntomheth his body. A. D.33 Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. 22 Pilate answei'ed. What 1 have written I have written. 23 1i Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part ; and also Au-coat : now the coat was without seam, woven^ from the top tliroughout." 24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfdlcd, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots.'' These things therefore the soldiers did. 25 1i Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mai'y the wife of Cleophas,*" and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus tiierefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by whom he loved,'' he saith unto his mother. Woman, behold thy son l" 27 Then saith lie to the disciple. Behold thy mother!' And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.^ 28 1 After this, Jesus knowing that all things -were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fuHilled, saith, I thirst.'' 29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus therefore had received the vine- gar, he said. It is finished:' and he bowed his bead, and gave up the ghost.' 31 1 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation,'' tiiat the bodies should not remain upon the cross on tlie sabbath-day,' (for that sab- bath-day was a high day,'") besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken awaj'. 32 Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs * Or, ivTougkt. a Exod.W ■>i. b Psa aa IH tOr Clnpas. ' Luke 24: IS. d :h. l:j •i). = :h. 2:4 f 1 Tim. 5: a. e ch 16::i 1. h Psa 69: al. nh. 17 4. J Isi. M: 10, !•)■ Heb ■J: 14, 15. k ver 4a. Deut. a .:2:i. m Lev. •£i /, 8. n Heb y ■>■>, ■a; I John 5:0, 8. 1 Pet. 3:31. P 1 John 1 1-3. 22. 1 have written; the meaning of this was, that what he had written he would not alter. 23, 2-1. Christ's garments divided. ]\Iatt. 27:35; Psalm 22:18. 26. The disciple; John, chap. 13:2.3. Thy son; one who will henceforth treat thee as his mother, and supply thy wants. 28. The scripture; Psa.. 69:21. _ 30. // is finished ; his work of suffering for human salva- tion. Gave up tlie ghost; di.smissed the soul from its con- nection with the body. Matt. 27:50. 31. A liighdai); a great day — one of peculiar solemnity. Tlieir les;s might be broken; to hasten their death, so that they might be taken from the cross before the Sabbath. 3.j. Ih that saw it; John. Bare record; to a fact that established beyond doubt the real death of Jesus. 3(3. The scripture; E.xod. 12:4G; Num. 9:12. A bone of him shall not be broken ; these words, originally spoken o( the paschal lamb, which was the type of Cliris't, were now fultilled in the great antitype. 37. Another scripture ; Zech. 12:10. 38-42. Christ's burial. Matt. 27:57-01. 39. Nir.odeinus ; chap. 3:1, 2. 42. Nigh at hand ; near the place where lie was crucified. INSTRUCTIONS. 8. Men who do, or consent to others doing what they of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs : 34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood" and. water." 35 And he that saw it bare record," and his rec- ord is true; and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. 36 For these things were done, that the scrip- ture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. 1 37 And again another scripture saith. They shall look on him whom they pierced. "■ 38 H And after this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews,'* besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus : and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. 39 And there came also Nicodcmus, which at the first came to Jesus by night,' and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes," about a hundred pounds iceight. 40 Then took they the Ijody of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.'' 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden ; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. 42 There laid they Jesus therefore,'" because of the Jews' preparation-day;^ for the sepulchre was nigh at hand. CHAPTER XX. 1 Mary cometh to the sepulchre; 3 so do Peter and John, ignorant of the resurrection. 11 Jesus jippearelh to Mnry Magdalene, 19 and to liis disciples. 24 The incredulity, and confession of Thomas. 30 The scripture is suflicient to salvation. ^T^PIE first day of the week cometh Mary Mag- JL dalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the t Kxod. 12 46; N urn. 1-i; Psa. 34 :20 r Psa 22:16 Zech. 12 10, Bev. 1 7. . ch. 9:-i->; 12: 4a. 1 ch. 3:1, ■•ii 7:50. u 2 Chr. 16:14. V Acts 5:6. w Isa. 53:9 lUor. 15:4. » ver. 31. know to be wrong, are always liable to great and dis- tressing fears. Conscience condemns them ; and though it sometimes sleeps, it may at any moment awake and till them with terror. 11. Judicial authority and power are gifts of God, for the use of which men are accountable to him; and injus- tice committed by magistrates under the cover of law, is among the most wicked of all tran.sgressions. 23. The actions of wicked men, as well as of good men, are a fulfilment of the Scriptures. Though they mean not so, neither do their hearts think so, yet they arc evidences to the truth of God's declarations, and that in due time they will all be accoiiiplislied. Isa. 10:7. 27. The duty of filial affection, and of the most ready and conscientious discharge of relative duties, was taught by Jesus Christ amid.st the agonies of the cross; and no (iue can imitate him who is not kind to his mother, and who does not, as \n'. ha.s aliility and she has need, provide for the ,«ii]iply of her wants. M'k The pnividmces of God are so ordered as to bo a i'ullilmcnt of his word ; and both unite in )iroclaiming that his counsel .shall stand, and that he will do all his pleas- ure. Isa. Ki: 10. CHAPTER XX. 1. Mary Magdalene ; Matt. 28:1. 1227 Christ appearelh to Mary, JOHN XX. and to his apostles. sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre." 2 Tlien she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple wlioni Jesus loved,'' and saith unto them, They have tiikou away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and \\c know not where they 'have laid him. 3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other dis- ciple, and came to the sepulchre." 4 So they ran both together: and the other dis- ciple did outrun Peter,'' and came first to the sep- ulchre. 5 And lie stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying;"' yet went he not in. (5 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, 7 And the napkin tliat was about his head,'' not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. 8 Then went in also that other disciple which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and be- lieved. 9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead."^ 10 Tlien the disciples went away again unto their own home. 11 " I>ut Mary stood without at the sepulchre wee]iing: and as she wept siie stooped down and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at tlie head, and the otlier at the feet, where tlic body of Jesus iiad lain.'' 13 Ami they say unto her, Woman, why wcepest thou? She saith unto them, IJocausc they have taken away my Lord, and 1 know not where they have laid him. 14 And when she had thus said, she turned her- self back, and saw Jesus standing,' and knew not that it was Jesus.-' l.j Jesus saith unto her. Woman, why wecpest thou? whom seekest thou? Slie, supi)Osing him to be the gardener, saith unto him. Sir, if thou have • MiU. a-:l,etc. 1 Mark 10;l,clc. ; Luko 24:1, etc. >• ch. 13:i1; 19:2n; 21:7.aJ. cLukoalili. a. 4»:I ; ch. IU:a n<8(,ng:t:4. •• Vix. ii-.-a; Rom. 8:29; Hcb.*;!!. o ch. Ifl;*<. p Rom. b: 14, 13; 2 Cor. 2. Tlie Other diuiple ; Joliii. 8. Ik saw, and helmed; tliat Jesus was risen from the dead. The fiict th;it tlie grave-clothes had all lieeu left in the toinh, arrange'l in an orderly manner, convinced him that the 1)0 \y of .Icsiis had not been taken away by friends or foes. 9. Fur OS y:t they knew vol; as much as to say, Tlicy needed tlii.s evidence of Ki'.;ht to convince tli. Kicijit I slinll sec ; this shows how dilTicult it was to convince even the disciples that .lesus iiad risen from tlio dead. 20. After ciplil dni/s; on the next Lord's day. 27. Kench hitlier lliy finger ; this showed that Jesus know what Thomas had said. Christ convinctlh Tiinmas. JOHN xxr. He appcarcth in Gal ike. A. D.33. finger, and behold my hands; and rcacli hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side;'' and be not faithless, but believing.'' 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him. My Lord and my God."" 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou liast lielieved: blessed are they that have not seen, and yrf have believed." 30 H And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not writ^ ten in this book :^ 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God;'' and that believing ye might have life through his name.'' CHAPTER XXI. 1 Christ appearing again to his disciples was known of them by the great draught of tishes. V2 He dineth with them; 15 earnestly com- mandeth Peter to feed his lambs and sheep; IS foretetleth him of his death; 22 rebuketb liis curiosity touching John. 25 The conclusion. AFTER these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias ; and on this wise showed he himsdf. 2 Tliero were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Natlianael of Gana in Galilee,'' and the so)is of Zebedee,' and two other of his dis- ciples. 3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him. We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. > 1 John 1:1. b 1 Tim. 1:14. ' Psa. 118:38] ch. 5:4!; 1 Tim. 3:16. illPet.l:3. ech.21:2.5. tLukel:4. f ch 3: 15. 10; 5:21 ; 1U:10; I Pet. 28. My Lord and mij God; this was addressed to Jesus Christ, and was commended by him as a just expression of true faith. 29. Bldiied arc tliey ; they who like Thomas beheve in Christ, and thougli they liave not seen liim, ael^nowledge him as their Lord and tlieir God. 30. Signs ; miracles in proof of liis divinity, and liis res- urrection from tlie dead. SI. Ye might believe ; exercise living faith in Christ, and throu;^li this faith be justified, sanctified, and saved. INSTRUCTIONS. I. Believing woman, last at the cross and first at the tomb, has often manifested quenchless love for the Re- deemer, and dauntless courage in his cause. II. We are often distressed and weep at that which 8prini;s fnun and is the manifestation of infinite love, and which will best promote the glory of Uod and the everlast- ing good of men. 14. Christ is often much nearer to us, and much better acquainted with our cmidition, than we imagine; and he can easily so manifest liimself that our weeping slr.iU be turned to joy, and our mourning to praise. in. After his resurrection, Clirist first showed himself to jMary Ahigdalone, out of whom lie had cast seven devils ; not to .Mary his mother. He would not by wcu'd or deed do any thing to countenance the superstitious reverence and idolatrous worship which has since been offered to the Virgin. 19. From the resurrection of Christ to the present time, his jieople have assembled for imblic worship on the first day of the week, and while thus assembled ho has often manifested himself to them as he does not to the world, and kindly spoken peace to their souls. 20. Christ apjiealcd to, and admitted the correctness of the judgment of our senses. To these the evidences of 4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore; but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.^ 5 Then Jesus saith unto them. Children," have ye any meat?" They answered him. No. 6 And he said unto them. Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.' 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fish- er's coat unto him, for he was naked, and did cast himself into the sea. 8 And the other disciples came in a little ship, (for they were not far from laud, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. 9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. 11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, a hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. 12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him. Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giv- cth them, and fish likewise."' 1:9. h ch. 1:45. i Matt. 4:21. J ch. 20:14. I Luke 5:4-7. niAot3lU:41. Or, Sirs, k Luke 24:41. his miracles and of his resurrection were addressed. By these it was known with perfect certainty, that his mira- cles were real, and his resurrection true ; by these also it is known, with equal certainty, that the doctrine of trun- substantiation is false. 22. Jesus Christ, by his Spirit, will furnish his ministers lor the discharge of all the duties to wdiich he calls them ; and they may at all times with aiiectionate confidence look to him for all needed aid. 28. Jesus Christ approves of being addressed by his people as their Lord and their God. The more they be- come acquainted with him, the deeper is their conviction that this is his true character, and the more do lioth affec- tion and duty lead them thus to adore him. Chap. 5:23. 31. As the object of God in causing his truth to be writ- ten and printed was, that men might believe and be saved, all should be taught, and should be disposed to read it. It was given in this form to promote the salvation of men, and is often rendered eft'eetual by the Holy S))irit for this purpose. It should therefore, without liinderance and without delay, be circulated among all people. CHAPTER XXI. 1. Sen of Tiberias; the same as the sea of Galilee and the lake of Gefinesaret. Matt. filS; 20:32; 28:10; M;irk 11:28; 16:7. 2. Ufliis disciplea; Matt. '1:21; 10:2-4. 5. Meat; the word in the original means something eaten with bread, as fiesh or fish. 7. Tliat disciple; John. Was naked; without his outer garment, as was common with fishermen. 8. Two hundred ciihits; about twenty rods. 9. A fire of coals — -fisli; which had been miraculously provided by the Lord. 12. Dine ; the original word was applied to a meal taken in the early part of the day. 122'J Feeding Christ's flock. JOHN XXI. The death of Fclcr foretold. 1-1 Tliis is now the tliird time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead." 15 \ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these ?'' He saith uutn him, Yea, Lord ; tlinu knowestthat I love thee, lie saith unto him. Feed my lambs." 16 lie saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him. Yea, Lord ; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him. Feed my sheep.'' 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved he- cause he said unto him the tliird time, Lovest thou me?" And he said unto him. Lord, thou knowest all things;'' thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him. Feed my sheep. 18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee. When thou ■wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkcdst whither thou wouldest : but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and an- other shall gird thee,'' and carry thee whither thou wouldest not." « Oh. 20:19, 20. I> Matt. SG:*?, :!5. e Isa. 40:11; Jit.3;15; Ezek. 34:2- 10; Acts 20:**; I Pet. .i:2, 4. i Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 2:25. c Lam. 3::». fch. 10::)0. l!Acts2l:ll. h ch. 13:36; Acts 12:3, 4. i2Pct. 1:14. J Num. 14. The third time ; the third time that he appeared to the apostles when together. l.'i. More than thexe? more than the other disciples, as Peter had intimated that lie did. Matt. 2G:3:i; John 13:37. Lnmhi ; the tender and feeVile followers of Christ tlie groat and good Sliepherd. Chap. 10:11-IG. l(i. f^li^cp ; more advanced Cln'istians. 17. Peler wax grieved; the thrice repeated question re- minded him of ids thrice repeated denial of his Jjord. Feed; communicate spiritual instruction and take care of their souls. Acts 20:28. 18. Girdedst tin/self; he was at liherly to go imd come at pleasure. St rctdi forth tin/ kinds; in crucifixion. Gird thee; bind thee for execution. The binding, thouglr com- ing before crucifixion, is named after it. ID. Sifrnifi/iiif^; pointing out beforehand. Follow me; in ;ui emphatic sense, Follow mo not only as my disciples, but in my crucifixion also. 20. Wliom Jesus Inved ; chap. 13:23-20. 21. Lord, and what slialt tins man do? in what way shall he die ? 22. Tiiot he Inrrij; that he stay on the earth and not die. Till I cnme; words designedly left indefinite. Our Lord's providential coming in the destruction of Jerusalem seems to have been referred to. What is that to llire? it is none of thy business, nothing about which you should concern your.self. 2.'i. S'lorddiwl die; a tradition from the days of the apr)s- tlcs, which was not true. If I v>dl lliitt he tarry till I aiinv; it was the business of Christ to direct with regard to the length of John's life, anil the manner of his de;itli, and not the business i\( Peter. It wiuild do him no good to be informed, and Christ would nut encourage him in making uselc/fs inipiiries. * 21. Tins is the diviple ; John, the writer of this gospel. 2,'). The vnrld itself could not contain; this is a strong ex]iression, disigiii'd to convey the idea that if all winch Christ said and did were written, the books would be very 19 This s)iake he, signifying by what death a. n at. he should glorify God.' And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.' 20 Then Peter, turning about, sceth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at sup])er, and said. Lord, which is he that betrayeth tiieo? 21 Peter seeing him, saith to Jesus, Lord, and what sliall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him. If I will that he tarry till I come,'' what is that to thee? follow thou me.' 2.3 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciiil(> should not die : yet Jesus said not unto him. tic shall not die; but. If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? 24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true." 25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did," the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the Morld itself could not contain the books that should be writ- ten." Amen. 14:24; 1 ,'iam. 12:20; Matt. 19:2**; ch. 12:20. k Malt. 2.3:31; R v. l:7j 22:20. 1 ver. 19. ■>> ch. 19:33; 3 John 12. ■"oh.20:30. oAmos7:10. many, much too numerous for the highest usefuluess to men. INSTRUCTIONS. 3. Our wants are to be stipjdied through our owii volun- tary and active instrumentality. Due ;iltentiiin to worlilly concerns is required, and is acceptable to Jesus Christ. When rightly employed in secuhir business, men are serv- ing hiiii as really as when eniployed in religious duties, and will equally meet his ap)ir(iliation. fi. For success in our worldly business we are dependent ujion Ciod; and whenever we receive earthly blessings it is friini hini, who openeth his hand and supplieth the wants of every living thi)ig. I'sa. 1I;">:1.'), IC. 14. When ministers of Christ follow his directions, they will have abund;uit evidence of the truth of all his decla- nitions ; so that in addressing others on the great concerns of salvation, they may sjiciik of whiit they know, and tes- tify to what they have seen of the nianifestalions of his power and grace. 17. The most import.ant of all qualifications for a minis- ter of the gospel, anil fcu" the right discharge of all ilnties, is love to .lisns f^hrist; and those who possess ;uid rightly manifest tliis, may expect to be rendered eminently useful to themselves .and their fellow-men. la. No ardency of devotion to the cause of Christ, and no degree of usefulness will secure his seryanls from great trials, or even from violent de;ilh ; but no tri;ils will como upon them except under the direction of Cod, ;iud such as will best prepare them to glorify and enjoy him. 22. Every man should mind his own jnojier business ; while he shoidd be c:ueful not tu neglect his ;i|qiiii|iri;ito coTicerns, he shoidd be eipially careful not tu intenneddlo with the concerns of others. 2.S. Men may spe;ik and write too much, even about ridigion. Their usefulness depends not so much on the amount of what is spoken or writlen, as on its fitness and pro])riety. " A word fitly sjioken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Prov. 25:11. 1230 THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. From Luke's introduction to the Acts of the Apostles, we learn that the work was composed after the completion of his gospel, chap. 1:1. lie appears as the travelling companion of Paul, chap. 16:10-17; and again from chap. 20:5, to the end of the book. He brings down the history of the apostle's labors and suiferings to the close of the second year of his imprisonment in Rome, chap. 28 : 30. The most prob- able reason why the narrative breaks off there is, that this waS the date of its publication — that is, about A. D. 63 or 65. What has been said of Luke's gospel applies also to the present work. It was composed, if not under Paul's immediate superintendence, at least with his full knowledge and approbation ; and has ever been received by Christians as an authentic account of the apostolic age of the church. Though the book is entitled the "Acts of the Apostles," it does not contain the complete history of the labors of any one apostle, much less of the whole body of them. In the first two chapters we have an account of the choice of Matthias to fill the place of Judas, and of the inauguration of the Christian dispensation by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Of the following ten chapters, the sixth and seventh contain an account of the choice of the seven primitive deacons, and in connection with this, of the martyrdom of Stephen. A part of the eighth chapter relates the labors of Pliilip the evangelist, and a part of the ninth, the conversion of Paul. The remainder of these chapters is almost wholly occupied with an account of the labors of Peter, either alone or in company with John. Of the sixteen chapters that f!)llow, 13-28, the fifteenth relates the decision of the apostles and elders respecting the attoinpt to impose circumcision and the law of Moses upon the gentile converts. All the rest is devoted to the labors of the great apostle of the Gentiles. Hence it appears that more than three-fourths of the book is occu- pied with the history of Peter and Paul. It did not please the wisdom of God to give us much informa- tion respecting the doings of the other apostles. But the record which we have is sufficient to give us a clear insight into the spirit which animated the primitive Christians, the divine power that accompanied their labors, and the persecutions which they suffered from a world lying in wickedness. It is a record from which the servants of Christ have drawn abundant instruction and encouragement in all past ages, and from which they will continue to do so till the end of time. A.D33. CHATTER I. 1 Chri.st, preparing his apostles to tile beholding of his ascension, gath- ereth them together nito the nionnt Olivet, e.omnnandeth them to expect in Jerusalem the sending down ol the Holy Ghost, proiniseth after few days to send it; by virtue whereof they should he witnesses unto him, even to the utmost parts of the earth. 9 After his ascension they are warned by two angels to depart, and to set their minds upon his second coming. 12 They accordingly return, and giving them- selves to prayer, choose Matthias apostle in the place of Judas. I'^IIE former treatise have I made," Theophi- . Iu3, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 Until the day in wliich he was taken up,*" after a Luka 1:1-1, etc. b Luke -M-.r,] ; ver. 9; ITim..'!:IG. c Matt. 2-:!'.); Mark 18:1.5-19. i Luke 24:15; John ch. 20, 21. • Or, ealing Ingtlhtr. CHAPTER I. 1. Tlie former treatise; the f,'os)iol of Lnko. The hook of Acts was written by Luke, and addressed to the same indiviihial to wliom he aiMresseil his f^ospel. Luke \:'A. Be^an both Id do and tmr.h ; the nieuniii}; is, that ho liaa given Jesus' works and tcachiugB from the beginning. that he through the Holy Ghost had given com- mandments unto the apostles whom he had (■hosen:"= 3 To whom also he showed liiinself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs,'' being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things per- taining to the kingdom of God: 4 And being assembled together" with (hem, eonimanded them that tliey .should not dejiart from Jerusalem,'' but wait I'or the promise of the Father, which, saitli he, ye have heard of me.' 5 For John truly baptized with water ; ^ but ye e Luke 24:49. ' John ch. 14, 1 J, 16. !■ Matt. 3:11 ; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:lGj John 1:33. 2. The day in wliich lie was taken tip; taken uii t(J heaven. Luke 2l:.';i. 3. If is passion; liis Kuflferin;;, especially on the cross. 4. The promise; the promise of tlie IIolv Spirit. Heard of me; Jcihn l):lfi, 20; ir):2fi; 1(;:7-13. 5. John tnihj baptized with water; Matt. 3:11; Mark 1;8; Luke 3: l(i ; John 1:33. 1231 Tlie ascensicn of Christ. ACTS I. Matthias chosen apostle. shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many [ days hence." () When they therefore were come together, tliey asked of him, saying. Lord, wilt tliou at tins time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons whicli tlie Father hath put in liis own power."^ S But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost i^ come upon you :' and ye shall be witness- es unto uie both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in f^araaria, and uuto the uttermost part of the earth." 9 And when he had spoken these tilings, while tliey beheld, he was taken up ; and a cloud received him out of their siglit. 10 And while tliey looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two meu stood by tlieni in wliite apparel :" 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee,'^ why stand ye gazing u]) into heaven ? this same Jesus, whicli is taken uj) from you into heavey, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.' 12 Tiicn returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet,'' which is from Jerusalem a sabijath-day's journey. 13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and Jolin.and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James f/ie son of Al- pheus, and Simon Zelotos, and Judas the brother of James.' 14 Tiiese all continued with one accord in prayer and sup])lication, witli tlie women.J and Mary the motlicr of Jesus, and witii his brethren. 15 TAnd in those days Peter stood up in the • Ch.a:J; 10:«; 11;)S. b I,a. hjO; Dan. 7:27; Malt. a-):3, 4. c Matt. Sii-TS; 1 ThPS*. 5: 1. *2, ' Or. tkt poicrr nf thf Holy (tliost romhtf; upon yoii. ■1 Malt. 2-h:I Luke 24:52. i Luke (1:13-10. i Luke 23:49, 55; C. Restore a^ain tlie kiiigilnm ; tlic temporal kingdom, by delivering the J.ews from the jiower nt' tlic Itonians. 7. Tiic tiinex or the seasoii'i ; for the estaliliKhmeiit of earthly kiii.^doms. Tlie words eontain a general rel>nl<(' of that curiosity which engageB men in v;iin questions ahout the timeH and seasons of (iod's iirovidenti;il di';dings with men. 8. Ye s'tatl receive power; he turns a\v;iy their llionjrhts from these vain Iminiries to the 8|)iritu:il olhce and work for whieli they are aliont to be furnished from on high. 10. Tvo men; angels in the form of men. Luke 24:4; .John 20:12. 11. Socome; come to judgment. Miitt. 2(i:fi4; Rev. 1:7. 12. A xaljltnlti-ila ifx jounicii ; a little less than a mile. 14. Miirij Ihr m'lt/ier of Jcsun ; this is the ordy time she is mentioned ;ifter the resurrection of Christ, and she Wiis with other redeemeil sinners supplicating (lod for mercy. Ki. T/iis scripture; that nuotcil in ver. 20. 18. Tliis mnn purclinml ; he was tin? occasion of pnrchas- ing, as it was jiurchased with the money which he received for tietraying Christ. Fullin/r lieiiiltons;; he first hanged himself, .\fiitt. 27:.'), and then tell as here mentioned. 20. Tlie book of Psulms; I'sa. 09:2.0; 109:8. lii.ihoprie ; ollicc. 22. From the baptism of John ; the time when Christ en- tered on the duties of his juddic ministry. 24. Which knoxrest tlie hearts of alt ; this is the peculiar prerogative of God, 1 f'hron. 2K:9; I'sa. 139:1, 23; Jer. 17:10; .lohn 2:24, 2.^); 21:17; lU-v. 2:18, 23; and yet this prayer was evidently addressed to Christ. 1232 midst of the disciples, and .said, (the nnuiber A.r.ii of tlic names together were about a hundred and twenty.) 16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs liavc been fulhlled, which the Holy Giiost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas," which was guide to them tiiat took Jesus.' n For he was numbered with us,"' and had ob- tained part of this ministry. 18 Now this man jiurcliased a lieKl with the re- ward of iniipiity ;" and falling headlong, iie burst asunder in the midst, and all liis bowels gusiied out. 19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem ; insomuch as that field is called, in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, Tlie held of blood. 20 For it is written in the liook of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and h't no man dwell therein:" and, Ilis bishopric* let anotlier take.'' 21 W^herefore of these men which iiave compa- nied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,' 22 Beginuingfrom the baptism of Jdlm, unto that same ilay tiiat lie was taken up from us. must one be ordained to be a witness with us of iiis resur- rection. 23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Bar- sabas,'' who was surnamed Justus, and JIatthias. 24 And they prayed, and said, Tiiou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all «ic«,' show whether of tiiese two thou iiast chosen, 2.') Tiiat lie may take part of this ministr^v and apostlcshiji, from wiiich Judas by transgression fell, that he niiglit go to his own jilacc. 26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Mattliias; and he was numbered witli the eleven apostles. 21:10. k P.«a.4l: padocia, in Pontiis, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Eome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do liear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God."^ " Lev. vi-i:lo. b cli. 1:U. « ch. 4:31. J ch. 1:.5 ' .Mark l(i:17; cli. 1U:4G. ' Gr. w/ien this voice was made, 1 Or, troubled in mind. fch.l:ll. rl Cor. I2:IU, as. hob. 17:20. ilThess. 6:7. J Joel d:i:*.^JJ k Isi, 44::3; Ezek. 30:27. 1 ch. 21:4, 9, 10; 1 Cor. 12:10. m l\iirk 1:J:24; 2 I'el. 3:7, lU. 2.5. In the future woiM every m;in will go to the jilace for which he is prepared. To he prepared for heaven, he must in this world lie heavenly in temper and comluet. If he is not, his place in the next world will lie in hell. Psa. 9:17; Matt. 5:3(1; 10:28; Luke 1(;:23; Rev. 20:11. CHAPTER II. I. Penlecnxt; this signifies the fiftieth, and was the name of the feast which was celeliratcd on the fiftieth day from the second day of the Jewisli jiassover. 3. Cloven tongues like as nf fire; in the form of tongues divided, and in appearance like fire, which rested upon each of the apostles. 4. Filled leilh Ike Holy Ghost; received hi.s niiracnlons gifts. Speak with otlier loiif^ues; in various otlier languages, which they had not before known. ,5. Diee'lina;; sojourning during the feast of Pentecost. Evt'rij nation; a general expression for people of various countries, as mentioned in ver. 0-11. C. IVerc confounded; astouisheil, and thrown into great perplexity. 8. How licnr ire ; wo Parthians, Modes, and Elamites hear each in his own tongue. 10. Frovliilcs; Oentilcs who had been converted to the Jewish religion. II. The wonderful works of God; with respect to Ilia Son. 14. The eleven; tlie eleven apostles. IS 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another. What meaneth this?'' 13 Others mocking, said, These men are full of new wine. 14 1 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up Ids voice, and said unto them. Ye men of Judca, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and liearken to ray words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is btit the third hour of the day.' 16 But this is that wiiich was spoken by the prophet Jocl,^ 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Sjiirit u])on all flesh i"^ and your sons and your daughters shall pro|)hcsy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men sliall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my hand-maidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:' 19 And I will sliow wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke : 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood,"' before that great and nota- ble day of the Lord come : 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." 22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs," which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know : ^ 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate coun- sel and foreknowledge of God." ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain :■■ 24 Whom God hath raised np, having loosed the pains of death:" because it was not possible that lie should be holden of it.' n Psa. f(i:5 ; Rom 10 13; 1 C nr. 1:2; Heb. 4:16. Jol.u 14 10. n ; Heb. .) 4. p John 15:24. q Luke 22 22 24:44; ch.3:18 r Matt 2- :l ; ch. .■")::«). s Luke 24: I ch. ;i:;i(l, 34; 1 C ir. B:14; Eph. 1 20; Col. o 12 1 Thess. 1 lU; Heb. l:i:20; 1 ret. 1:21. t John 10:1s. 15. Tiie third hour ; nine o'clock in the morning, too early for them to be att'ectod with strong drink. This was also the hour of morning worship, and devunt .Tews were not accustomed to take food or drink till after that time. IG. This is that; a fulfilment of Joel 2:28-32. Peterdoes not quote the exact words of Joel, but the sense. 17. Last days; in the time of the Messiah; uniler the gospel dispensation. See visions — drcnm dreams; these are mentioned as among the ways in which (j'od reveals his will to men. Matt. 2 : 13. 18. Shall prophcsij ; proclaim the will of God, and make known future events. Acts 21:0-11. 13.7 will sIlow imnders ; such as are described, or referred to, in Matt. 24:20-42; Luke 21:25-36. 20. Sun — turned into darkness; the sun and moon were emblems of the civil government of the Jews, which should be overthrown and destroyed before that great and notable day, when the Lord .shotild appear for the salvation of his friends and the destnution of his enemies. Compare notes to M;illhew, chiilK 24. 21. Call on the name of the Lord; Hom. 10: 12-M ; 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Tim. 2:22. 23. Him, being delivered; Matt. 26:53-56; Luke 22:22; 24:46; John I8::!7; 19:11. 24. It was not possible ; that Jesns should continue in the grave, consistently with the fulfilment of (lod's deterniiiia- tion to raise him up, as foretold iiy David. Psa. 16:8-11. 1233 Wil'ness to the resurrection. ACTS II. Great numbers converted. 25 For David speakctli concerning liim, I fore- saw tlie Lord always before my face ; for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved : 26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad ; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thy Holy One to see cor- ruption. 28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy counte- nance." 29 Men and brethren, let me* freely speak unto you of the patriarcii David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet,*' and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him,"^ that of tiie fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;'' 31 He seeing this before,'' spake of the resurrec- tion of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did .see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up,'' whereof we all are wituesses.-' 33 Tiicrefore lieing by the right hand of God e.xalted,'' and having received of the Father tlic promise of the Holy Ghost,' he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hcar.J 34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but lie saith himself The Louo said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool." 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel knowas- ' Psi. lli:'<-ll. • Or, / fimy. >> 2 Sam -il-.i. ' Hob. 6:17. i d Sam. 7:14, l-i; Paa. 13-i:ll. » 1 I'et. 1:11. 1-,'. ' ynT. 21. S I-uke21:4-. h cli. .5:31; Phil. 2:9 i John lli:7, 1.3; ch. 1 :4. J ch. I0:4S; Eph. 4:8. k Psi. 110:1; iMatt. i«:ll. I P«a. i:i. 6-ti; Zech l:i:I; .lohn iiX; ch. 5:;il. 2.'). H'm; the .Measiali. IforeaaictlicLnrd; saw the Lord before my eyes, as an ol)jcet of continual trust. 20. Ill Impe; in hope of a resurrection, without corrup- tion in the grave. 27. licit ; this woril here does not mean, as it often does, the ]>lace of endless torment ; Viut tlie place or state of tlie deail. Tliij llnlij One; .lesus (,'hrist. 2H. Full of joy; the joy of the .Messiali, in view of his certiiin resurrection and ascension to heaven. 30. Sworn with an oalh ; 2 ,Sani. 7 : 12-29 ; Psa. 89 : 3, i, 3.5- 37; i:i2:ll; Luke l::i2,.i:i. 0/'//«'//u// o//j«/o/h.'!,- of his de- scendants. Tositoii liiillironc; rule over the jieople of (Jod. 3:!. 7/i« /jrom/ve; Joliii II :2ri ; l.'>:2(>; l(i:7, 13-15. This; their power to speak in various laiit;ua<;es. 3t. .Srf tkou Oil my ng'il Imnd; he e.\alted and thine ene- mies all subdued. P.sa. 110:1 ; Matt. 22:42-11;. 3iJ. llnisc of Itracl ; the .Jewish nation. Lord; John 17:2; 1 Cr)r. H:r>; Kph. 1:20-23. 37. Ikitrd thin; that they had crucified the Jfessiah, the Lord of j;lory. Prirkcd in their heart ; convicted of sin and deeply distressed. What shalt ux do I to bo saved from the guilt and punishment of sin. 3tl. Kcpcnt ; hate and forsake sin. Be linplizcd ; in pro- feasion of their faith in Christ, and their consecration to bis service. Tlie gift of tlie Holy Ghost ; the Holy i^pirit, to enlif^hten their minds, purify their hearts, ami fit them to know and do the will of God. 39. Tlie promine; the promised influences of the Holy Spirit, and of pardon and s;dvatioii lhrou;;h repentance and f;iith in the Hedeemer. Afiiroff; distiint nations, (Jentiles as well as .Jews. Shalt rail ; by the preaching of his gospel, and leading them to embrace it. 40. Save yourselves; by forsaking your sins and believing 1234 suredly, flmt God hath made that same Jesus, a. d. 33. whom ye have crucilied, both Lord and Christ.' 37 1 Now when they heard //;w, they were pricked in their heart,'" and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles. Men and brethren, what shall we do ?" 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall re- ceive the gift of the Holy Ghost." 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your chil- dren,'' and to all that are afar ofl",'i even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and e.xhort, saying, Save yourselves from this un- toward generation. 41 If Then they that gladly received his word were baptized : and the same day there were added unfo them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apos- tles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.'' 43 And fear came upon every soid : and many wond(!rs and signs were done by the apostles." 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common ;' 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man liad need." 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house,+ did eat their meat with gladness and sin- gleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favor with all the peo[)le.'' And the Lord added to the church daily such as should bo saved."' m Ezek. 7:1U; Znch. 12:10. » ch. 9:8; 18:30 o Luke 21:47; ch. .1:19. p Joel 2:2-j. q Eph. 2:13, 17. r 1 Cor. 11:2; Heb. 10:25. • Mark 18:17. I ch. 4:32, 34. u l»4. 5»:7; 2 Cor. 9:1. 9; 1 John 3:17. 1 Or, at home. 'Luke 2:52; Rom. 14:18. «■ ch. 5: 14; 1 1:24. on the Messiah, deliver yourselves from the guilt ami ruin of this perverse and wicked generation. Matt. 11:1G-19; 12:39; 10:4; 23::54-38. ■i 1. They Ihiil ghidly received his word ; they who believed what Peter had said, and were disposed to comply with his ilircctions. Were added; added to the conii)any of believers. 42. Coidinncd stendfasthj ; in Iheir attendance U]ioii, recep- tion of, and obedience t(.i the teiiching of the aiiostles; in Christian communion with one anotlier, and uniled prayer and supplication fur blessings un tliemselves and tlx'ir fel- low-men. 4;i. Fair came; on account of the gre;it things which (ioil had done and eiiiibled the apostles to do. 44. All thinps common ; so far iis Iheir nuitiiid w:inls re- quired. They did not cst;iblisli a community (d'g Is by any forin;d arr;ingemenl, but in the fulness of Christian love the rii-h sold their ]ioKsessioiis :ind goculs, that distri- bution might be m;iile to such iis needed ;ud. 4li. T'icy, conlinninp; unitedly to frecpunt the teiiiide at the daily hours of jirayer, and joyfully part;d;ing ol bread at each ollntr's houses, with sincere ;ind upright lie;irts. 47. Favor with all ; general favor. Tlve church; the com- pany of believers. Saved; from eternid ruin, through re- pentance of sin and f:iith in .Jesus Christ. l.NSTHrCTlONS. 4. When Christians are united in waiting upon God by prayer and supplication, they may expect in due lime to receive iibundaiitly of his blessings; and to be furnished by his Spirit for the viirious duties to which they an- (;;dled. 1.3. f)pjposers of thi' Work of (Jod show the we;ikiiesKand wickedness of their ciiiise, by the measures which llii'y ado[if,;ind the means they use to support it. \Vhen drunk- A lame man restored. ACTS III. Peter's exhortation. A.r.33. CHAPTER III. 1 Peter preaching to the people that came to see a lame man restored to his feet, V2 professetli the cure not to iiave been wrought by his or John's own power or holiness, but by h : 17. 2. Called Beautiful; this was a very splendid gate on the east side of the (ciM|)le,near to Solomon's porch. John 10:23. G. Such as lliavc; the power, namely, to cure him of his lameness. In llie name af Jesus Christ; when the Saviour were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto iiini. 11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the peojile ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's,'' greatly wondering. 12 1 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this ? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?' 13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob,^ the God of our fathers,'' hath glorified his Son Jesus;' whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate,-* when he was deter- mined to let him go.'' 14 But ye denied the Holy One' and the Just,"" and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15 And killed the Prince* of life, wliom God hath raised from the dead ;" whereof we are witnesses." 16 And his name, through faith in his name, hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this per- fect soundness in the presence of you all. 17 And now, brethren, I wot that through igno- rance ye did it, as did also your rulers.^ 18 But those things which God beforehad showed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer,*! he hath so fulfilled. 19 Repent ye therefore,"' and be converted,'* that your sins may be blotted out,' when the times of re- freshing shall come from the presence of the Lord : " 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ,'' which before was preached unto you : • Or, Author; John 1:4; 1 Jnhn 5:11. n Matt. 2H:2-0; Eph. l:--'0 o ch. 2;:!2. P Luke 2:i::14; John 10:3; 1 Cor. 2:8. q Luke 24:14; ch. 2(i:22, 23. rch. 2:3S. s Isa. 1:16-20; Joel 2:13. t Isa. 43:25. u Jer. 31 : 2.3-25 ; Zeph. 3:14-20; Rev.21;4. 'oh. 1:11; Heh. 9:2J. wrought miracles, the power existed in himself. lie per- formed them in his Father's name only in the sense that the Father had sent him to do them. John 5:3(1; 10:25. But when the apostles wrought miracles the power was wholly in Christ, and they obtained the exercise of it through faith in him. Compare verses 12, IG. 13. Glorified his Son ; by showing in his resurrection and ascension that he was the Messiah, and that his claim to be divine was just. 14. Denied tlie Holy One; Psa. 16:10; Acts 2:27; Matt. 27:16-26. 16. His name; his power. Faith — hath given; faith was the means, Peter the iiistrument,and Christ ttie cause of the cure. 17. Through ignorance; they did not know when they crucified him, that he was the Messiah. They ought to have known it ; and had they rightly improved their means of knowledge, they would have known it. But they hated him, and rejecled the light, because their deeds were evil. John 15:24,25; 3:20; Luke 23:34; Acts 13:27; 1 Cor. 2:8; 1 Tim. 1:13. 18. Clirisl slionld suffer ; Psa. 16:10, 11; 22:15-18; G9:l- 21; Isa. o3::3-IO; Da'n. !):2G. 19. Be converted ; turn from all your sins to the love and service of God. Wlicn tlie tunes of refreshing shall come ; tlie ctmiicctiou of these words with the following verses shows that their jiriniaiy reference must be to that great season of refreshing when Christ shall come again from heaven tu judge his enemies, and give rest to his ]ieople. 2 Tliess. 1:7-10. Of tins, tlie spiritual refreshments which he now gives through the out])ouring of his Spirit are types and earnests. At that groat day of refreshing, the sins of all who arc found in Ciirist will be publicly blotted out, and they received with him to glory. 20. Which before was preached; proclaimed in the Old Tcs- 1235 Christ the great Prophet. ACTS IV. The rulers are offended. 21 Whom the heaven must roreive until the times of restitution of all tilings," wliirli God liatli spoken by the moutli of all his holy prophets since the •vrorld began.'' 22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, lilce unto me; him sliall ye hear in all things wiiatsoever lie shall say unto you. 23 And it shall come to pass, that every soul ■which will not hear that Prophet, shall be de- stroyed from among tlic people.'' 24 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. 25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers,'" saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.' 26 Unto you first,'^God having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniiiuities.^ CHAPTER IV. 1 The rulers of the Jews offended with Peter's sermon. 4 (though thou- sands of the people were converted that heard the word,) imprison liim and John. .*> After, upon examinatinn Pt-ter boldly avouching the lame nnaii to be healed by the name of Jesus, and that by the same Jesus only we must be eternally saved, 13 they command him and John to preach no more in that name, ad; Matt/ 21:42. 12. Satmtion; Acts 10:43; 1 Tim. 2:5, C. 13. Unle'irncd and ipnorant; men in jirivate life who had not been instructed in the schools, or by the doctors of the law. Took knowledge of them, Ihut thnj hid hem vith Jesus; Peter and John on trial. ACTS IV. Gift of the Holy Spirit. A D.33. and John, and perceived that they were un- learned and ignorant men,-'' they marvelled ; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it." 15 r>ut when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 Saying, What shall we do to these men ? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusa- lem, and we cannot deny it." 17 But that it spread no further among the peo- ple, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.'' 18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them. Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.° 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.'' 21 So when tliey had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people:" for all tnen glorified God for that which was done. 22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was showed. 23 If And being let go, they went to their own company," and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto tiiem. 24 And when they heard that, they lifted up tlieir voice to God with one accord, and said. Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:' 2.5 Who by the mouth of tiiy servant David hast said. Why did the heathen rage, and the people ima2:ine vain things?-' »Malt. n:-2.); 1 Cor. 1:27. bch.l9;:i(). = John 1 1 : 47. iioli.5:4li. e ch. S:^. f Jer. 200; ch. '-'2:15; l.Iohn 1:1,.3. S Matt. 21 :28; ch. 5:20. Ii ch. 2:44-46. i 2 Kings 19: 15. JPsa. 2:1,2. !• Luke 2:3:1-5, etc. 1 Prov. 21:30, Isl. 46:10; 53:10; ch. 3:18. m vcr, 13,31; ch. 14:3; 25:31; Eph. recognized them as persons wliom they had seen among the followers of Jesus. 14. Nothing against it; they could not deny the reality or greatness of the miracle, or the truth of what Peter had said. 17. It; the knowledge of the miracle and its author. 1!). Judge ye; God required them to speak; the council forbade tliem. Which ought they to obey? 20. We cannot; they could not obey their rulers, and yet do right ; neither can any man, when rulers command what God forbids. 21. Because of tlie people; should they punish the apostles, they feared that the people would rise, and give them trouble. 23. T/ieirown company; the company of believers. 25. T/ie lieatken rage; I'sa. 2:1, 2. 27. Hast anointed; set apart, and consecrated to be the Saviour of men. Herod— Pilate; Luke 23:1-12. 28. Determined lie/ore ; .Acts 2:23; 3:18. 30. Strctdiingfiirth thy hand; exerting thy power. 32. Had all things common; see note to chap. 2:44. 33. Great grace; much favor and assistance from God were griinted them. 34. Neither mis there any among them that lacked; that lacked a sujiply of their w;iiits, though many were f;ir from home, and hud not with tliem the nieaiis of support. 35. As he had need; for the supply of his present neces- sities. 26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Ilerod, and Pon- tius Pilate, with tiie Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered togetlier,'' 28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy coun- sel determined before to be done.' 29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all bold- ness they may speak thy word," 30 By stretching forth thy hand to heal ; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus." 31 fAnd when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together ;° and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul :'' neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own ; but they had all things common.'' 33 And with great power gave the apostles wit- ness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus:'* and great grace was upon them all.' 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked : for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet:" and distribution was made unto every man ac- cording as he had need.'' 36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted. The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. ():19. n ch. 2:43; 5:12. o ch. 2:2, 4 ; 16:20. P ver. 29. q Rom. 1.5:5, 0; 2 Cor. 13:11; Phil. 2:2; 1 Pet. 3:-'. r ch. 2:44. > Luke 1:48, 49; ch. l.f, 22. lJohnl:16. u ver. 37 ; ch. 5:2. v ch. 2:45; 6: 1. 36. Cyprus; an island in the north-eastern part of the Mediterranean. Acts 13:4; 15:39. INSTRUCTIONS. 3. 'When the gospel is faithfully preached, and multi- tudes embrace it, its opposers are greatly grieved. If they have jiower, they often attempt to stop it.s progress by force. But truth cannot be bound or imprisoned : and the imprisoning of those who proclaim it, is often the occa- sion of its wider extension and more abundant success. 10. Tlie change produced in a man by the inliuences of the Holy Spirit is truly wonderful. He who followed t'hrist "afar off," and trembleil at the voice even of a maid-.ser- vant, can now face undismayed the assembled dignitaries of the nation, and without f:tltering charge them with the commission of the most outrageous crime, the crucifixion of the Son of God, the Saviour of a lost world. l(i. Wicked men continue to oppose the cause of Christ without any good reason, and when they can with truth say notliing against it. 11). Hiniian laws which require men to disobey God are of no obligation, and should not be obej'ed. 24. In seasons of trial the friends of God unbosom them- selves to him, and find him to be a very present iind ;ill- s\ifiicieiit helper; able to do exceeding abundanth' above ;dl th:it they ask or think, so that they c;tn add tiieir le - timony to that of ten thousand thousand, " Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." I'sa. 2:12. 1231 Ananias and Sappfiira slain. ACTS V. Great sis^ns and wonders. CHAPTER V. 1 After tlial Ananias and Sappliira his wife for their hypocrisy at Peter's rebuke haJ fal.en down dead, 12 and that the rest of the apostles had wrc>ught many miracles, 14 to the increase of the faith; 17 the apostles are again imprisoned, 19 but delivered by an angel bidding them to preach openly to all; 21 when, after their teaching accordingly in the temple, '29 and before the council, 33 they are in danger to be killed, through the advice of (>amaliel, a great counsellor among the Jews, they be kept alive, 40 and are but beaten ; for which they glorify G-od and cease no day from preaching. BUT a certain man named Ananias, with Sap- pliira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to if. and brousjlit a certain part, and laid it at tlie apostles' feet." 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to* tiie Holy Ghost,'' and to keep liack part of the price of the land '!" 4 While it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thy heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.'' 5 And Ananias liearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost : and great fear came on all them that heard these things." 6 And the young men arose, wound him up,^ and carried him out, and buried tmn. 7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8 And Peter answered unto her. Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much ? And she said, Yeu, lor so mucJi. 9 Then Peter said unto her. How is it that ye liave agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord?- behold, the feet of them which liave buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost:'' and the young men • Oh. i-.M, 37. • Or, to tleccivt. b Luke 2-2:3; ver. 9. « Num. Wl:;); Deut. 2.3:-2li Eccl. 5:4. d Pm. 139:4. ' I'sa, 61:9; ver. Ill, 11. f John l'J:4U. « P«a 50:l-i; ver. 3. b ver. 5. i ch. 2:43. J ch. 4:30; Rom. lij: 19; 28. The enemies of God, in all their efforts to obstruct the jjrogress of his cause, are doing only wliat he, for tlio wisest and best reasons, dcterniiiic-d to suHlt them to do, and wliat )ie will overrule for tlie highest good of his people. Koin. 8:28. 3.5. L'nion to (.'iirist by believing in him, prndu(;es union among his people, and Iriids tlieiii tn di-liglif in doing gond, as they have opportunity, to all, and esin-i;ially to those who arc of the household of faith. Gal. (i:lu. CHAPTER V. 2. lieing privy; secretly knowing and concurring in the design of keeping back a part of the price for which they sold the land, while they professed to bring the whole. 3. Tlic UdIij Ghost; who was present with the apostles, and under whose direction they acted. 4. While It remained; before lie sold it. In thine own power; at his disjiosal. It was optional with him to give it to the apostles or not, as he chose. There was no con- straint or compulsion in this matter, but it was entirely voluntary. Unio dod; by lying to the Iloly Ghost, who was with the ajiostles, tlicy lied unto (iod ; for he was God. 5. Gave up ihc ghost ; in.stantly died. C. IVound him up; in cloths, as was then the custom for burial. 8. Answered; said. So much; the sum that Ananias had brought, as if it were the whole price of the land. U. Tempt tlie Spirit of the Lord; by trying to deceive 1238 came in, and found her dead, and carrying a. n. 33. her forth, buried her by her husband. 11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.' 12 II And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the peo- ple ;J (and they were all with one accord in Solo- mon's porch. 13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them:'' but the peo))le magnified them.' 14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women;'") 15 Insomuch that they brought Ibrtli the sick into the streets,' and laid t/ion on beds and couch- es, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. 16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits;" and they were healed every one." 17 1 Then the high-priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sad- ducces,'') and were filled with indignation,* 18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.'' 19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison-doors, and brought them forth, and said, 20 Go, stanil and speak in the temple to the peo- ple all the words of this life.'' 21 And when they heard tfiat, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and tauglit. But the high-priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel," and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the oflieers came, and found thciu not in the prison, they returned, and told, Heb. 2:4 k John l-,':42. I ch. 4:21. m ch. 2:47 n Mark 10:17, If; Jolin 14:12. oJi,.5:l(i. Pch.4.., 12:5-7; l6;2:!-.'7. rlixod. 24:3; John 6:li:l, l>3; 17:S t Or. in evtry street. 1,2. 1 Or. envy. 1 ch. ch. 4:.'>, 8. him. Carry thee out; and bury thee, as they did thy Iius- band. 13. Of the re.it; of tho.sc outside of the Christian body. Durst nil man join himsr/f; that is, aconrdiiig to soiiu', in a hypocritical way. like Aii;tiii;ts and Siipphini. lint jicr- ha|is the meaning is, that the multitude willimit the church w'ere so overawed by the ileath (if these two persims, that, for the present, no one dared openly In connect himself with the Christi;!!! biid3' under the cliarge of the apostles. This m;ty have been no peiniaiieiit hindenmce to the increase of the church, but (inly a salutary check iiromiitivcofits purity, while the work of conversion went on aiiKiiig the people. Magnified them; regarded and spoke of llicm with great respect. M. Tlu more ; greater numbers in conseiiuence received the gospel, being iierKUade(l IIkiI it was frnni (!od. 1.5. Ikih and couches; beds were used by the rich, and couidies by the iionr. 17. 'nicy that were with him ; who agreed with him. espeo- iiilly the Sidducees, wlm denied the possibility nf a resiir- rcetion. If ('hrist Wits indeed risen, as the apostles utlirmcd, it ]iroved iheir doctrine false; and lienco the bitterness of their oii]iiisitioii. 20. 'J'he worth of this life; the way of eternal life through faith in .lesus Christ. 21. The senate ; metiofagcand influence, called clscwhcro elders of the Jews, and the estate of the elders. Chai<.i.5; 22:5; 25:1S. The apostles hefore the ACTS V. council are delivered. A. D. .33. 23 Saying, The prison trul}' found we shut ■with all safet)', and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, wc found no man within. 24 Now, when the high-priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things," they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. 25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. 26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brouglit them without violence: for they feared the people,'' lest they should have been stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they set tliem before the council : and the high-priest asked them, 28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name?'^ and be- hold, ye liave filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.'' 29 1i Then Peter and the other apostles answer- ed and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.° 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.' 31 Him hath God exalted' with his right hand to be a Prince" and a Saviour,' for to give repent- ance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are his witnesses of these things;^ and so is also the Holy Ghost,'' whom God hath given to them that obey him. •Ch.4:l. bMatt. 21:26. <:oh.4:18. d Matt. 27-.25; ch. 2:2.'), 36; 3: 15; 7:.52. ech. 4:19. r Gal. 3:13; 1 Pet. 2:24. E Phil. 2:9. 1> Isa. 9:6. i Matt. 1:21. J Luke 24:48. kch. 2:4. Uh. 7:54. mch. 22:3. • In the third year before the account called Anno Domini, t Or, believed, o Luke 13:1, 2. 24. 77(5 chief priests ; these were the heads of the twenty- four courses into which the priests were divided. 1 Chroii. 24 ; 2 Chron. 8:14; Luke 1 : 5. Whereunto this would grou- ; what woukl be the effects of it. 26. Tiiei/; tlie ofiBcers. 2'Ac people; those who favored the apostles. 28. r/i(S Hflmc; the name of Jesus. Bring this man's blood; prove us guilty of murdering him. 29. Obey God; he commanded them to preach ; the rulers forbade it. 30. On a tree; the cross. Gal. 3:13; 1 Pet. 2:24. 31. To give repentance ; by sending down the Holy Spirit, convincing men of sin, and leading them to hate and lur- sake it. 32. 77ie.se things; the resurrection of Christ, his ascen- sion to heaven, and his giving repentance and pardon. The Hohj Ghost; by his miraculous powers and his sanctifying effects. 33. Cut to the heart ; enraged, filled with wrath. Chap. 7:54. 34. A doctor of the law; an interpreter and teacher of the divine law. Chap. 22:3. 3C. Somebodij; a person of eminence and distinction, a leader of tlie people. 37. /)(;//.« of the taxing ; the taxing of the Jews by the Roman government. Drew away much people ; he contended that tlie taxing of .Jews by a heathen government was unlawful, and many followed him. 38. Thi< counsel or this work; the work in which the apostles were engaged. 40. They agreed; so far as not further to pursue meas- ures for putting them to death, though they scourged them, and again coiumaiidcd them not to preach. 41. Counted worthy; to be treated somewhat as Clirist ■was, on account of their attachment to him and zeal in his 33 1 When they heard that, they were cut to the hcart,^ and took counsel to slay them. 34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel,'" a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and com- manded to put the apostles forth a little s"iiace; 35 And said unto them. Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touch- ing these men. 36 For before these days rose up Thcudas,' boasting himself to be somebody ; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined them- selves : who was slain ; and all, as many as obeyed* him, were scattered, and brouglit to naught. 37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee, in the days of tlie taxing, and drew away much peo- ple after him: he also perished;" and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. 38 And now I say unto 3'ou, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to naught 1° 39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it ;•■ lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.'' 40 And to him they agreed : and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them,'' they com- manded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus,^ and let them go. 41 i And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.' 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." oProv.21:30; Isa.H:lU; Matt. 15:13. Pjob34:29; lCor.l:25. qch.9:5; ■i.'i:9. 'Matt. 10:17. sch. 4:IS. t Matt. 5:12; 2 Cor. 12: lU; Phil. 1:29; Jas. 1:2; 1 Pet. 4:13-16. "2 Tim. 4:2. cause. This was an evidence of their likeness and devo- tion to him. Like him, they despised the shame, and rejoiced in the prospect of coming glory. INSTRUCTIONS. 3. Lying is a great sin. Those who practise it are influ- enced by Satan, and imitate his example. 10. Sometimes known, deliberate wickedness is visited upon the sinner by immediate divine judgments ; and no person, when he commits known iiiiquitv, can be sure that ii: will not be so visited on him; and if it should not be, no impenitent transgressor will ultimately escape. Prov. 11:21; 19:5. 14. The Holy Spirit may make the destruction of some the occasion of the s:dvation of others. When it is seen that the wicked do not live out half their day.s, and that the wages of sin is death, many may be led to forsake sin and live. Psa. 5.5 : 23 ; Pom. (1 : 23. 20. Rulers sometimes forbid what God commands, and thus make it the duty of men to disobey them in order to obey him. 28. Jlen often shrink from taking the responsibility of their own actions, and are tilled willi indignation at the statement of the truth concerning them. 33. When the exhibition of truth torments men, it is evident that they must exjierience a great change, or their torment will be eternal; for.Iehovah is a God of truth, and the progress of his government will be developing and illustrating the truth for ever. 41. It is not in the power of the wicked to destroy the happiness of the righteous. They can destroy themselves, but cannot prevent a single individu;d who hjves and trusts in .lesus Christ, from for ever shouting with the heavenly host, "Alleluia; for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." Rev. 19 :C. 1239 Seven deacons chosen. ACTS VII. Stephen before the council. CHAPTER Vl 1 The apostles, desirous to have the poor regarded for their bodily suste- nance, as also careful themselves to dispense the word of (rod, the food of the soul, 3 appoint the office of deaconship to seven chosen men. 5 Of whom Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost, is one. rj Who is taken of those whom he confounded in disputing, 13 and afterwards falsely accused of blasphemy against the law and the temple. AND in tho.se days, when tlic number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a mur- muriii0. i ch. 16:2; 1 Tim. S:7,-,IU. eDeut.l:i:i. flTim.4:l5. fch, 11:24. h ch. S:5, 2S; 21 :8. i Rev 2:0, 15, J ch. 1:24. k ch. 0:17; 13:3; 1 Tim. 4:14; 5:22; 2 Tim. CHAPTER VI. 1. Grecians; in the original Hellenists, that is, Jews, whether by descent or conversion to the Jewisli religion, who used the (Jreek language. Datlij minidmtion ; daily distrilmtioii to the poor. 2. Tlu: twelve ; the twelve apostles, Matthias having been elected after the death of Judas. Not reason; not reason- able or proper. 3. Hnnest report; men of integrity and good reputation. •I. Priii/er — ministry of the word ; the appropriate duties of their ollice. 5. Multitude; the multitude of believers who were col- lected on the occasion. Proselyte of Antioch; a (jentile of that city, wlio had embraced the Jewish, and afterwards I he Christian religion. (1. Luid ttieir hands on ttum ; in token tif seeking for them the divine blessing, and consecrating them to their work. 7. The word of God increased; was prcaclicd, and eni- hraced hy greater nilinberH. !). Liticrtiiics; liljertines were properly persons, or the children of persons who liad been enslaved, and were afterwards niiide free, bi the present case Jewish litier- tines are meant, of whom there were great nmnhers, the descendants of those who had been carried as ca|>tives to Uonie, and afterwards set free. The v;uious classes of ]iersons mentioned liad each in Jerusalem a synagogue or place of worship. .Matt. G:r>. Disputing with Stephen; about the truth of what he declared. 10. Not aide; he, lieing assisted hy the Holy Ghoiit, was superior to tlnni. and they were not able to answer liis iirgiiments. .Matt. 10: Ifl, 20; I.nke 21 : l."). 11. Sidiorned men; got them to testify falsely. 14. The customs; the Jewish ccrcmoiiieB. 1240 9 IT Then there arose certain of the syna- a. p. 33. gogue, whicli is called the synagogue of the Liber- tines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing witii Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and tlie spirit by which he spake." 11 Then they suborned men," which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God. 12 And they stirred up the jteoplc, and the el- ders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brouglit him to the council, 13 And set up false witnesses, which said, Tliis man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: 14 For we have iieard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place,'' and shall change the customs" which Moses delivered us.'' 15 And all that sat in the council, looking stead- fastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. ■■ CHAPTER VII. 1 Stephen, permitted to answer to the accusation of blasphemy, 2 show- eth that Abraham worshipped God rightly, and how God chose the fathers 20 before Moses was born, and before the t;ibernacle and temple were built; 37 that Moses himself witnessed of Christ; 44 and that all outward ceremonies were ordained according to the heav- enly pattern, to lasl but for a. time; .'il reprehending their rebellion, and murdering of (Jhrist the Just One, wliom the prophets foretold sliould come into the world, .'54 Whereupon they stone hiiu to death, who commendeth his soul to Jesus, and humbly pr;iyeLh for them. THEN said the high-iu'iest. Arc these things so? 2 And he said, Alen, brethren, and fathers, hearken:* The God of glory appeared unto our 1:6. 1 Isa. 5.'):11; ch. 12:24; lil:2li. >" Psa, 132:!!. IB; John 12:42. » Luko 21:15. o I Kings 21:11), l:!; iM,itt. 26:50, W. P Dan. 9:20. * Or, rilej. qch. 25:8. r Exod. 31:30, 35. •ch.22:l. 15. Tlie face of an angel; benignant, calm, dignified, aud resplendent. INSTRUCTIONS. 2. It is not proper that ministers of the go.spel should be drawn off from their appropri;ite work to attend to sec- ular concerns. The more exclusively they ;ire lievotcd to the preaeliing of the gospel and the iliseliarge of religious duties, the more tiiey will promote their own best inter- ests, anil those of their fellow-men. 1 Tim. 4:15. 7. AVhcn minislcrs of the gospel are wholly and ear- nestly devoted to their upprojiriale duties, and are itssisted by brethren in the chureli who are ]iioiiK, wise, able, and active in doing gotnl, religion will geijer;illy ]MtiKpi-r; and not only many of the common ]ieople, but of the eiliic;ited, intelligent, anil iiillueiitial, may be expected to embrace it. 10. No array of numbers, letu'iiing, or ttdents, can fairly meet or refute the arguments which prove the Christiiui religion to bo from (ioil. Its Inilh is demonstrated liy eviilenee which, if it be rightly apprehended and the heart is sincere, will carry universal eonviition. No one can reject it willimit sliowuig that he is either ignorant or wicked. Vi. Men who reject the Chrisli;in religion, and have power, arc apt to op|)osc those who endiraee it, isi)eei;illy if they are zealous and sui-ressfnl in its ))riip;igatiiiii. They sometimes contend th;it (he intrrests of the state rriinire this ; iind eeclesiastics, clothed with secular authority, and destitute of the spirit of Christ, iirc often among the most fierce and malignant of persecutors. CHAPTER Vil. 1. Stt; as )iis accusers had said. 2. Mr.snpolnmia ; this word means between two rivers; it was the country which hiy between the Tigris and the Stephen's defence ACTS VII. before the councU. A. D.ss. father Abraliara when he was in Mesopota- mia, before lie dwelt in Charran, 3 And said unto iiini, Get thee out of thy coun- try, and from thy kindred, and come into the land wiiich I shall show thee." 4 Then came ho out of the land of the Chaldeans, and dwelt in Charran :" and from thence, when his father was dead, ho removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. 5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on : yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yd he had no child.'' 6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land ;'' and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years."^ 7 And the nation to whom they shall be in bond- age will I judge, said God : and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.'' 8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcis- ion :s and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day ;'' and Isaac begat Jacob ;' and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.^ 9 IT And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt:" but God was witli him,' 10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him gov- eriHU- over Egypt and all his house.'" 1 1 Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egy))t and Chanaan, and great alBiction ;" and our fathers found no sustenance. 12 But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first." 13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren ; and Joseph's kindred Avas made known unto Pharaoh.'' 14 Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.'' 15 So Jacol) went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers, 16 And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sous of Enmior, the father of fcfy- chem."' 17 But when the time of the promise drew nigh, > Gen. 12 1. b Gen. 12:5. c Gen. l:J:1.5. d Gen. 15:13. 10. B Exod. !■ :40, 41. r ExoJ a 12. B G en. 17:U- 11. Ii Gen. 21 1-1. Gen 25:2li. J Gen 29:3-. , etc. k Gen. .17 2-1 I'sa. 105:17. 1 Gen . .39:2, a?. "> Gen. •1 : 11). Gen. 41 54 Gen 4'. :1, 2 p Gen. 45:4 10. q Gen 4li:27| Euphrates. In this region was Ur of the (lialdees, where lived Terah, the father of Abraham. Charran; called in the Old Testament Haran. Gen. 11:31. This was also in Mesopotamia. 5. He; (iod. Promised that lie would give it lo him; Gen. 12:7; 13:14-18. C. Snjourii Ilia strange land; Esypt. Gen. ir):13-lC. 14. Threescore and fifteen; seventy-five. The number stated in tienesis as eomirif; with .Jacob into E,i;ypt is six- ty-si.K. .Jacob, with Joscjih and his two sons who were already there, and the five grandsons of Joseph mentioned in I Chron. 7 : 14-23, are supposed to make the seventy-five. See note to Gen. 46:27. 11). Were carried; the fathers were carried: .loseph and others were carried and buried in Sychem, called in the Old Testament Shechcm, which was near to Samaria, in a which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,'* 18 Till another king arose, which knew not Jo- seph. 19 The same dealt subtlely with our kindred, and evil-entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.' 20 In which time Moses was born," and was ex- ceeding fair,* and nourished up in his father's house three months: 21 And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daugh- ter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.^ 22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egvptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds'."' 23 And when he was fidl forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.'' .24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he de- fended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian : 25 For* he su|)])osed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would de- liver them ; but they understood not. 26 And the next day he showed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying. Sirs, ye are brethren ; why do ye wrong one to another? 27 But he that did his neighbor wrong thrust him away, saying. Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday ? 29 Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons. 30 And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina, an angel of the Lord in a llame of lire in a bush.^ 31 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight : and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, 32 Saying, I ain the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob."" Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold. Deut. 10:22. ' Jo.sh. aj:.')2. » Exod. 1:7-9. ' Exod. 1:22. " Exod. 2:2. etc. ' Of, fair lo God. v Exod. 2:10. wLufco24:10. x Exod. 2:11, elc. tOr.iVijw. yExoJ. 3:2, etc. ^ Matt. 22:32; Heb. 11:16. piece of ground Itought by Jacob of the sons of Emmor, called in the Old Testament Ihunor. Gen. 33: IS, 19 ; Josh. 24: 32. Jacob was buried in the field of Mach])clali, which was pnrchased by Abraham of the sons of lleth. Gen. 23:4-20; 49: 2;), 30; 50: 13. In what way the name of .\brah.am became connected with the juu-chasc at Sychem is not known. 17. Tlie tune cif the promise; the time for its fulfilment. Gen. 12:7; IS: 11-10; 22:17. Tlie people grew ; E.\od. 1:7-9. 30. An angel of the Lord; who was Jehovah himself. He is spoken of in Exod. 23:20, 21, as one in whom is God's name, and who has i)ower to ])ardou sin. He is, therefore, with reason sup]ioNed (d be the same as " tho AVord " that " was iu tho beginning with God," and " was God." 1241 Step/ten's defence. ACTS VII. He is stoned to death. 33 Then said the Lord to liim, Put off tlij slioos from thy feet : for the phice wiierc thou staiidest is hoi)' gi'ound.'' 34 I have seeu, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaninp-, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will s^cnd thee into Egypt. 35 This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge ? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.** 36 He brought them out, after that he had showed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt,*^ and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years." 37 1 This is that Moses, which said unto the chil- dren of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like uuto me;' "■ him shall ye hear."' 38 This is he, that was in the church in the wil- derness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina.'^and wil/i our fathers:'' who received the lively oracles to give unto us:' 39 To wlnjni our fathers would not obey, but thrust /lim. from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, 40 Saying uuto Aaron, Make us gods to go be- fore us: for as fin- this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is be- come of him.J 41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrilicc! unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.'' 42 Then God turned, and gave them up to wor- ship the host of heaven;' as it is written in the book of the prophets, ye house of Israel, have yc offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space «/' forty years in the wilderness?'" 43 Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Rem])han, figui'cs which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon. ■ Jrnh. 5:15; Kccl. 5:1. b Kxod. U:19; Num. 20:10. » Exod. ch. 7, 8, 9, 10. 11, U. il Exnd. 10:.%'.. • Or, as mijxrl/. « Deut. 1«:15, IS; ch. 3;-2-i. f .Mit(. 17:5. » Eiod. 19:3, 17. h Ua. IW:9; Gil. ■): 19; Heb. a:a. i Deut. 5:27.31; Johnl:17; Rom 3:2. ) KloJ .•)J:1. k r)oiu.9:l«; Psa. 106:19, 2U 1 Dout 4:19; 2 Kinc" I7;I<1; I'«a. nl:12; Jer. 19:1:). m Amoa 5:25. 26. t Or. who spnU. n Kxod. 25:49; 2it;.'i0; Heb. H:5. I Or, having reuiveti. 38. He; jMoses. Exod. 19:3-2.'). 42. Gave' them up; Psa. XI: 12. /( is written; Amos 6:25-27. Have ye offered to me; that is, to rue alone. Tlie answer is, No; ye iiiiiiKleil witli niy worship tliat of your iilols. See note to Amos .5:20. 4:i. Moloch — Ilemplian; idol gods. Slophen docs not quote the cx.ict words of the jiroplict, but fMllowiiij; the Septuagint, gives tlio sense, as in verses iit, iO, and in otiier places. •11. Tlie tabernacle ; a sacred tent, or movalilo structure, used heforc the erection of the temple for religioiis ser- vices, at the door of which '!od made communications to the people. Exod. 29:12, 43; 2.5:K. 9, 10; Heh. H;.'». 4.J. Jesm ; Joshua. .Ichiis in (ireek is tlic same as Joshua in Ilehrew. Josh. 1:1, 2; lieli. 4:S; Josh. 11:23. 46. Tahernncle; this is a diflerent word from that which is translated tabernacle in verse 44, ami here means a permanent structure, or fixed habitution. 2 Sam. 7:2-7; 1 Chron. 22:7-19. ."il. Stiff-necked; imwillini; to bow to the authority or re- gard the voice of God. Itaist tlie Holy Ghost ; by refusing 1242 44 IT Our fathers had the tabernacle of a. d. 33. witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking* unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen." 45 Which also our fathers that came after* brought in with Jesus into the [)Ossession of the Gentiles," whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David ;p 40 Who found lavor before God,*" and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob/ 47 But Solomon built him a house.'* 48 Howbeit, the Most Highdwelleth not in tem- ples made with hands;' as saith the prophet, 49 Heaven is my throne, and earth /.s my foot- stool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the ])laco of my i-est?" 50 Hath not my hand made all these things? 51 Ye stiff-necked^' and uncircumcised in heart and ears," ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted?" and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One;'' of whom ye have been now tlie betrayers and mur- derers : 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels,'- and have not kept it. 54 it When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart," and they gnashed on him Avitli t/uir teeth. 55 But he, lieing full of the Holy Ghost,'' looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the ghnw of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said. Behold, 1 see the heavens opened,'' and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stop])ed their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast /lim out of the city,'' and stoned /lim: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet,' whose name was Saul.^ oJn,h.3:H. P Nell. 9:24; l'»a. 44:2; 7a:.55. q 1 Sam. 16:1. riciir.a2:7. si Kings 6:1, clc; »:211. I 1 Kings f:27 ; ch. 17:24. u |,a. 66:1, 2. » Kxtid. 32:9; hi. 4S:4. «■ Lev. 26:41 ; Jer. 9:20; Horn. 2:2S, 29. « 2 Chr. 36:16; IThes.. 2:15. ych. 3:14. x Gal. 3:19. » cli 5:33. b ch. 6:5. c Ezek. 1:1. >lDan.7:13. e Luko 4:29; Heb. 13:12, 13. '<:h.6:13. »oh.S:l,3| 22:20. to follow his directions. As your fathers did, so do ye; he comes now to the :ip])licati<)n of his narrative, in which he has made ])rominent the disobedience of the ))eople to Moses, and their attachment to idolatry in the wildcnioss, verses 3.'), 39-13; as much as to say, .As your fallicrs treated Moses, so do you Iri'at lh:it I'niphi^l, iiUc unto Moses, of whom ho prophesied. r>2. The Just One; Jesus Christ. Acts 3:11; 2 Cliron. 3r.:lfi; .\latl. 2C:M;; 27:2()-2(I; John 19:12-18. 53. The disposition ; the ministration. Deut. 33:2; (ial. 3:19; Ileb. 2:2. .')4. Cut ti) the heart ; (■xcoeiIiii;;ly enraged. .07. Slappril their ears; as if unwilliiif; to hear words which they allccted to rej^ard iis blasphemous. ."is. The vitiiesses laid dinvn their clothes; the false wit- nesses mentioned in chap. (i:i:i. They, according to the liiw, were to cast the first stones ; and they laid aside their iip|M'r pirments, that tiny mit;ht ilo this with greater effect. Lev. 24:11-111; Deut. 17:7. .S'»h/; this is the first mention of him who was afterwards tliu great apostle of the Ucutilcs. A great 'persecution. ACTS VIII. Philip in Samaria. A. a 33. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 And he ivnceled down, and cried with a loud voice. Lord, lay not tliis sin to their charge.'' And when he had said this, he fell asleep. CHAPTER VIII. 1 By occasion oT the persecution in Jerusalem, the church bein^ planted in Samaria, 5 by Piiitip the deacon, who preached, did miracles, and baptized many, among the rest Simon the sorcerer, a f;reat seducer of the people ; 14 Peter and John come to confirm and enlarge the churchy ■where, by prayer and imposition of hands giving the Holy Ghost, 18 when Simon would have bought the like power of them, 20 Peter sharply reproving his hypocrisy and covetousness, and exhorting hitii to repentance, together with John preaching the word of the Lord, return to Jerusalem. '26 But the angel sendeth Philip to teach and baptize the Ethiopian eunuch. AND Saul was consenting unto his death."" And at tliat time there was a great persecution against tlie cliurch which was at Jerusalem ; and they were all scattered abroad througliout the regions of Judea and Samaria,'' except tiie apos- tles. 2 And devout men carried Steplien to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, en- tering into every house, and haling men and women, committed them to prison." 4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching tlie word. 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria,'' and preached Clirist unto them. ' Psa. 31:5; Luke ■i3AB. b Matt. 5:44; Luke a3:M. » ch. 7:58. d ch. 11:19 =ch. a6:IU, 11 ; Ga.1. 1:13. foh.6:5. e a Chr. 311:13. hJohn4;41. 4i. iMirklG:17 J .Mark 2:3-11; ch. 9:*!, 34. kMatt.ll:5 loh.l3:e; .59. Calling upon — and saying, Lord Jesus; the word God is not in the original, as its being printed in italics shows. The prayer was offered to Jesus Christ, and it was the custom of the Christians in the days of the a])ostles to pray to him. Luke 23:42, 43; Acts 9:21; 22:16; 1 Cor. 1:2. 60. This sin ; the sin of murdering him on account of his friendship to Christ. Matt. 5 : 44 ; Luke 23 : 34. Fell asleep ; peacefully died, and was received to glory by Jesus Christ, to whom lie prayed. INSTRUCTIONS. 2. Opposers of religion who make inquiries about it, should be treated with courtesy and kindness. In answer- ing their questions, we should endeavor to enlighten their minds with regard to Jesus Christ, that we may lead them to believe in him. 2 Tim. 2:25. 17. God's promises and threatenings all have a set time for their accomplishment ; and when that time approaches, his providences will be so ordered as to secure their exact and perfect fulfilment., llab. 2:3; jMatt. 24:35. 27. Persons who are most evidently in tlie wrong are generally the most forward and earnest in opposing those who would set them right; and the best endeavors to per- suade men to live in peace are often met with insolence, reproach, and contempt. 35. In obscurity and retirement God often prepares men for the discharge of great and momentous public duties; and when tlie jiropcr time arrives, he so orders events tliat tliey cannot, without rebelling against him, refuse to leave their retirement and enter upon tho responsibilities and toils of public life. 49. j\Ien may so idolize a time, a place, or ;in (nilward form of worship, as entirely to unfit them to worship him who is a Sjiirit "in spirit and in truth," and lead them violently to opjiose and bitterly to persecute those who maintain that none but si)iritiial worshi]ipcrs can at any time or in any place or form be accepted of him. . 61. The manner in which tho Holy Ghost and those 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things wliicli Philip spake,'' hearing and seeing the miracles wliicli lie did." 7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with thcm:^ and many taken with palsies,-' and that were lame," were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city. 9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which bcforetime in the same city used soi-cery,' and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:"' 10 To whom they all gave heed," from the least to the greatest, saying. This man is the great power of God. 11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched tliem with sorceries." 12 But when they believed Philip," preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ,'' they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and won- dered, beholding the miracles and signs* which were done. 1-1 1 Now when the apostles which were at Je- rusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John : 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost : Rev. 22:15. m ch. 5::36; 2 Tim. 3:2. 5. n 2 Cor. 11 : 19. oGal.3:l. P ver. 37; ch. 2:41. q ch. 1:3. ' Gr. signs and great miracles. who have been under his influence, have in all ages been treated, shows a deep-rooted enmity in the human heart against God. Hence the necessity taught by Jesus Christ in John 3:3, and the duty inculcated in Job 22:21 ; Ezek. 18:31; Acts 3:19; 2 Cor. 5:20. 58. Men may be very scrupulous in some respects in the observance of forms of law, while in others they grossly violate both its letter and its spirit ; and forms of law, as well as professions of religion, may be prostituted to the commission of flagrant injustice and atrocious crimes. 59. The Holy Spirit leads those who are unk-Hsing8 of the gospel, and the Work in which Peter and .John were engaged. 2:J. Gall of billerncsi — bondof nixjuily; in the most loatli- soiiie bondage to sin. 21. Xoiie of llie.ie tilings; the piinishinents threatened. 2.'i. Miiny villages; through which they passed on their way to .leruaalcm. 2(i. Gaza; a city about sLxty miles south-west of Jerusa- lem, towards Egypt. Winch is desert ; these words are sup- f)o8ed by some to refer to the city as having been recently aid waste. But they more probably i>oint out the road which I'hiiip was to take, as that one, of two or more, which r;iii through a desert region. 27. ivV/iio^xo; a country south of Egypt. To worship; this showeil th;it he was either a Jew or a proselyte to the Jewish religion. 2U. The Spirit ; the Holy Spirit. 'SI. Tlie scripture which lie read ; [sa. .5.'?:7, fl. .■J3. In his h'lmdiatinii ; this ipiotution is from the SeptU- agint, or (ireek version of the (Jld Testament, which was probably the one that he used. Judgment ; justice was denied liim, ami he w;>8 unrighteously put to death. Yet he lives in glory, and innumerable multitudes will eternally 1244 28 Was returning; and sitting in his char- a. d.s*. iot, read Esaias the propiiet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot." 80 And Philip ran thither to /(tm, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?" 31 And he said. How can I, except some man' sliould guide nie?' And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture wliich he read was this. He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.* 34 And the eunuch answered Piiilip, and said, I pray thee, of wliom speaketh the prophet this ? of himself, or of .some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture,' and preached unto him Jesus." 3G And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water : and the eunuch said. See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" 37 And Philip said. If thou believest with all tliy heart, thou mayest."' And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Ciirist is the Son of God.'' 3: 1. Cesurca; a city on the Mediterranean, about si.xty miles north-west of Jerusalem. INSTRUCTIONS. 4. The efforts of wicked men to sto]) tlie ])rogre88 of tho gos])el are often overruled for its adv;incement ; and yet their wickedness is as great, and wiUiout rciientance llieir punishment will be as dreadful, as if their actions had nut lieen overruled for good. 12. When the gospel is faithfully preached, and accnm- [lanied by the iiilluciiccs of the Holy Siiirit. men of all classes embrace it. The}' may have followed ;irlfiil deceiv- ers, and been Hiiiik in s|iirilu;il ihirkness and death; yet when tlii'y lic-licvc iwid fnllow lliui wlio is lln' liglit of the world, lliey forsake their blind guides, and walk no longer in darkness, but have the liglit of life. 22. .Men may greatly disidease (Jod in their thoughts, as well as iu their words aud actions. Each one should there- Saul ^oelh to Damascus, and ACTS IX. becomes an apostle of Christ. AD.35 CHAPTER IX. 1 S:iul. going towards Damascus, 4 is stricken down to the earth, 10 is called (0 tlie npostleship, 18 .and is baptized by Ananias. 20 He preacheth Christ boldly. 23 The Jews lay wait to kill him; 29 so do , the Grecians, but he escapeth both. 31 The church having rest, Peter heali-lh Eneas of the palsy, 36 and restoreth Tabitha to life. AND Saul, yet breatliinu: out tlireatenin. Joppa; a town on lh(^ Mediterranean, about forty-five miles norlli-west of Jerusalem. Tnhillm; a Kyriac word, meaning the same as the Greek word Dorcas. Both were applied originally to the j,'azelle, an animal of ),'reat be.iuty. 42. lielicred in the Lord ; the Lord Jesus, whom Peter preached, and by whose jiower he wroiiKht this miracle. IN'.STKr(:TION.S. 1. Men of great talents, superior rcligloua advantages, and extensive learning, may be so opposed to Jesus C'lurist 1246 out all qumiers, he came down also to the a. d. aa saints wiiich dwelt at Lydda. 33 And there lie found a certain man named Eneas, which had kept his bed eight years, an^ was sick of the palsy. 34 And Peter said unto him, Eneas, Jesus Oiirist maketh thee whole •.'^ arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. 35 And all that dwelt in Lydda and Saron'' saw him, and turned to tlie Lord." 36 *i Now there was at .Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by iiilcr]iretatioii is called Dorcas:* this woman was full of good works and alms-deeds which she did.' 37 And it came to pass in llioso days, that sho was sick, and died : whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And forasmucli as Lydda was nigh to .Toppa, and the disciples had heard tluit Peter was there, they sent unto liini two men, desiring him tiiat he would not delay* to come to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When hewas come, they brought him into tlie upper cham- ber : and all tlie widows stood by him weeping, and showing tiie coats and garments whicli Dorcas made, whih; she was with them." 40 But Peter put tlicm ail forth,' and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise.'" And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his- hand, and lifted her up ; and when he had called the saints and widows, lie ]iresented iier alive." 42 And it was known tlirouglioul ail .loppa; and many believed in tlie Lord.' 43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner. .1:(i. Hi; 4:111. r | C|,r .'i: IB. • ch. 11 :ai ; S Cor. .1:10 • Or. lloe. m Kor, I 1 Tim. -2:10; Tiui»-J:7. M. 1 Or, lie grhvtd. uEccl9:lU. v Matt. 0:25. >v M.irl( 5:41. 4-.>; John 11:4:). x 1 Kings 17:«3. y John 12:11. as to wish to destroy all, both men and women, who be- lieve in him. Acts 22:4,5; 2(i:!)-Il. 4. Wiekcd men in ])crsccutin;:;('hristi;uisureiierKeriitiiig Christ. I!ul he c;iii reveal himself to tliem in sueh ;i ni;iiiMer as to (ill tlu'in with deep coiist(riialion,;ind le;id thi'iii with- out reserve to give up themselves and all their iiiteresta to his guidance and dis])nsal. Acts 22:(i, 7; 2i;:12-:;(). 5. Ill iierseeuting Cliristiaiis, men injure not only others, but also themselvi'S; and the further Ihey proceed, the more they linil that the \v;iy of Iransgressors is hard. II. When men oiler from the hi'iirl snpplic;itioiis to (!od, he is ready to visit Ihcni in mercy; ;inil to lliose who un- derstand his character and Wiiys, it is idwiiys eneonnigiiig to learn concerning any one, that he prays. 20. No niiui knows, when he st;irls on a journey, wii:it will t;ike phicc before he returns, lie niiiy be c;dliMl lo pass I through scenes and to disclnirge duties totally dillcreiit from what he exjic'ctcMl. A man's he;irl devisclh his way, but the Lord direcletli his steps. I'rov. I(i:H. Persecutors may become |U'e;iehers.;Liid those who went out to mnrd(>r, return to save. 23. Wiekcd men ;ire often disposed to use violence against tliosi' who difl'er from them in religion. They will favor a man who is opi-nly hostile to Christ ; but if he be- lieves on him, tiny iire reambered, iind greatly lamented in death ; and all their works performed from love to (iod and to men, will meet a gracious and alpundant reward. Peter seelh a vision, ACTS X. and soeth to Cesarea. AD". CHAPTER X. 1 Cornelius a devout man, 5 bein^ commanded by an an^el, sendeth for Peter ; 1 1 who by a vision l-^, '20 is tau;^ht not to despise the Gen- tiles. 3i As he ^jreacheth Christ to Cornelius and his company, 44 the Holy Ghost falleth on them, 48 and they are baptized. ^T^IIERE was a certain man in Cesarea called JL Cornelius, a centurion of the baud called the Italian ba/id, 2 A devout 7nan,^ and one that feared God with all his house," which gave much alms to tlie people,'^ and prayed to God always.* 3 He saw in a vision evidently, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to hira,'^ and saying unto him, Cornelius. i And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, Wliat is it. Lord? And he said unto him, Thy jtrayers and thine alms arc come up for a memorial before God.' 5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6 He lodgetli witli one Simon a tanner,'^ wliose house is by the seaside: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.'' 7 And wiien tiie angel which spake unto Cor- nelius was departed, he calleil two of liis household servants, and a devout soldier of tlieni that waited on him continually; 8 And wlien he had declared all t/iese things unto tliem, he sent them to Joppa. 9 1 On the morrow, as they went on their jour- ney, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the house-top to pray, about the sixtli iiour:' 10 And he became very iiuugry, and would have eaten : but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened,-' and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great siiect knit at the four corners, and let down to the cartli : 12 Wherein were all manner of four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, anil fowls of the air. ' Ch. 8:2 29:13 b Gen. 18:19; P.sa. 1(11:2-7; Eccl. 7:18 eh. 18:8. c Psa. 4 :1. ■i Psa llfl •>: I' rov a: a -5. e Heb. 1:1 . t Isi. 43:19. e ch. !1 4:1. h eh. 11:14. 1 cl .11: .). etc. J ch. 7:. 58: Rev .19:11. k Lev 11:2. etc.; ao «; Deut. 14::> etc. Ezek. 4:14. 1 Mitt. 15:11; ver. 28; Rom. CHAPTER X. I. Cesarea; chap. 8:40. Centurion; captain of a hundred men. He was a Geiitile and micirciiniciscd, chap. 11:3, but a sincere worsliipper of (Jod. Italian band; a band of Ro- man soldiers from Italy. 3. Ninth hour; three o'clock in the afternoon; one of the hours of daily prayer. 4. Memorial ; are remembered, noticed with approbation. 5. Joppa; chap. 9:3G. C. What thou nujrlited to do; Cornelius had true faith in God according to tlie present measure of his liRht, and hi.s prayers were answered in the reception of fuller light. Malt. 13:12. y. House-top; the tops of the houses were flat, and jiions peo]ile often resorted to lliL-ni for meditation and ])niyer. iSVr//i honr; twelve o'clock; with matiy, one of the .staled hour.s of prayer. Psa. ,W:17; Dan. 6:10. 10. Trance; a state in which he became insensible to external objects, ;inil absorbed in what was presented to his mind. II. Knit; f;istened together. Let down to the earth; from heaven, to signify that the offer is made to the apostle by God himself. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 1-1 But Peter said, Not so, Lord ; for I have never eaten any tiling tliat is common or unclean.'' 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time. What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.' 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was re- ceived up again into heaven. 17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision whicli he had seen should mean, behold, tlie men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house,'" and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. 19 li While Peter tliought on flic vision, the Spirit said unto him," Behold, tliree men seek thee. 20 Arise therefore," and get thee down, and go Avith them, doubting nothing : for I have sent them. 21 Tiien Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Beliold, I am he whom ye seek : what is the cause wherefore ye are come'? 22 And tliey said, Cornelius the centurion,'' a just man, and one that fearetli God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews,'' was warned from God by a holy angel to send for thee into liis house, and to hear words of thee. 23 Then called lie them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain' brethren from Joppa accompanied him.'' 2-4 And the morrow after they entered into Ces- area. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter took him up, saying. Stand up;' I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked witli him, he went in, and found many that were come together. 14:14, etc.; t Cor. 10:25; 1 Tim. 4:4. mch.9:4.'J nch. 11:12, 0ch.l5:7. P ver. 1, etc. q ch. 22:12; Heb. 11:2. r ver. 45. » ch. 14:14, 15; Rev. 19:10; 22:9. 12. Alt manner of four-footed beasts — -and fowls of the air; clean anil unclean alike. 13. Kill, ami cat; he rightly understands the words to mean, kill and eat any one of the animals contained in the collection, without distinction of clean and unclean. 14. Common ; not sot apart as pure. The reference is, of course, to the Jewish distinction of clean ;ind unclean aiiimal.s. 15. Hath cleansed ; declared no longer nnclt\in for food. Under this symbol of tlie abolition of the Jewish distinc- tion of clean and unclean animals, is signified the breaking down of" the middle wall of partition" between Jews and Gentiles, and the admission of the latter to common privi- leges with Israelites. Hi. Thrice; three times, in order to make a deeper im- pression on I'eter's mind, and |irepare him to preach the gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike. 111. The Spirit; the Holy Spirit. 20. VuulitiiiiX withiii'^; not doubting the lawfulness of going to Cornelius, though he was a Gentile. 22. Words; words of instruction. 24. Kinsmen ; relatives. 2.'). Worshipped; prostrated himself before him. 2> ch. 1.^:!', B; E|ih. 3:0. c Matt. *;3; ch. 1:10. d Dan. 111:1-2; »er. 4, etc.; Heb. (1:10. « Di-ut 5:27. f Deut. 10:17; 2 Chr. 19:7; Job ai:19; R"m 2:11; Gal. •.':0; 1 I'm. 1:17. f Rom. -i:!:). Ti\ A-.ii. -JO; lO.I'i, l:l; Kph. 4:1.1-1!-'. k I«a. 57:1U; Col. 1:-.U i Paa. il:7-IO; Malt. 25:1,1; Rom. I1:U; 1 Cor. 15:47; Kph. l:a)--ij; 1 Pel. 3:44; Rev. 17:11. 28. Unlawful; viewed by tlic Jcwb as improper. Gcd fiath showed me; in the vision whicli lie liad seen. 2!). (iaiiisdijinf^ ; irnikiiif; ulijoction. .34. iVo respecter of persons ; he accepts and Vilesses all pioU8 jiersoiis, whatever their nation or condition. 3G. Tlic word; the gospel or way of salvation through Jesus Christ. 'SI. Tiint word — ije know; tliey had some general know- ledge of the life and works of Christ. 3K. Anointed Je.tU'i; set him aii;irl, :iiid furniKhed him to be the Siivioiir of men. 39. A tree; tlie cross. 42. Quick; the living. 44. Fell on alt litem; endowed Ihem with miraculous powers, and cn;il)led tlum to speak in languages which they li;id never Iciirmd. .Matt. 3:11; chap. 2:2-4. 4:>. Theij of the circumcision ; tlie brethren that accompa- nied him irom Jopjia, verse 2:5. 48. In the mime of the I^rd ; in public acknowledgment of their receiving him as their Saviour, and becoming his diaciplcH. INSTI'.CCTIONS. 4. A beneficent disposilion is greatly increased by llie habit of daily prayer, liotli united, and sjiringing from love to God ami to men, form an offering which, through grace, is peculiarly acceptable to God. 1248 did both in the land of the Jews, and in Je- a d. ji. rusalem ;" whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day," and showed him openly ; 41 Not to all the jieople,'' but unto witnesses chosen before of God,'' nrn to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people,' and to testify that it is he which was or- dained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.' 43 To him give all the pro])hets witness,' that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." 44 T While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.^' 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter,'" be- cause that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 4(5 For they heard them speak with tongues,'^ and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be bajitized,' which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. CHAPTER XI. 1 Petpr. being accused for going in to the Gentiles, 5 maketh his defence, 18 which is accepted. 19 The gospel being spread into I'henice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, Barnabas is sent to conKrm them. •,'(! The disciples there are lir.st called Christians. 27 They send relief to tho brethren in Judea in time of famine. AND the apostles and brethren that were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also re- ceived the word of God. 2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,' J I.nkc4:18; Heb. I:(l. k Malt. 14: LS. I IJnhn 3:8. ir.John3:4. n Luke 4M-:; ch. 4:^14. « Matt. ffl:l. 4. 1> .John 14:44; 40, 41. q John 15. lU. r Matt. 4S:1!1, 40. i John 5:44. 47; eh. 17:31; 4 Cor. 5:10; I I'et. 4:5. t l.uke 41-47, 41; John 5:30. a John 3:14-17; Rom 10:11. > ch. 4:31. wvcr. 43. X ch. 4:4. ych. .S:1'4. i ch. 10:41, aS; Gal. 4: ]4. 9. When God is about to call his people to the discharge f)f 8peci;il duties, he often in a si)ecial ni;uiner iireparcs them ; and though ;it llie time they may not si-t- the rc;ison8, or uiideistund the nu-aiiiug of his ile;ilin^s, the sulisi-i]Ui-iit dispensations of his jirovidcnce m;iy clc':ii-ly reve:il them. 20. .\s I'cler was only mim, he would not rc-ct-ive ;uiy homage or respect, cKcejil wliiit w;is proper for other men. Those who claim nuu-e, on ;ic(-ouiit, ;is they s;iy, of being his suect-ssors, nuuiifest a spirit totally dilfereiil from his. 33. When people are assembled with a r(-;d desire to he;ir from ministers of the gos])el all which God has eoin- m;inded tlii-m to iire;u-h. it is an eviilence that he is about abundtintly to bless them. While the minister is preach- ing, the Holy Ghost often so inllueiiecs their minds as to lead them to glorify God. ClIAP'i'KR XI. 1. The Gentiles; those to whom Peter preached at tho house of Cornelius. 2, Thri/ — if llie circumcision; the believing Jews. Con- lenilrd with him ; found fiiult with him for associating with, and preai-hiiig the gosjiel to Gentiles, e;dled, in ver. 3, the un(-ircum(-iseounded it by order unto them, saying, 5 I was in tiie city of Joppa praying:" and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descending, as it had been a great slieet, let down from heaven by four corners ; and it came even to me : 6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, I'etcr ; slay and eat. 8 But I said. Not so. Lord : for nothing common or unclean hatli at any time entered into my mouth. 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, Wliat God hath cleansed, that call not thou com- mon. 10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into lieaven. 11 And behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Cesarea unto me. 12 And tlie Spirit bade me go with them," noth- ing doubting. Moreover these six bretlu-en accom- panied me, and we entered into the man's house: 13 And lie showed us how he had seen an angel in liis house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter ; 14 Who sliall tell thee words, whereby tliou and all thy house shall be saved." 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Gliost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.'' 16 Then rememltered I the word of the Lord, how tliat he said, John indeed baptized with wa- ter;" but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.f 17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us,*-' who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, what was I, tliat I could withstand God?" « Ch Ul :!) etc. b John 1(5:13. c 1 'sa.19 7-11 ; .Tohn (i:r.:!, 09. d ch . 2:4. ' Milt. ;i: 1 .loh n 1:20,33; ch. 1:5. fisa. 44:: ; Joe! 2: a-. r ch.15 :S, 9. h Rom y •.!l -m. ' Rom. W:l-i l.-i 15:9, IB. i ch. 8:1. k Matt. 10:0. 1 ch. 1; U •jy. m Luke l:liG. ch. 15 11); 1 Thcss. 1:9. o ch. 9:27. 12. Six brethren; the believing Jews who went with Peter from Cesarea to Joppa. Chap. 10:23, 45. 14. All til ij lionsc ; all lii.s family. 16. The Liird ; the Lord Jesus, chap. 1:.'). 17. Withstand God; resist the clear indications of his will. 18. Thfij lield their peace; being convinced that Peter did riglit. Repentance unto life; that which, through the grace of God, secures eternal life. 19. Phcnice; or Phoenicia, a province on tho coast north of Palestine, the chief cities of which were Tyre and Sidon. Cyprus; an island in the north-cast part of tlio Mediterra- nean sea. Antioch; a city of Syria, about three hundred miles north of Jerusalem, on the river Oroiites, not far from tho Mediterranean. 20. Cyrnie; a province and city in the north part of Africa. Grecians; Jews speaking the Greek language. I'.ut .another reading of the original is Greeks; that is, Gen- tile Greok.H. This latter is to lac iireferrcd. 21. The hand of the Lord; ho accompanied their preach- ing with divine |iower. 22. Sent forth Barnabas; for the purpose of assisting tho brethren in preaching tho gospel. 19 18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying. Then hath God also to tlic Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' 19 " Now they wliich were scattered abroad u])on the persecution that arose about Stejilien,' travelled as far as Piienice, and Cyprus, and An- tioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews onlj'.'' 20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians,' preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with tlicm:'" and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord." 22 T" Then tidings of these things came unto the cars of the church which was in Jerusalem : and they sent forth Barnabas," that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Wlio, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad,'' and exhorted them all,'' that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord."' 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith :^ and much people was added unto the Lord.' 25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus," for to seek Saul : 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves witli* the church, and taught much people.' And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. 27 1 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch."' 28 And there stood up one of them named Aga- bus,'' and signified by tlie Spirit that there sliould 1)0 great dearth throughout all the world : which came to pass in the days of Claudius Cesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judca:^' 30 Wliich also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.'' P 3 John 4. •> ch. 13 :43 ; 14:22. r Psa. 1 -:3; Prov. 2' :15 26 , 2 Cor. 1 17. »cl,. (i:5. ver. 21 . u ch. 9:27 30. -Or in. V Matt •JB U). " ch. 2 17; 13:1 Eph. 4:11. « oh. 21:10. y Rom. 5:2G; 1 Cor. 10: 1; 2 Cor. 9: , 5!. 2ch. 12:2.5. J 23. The f^raee of God; the great success God had given tho preaching of the gospel in the conversion of sinners. Wuh purpose of heart; that with a steady, heartfelt purpose they would continue to obey Christ. 25. jTar.sMs; Paul's native city. Chap. !):11. 26. Assembled themselves; for public worshiji. With the church; the disciples of Christ. 27. Prophets; a class of inspired teachers in the primi- tive church. 1 Cor. 12:28; 14; Ephes. 4:11, 12. They unfolded the doctrines of the gospel under the illumination of the Holy Ghost, and sometimes foretold future events. Compare chap. 21:10, 11. 28. Signifcd hij the Spirit ; made known, under the influ- ence of tho Holy Spirit. Dearth; famine. Claudius Cesar; he was the fifth Roman emperor, and reigned from a. d. 41 to 54. This famine took place as predicted, and is par- ticularly noticed by Josephus, tho Jewish historian. An- tiq., chap. 2, sec. 5. 30. Elders; leading men in the churches. INSTRUCTIONS. 2. The church at Jerusalem claimed and exercised tho right of private judgment in matters of religion. They 1240 Herod vexelh t/ie church ACTS XII. Peter's release from prison. CHAPTER XII. 1 Kincr Herod persecuteth the Christians, kilieth James, .and iinprisnn- eth Peter; wliom an an^el delivereth upon the prayers of the churcli. 20 In his pr de taking to himself the lienor due to God, he is stricken by an angel, and dieth miserably. 21 After his death, the word of (jod prospereth. NOW about that time, Herod tlie kino; stretchetl fortli ki.s liaiids* to vex certain of tiie clmrcli. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.'' 3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews,'' he proceeded further to take Peter also.'' Then \yere the days of unleavened bread.'' 4 And when he hud appreiicniled him, he put /liin in prison, and delivered him to four (piateruions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. 5 Peter therefore was kept in prison : but prayer was made without ceasing* of the church unto God for him. G And when Herod would have brought him forth, tlie same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the ]5rison. 7 And behold, the angel of the Lord came upon /rim, and a light shined in the prison:" and he smote Peter on the side, and i-aised him up, say- ing. Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.' 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and • Or. began. > Matt. 4:-.>l; 31:4! b ch. al:-.>7. c John 21: IS. d Exod. 12:11, 1.3. t Or, instant and earnest praytT was tnade ; 2 Cor. 1:11; Kph 6:l-i, 19; 1 Thess. 5:17; Jas. 5:1B. c Psa. 37:32, 33; ch. 5:19. ' ch. l(i:-.>«. had no idea of being satisfied with the conduct of Peter, unless he would give them good reasons for it; and lie had no idea tliat they ought to be satisfied in any other ■way. He therefore candidly and fully stated the reasons which had satisfied his own mind, and these, through the divine blessing, satisfied theirs. Hence, it is evident tliiit he did not elaiin, anil tliat they did not believe him to be poite, or to possess those jirerogatives which have been aBSUined by his pretended sueeessors. 1«. Tliough it is tlic duty of men to repent, that they maj' receive forgiveness of sins, yet all are so wicked tliat none will repent unless led to do it by the Holy Spirit. In this sense repentance, when exercised, is the gift of God. 21. When the Lord accompanies the preaching of the gospel with his divine power, multitudes will believe it and turn from *heir sins. Hence, liis presence and jiower should alwitys be sought by preachcrfl and all who desire the success of the gospel. 24. Though it is the power of God whieli makes the gos- pel the means of salvation, yet goodness, faith, and fidelity are no less ncedlid in ministers, than if they were to be the sole cause of their success. 29. An experimental reception of the gospel produces a benevolent ilisposition, a desire to do good to all, espec- ially to the friends of (Ilirist. The jiroper measure of con- tributions and efforts is the ability whieli God gives. CII.M'TER XII. 1. Ihrnil; Ili^rod Agrippa, grandson of llcrod the Great, mentioned in .Matt. 2:1. Vrx; trouble, persecute. 2. James ; one of the sons of Zebedee, Matt. 4:21, called James the greater, or senior, to distinguish him from James the less, or younger, wlio was the son of Alplicus. See introduction to the epistle of James. Matt. 10:3; Mark 15:40. ."i. The (lays nf unleavened bread; the passover. Exod. 12:12-17; Luke 22:1. 4. Four quaternions; four companies of four soldiers 12.50 bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And a. d.«. he sailh unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 9 And he went out, and followed him ; and wist not that it was true which was done by tlic angel ;" but thought he saw a vision.'' 10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which ojieneil to them of his own accord : and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. 11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now 1 know of a surety, that the I^ord hath sent his angel,' and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, iu\d from all the exjicctation of the peo- ple of the Jews.J 12 And when he had considered i/ie thin^, he came to the house of Slary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark ; where many were gatliered together praying."^ Vi And as Peter knocked at the door (d'the gate, a damsel came to hearken,' iiaiiied llhoda. 1-1 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. 15 And they said unto her. Thou art mtid. But she constantly afiiriucil that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.' S Psa. 13li:l. h ch. 10:3, 17. i 2 Chr. 10:0; Psa. 34:7; D.an. 3:a Exnd. 10:35. 7. Dcputi/; that is, the proconsul; the title borne by those governors of proviiices that were appointed by the Roman senate. Prudent; intelligent, wiHO, candid. 8. Ell/mas; apparently an Arabic word meaning wise or learned, tliat is, in the arts of sorcery. Turn away the dep- uty ; prevent his embracing the gospel. 9. Paul ; his Hebrew name was Saul. This is the first time he is called Paul; but after this, he is always called by this name. 10. Child of the devd ; like him in temper and conduct. Pervert; misrepresent, an I Sam. 8:5. ■> I Sam. 10:1. o I Sam. 31:0. p 2 Sam .0:3. 1 Sam. 13:14. r Psa. 132:11. • Matt. 1:21. 1 Matt. 3:1-11. u Matt. 10:0. v Luk,, 21:20, 41. wch.l:3. i Rom. 4:i:j. 17. A high arm; with great power, and in a wonderful manner. 18. Suffered he their manners; bore with their provoca- tions ami sustained their lives ; or according to another reading, bore or fed them as a nurse a child, as it is in the margin. 19. Seven nation/:; Josh. 3:10; 11:8. 21. Cw; in (j reek, is the same as Kish in Hebrew. ISam. 9:1; 10:1. 22. Gave testimony ; 1 Sam. 13:H; 16:1-12; Psa. 89:20. 2.'). Ills course; course of service, his ministry. Not he; not the Messiah. John 1:20; Matt. 3:11. 2C, The word of this salvation; the offer of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. 27. Because they knew htni not; did not know him to be the Messiah. The voices of Ihc propluts ; they did not under- stand the true meaning of the prophecies. They liaveful- , fdled them; by crucifying ('hrist, they did what the proph- ets had foretold. 2S. A'o caiLv if death ; no crime. 31. Them which came up; his apostles and others. 32. The promise ; of the Messiah and his salvation. 33. This day have I begotten lltce; the resurrection of Christ from the dead was the great public mapifestation of \\}m The Gentiles hear the gospel. ACTS XIV. Paul and Barnabas cr'pdkd. A. D. 45. dren, in that he hath raised up Jesus again ; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son; tliis day have I begotten tlicc." 34 And as concerning tliat he raised him np from the dead, noio no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies" of David. 35 Wherefore he saith also in another/>sa/ffi, Thou shalt not suffer tliy Holy One to sec corruiition." 36 For David, after lie had served his own gen- eration by the will of God,* fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corru|)tion :"= 37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no cor- ruption."* 38 1 Be it known unto you therefore, inen and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:" 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by tlie law of Moses.'' 40 Ben'aro therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the ]n-ophets : 41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish : for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, tiiough a man declare it unto you."-' 42 And when the Jews were gone out of the syn- agogue, the Gentiles besought tiiat these words might be preaciied to them the next sab1)ath.* 43 Now when tiie congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnalms; who, speaking to them, per- suaded them to continue in the grace of God." 44 IT And the next sabbath-day came almost the whole city togetiicr to hear the word of God. » Psa. '2:7. * Gr. ta osia, holy, or jusl thini^s; which word the Seventy, both in the place of Isa. 5.J::J. and in many others, use for that which is in the Hebrew, merries, b Psa. IG: lU. t Or, after he had in his own ns:e served tlie will of God. » 1 Kings 2:10. d ch. 2:24. e Dan. (1:24; Lulte 2J:47; lJohn2:l2. t Isa. 53:11; Hab.2:4; Rom. 3:23; b:3. s Isa. 20:14; Hab. as the Son of God ; the act by which he was " declared to be the Son of God with power." Rom. 1:4. 34. The sure mercieft uj David; the sure meixies promised to David, I.sa. 55 : 3 ; namely, that God would never remove his mercy from him, but that his tlirone shoukl he estab- lished for ever. 2 Sam. 7: 12-17. This promise is fulfilled in the resurrection of Jesiis Christ the Son of David, and his exaltation to universal dominion. 35. Another ■psalm ; Psa. l(i:10. 39 Cmdd not be justified;, Rom. 3:20; Hcb. 9:8-28. 40. Spaken nf; Hab. 1:5. Tlie apostle follows the Greek version of tlie Seventy, which agrees for substance with the Helirnw. 41. A work; a work of desolating judgment ; namely, the oviTthrow of the land by foreign enemies. i:i. Reli^iiim prnsetijte-i ; (Jeiitilcs wlio had embraced the Jewish religion. In ike grace of God ; in the profession and practice of the gospel. 4li. Necesmrij; in order to obey the command and fulfil the aiipoiiitinent of God. Luke 24:47. Judge yoursehes umrortliij, show yourselves unfit longer to receive even the ofler of salvation. We turn to the Gentiles; we devote our- selves to the work of preaching the gospel to the heathen. 47. f^'uiing; Isa. 49 :B. lie for salvation; be a Saviour. Unto the eiah of the eaiih; to all people. 48. Ordained to eternal life; Rom. 8: 28-30; 2Thes8. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:2. 50. Demut ; devout in the observance of the Jewish law. 51. Shook off till' dint; in token of abhorrence of tlieir wickedness. .Mark (j:ll. Iconium ; a city of l^ycaonia, a province north-east of Pisidia. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.' 40 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said. It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you :' but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.'' 47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.' 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as Avere ordained to eternal life believed.'" 49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. 50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and hon- orable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas," and exjiellcd them out of their coasts. 51 But they shook oft' the dust of their feet against them," and came unto Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy. and with the Holy Ghost." CHAPTER XIV. 1 Paul and Barna-bas are persecuted from Iconium. 8 At Lystra Paul healeth a cripple, whereupon they are reputed as gods. 19 Paul is stoned. 21 Tliey pass through divers churches, confirming the disci- ples in faith aiid patience. 26 Returning to Antioch, they report what Grod had done with them. NI) it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, A 1:5. t OTf in the week between, or in tlie sabbath between. hch.I.|:22; Heb. 0:11,12; 12:15. i ch. 1B:6. ) Malt. 10:0; Lnke 34:47; Rom. 1:16. kDeut. 32:21; Matt. 21:43; Rom. 1U:19. I Isa,. 49:G. m ch. 2:47; Rom. B:30. ii2Tim.3:ll. " Mark 6:11 ; Luke 9:5; ch. 18:0. p Matt. 5:12; 1 Thess. 1:6. INSTRUCTIONS. 2. True ministers of Christ are prepared for, and called to their work by the Holy Ghost. Tliis, however, does not supersede the neccssit_v, or lessen the propriety, in order to their greatest usefulness, of their being set apart with prayer and the laying on of liands. 8. Teachers of falsehood and pretenders to sujierior power are always afraid of the faithful preaching of tlio gospel. iSo far as it is embraced and fcillowed, tlieir iiiHu- ciice will be gone ; they therefore misrepresent and oppose it, slander those who preach it, and in v;irious ways seek to ])revcnt men from receiving it. l(i. A. correct and extensive knowledge of history, es- pecially the liistory of the churcli, is of great importauco to ministers of tlie gosiiel. To show what (Jod li:is done in his providence, as well as what he has said in his word, is a means of communicating to men a knowledge of his character and will, and presenting the motives to love and obey him. 27. Men who do notunderstand the meaning of the Bible, and who malignantly persecute those who obey it, may nevertheless, in their opposition, be fulfilling its predic- tions, and thus adding to the evidences of its divine origin, and of the truth of its declarations. 3i). Hy believing in Christ, men may be aecejUed and treated as righteous: but they are so wickeil, that none will believe, uidess (Jod by his Sjiirit l(';id them to do it. ■18. When any believe in Christ, it slmws that the}' were from the beginning "chosen to salvation, through sancti- lication of the Spirit and belief of the truth;" the glory 1253 A cripple healed al Lystra. ACTS XIV. Paul returns to Antioch. and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. 2 But tlie unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gen- tiles, and made their minds evil aliected against tlic brethren. 3 Long time tlierefore abodetlieyppcakingboldly in tlie Lord, wliieh gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their lumds." 4 But the multitude of the city was divided : and part held with the Jews, and part with tlie apos- tles." 5 And wlien there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of tlie Jews, with tlieir rul- ers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, 6 They were aware oiit, anil fled unto Lystra and Derbe," cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: 7 And tiiere tliey preached the gospel. 8 1 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, im- potent in liis feet, being a cripjilc from ins mother's womb,'' wlio never iiad walked : 9 The same lieard Paul speak : wlio steadfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed," 10 Said with a loml voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.' 1 1 And when the people saw what Paul had done, tliey lifted up tlieir voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.'' 12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Jlercurius, because he was the ciiief speaker. 13 Tlien the priest of Jupiter, wliich was before tlieir city, lirought oxen and garlands unto tlie gates, and would have done sacriiice with the peo- ple." 14 W/iirk when tlic apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes,' and ran in among the people, crying out, 15 And saying. Sirs, why do ye tiiese things? We also are men of like passions witli you,^ and preach unto you that ye should turn from tlicsc • Mark 16:21); Uob. 2:4. bch. aH:jl. c Mail l(l:-i:). ilnh.3:2 e Matt. 9:«, 29. ' l«i. . •!.'>: 11. »oh. 2-(:«. ti Dm. 2: Hi. i .Malt. 20:05. jch. 10:20; Ja..5:17; Rev. 19:10. I" ISam. 12:21; 1 Kinip. 10:1:1; Jer.ll:22; Jonah 2:!-; 1 Cor S;4. I 1 ThM«. 1:9. "Gen. 1:1; INa. :)):0; 110:0; Rev. 11:7. therefore of every thing good in them, and of all the good done or enjoyed by them, bclongB to God. CIFAPTER XIV. 3. Gave testimony; proved the truth of wliat they taught, by enabling them in his name to work miracles. 6. Lmtra and Derhe; cities of Lycaonia, u province of Asia .\riiior. 9. Faith to be liealeil; confidence in the i)Owcr of (.'hrist, by means of I'aul, to heal him. 11. Spccrh of Lijcnonia; the language of that province. 12. Jupiter; considered by the Greeks and llomans as the greatest of their gods. Mercurius; regarded as the gfid of eloquence. l.'i. Before tlieir cilij; in front of their city was a temple iletlicatcd to .lupiter. Gurlantli; wrcatlis of flowers, with which they decorated the victims to be oIl'iTcd in sacrifice. 14. Rent their dollies; in token of their abhorrence of such sacrifices. lr>. Men of like pnsftioin ; frail, sinful, dying men. Tliese vanities; the worship of false and imaginary gods. 16. All naiions; the gentile world. Their own ways; 1254 vanities" unto the living God,' which made a. 0.40. heaven, and earth, and tlie sea, and all things tliat are therein : '" 16 Who in times past suflered all nations to walk in their own ways." 17 Nevertheless he left not liimself without wit- ness," in that he did good, and gave us rain from licaven,'' and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 18 And with these sayings scarce restrained tliey the people, that tliey had not done sacrifice unto them. I'J *i And there came thitlier certain Jews from Antioch and Iconiuni, who pei-suaded the people, and having stoned ]*aul,'' drew /li/n out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20 Howijcit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the ne.^t day he dejiarted willi Uarnabas to Derbe. 21 And when they had preached the gosjiel to that city, and had taught iiuuiy," they returned again to Lystra, and to leoniiini, and Antioch, 22 Conhrming the souls of the disciples, and ex- horting them to continue in the faith,' and that wc must through much tribidation enter into the king- dom of God.'' 23 jUid Avlien they had ordained them elders in every church, and had ]>rayed witli fasting, they commended them to the Loril, on whom they be- lieved. 24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamjiliylia. 25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: 2t> And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had lieen reconiniendcd to the grace of God for the work which they fiillilled.' 27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them," and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. "' 28 And there thev abode long time with the di.s- ciples. n Pm. 81 12; ch. 17: ■)(). » Rnm. 1 :2n P Job 5; 10; Pna 147:8 Matt S:4i5. q 2 Cor. 1 1:25 •Gr Artrf tuntU vtany diKipttx. rch. 13:43. Horn. H:I7; 2 Tim. 3. 12. > ch. 1 ):1 3; 15:40. u oh. 15:4. » 1 Cor 10:9; 2 Cor 2:12; Rev. 3:8 ways of idolatry and wickedness, without a written reve- lation. 17. Witness; evidciicos of his existence, power, and goodness. 19. Persuaded the people ; persuaded thoni that l':tiil and Barnabas were biid men, anil doreivcrs. 22. Coiifirmiitfr the .snii/s- ; iimtrmting and establishing them in tiie lailh iiml practice of the gospel. 23. Urddiiinl tlifni chins; sit it)>art jiersiins to take the care, oversight, ami inHtruction of tlio churches. 24. Pamphylin; on tlieir way bat.'k towards Antioch in Syria, from wliich they wiiit. t'lia)). i:!:l. 2.'>. Alloliii ; a sea|)ort in I'iiiiiplivHa fioiii whirli they could sail to Antioch. 21;. 'III!' work—fnifillnl; tli(^ missionary work to which they li;iil been appointed, eliap. i:i:2, 3. 27. The chnrdi ; the di.sciples at Antioch. Ojxnied Ike door (f fiiith niitn the (icntilfn; iirejiarcd tlie way to preach to theiii the gospel, and led tliciii to I'lnbrace it. INSIItllTIONS. 1. In preaching, the manner, us well as the matter, is important ; and it should bo the earnest desire, tho fervent T}i£. apostles and elders ACTS xy. coiisuli ahoiU circumcisiori. CHAPTER XV. 1 Great dissension ariseth touching circumcision. 6 The apostles con- sult about it. 22 and send their determination by letters to the churches. 36 Paul anil Barnab.as. tlunking to visit tlie brethren together, fall at strife, and depart asunder. AND certain men wliicli came down from Judca tauglit the brethren,'' and said, p]xcept ye be circumcised after tlie manner of Moses,'' ye cannot be saved. 2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas liad no small dissension and disputation with tlieni, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, slioiild go up to Jerusalem unto tlie apostles and elders about tliis question.'^ 3 And being brought on their way by tlie church,'' they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declar- ing the conversion of the Gentiles:" and they caused great joy unto all the brethren/ 4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done witli thein.^ 5 But there rose up certain* of tlie sect of the Pharisees wliich believed, saying. That it was need- ful to circumcise them, and to command t/tcm to keep the law of Moses." 6 1 And the a])ostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.' 7 And when tlierc had l)een nineh disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men a7id breth- ren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, tiiat tlie Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.-' a Gal. 2:13. b Lev. 12:3; John 7:2>. = Gal. 2:1. d Rom. 15:24; 1 Cor. 16:6. II; 3 John 6. ech. 14:27. f Luke 15:7, 10. ech.21:19. • Or, rose up, said they, cerlo/n, etc. hver. 1. i Matt. It::-.'U. j Matt. 16:18, 19; ch. 10; 2U. prayer, and the diligent effort of every minister of the gos- pel, so to speak that multitudes of all classes shall, through the grace of God, be led to believe. 4. When great numbers embrace the gospel, those who continue to reject it are often filled with wrath against those who preach it. The connnunitj' is divided. A part join the friends, and a part the enemies of Christ, and great commotions follow. These results wicked men attribute to the gospel; but thoy spring from opposition to it, and the opposers, not the faithful preachers of the gospel, are responsible for the evils thus occasioned. 15. Faithful ministers of the gospel will be careful to let none think of them as any thing more than men, of like infirmities with other men ; and if they are instrumental of good, they will inculcate upon all that the glory belongs wholly to God. 2S. (Jlmrches need officers to take the oversight of them, to instruct them, and labor for their H])iritual good; and it is proper that they should be set apart to tliis work, that tlie influences of the Holy Spirit should be sought for them, :uid they be particularly commended to his gracious guidance and care. 27. Correct accounts of the maimer in which God has delivered his peo])le from trials, and crowned their labors with his blessing, are very useful. They lead Christians to jiiit greater confidence in him, to lU'ay more earnestly for spiritual blessings, and with increased fidelity use the means which are needful to obtain them. CITAPTKR XV. 1. Certain mm ; Jews who had become Christians. The brethren ; tlie Christians at Antioch. The manner of Moses; as taught by him. 5. The Pharisees; though converted to Christianity, they 8 And God, which knoweth the hearts,'' bare them witness, giving them the Iloly Ghost, even as he did unto us; 9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying tiieir hearts by faith.' 10 Now tlierefore why tempt ye God, to ))ut a yoke upon the neck of the disciples,"' which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear ? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved," even as they. 12 1 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them." 13 1 And after they had held 'their peace, James answered, saying. Men and brethren, hearken unto me. 14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles,'' to take out of them a peo- ple for his name. 15 And to this agree the words of the prophets ; as it is written, 16 After this I will refurn, and will build again the tabernacle of David, wliich is fallen down ; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up : 17 Tliat the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saitli the Lord, who doeth all tliese things." 18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world."^ k oh. 1:24. 1 Heb. 9:13, 14; 1 Pet. 1:22. mGal.5:l. n Rom. 3:24; Eph 2:8; Titus 3:4, 5. o oh. 14:27. P Luke 8:31, 32. q Amos 9:11, 12. 'Num. 2:J:19; Isa. 46:10. still retained their attachment to many rites and ceremo- nies of the Jewish dispensation. 7. Bij my mouth should hear the word of the gospel ; Peter was the first who preached the gospel to the Gentiles, and thus opened the way for their admission into the Christian church. Acts 10:34-48. 8. Bare them, witness; testified to their acceptance. 9. By faith ; by believing in Christ. 10. Tempt i/e God; by acting against the manifestationa of his will. A yoke; the burdensome rites and ceremonies of the Jewish religion. 11. Even as they; Jews as well as Gentiles must bo saved, not by works, or tho observance of rites and ceremonies, but through grace, by faith in Jesus Christ. 13. James; see note to cliaji. 12:17. 14. Simeon; the Hebrew mode of spelling Simon, mean- ing Simon Peter. Ver. 7. 1.5. The prophets; they had foretold that the gospel slioulil be pre;iched to the (Jentiles as well as Jews. Isa. 2:2-4; 41):(;; Amos 9:11, 12. 16. 1 — will huild again the tabernacle of David ; here rep- resenting David's royal family, which, after the Babylonish captivity, fell into obscurity. It was rebuilt in the person of Christ, the son of David according to the flesh, and tho true heir to Daviil's throne. Luke 1:32, 33. The aiiostlo in tills quotation follows the Greek translation of the Sev- enty. 17. Upon whom my name is called; who are c;illcd .It-ho- vali's people. l.s. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world; as much as to 8;iy, The cidling of the (ien- tiles into the church is in accordance with God's purpose from llio beginning. Why then throw hinderances in their w.ay ? 1255 A letter is sent to Anticch. ACTS XV. Paul and Barnabas p-.rl. 19 Wherefore my sentence is, tliat we trouble not them, which from among tiic Gentiles are turned to God:^ 20 But that we write unto them, tliat they ab- stain from pollutions of idols,'' and from foruica- tion,'^ aud//-07?i things strangled, and//v)/?!. blood.'' 21 For Moses of old lime liatli in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath-day.'' 22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas snrnamed Barsabas,'' and Silas, chief men among the brethren : 2:i And they wrote ktfcrshy them after this man- ner: The apostles and elders and brethren send greeling unto the brethren which are of the Gen- tiles in Antioch and Syria and L'ilicia. 24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us liave troubled you with words."-' suliverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law ;'' to whom we gave no suc/i commandment:' 2o It seemed good unto us, lieing assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul : 2G Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.^ 27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.* 25 For it seemed good to the lloly Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no great(.'r liurtlen than these necessary things;" 2'J That ye abstain from meats oiTercd to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and « 1 TheM. 1:9. >> Exod. 20:4,3; I Cor. S:I,etc.; I0:2j; Rev. 2:14,20: 0.2U. c I Cor. 0:9, Irt; Col. 3:.5; 1 The.ss. 4:3. d Lev. 17:14; Deut. 12:l(i, •it. « ch. 13:15. 27. 'cb. I:*). S ver. 1 ; Gil. 5:12. h Gal. 5:4. > Gal. V!:4. J ch. 13:50; 14:19. ' Gc. word, k Hev. 2:24. 1 ver. 20. ■>> 2 Cor. 19. Sentence; opinion, or jiulgniciit. Thai we trouble not tlum; \iy iniposint; Ujion tlicni .lewi.sli cercnionios. 20. J'olhilion« of iiliili; from iisin;; mc-at,s ofi'erctl in sacri- fice to idols, or in uny w.iy (-oniiiviiij; at idolatry. Fornica- tion; a Kin wliicdi \v:i.s c.vcccdingly common among tlie Gentilf«, and against wliich they needed a special warning. T/tinga sliaii oh. 14:22. "1 Cor. 10:11; 2 John 10. p cli. 13:4, etc. a ch 12:12, 25; Col. 4:1U. 'ch. 13:13. >ch. 14:28; 20:32. 1 oh. 1G:5. 41. Confirmuif! the churches ; strengthening and C8t;iblish- ing them in the faith and practice of the gospel. INSTHCCTION'S. 5. The errors of men are not idl ;it once removed by their conversion; they need further instniction, observa- tion, and experience, as well as the continued leaching of the lloly Spirit. But if they ;ire re;illy born of (iod, and use lUdper iiioaiiH.he will enlighUii llicm: ;ind ;is they seo their errors they will rcMounce iIkiii, and become more and more conformed in f;iilli ;in«l ]ira 1 <1 ch. e ch. Cor Cor. P Luke CHAPTER XVI. 1. Dsrbe and Li/fstm; oliap. 14:6. 3. Circumcise I him ; this Paul riiil, not becaii.se it was needful to salvation, but to i)rcvcnt the Jews from l)eing prejuilicml a;.;aiMst Tirnotliy as a prcac-lu^r of the {gospel. 4. Tiie decrees; tlic decision to wliicli the aiiostlcs and brctlireii at .lenisalem hail come, (,'liap. 15:211. 6. Piirij'jin; tliis was tlie (Central and larfjest province in Asi;t .Minor, (iaiatia ; a ]irovinee east of Pliryiy recounting tlie goodness of God, and encouraging thein to love and trust in him. IN.'^'riiriTfONH. 3. Christian wisdom will le;id men to do, nmler some circumstances, what it will lead them 1o refuse to rlo un- der others. It is not enough that a thing is not forhidden: to he justified in doing it, we must also have reason to lic- lievc that it will be useful; that it is not only lawful, but also expedient, ll'or. ti:I2; 10:23. 1 4. Whenever men believe on .Icsiis dhrist, and are dis- jxiseil to obey him. it is evidence that the Lord has re- newed their hearts by his .Spirit. To him therefore, not to thcni, or those who have preached the gosiwl, belongs the glory. Ifi. Men are often more anxious to know their fortunes than their duty. They moro earnestly seek, and liberally 1258 to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let a.d.ss. you go : now therefore depart, and go in peace. 37 But Paul said unto them. They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being llomans," and have cast us into prison ; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay, verily ; but let them come them- selves and fetch us out." 38 And the sergeants told these words unto the magistrates : and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. 39 And they came and besought them,'' and brought thrm out, and desired t/ieia to dejiart out of the city .'I 40 And th(>y went out of the prison, and entered into f/ic house o/'Lydia:'' and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed. CHAPTER XVII. 1 P;iul preaclietli at Thessalonica, 4 where some believe, and others fiersecute him. 10 He is sent to Berea, and preaciieth there. 13 Jein;; persecuted at Thessalonica, l*') iie coineth to Athens, .iiid dis- putetfi, and preaciieth tiie living God to them unknown, 3-1 wliereby many are converted unto Christ. NOW when they had passed through Am]ihip- olis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalo- nica, where was a .synagogue of the Jews: 2 And Paul, as iiis manner was, went in unto them,'' and llii'ee sabbatli-dtiys reasoned with them out of the scrijitures, 3 Ojieniiig and alleging, that Christ must needs have sufi'ered, and risen again i'rom the dead;' and that this Jesus, whom I jircach" unto you, is Christ. 10. 1 Luke 5:23. mKom. 5:11. n ch 22:25. o Dan. 0: If', 19; Malt. 10:18. PExod. II :H; Uev.3:9. qMatt.S:34. rver.M. » Luko 4:10; ch. 9:20; 13:5, 14. 1 Luko '24:20, 40; ch. lb:28; Gal. 3:1. • Or, w/iolH, said he, /prrar/i. pay for specious delusions and lying vanities, than for siilifitantial rc;dities and momentous truth. 19. Under the iutiuence of S;it;ui, i)ersoii8 may pretend to foretell future events, and to exercise siipcriiatural power ; but when Christ delivers them from the snares of Satan, sncli pretensions will cease. 20. Miuiy are grc;itly troul)led when S;it;in is prevented from heliiiug them to iimko money; and e;iriiestly contend tli;it the proseciilinii of their wicked emiiloyment is essen- tial to the pnblii' good. 2;'). It is not in the jiower of the wicked to make the righteous uiihaiipy, or prevent their rejoicing with ex- ceeding joy, ;iO, To a convicted sinner, the most imimrlaiit of all things is salvation from sin and hell. To obtain it, ho must do something; ant. b-JCor. e:r); 1 Thess. 1:5. (i, t Rom. I(i:-Jl. >1 l.uke a3:5; ch.lO:-i|l. e Luke 'iii-j; .liilin 1«:1-.'. ' Matt, a:!!; .lohri 1 1:4-. Sch.n;-2o; ver. 14. i> Psa. 119:;i!». lUO. i Jas. 1:2); 1 Pet. 2:-.>. J l.-a. 34:16; Luke 16:20; 24:41; John 5:30. k Luke 12:51. 1 Matl. 10:23. mch.l8:5. "Psa. 119:130; 2 Pet. 2:8. • Or, full of idols. och.S:2. P Col. 2:8. t Or, «ase 4. Consorted with Paul and Silas; joined tliem. Devout Greeks ; Gentile Greeks who liad become aciiuaiiitpd with the true religion as revealed in the Old Testament, and were worshippers of Jehovah. The women also appear to have been of the same class. So also in ver. 12. 5. With envy; at the success of I'aul and .Silas. Jason; a relation of I'aul, at whose house he and Silas stayed. Koni. 1(;:21. 7. Do contrary to the decrees of Cesar; are guilty of rebel- ling afrainst Itim. 9. Taken security of Jasnn ; exacted a bond of him, by wliich he was made resjionsible that no disturbance should be catised by the presence of I'aul ;ind Silas, hi accord- ance with this they were immediately sent away. 10. Berea; a city of Macedonia south-west of Thessa- lonica. 11. More nnhir ; more noble-minded — candid iiii|uirers after truth. Whether those thini^i were so ; whether tlie thin;is taught by Paul and Silas were true, in accordance with the Scriptures. V). Athens; the most distinguished city in Greece, and the seat of literature, philosophy, and the lino arts. 17. Disputed; reasoned with litem concerning the Mes- siahaliip of Jesus Christ, the worship of the one living and true (!od, and the retributions of cternitv. 1». Epicureans; from Epicurus their founder, who taught that pleasure is the chief good. Stoics; from stoa, a Greek unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed,'" they dc|3arted. 16 If Now while Paul waited for tliein at Alliens, his spirit was stirred in him," when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry." 17 Tiierefore disjiuted he in the synagogue with the Jews, and witli tlie devout persons," and in the market daily with them tliat met with him. 18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, andof the Stoics, encountered him.'' And some said, What will this babbler + say? other some. He seem- eth to be a setter forth of strange gods : because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. 19 And tliey took him, and brought him unto Areopagus,* saying. May we know what this new doctrine," whereof thou speakest, is? 20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears:'' we would know therefore wliat these things mean. 21 For all the Athenians and strangers which were there, spent their time in nothing else, but eitlior to tell, or to hear some new thing. 22 1i Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars-hill,^ and said, Ye men of Atiiens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.'* 23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devo- tions," I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. 24 God that made the world and all things there- in,' seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth," dwelleth not in temples made with hands;'' 25 Neither is worshi])ped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing,"' seeing he givctli to all lil'e, and lircath,^ and all things;' 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth,'' and fdlow. 1 Or, Mars-liiU; it was the hifihest court in Athens, q John 13:34; 1 John 2:7. y. 'Hns. S:12. ^ Or. Ihe court o/the Areopagilt-s. ' Jer. 50:38. t Or, goils that ye U'ors/iip; Gal. 4:8. ' ch. 14:15. "Malt. 11:25. v ch. 7;4«. wPialm50:S. x Job 12:10; Zech. 12:1. y Romans 11 ::il). z Mai. 2:10. word meaning a porch ; because, in a structure so named, Zeno the founder of this sect taught his doctrines. Among these the two following were prominent: that all things are fixed by necessity, and that the chief good of man lies in raising himself to a state of indiflerence to all earthly things. 19. Areopagus; that is, as the wonl means, Jfars-liill; a rocky height in Athens, opjiosite the western end of the Acro]iolis, where the highest Atheni;tn court was Indd. 22. Too snperstitiinis; lather, very religiously inclined, very much disposed to honur the gods. 23. Passed till; passed through the city, and beheld the sacred places and objects. 7'o the iinknoini God ; or, as the inscription may also be rentlered. To an unknown God. They not oidy worshipiied all the gods that were known, Ijut'iiad an aitar to oni! that was unknown. However this might have arisen, it showed the truth of what I'aul said, th;tt tliey were much inclined to honor the gods ; and it fur- nished him with an admirable occasion of preaching to them the true (Jod, who w;is to them " the unknown God." 24. Dwelleth not in temples; according to the heatlien idea of a lociil anil limitcil presence. lie is not conliiicd to ;tny place, but tills all (jlaces. 2(i. //(///( iniide of one Mood; caused all men to sjiring from one lamily. Times — tiounds; the countries where they shoulil live, and the periods during which they should occupy them. 1259 Paul's discourse at Athens. ACTS XVIII. He preadeth at Curinth, liath determined the times before appointed," and the bounds of their habitation ;'' 27 That they sliould scclc liio Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and fuid liim, though he be not far from every one of us:" 28 For in iiim we live, and move, and have our being:'' as certain also of your own poets have said. For we are also his oftspriug.'' 29 Forasmuch then as wo are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godliead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.'' 30 And the times of tliis ignorance God winked atp but now coniniaudeth all men everywhere to repent:'' 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge tlic world in righteousness by (hat man wliom he hath ordained;' whereof ha hath given assurance* unto all men, in that he hath raised him iVoni tlio dead. 32 \ And wiieu they heard of the resurrection of tlie dead,^ some mocked : and others said, We will hear tliec again of this matter} 33 So Paul dc])arted from among them. 34 Howbeit, certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the wiiich was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. »rM.31:15. I> Ua. 4.):-.'l. cch. 1-1:17. nr own poctn; Aratus of Cilieia, a Greek poet who lived more than tliree hundred years l)efore,aiid ('leanthos, who lived about the same time and was successor of Zeiio the founder of the Stoics, both expressed the sentiment referred to ; and Aratus expressed it in the very words which F'aul quotes. 29. We nv^ht not to tliinic; tlial Jehovah is like material objects of any kind. 30. Winked itt ; suffered, bore with. and did not give them a written expression of liis condemnation of these sins, or come out ill judgment against tliem. To repent; of their idolatry and wickedness, and turn to the worship and ser- vice of the one only living and true (iod. :tl. 'I'/uit man; Jesus Christ. Ordained; appointed for this innpose. Assurance; conclusive evidence. '^^^. Same mocked; they considered a resurrection inipos- siblo and absurd. 34. Clave unto liim; believed liis doclrinea, and followed him as their teacher. ■ Tlie Areopagite ; a member of the Areoiiagus, or Athenian court. I.WSTKL'CTIONS. 2. The sermons of ministers should not be mere exhor- tations, or addresses to the iiassions anil imaginations of men, but should contain sound argument and conclusive reasoning — not merely asserting, but proving the great doctrines and duties of the gospel, and enforcing them upon the consciences and hearts of men. .I. I'.ejecters of truth and violators of morality are apt to unite in opposing the gospel, and in doing this, the openly vicious of the basest sort can plead eartM^stl^- for the con- stitution and laws oflhe country, and express great fears lest these should be violated. and the public receive detriment. II. lieadiness of mind to hear the gospel, and daily to search the Si-riptures for the purpose of understanding and obeying them, is evirlcnce of true nobleness of siiiril, and the means of increasing it, and of leading many to be- lieve in Christ the Saviour of their souls. 1260 CHAPTER XVIII. A. D .'4. 3 Paul laboreth with his hands, and preacheth at Corinth to the Gen- tiles. 9 The Lord encourai^eth him in a vision. 12 He is accused before Lrallio the depury, but is disinis*:td. IS Afterwards passing from city to city lie strenythenelli the disciples. 24 A[iullos, bi'ini; more perft'ctly instructed by Aquila ami Priscilla, 2S preaclieth Christ with great etlicacy. AFTER these things Paul ileparted from Ath- ens, and came to Corinth ; 2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila,' born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with liis wife Pris- cilla, (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome,) and came unto tliein. 3 And because he was of the same craft, he aliode with them, and wrought:'" for by their occupation they were tcnt-niakers. 4 And he reasoned in tlie synagogue every sab- bath," and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. 5 And when Silas and Tiniothcus were come from Jlacedoriia," Paul was pressed in llie spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.* 6 And when they opposed themselves,'' and blas- ]ihenied. he shook /;/.v raiment," ami said unto them, Your blood he upon your own heads ; '' I am clean : from henceforth 1 will go unto the Gentiles. 7 1 And he deiiarted thence, and entered into a certain wetn^s house named Justus, one that wor- shipped God, whose house joined hard to the syn- agogue. m ch. 2l::!4. n cli. 17:2. « i:li. V 2:25. q Noll. 5:13. r Ezek. :«:■!. :U, 15. t Or, is /Ac (7irij(. 1' 2 Tii 13. The uneasiness which men Icel when others receive the blessings which they themselves reject, is evidence of deep wickedness of heart. In refusing to enter the king- dom of heaven, and in trying to hinder others, they mani- fest the spirit of the great 1 Cor. 1:14. !> Matt. 3S:80. * Or. .lal there, cjis. o^o. d Rom. 1.3:. X « John IS::JI; oh. 23:20; 25:11,19. flCor.l;!. sRom.lC:!. h Num. 0:IS; ch. 21:24. i oh. 17:2. i oh. 19:31 ; 2": 16. k 1 Cor. 4:19; Jas. 4:1.5. 10. Muck people in this city; many who shall receive the gospel and be saved. 12. Gallio; theRomangovernorof the province of Achaia, and brother of the jihilosoiiher Seneca. Made insurrection ; assaulted and apprehended Paul. 13. Contrary to the laiv ; the law of Moses. 14. Open /(M moiU/i ; to speak in his own defence. Wron^ or wicked lewdness; injustice, or any crime. Reason would; it would be reasonable to hear the complaint and try the cause. 15. A question of words and names ; merely about their religion. 17. Then alt the Greeks ; the Gentiles present, who sym- pathized with Gallio in his abhorrence of Jewish bigotry. Sosthenes; probablj' at that time a leader of the persecution against Pavil. Cared for none of those things; troubled not himself about the treatment that Sosthenes received from the Greeks, being willing that ho should suffer tho indig- nation of the people. 18. Shorn his head; cut off his hair, as was the custom in fulfilment of a vow, or promise to the Lord. Ccnchrea ; the seaport of Corinth, about ci^jht miles east of the city. 19. Eptiesus; a city of Ionia in Asia Minor, about forty miles south of Smyrna. 21. This feast; the feast of the paseovor. 22. Cesarca ; a seaport on the western coast of Palestine. Gone up ; to Jerusalem. Aniioch ; in Syria, the place from which lie went out on his late tour. 23. Galatia and Phrygia ; provinces wliich he had before visited. Strengthening all the disciples ; conlirraing their faith in the gospel, and encouraging them to persevere in holy living. 24. Alexandria ; a city in tho north part of Egypt, found- 19 And he came to Ephcsus, and left them there : but ho himself entered into the synagogue, and rea- soned with the Jews.' 20 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, ho consented not ; 21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that comcth in Jerusalem:^ but I will return again unto you, if God will.'' And he sailed from Ephesus. 22 And when he had landed at Cesarea, and gone up and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch. 23 And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrvgia in order,' strengthening all the disci- ples.'" 24 H And a certain Jew named Apollos," born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit," he spake and taught diligently tho things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John."' 2G And he began to speak boldly in the syna- gogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.'' 27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to re- ceive him : who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:"' 28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.t^ 1 Gal. 1:2. m ch. 14:22; l.'i:.'i2, 41. n 1 Cor. 1:12; 3:.'j, 6; Titus 3:13. o Rom. 12:11 ; Jas. 5:16. Poh.l9:3. q Heb. 6: 1 ; 2ret. 3: IS. rlC\.r.3:6; Kph. 2:t<. fOT,is the Christ; ver.5. "John 5:39. ed by Alexander the Great, about three hundred years before Christ. 25. Instructed in the way of the Lord ; so far as it was revealed in the Old Testament, and made known by tho preaching of John the B;iptist. 26. Expounded — mnrc perfectly; showed him what had taken place since the preaching of John with regard to the Messiah, and pointed out more clearly the way of sal- vation through him. 27. Achaia; a part of Greece, of which Corinth was the capital, where Aquila and Priscilla had lived. The brethren wrote ; the Christians at Ephesus wrote letters, recommend- ing Apollos to the Christians in Achaia. Helped them much; by his zeal, eloquence, and piety, he greatly assisted those who, through grace, had believed in Jesus Christ. INSTltUCTIONS. 3. A knowledge of useful business is important to all, especially to ministers who are called to preach the gos- pel and establish churches in heathen lands ; and diligence in tho discharge of appropriate duties is lionorablc, and highly conducive to usefulness and enjoyment. 9. Ministers of the gospel are at times liable to great fear and depression of spirits. But God is able to encour- age and protect them. lie would have them remember, tiiat among their ojiposers may be many who will be their warmest friends ; and that by perseverance and fidelity in preaching the gospel, they may be instrumental in prepar- ing them for an exceeiiing ;ind etcrmil weight of glorj'. 21. A pious m;in with right views, in forming liis pl;in» will not lose sight of his dependence on God, or forget that, if the Ijord will, he shall live: and do this or that; and he will honor Ilim by t\u: suil;ible expression, at proper times, of this momentous truth. 1261 77ie Holy Ghost is given. ACTS XIX. Tltc tumult, at Ephestis. CHAPTER XIX. 6 The Holy Ghost is given by Paul's hands. 9 The Jews blaspheme his il..ctrine. which is confiniied by niincles. 13 The Jewish exor- cists 16 are beaten by the devil. 19 Conjuring books are burnt. 24 Demetrius, for love of gain, raiseth an uproar against Paul, 35 which is appeased by the town-clerk. AND it came to pass, tliat wliilc Apollos was at Corinth,'' Paul liaviug passed through the upper coasts, came to Ephesus ; and finding certain disciple.;;, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed ? And they said unto him, We have not so nuich as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." 3 And" he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said. Unto John's bap- tism.'-" 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance,'^ saying unto the people, that tiicy should believe on him which should come after hiin. that is, on Christ Jesus.'= 5 Wiien they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jcsus.^ 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them ;'=' and they spake with tongues,'' and prophesied.' 7 And all tlie men were about twelve. 8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldlv for the space of three mouths; disputing and persuading the things concerning the king- dom of God.J 9 But when divers were hardened," and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multi- tude,' he departed from them,'" and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Ty- rannus. 10 And this con tinned by the space of two years;" so that all they wliich dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus," both Jews and Greeks. 11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:" 12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or ajjrons, and the diseases de- a 1 Cor. 3 ■'■', «. b 1 Sim. 3:7; ch. 8 IB. c ch. IS:i5. i Matt 3 11. e John I'l.'i •Zl 3(1. f ch. «:10; 1 Cor. 1 • 13. r oh. 8:7. l>ch. 2:1; 10:4(i. i 1 Cor. 141 etc. ich.i«:ifl; -a-.a. k Rom 11:7 ; Hcb. 3:l: . 1 ver. *'; •J Tim. 1:1.5 ■i I'et •i:i\ Judo 10. m IT m. U .'). » ch. •Jl):31. ooh. W IH. 26. Great zeal anfl eloquence, united with love to fhrist and tlie souls of men, are not tmowxh to make a iiiiiiistor of the rohjipI most useful. He must also Ije acquainted with the word and the providence of (!od, and he ahlc to show how one is a fulfilment and illustration of the other. CHAI'TER XIX. 1. The upper coasts; Phry^^ia and Oalatia, which lay cast at a distance from the sea on hif^her ground than Ephesus. 2. Tlie finlij CliosI ; his miraculous powers. Not so much ashcard; tliat the Holy Spiritliad been given, inhis special manifi'stations, as at the day of Pentecost. Acts 2: 17, 18. 6. Tiic Holy Ohmt came on them; with his miraculous power, as he had done on other disciples. 9. Hiirtlcnal ; hy resi.sting and rejcctinR the truth. Vinl way; the way of salvation whicli Paul preached. The schnol ; the room or place where Tyranntts taught. 10. Asia; Tonia, or proconsular Asia, of which Ephesus was the capital. 13. Vagabond; wandering aVjout from city to city in the exercise of their juggling arts. Ernrcists; those who pre- tended, by repeating the name of (!od,and performing cer- tain ceremonies, to heal diseases and expel evil spirits. 12fi2 parted from tlicui, and the evil spirits Avent a.d. .-* out of them.'' 13 1 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exor- cists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus,'' saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth." 14 And there were seven sons of one .Sceva a Jew, and chief of the jn-icsts, which did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know ; but who are ye ? 16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was, leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against tlieiii,' so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 And this was known to ail the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on thcin all," and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18 And many that believed came, and confessed." and showed their deeds. 19 Many also of them which used curious arts, brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the ]n'iceof them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So mightily grew the word of God and pre- vailed.'"' 21 1 After these things were ended, Paul pur- posed in the spirit, when he had passed through JLacedoiiia ancl Acliaia, to go to Jerusalem,'' say- ing, After I have been there, 1 must also see Rome.-'' 22 So he sent into Macedonia two of tlicin that ministered unto liim,Timotlicus and Erastus;'- but he himself stayed in Asia for a season. 23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way." 24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silver- smith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain uiilo tlie craflsmen;'' 25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation,'^ and said. Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. 26 Moreover, ye see and hear, that not alone at pMark Ur.iO. ich .1:13. r Mark 9:3y Luke 9:40. • Josh 0:20. t I.uk. h:-J9. " Lake ] ■(i.i , ch. a 43; 5:5, 11. V MaU. 3:0 ; Rom. 10:10. y ch. l!S:a4. « Gal. a 1. y Horn 15:23-28. i Rom. 10:23; 2 Tim. 4:20. a 2 Cor. 1:8; 0:9. Ijch. 10: 10, HI. « Rov. 18:11 Wc mljure ynu; charge you, hy an oath in tho name of .Icsus, whom Paul iireachelh, to come out. ir,. Jesus I know, and Paul; their power to expel us we acknowledge, hut not yours. 17. Maixiuficd; he was increasingly honored. 18. Confessed; their former wickcil dccils. 19. Cnrinns arts; cuimiug, adroit jiraclices of jugglery and deception. Hooks; those which taught tho way to practise these arts. 21. Macedonia and Achnia; provinces in Orceco wliich he had before visited. Chap. 1(1: 10; 17: 15; 18:12. 22. Eraslux; he had been ehaniherlain, or treasurer :2.'i. Aw,- ver. 10. 23. TIml way; the way ofsidvalion through .Icsus CliriKl. 21. Shrines for Dwna ; I)i;ina was a celehrated healhcii goddess, to wliom a splendid (cniiile was erected at K|ph- cstis. The shrines were Hni;il] silver temples, in imitation of that of r)i;ina, which were liought hy nmltituih^s, aiLd kej)t as prei-ious memorials. Craftsmen; the silverBmitliB who made these shrines. 2.'). Croft ; trade. 2r>. Turned away much people; turned many from tho worship of idols. The riot fur Diana appeased. ACTS XX. Paul goeth to Macedonia. A. D.60. Epliesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods which are made with hands y"* 27 So tliat not only this our craft is in danger to be set at naught; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised,'' and lier magnilicencc should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.'= 28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath,'" and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 29 xVnd the whole city was filled with confusion : and having caugiit Gains" and Aristarchus,' men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. 30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the peoi)le, the disciples suftered him not. 31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring fiiin that he would not adventure himself into the tlicatre.'-' 32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some an- other:" for the assembly was confused, and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. 33 And they drew Alexander out of the multi- tude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alex- ander beckoned with the hand,' and would have made his defence unto the people. 34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 35 And when the town-clerk had appeased the people, he said. Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper* of the great goddess » 1 <1 Jer. ■Jl:34 l>si, 113;4; Ki. 44:l(l-'20, <> Zcph. 2:11. ' IJnhn 5:19; Rev. 13:8. r. 5U:S-i. e Rora. 16:ii; 1 Cor. 1:14. f Col. 4:10. s oh. 21:12. boh. 4. I 1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 4:14. • Gr. the temple-keeper, i Eph. 3:12. 31. Theatre; which was customarily used as a jilace for the pubUc assembling of the citizens. 33. Pulltiii; him forward ; for the purpose of giving him opportunity to address the assembly. 34. Cried out; to jirevent Alexander from being heard. 35. Town-clerk; a city magistrate, who presided in the senate, recorded the laws, and read in pulilic what was to be communicated to the people. Appeased the people; quiet- ed them, so that he could be heard. The image; the image of Diana wliich was kept in the temple, and which they said was given by .Jupiter the chief of the gods. 36. Cannot Ije spoken against , cannot be denied ; must bo admitted as true. 37. Churcli.ex; temples. 38. yl maWcr ; just cause of complaint. Deputies; procon- suls, who presided over the administration of justice. Im- plead one another ; argue their cases in court. 39. Other mailers; things which concern not individuals merely, but the public. Lawjul assemhlij; one not got nji by tumult, but regularly called. 40. Called in queslion for litis day's vproar ; accused to the Roman government and punished. Riotous assem- blies were forbidden by I{oman law, and the penalty for instigating them was death. The Ephesians therefore, especially Demetrius and liis associates, were in no small danger ; and when they came to consider, they were very willing to disperse, as is often the case with rioters under an efficient government. INSTRUCTIONS. 9. When the preaching of the gospel only hardens men, and leads them more bitterly to oppose the truth, it is Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter ?J 36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.'' 37 For ye have brought hither those men, which are neither robbers of churches,' nor yet blasphem- ers of your goddess. 38 Wherefore, if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open,+ and there are deputies : let them implead one another. 39 But if yc inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful* assembly. 40 For wo are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. 41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.™ CHAPTER XX. 1 Paul goeth to Macedonia. 7 He celebrateth the Lord's supper, and preaciieth. 9 Eutychus iiaviiig fallen down dead, 10 is raised to life. 17 At Miletum he calleth the elders together, tclleth them what shall befall to himself, *2S conimitteth God's flock to them. 29 warneth them of false teachers, 32 conmiendctli them to God, 36 prayeth with thcui, and goeth his way. AND after the uproar was ceased," Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia." 2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation,'' he came into Greece, 3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him,i as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Mace- donia. ^ Frov. 14:29. 1 oh. 25:8. t Or, the court days are kept. I Or, ordinary. "2 Cor. 1:8-10. nch. 19:40. o 1 Cor. 10:5; 1 Tim. 1 :3. P IThess. 2:3, 11. q oh. 23:12; 25:3; 2 Cor. 11:28. sometimes best for ministers to leave them, and go where there is a greater prospect of success. Tlie rejection of the gospel by some is thus made the occasion of salvation to others. 17. The efforts of wicked men to exalt themselves result in their deeper abasement ; and attempts to dishonor Christ are overruled for the promotion of his glory, and the ad- vancement of his cause. 19. When men are truly converted to God and obey his will, they will forsake their former wicked jiractices, how- ever popular or gainful; and all that property wliieh can- not be made useful to mankind they will destroy. 2fi. The gospel, in proportion ;is it ]irevails, will render profitless all those trades ;ind employments which demor- alize and injure mankind. It will also render the convic- tion universal, that men have no right to prosecute or encourage any business which is not beneficial to their fellow-men. 34. When, by the ]u-evalenco of liiith ;iiid love, wirked men are prevented from making money by wrong-doing, they are often tilled with wrath; they sometimes excite a tiniiult, and by senseless clamor try to drown the voice of reason, and to sweep away all that hinders them by the whirlwind ot passion. 38. Sometimes men of standing and influence arc found with the r.abble in a riot. Not unfrequently desigin'ng indi- viiluals, who live on the vices of tiie people, and whose pecuniary interests are affected by tln^ increase of light, are the instigators of lawless outbreaks against liberty and life ; such ought, for tlie safety of the public, to be visited with exemplary punishment. 12G3 JEulycAus raised lo life. ACTS XX. Paul and the elders of Epkesus. 4 And there accompanied liiin into Asia, Sopater of Berca; and of tlie Tiic-jsalonians, Aristarclius" and Sccundus; and Gaius of DerVie, and Tinio- theus;'' and of Asia, Tycliicns'^ and Trophimus.'* 5 Those going before, tarried for us at Troas. 6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread,^ and came unto them to Troas in five days ; ' wiiere we abode seven days. 7 And upon the first day of the week,"^ when the disciples came together to break bread,'^ Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the mor- row; and continued his speech until midnight. 8 And there were many lights in the upper cham- ber,' wliere they were gathered together. 9 And tliere sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the thii'd loft, and was taken up dead. 10 And Paul went down, and fell on him,' and embracing lilm, said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.*^ 11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken In-ead, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. 12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. 13 1 And we went before to ship, and sailed unto .Vssos, there intending to take in i'aul : for so had lie appointed, minding himself to go afoot. 14 And when he met with ns at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. 15 And we sailed thence, and came the ne.xt day over against Chios; and the ne.xt day we arrived at Samo.s, and tarried at Trogyllium ; and the next day we came to Miletus. 10 For Paul liad determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were ])ossiljlc for him, to be at Je- rusalem the day of Pentecost.' 17 ^1 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the ciders of the church. 18 And when they were come to him, ho said unto them. Ye know, from the lirst day that I came into Asia,"' after what manuei- 1 iiavcbeen with you at all seasons, • Oh. IB 29 bcb. 10:1. « Kph 0:21; Col. 4:7: 2Tim 1:12; Tilu.'i .•):12. il ch, JI:2'J; 2Tim. "Iiao. e Exod 2.1: 15. ' 2 Tim. 1: IH « 1 Cnrril:2; nov.l;IO. I> ch. 2:12. 40; 1 Cor. 10:10; ll:'*-')!. iclil:1.1 j 1 Kings 17:21, 2Kinc« 1 ;H k Mm. 0:21. 1 oh. 2:1; IS:21 ; 21:17; 1 Cor. 1«;M. "> en. I!l;l, 10 1 I Cor. 15:0, 10. o I'hil ."): IM. P 2 Cor. ^S-ll. 1 vcr. ;). ' »iT. 27. • 2T.m 1:2. > Mirk 1:1.'); Luke 2^:47. " ch. l!l:21. v Ja« 4:14. • Or, wait for me. " ch. U;lll; 21: II. » oil. 21 :13; Rom. 8:3.5, 37; CHAPTER XX. 4. Asia; Asia Minor, or proconsular Asia. Chap. 19:10. Tho pcraoim here mentioned were rhrintiaii bretliron. 5. For us; this language shows tliat Luke, the aiitlior of llii.') book, w;i8 one of the company. Troas; chap. 10:8. 6. Unleavened bread ; the passovcr. 7. First day nf the week; tlie Lord's day, or C'hristian Sab- bath. To break bread; celebrate the Lord's supper. 13. Asv)s; a maritime city near Troas, on the yligcan sea. 14. Mdijleiie; the eapit;il of tho island of Lesbos. 15. Chins; an island in tho Av^cau sea, now called Scio. .Scmoi; an island near the province of Lydia. Tropyllium; a town on the coast opposite Samos. Miletus, a maritime town south of Ephesus. 1264 19 Serving the Lord with all humility of a. d. co. mind," and with many tears," and temptations,"' which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:" 20 ^nd how I kept back nothing that was profit- able u)ito you," but have showed yon, and have tauglit yon ]iublicly, and from house to house,' 21 Testifying botli to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance towaril God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.' 22 And now, behold, I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem," not knowing the things that shall befall me there :^' 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.'" 24 But none of these things move mo," neither count 1 my life dear unto myself so that J might iinish my course with joy,-*' and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus,'- to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall sec my face no more. 26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that 1 «/» )nire from the blood of all men;" 27 For 1 have not shunned lo declare unto you all the counsel of God.*" 28 IT Take heed therefore unto yourselves,'' and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers,'' to feed the church of God," which he hath jmrchascd with iiis own blood.'' 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you," not sparing the flock." 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speak- ing perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.' 31 Therefore watch,^ and remember, that by the space f>f three years I ceased not to warn every one night anil day with tears.'' 32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up,' and to give you an inheritance among all them which arc sanctified.'" 33 1 liave coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel." 2C.r.4:10. y2Tim.4:7. i 2Cor. 4:1 ; Onl. 1 :l . •2Cor.7:2. ' Kph. 1:11. » Col. 4:17; ITim. 4:in. dUcb. 13:17. e Prov. 10:21 ; .Irr. 3:15; John 21:15-17; 1 I'ot. 5:2, 3. ' Knh. 1 :14 ; Col I :M ; ll^h, 11; 12, 11 ; 1 I'cl. 1:1S 11); Itcv. 5:0. It ^^att. 7:1.'); 2IVt. 2:1. h Jur. 13:211; 2.1:1; Kzck. 34:2,3; Zrch, 11:17. i IJohn 2:10; Jnilc 4, olo. J 2 Tim. 4:5. k Col. 1:28. 1 .lohn 17:17. m oh. 2«:lM; Col. 1:12; Ilcb. I):15; 1 Pot. 1:4. n 1 Bam. 12.3; 1 Cor. 9:12; 2Cor. 7:2 10. Sail bi) Ephesus; pass it witliout stoppinp;. 17. T/ir ciders nfthc church ; pastors and tearliers. 20. Kept back Mithin/; ; refrained from teaching no doc- trines or duties that would benelit the ])eo|)lc. 22. Hound in the Spirit ; induenced by the Uoly Ghost .and a strong conviction of duty. 20. Pure from the blond; am not guilty, through unfaith- fulness, of the deslruction of any. 28. Overseers; in the original, bishops, who in vcr. 17 arc railed elders, and who liad the oversight of tho church. Goil; .Tesus (Ihrist. 23. Grievous wolves; teacliers of fidso and destructive doctrines. The flock; the ilinreli of (Jod. 31. Warn every one; of their danger, aod point out the way to escape it. Voyage from Mlklu.s In Tyre. ACTS XXL Visits at Plokmais ami Ccsarea. A. D fill 34 Yea, ye yourselves know, tliiit these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me." 35 I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak,'' and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.'^ 36 T And wlien lie had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.'' 37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,'' 38 Sorrowing most of all for tlie words which he spake, that they sliould see his face no more.^ And they accompanied him unto the ship. CHAPTER XXI. 1 Paul will not by any means be dissuaded from going to Jerusalem. 9 Philip's daughters prophetesses. 17 Paul corneth to Jerusalem; 21 where iie is apprehended, and in great danger, 31 but by the chief cap- tain is rescued, and permitted to speak to the people. AND it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara : 2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. 3 Now when we liad discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and land- ed at Tyre : for there the ship was to unlade her burden. 4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven a Ch. H:3; 1 Cor. 4:12; 1 Thess. 2:9; 2 Tiiess. 3:8. b Rom. 15:1: Eph. 4:2S; IThess. 5:14 c Luke 14: 12-14. d oh. 21:5. e Gen. 40:20. f ver. 25. g ver. 12. h ch. 20::Jil. i ch. 8:2G-10; Eph. 4:11 ; 2 Tim. 4:5. j ch. 34. Ministered unto my necessities; wrouglit for the supply of my wants. 35. Support the weak ; supply the wants of the feeble and destitute. The words of the Lord Jesus; a saying of our Lord not recorded in the gospels, though the truth which It contains was taught abundantly by Jesus Christ on many occasions. Mlore blessed to give than to receive; to be instru- mental iu communicating blessings, than in merely receiv- ing them. INSTRUCTIONS. 7. The first day of the week w;is observed by the apos- tles and those wlio were under the special guidance of the Holy (ihost, as the Lord's day or the Christian Sabbath, a day for hearing the gospel and pubUc Wdrship. It has been so observed by pious men and bj' the church of God in all subsequent ages, and it will continue to be so ob- served to the end of time. 17. It has ever been the will of God that Christian churches shonld be supplied with jiastors, who should jireach to them the gospel, set them huly examples, super- intend their religious concerns, and devote tlicmselves to the jiromotion of their spiritual good. It has also ever been the will of God, that some of his ministers should be evangelists or missionaries; .should visit and gather churches among the destitute in Christian and Pagan lands, and do what they can to preach the gospel to every crea- ture. 2(;. Ministers, to be free from the guilt of being accessory to the ruin of men, must declare to them, as far as they understand it, the divine will; and especiidly must they show them tlie author, nature, necessity, and evidences of repentance towards (iod and faith in our Lord .lesus Christ, and set before them the motives which God lias revealed, and which are suited to lead them to cxerci.se these spir- itual graces ; and in doing this, they must depend upon and earnestly seek the influences of tlie Holy Ghost. 35. If a minister of the giisjiel is not supported by oth- «0 days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he sliould not go up to Jerusalem.'^ 5 And wlien we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and cliildren, till we were out of the city : and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.'' 6 And when we had taken our leave one of an- other, we took sliip ; and tliey returned home again. 7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the breth- ren, and abode with tliem one day. 8 And the next day we that were of Paul's com- pany departed, and came unto Cesarea; and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist,' wliicli was o/ie of tiie seven ;' and abode with him. 9 And the same man had four daugiiters, virgins, wliicli did prophesy.'' 10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judca a certain prophet, named Aga- bus.' 11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and sliall deli ver /r/«i into the hands of the Gentiles.™ 12 And wlien we heard tliese things, both we, and tliey of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem." 13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break my heart? for I am ready not to be 0:5. k Joel 2:28; ch. 2:17 10:22, 23. 1 ell. 11:2S. ■■> ch. 20:23; ver. 33. " Matt. ers, it is no dishonor and no dereliction of duty for him to labor, working with his own hands, that he may supjily his necessities ; and in proportion as he resembles his. Lord, he will find tliat the excellence, usefulness, and hap- piness of communicating blessings are greater than of mere- ly receiving them. The soul is so made, that if it would be good, it must do good ; and if it would be happy, it must delight in making others happy. CHAPTER XXI. 1. Them ; the Ephesian elders at Miletus. Coos; a small island near the south-west corner of Asia Minor. Rhodes; an island not far from Coos. Patara; a seaport iu the prov- ince of Lj'cia. 2. Plienicia; a country north-west of Canaan, of which Tyre and Sidon were princiintl cities. Chap. 11:19. 3. Cyprus; an island in the north-east part of the Med- iterranean sea. Chap. 13:4. 4. Said to Paul through the Spirit : the Holy Spirit made known to them the dangers to which Paul would bo ex- posed, and led them to express to him their strong desire that he sliould not go u]) to .Teriis;xleni. Put he dius of the law:" 21 And they arc informed of tlioe, that thou teachest all the Jews whicli are among the Gen- tiles to forsake Moses, saying that tiiey ought not to circumcise their children,'' neitiier to walk after the customs. 22 Wiiat is it therefore? tlie multitude must needs come togetiier:' for lliey will iiear that tliou art come. 2:5 Do therefore this tliat we say to tlice: We have four men which have a vow on them ; 24 Them take, and purify tliyself witii tiiem, and be at charges with them, that they may shave tJuir heads :> ami all may know that those things wlierc- of tliey were informed concerning tliee, arc noth- ing ; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, ami keej)est the law. 2a As touching the Gentiles whicli believe, wc have written and concluded that they observe no f!uch thing, save only that they keep themselves from things otfercd to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.'^ 2(j Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them,' entered into the tem- ple," to signify the accomplishment of the A.n. m. days of purification," until that an ofl'cring should be olTered for every one of them. 27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia," when they saw iiim in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,'' 28 Crying out, Jlen of Israel, help. This is the man that teacheth all »?ifn everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place:'' and further, i)rought Greeks also into the temple; and hath polluted this holy ])lace. 29 For they had seen licfore with him in the city, Trophinnis. an Ephesian,"' whom they sup- posed that Paid had brought into the temple. 30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut. 31 And as they went about to kill him," tidings came unto the cliief ca])tain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an u])roar. 32 Who immediately took soldiers and centuri- ons, and ran down unto them:' and when they saw the chief cajitain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. 33 Then the chief cnptain came near, and took him, and comnmnded him to be bound with two chains;" and dcnuuided who he was, aud what he had done. 34 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tunudt, he commanded him to be carried into the caslle." 3r> And when he came upon the stairs, so it was that he was borne of the soldiers, for the violence of the people." 3() For the multitude of the peoiile followed after, crying, Away with him.'' 37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief cajitain, May I sjicak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou si)eak Greek? 35 Artnotthou that Egy))lian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the • a Tim. 4:fl. b Mm. 0:10; !»):42. <: Pror. 1«:3I. d ch. 15:4. • ch. 15:13, Bto.: Gal, 1:10. ( ch. •2tl:-li; Rom. 15:18,10; 1! Cor. 1-2:12. itch. 22::l; Rom. IO:-2. hGal.5::). I ch. l!l::12. J Num 0:U, 1.3, 18; ch. 1»:1H. » ch. I J:a), 29. 1 1 Cor. U:'20. "'ch. 41:18. n Num. (i:|:|. "ch. al:l». 15. Carriages; not vehicles to carry them, but things whicli they carricil, their hajtfjafjo. Ki. Mimson of Cyprus ; foniierly "f ('yi'^us, hut now livinj; ill .leriisalein, with whom I'aul ami hiw coiiiiiaiiioiis lodged. 18. James; sec note to chu]). 12:17. 20. ZealoHn of the law; tlioii;^h they believed in Christ, they still observeil the ceremonial law. 21. T!u: Jews whicli are among lite Gentiles; wlio lived in heathen countries. Moses; the ceremonial law whicli he enjoined. Tliecusloms; the religious practices of the Jews. 22. Wial IS il ; what is to be done ? 24. Purify lliipdf with them; perform tlic ceremonies required for ]miilii.ation in the Mosaic law. Num. 0: 1-20. Be at cliargei; by bi:aring the expense of the offerings nia; ■:pii. 0:20. V ch. 23:10. 1 fl w r.a. 55:9 llab. :3. « Lu riest when the vow would end, and Hum prepare the way for the customary sjicrilices to be ofl'i-red, 27, Seven days; llie time llic vow was to last, 28. (ireekx; (ioritiles, who were ciiiisidcred as unclean, and wcr. Paul's address, declaring his ACTS XXII. conversion and apost/esMp. A. D.60. wilderness four thousand men tliat were murderers?" 39 IJut Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus," a citij in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city :" and I beseech tliee, suffer me to spealv unto the people. 40 And wlien he had sriven him license, Paul stood on the staii's, and beckoned with the hand unto the people." And when there was made a great silence, lie spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying, CHAPTER XXII. I Paul declareth at large, how he w.is converted to the faith, 17 and called to his apostleslnp. 22 At the very mentioning of the G-entiles, the people exclaim on him. 24 He should have been scourged, 2-3 but claiming the privilege of a Roman, he escapeth. MEN, brethren, and fathers,'' hear ye my de- fence which I make now unto you.° 2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tonu'ue to them, they kept the more si- lence: and lie saith,) 3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus,' a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel," and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers,'' and was zealous toward God,' as ye all are this day.-i i And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.'' 5 As also the high-priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders : from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus,' to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be ]mnished. 6 And it came to pass, that as I made my jour- ney, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great lisrht round about me. • This Egyptiin rose A D. 55 oh. 5;3(!. a c h. 9 11 ; • ■2:3. b ch. 2-2: '35. c ch. !■-> 17. tl ch. 7:-i. e 1 IVt. 3:15. Ich •21 30; •2 Cor 11 :^2^2 I'lii . 3:5. e oh. 5: H. 1> ch. ■211:5. Gal. 1:14. J ih •21 •2U; Rnm 10:-2. k ch . W:3; •JU:9-13 l'hil.3.G ; iTim . l:l-i. 1 ch O-.i, etc m Dan. 10:7. n ch atris. 32 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle : 33 Who, when they came to Cesarea, and deliv- ered the epistle to the governor,^ presented Paul also before him. 34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;"^ 35 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come.'' And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment-hall.'' Matt. 10:16. m oh . 28:17 Kph 3:1 ; 4:1; Philc. 9. n ver. 12 Exod. «l-2. P ch. 21:33 24:7. q oh. 22:30. r oh. Ih: 15; 2:) .19. » ch 26:31. 1 vpr. 20, 21 . uoh. 24:8; 25:6. ' ver 26-30 . 'voh 21 39 X oh. 21: 1, etc.; 25:10 1 Matt. 27: 27. 27. An armij; a band of soldiers. A Roman; a Roman citizen. 31. Aniipatris; a town about forty miles from Jerusalem, on the way to (,'csarca. 35. Herod's judgment-halt ; literally, Herod's praHorium ; this was the palace built l\v Ilcrod the (ire;it ut Cesarea, and now occupied by the Roman govcrnur Felix. INSTRUCTIONS. 7. There is no bond of ])ormanent union among perse- cutors of Christians. They may, for sellish purposes, unite for a time in opposing the truth ; but the3' are easily di- vided ; and God, through their divisions, may deliver his people from their power. 1269 Paul is accused before ACTS XXIV. Felix by TertuUns. CHAPTER XXIV. 1 Paul being accused by TertuUns tlie orator, 10 answereth for his life and doctrine. 24 He preacheth (Jhrist to the governor and his wife. 20 The governor hopetli for ^ bribe, but in vain. 27 At last, going out of his otfice, he leaveth Paul in prison. AND after five days, Ananias" tlic liigli-pricst descended witli the elders, and with a certain orator ?!flOTfrfTertulliis, wlio informed the governor ajraiust Paul.'' 2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accu,se him, saying. Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto tliis nation by thy providence," 3 We accept // always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. 5 For we have found this man a pestilent ye/Zou','' andamoverof sedition amongall the. lews through- out the world, and a ringleader of the sect of tiie Nazarenes : (') Wiio also hath gone about to profane the tem- ple:'-' whom we took, and would have judged ac- cording to our law.' 7 But the ciiief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took Aim away out of our hands,'' 8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee:*" by examining of whom, thyself inayest take know- l('dtr(; of all these things whereof we accuse him. '.) And the Jews also assented, saying that these thitiirs were so. 10 Tlien Paul, after that the governor' had beck- oned unto him to s])eak, answered, Forasmucii as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more chcerfull}' answer for myself.:' 11 Because that tjiou maye.-^t understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worshi|i.J 12 And they neither found me in the temple dis- > Ch. 23:-2; 23;». bp,a. n:^. e P«a 1-^:2. d Luke 83:2; ch. 0;I3; iri:20; 17:0; 21:2^; I PbI. 2:12. 10. « cli. 1!):37; 21:2^. (John 18:.')1. 1 ch. 21:.?.1. h ch. 'Zi-.W. ' Felix, made Procurator nier Judm, A. D. Si. iiret..l:l5. Jch.al:!.!. k ch. 25:1; 2^:17. I IPct. :):!(! m Mic. ■!:.'); 2 Tim. 1:3. n Matt. HAU; Luk« lli:l(i; 21:27; John 1:4.5; ch. 13:15; 20:22; 2^:23; Rom. 3:21. • ch. 23:0, etc.; 20:0, 7; ii:W. etc. p Dan. 11. The Lord Jesus Ciirist is al)lo,.it any time and in any jilacc, til manifest liimsclf to his people, to till tlieiri with jiiy, and make their enemies the occaHioii of accomplishing wliat is most earnestly to he desired. 21. IJijjoted and li3'poeritica] iirofcssors of religion, who liave adopted wrong principles, and hcen cornijited by wicked practices, are often among tlie most rieceitfid, hardened, and cruel of mankind, ami tlie most malignant opposers of divine truth. 29. The persecution of peaceahle citizens on accoimt of their religion, of their reading the Bildc, and judging of it.s meaning, is such an outrage as to he condemned even liy lieathen. When practised, it has ever been, and ever will be, a foul disgrace not only to the Christian, but to the civilized worlil. t'HAPTER XXIV. 1. Tertidlus; a lawyer emidiiyed to plead against Paul. 6. Pestilent fdlow ; literally, a pest. 6. Profane the temple; cha]). 21:27-30. 7. Lipias; chap. 21:31-1(1; 2:i:2r>-:iO. It. Thewaij; in the Acts of the Apostles the Christian religion is commonly called "the way," chap. 9: 2; ]9:9 ; etc. 1270 puting with any man, neither raising uji the a t> m people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city :'' 13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.' 14 But this I 'confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worshij) I tlie God of my fathers,'" lielieving all things which are writ- ten in the law and in tlie pro]iliets :" 15 And have ho|ie toward God." which they them- selves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust." 16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of oflence toward God, and toward men.'' 17 Now, after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.'' 18 Whereu])on certain Jews from Asia fmnd me purified in the teiiij)le, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. 19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if ihey had aught against me.' 20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil-doing in me, while I stood before the council, 21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried, standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in fjuestiou by you this day. 22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said. When Lysias the chief captain shall come down,' I will know tiie uttermost of your matter. 23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty," and that he sliould forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. 24 And after certain days, when Felix camewith his wife Jtrusilhi, wliich was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heai'tl jiim concerning Ihe faith in Christ. 2.5 And as he reasoned of righteousness,' teuii)er- ance,"' and judgment to come,"' Felix trembled,- and 12:2; John 5:2", 20; 1 Ctir. 15:19-27; Rev. 20:0, 13. q ch. 23:1. r ch. ll:2il,3U; 20:10; Rom. 15:23. "ch. 25:lli. I ver. 7. u ch. 27:3; 4-: 10. V I'rov. 10:12; Jer. 22:I.')-I7; Dan. 1:27; Jnliii 10:8. " Prov. 31 :4, 5 ; D:Ln. 5:1-1; Hon. 7:5; 1 Pet. AA. ' P«a. .',0:3. 4; Dan. 12:2; Malt. 2.');3MG; 2 Cor. 5:1U: R«v. 20:12. y P«a. 09:1; l»a. a2:llj Ilab. 3:10; Hob. 4:1, 12. Heresy; the original word signifies rather, sect, that is, scliis- matic p.arty. >So the Jews fivlsely and reproachfully called the Christians. l'>. Jfarchnpr; of a resurrection. Hi. / exercise myself; lutbitnally strive. A cnnsrienre mid nf offence; one tliat shall accuse me of no departure from iliity towards Cod or man. 18. Ptirrficd ; according to the ceremonies of the Mosaic law. Chap. 21:2(1-28. 20. Council; chap. 23: 1-10. 22. Tli/il vaij; Tlie. Christian way. See note to ver. H. Deferred ; imt olf Ihe further hearing of the case till Lysias should arrive. Whether Felix was sincere in this delay appears doubtful from his conduct as recorded in verses 2(i, 27. 21. Drusillii ; she was daughter of the first llerod Agrip- )ia; Wiis m;irried lo .Vziziis king of Knicsa, but afterwards left him, and became lh<^ wile of Kelix. 2.'>. KiplilcDHsiicss ; doing right towards (iod and man. Trmpernnce ; the Jiroper regulation of the ajipetites and passions. Judgment to come; the future general judgment, when all will receive from Christ according to their works. Chap. 17:31; iMatt. 25:31-10. Fclu trembled; in view of Paul before Fesliis ACTS XXV. appeddk unto Cesar. A. D.60. answered, Go thy war for tins time ;" when 1 have a convenient season, I will call for thee. 26 He hoped also tliat money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him:'' wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and com- muned with him. 27 But after two years Porcius Pestus came into Felix's room: and Felix, willing to show the Jews a pleasure,'' left Paul bound. CHAPTER XXV. 2 The Jews accuse Paul before Festus. 8 He answereth for himself, 11 and appealt'th unto Cesar. 14 Afterwards Festus openeth iiis matter to ltin:5; 2.1:1-10. b Exod. 23:8. c Mark 15:1.5: ch. 25:9. <1 ch. '2.1:14, 15. ' Or, as some copies read, no more than eight or his sins, and his prospects at the coming judgment. A convenient season; such a season does not seem ever to have arrived. 26. Money — given; as a bribe, to induce liira to release Paul. 27. Came into Felix's room ; succeeded him in office. Will- ing to show the Jews a pleasure; he Ivnew tliat they liad no just (grounds of accusing him to the Roman enijicror, and he toulv tliis unrighteous way of conciliating their good will. Left Paul bound; detained him as a prisoner, though justice required his release. INSTRUCTIOXS. 5. Eloquence maybe eniployed in propagating falsehood and promoting wickedness. It then becomes a world of iniquity, setting on fire the course of nature, being set on fire of hell. Jas. 3:5-10. 10. Christians rejoice to state facts and proclaim truth before those who are capable of judging. They are friends of free discussion, knowing that from it truth has nothing to fear. Though lUlsehood may be specious, and when set off with the trajipiiigs of oratory, may for a time prevail, truth stated in its native simplicity, and shining with its own brightness, will ultimately triumph. l.j. An abiding conviction of the certainty of a resurrec- tion, and of a future retribution according to the deeds done in the body, tends jiowerfully to keep the conscience awake, and to lead men liabitually to do right; while the disbelief of those truths removes a powerful restraint against doing wrong. 2.5. When conviction of sin produces fearful forebodings of coming wrath, different persons take oi>i)osite courses. One inquires, " Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" The Lord shows him, leads him to do it, and ho is saved. Chap. 9:C. Another dismisses the subject, continues in known down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove." 8 While he answered for himself Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Cesar, have I offended any thing at all. 9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said. Wilt thou go up to Jeru- salem, and there be judged of these things before me? 10 Then said Paul, I stand at Cesar's judg- ment-seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well kiiowest. 1 1 For if I be an offender, or have committed anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Cesar.'' 12 Tlien Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered. Hast thou appealed unto Cesar? unto Cesar slialt thou go. 13 And after certain days, king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Cesarea to salute Festus. 14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying. There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix : 15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem,*^ the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him. 1(3 To wliom I answered. It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, tendays. ' Psi. 35:11; Matt. 5:11, 12; ch. 24:5, 13. f ch. 26:32. S vor. 2,3. sin, and goes down to perdition. "To-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts." " He that being often reproved bardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." Heb. 3:7, 8; Prov. 29:1. 26. AVorldly minded and covetous men may seek to make even the preaching of the gospel a means of adding to their uiu-ighteous gain. Such place themselves in a position where there is little hope that even the plainest and most faithful exhibitions of the truth can profit them. 27. One unrighteous deed on the part of a ruler places him in the power of the wicked, who will compel him to buy their favor by further acts of injustice. CHAPTER XXV. 3. Desired favor ; desired that Festus would favor them by sending for Paul, so that they might kill him._ 5. Any wickedness ; if he has committed any crime. 10. Cesar's jwlgment-seat ; the lioman tribunal, before whicli he then was. Of course there was no good reason why he should go to .Jerusalem. 11. I appeal unto Cesar ; I will go to Rome and be tried before the emperor. To this, as a Roman citizen, he had a right. 12. The council; his own council, with whom he was ac- customed to advise in the administration of justice. The original has a dilfcrent word from that applied to the Jew- ish council, or t^anhedrini. 13. Agrippa; Ilerod Agrippa, son of the Uerod men- tioned in chap. 12: l,andgreat-gr,andson of Ilerod the (iieat, under whose reign Christ was born. Jlernke; Agrippa's sister. Slie first married her uncle the king of Chalcis, and then Polemon king of Cilicia, whom she deserted to live with her brother Pelix Agrippa. Salute Festus; congratu- late him on his accession to office. 1271 Paul hefore king Agrippa ACTS XXVI. maketh his defenot. and have license to answer for himself concerning the crime laid asrainst him. 17 Therefore, wiien they were come hither,'' with- out any delay on the morrow I sat on tlie judg- ment-seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth. 18 Against whom, wlien the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed : ly But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, wliom Paul affirmed to bo alive.'' 20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions,* I aslvcd him whetlier he would go to Jerusalem, and tliere be judged of tlicse matters. 21 But wlien Paul had apjiealed to be reserved unto tiie hearing* of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I miglit send liim to Cesar. 22 Tiicn Agripjia said unto Fcstus, I would also hear the man myself. To-morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him. 23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bcrnice, with great poni]),'' and was entered into the ])lace of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of tlie city, at Festus' command- ment Paul was brouglit forth.'' 24 And Festus said. King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about wliom all tiio multitude of the Jews have dealt with me," both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.'' 25 But when I l()und that he had committed nothing worthy of death,'-' and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus,'' I have determined to send him. 2G Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, king Agrippa, that after examination had, I might a n. C2. have somewhat to write. 27 For it seemcth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid «Ver. 0. bch. 18:15. ' Or. I tms doublfid how to inquire litreof. t Or, judgment, c F.zek. 7:21. ilcli.i):l5. c ver. 3, 7. ' ch. •.'■2:2'2. »ch.a3:SI, ■£l\-iaM\. hvcr. U,l-.>. 1 Prov. 1S:13; John 7:51. J Duut. 17:18. t di. a4:4. I 2 Tim. .MO. m ch. 22:3; Phil. »:5. n ch. 2.'):0. o Gen. .1:15; 20. Doubted of sucli manner of ijueatiotis; how such ques- tions sliouhl bo disposed of, or what course he should take witli tlicni. 21. Au^^Lstits; Augustus and Cesar wore used as terms of office : each meant tlic Roman ennjcror. At that time, this emperor was Nero. 24. Have dealt with me ; accused before mo, and wished me to condemn. 20. No certain thing; no crime to ;dlege, or accusation to specify. Snmcwiint ; sometliiiip; delinitc. 27. Signify; point out, specifv. INSTULXTJON'S. 7. Persecutors of Christians, tlioufjh liigh in ecclesias- tical or political olfice, will often make st^itenients which they cannot prove, which are not true, and the falsehood and iiialij^nity of which are so manifust, that they may be Been anil condemned even by enli;;lit(ned heathen. 11. When men destitute of the spirit of Christ, at the head of ecclesiastical affairs, deny the rit;ht of private judR- ment and are disposed to persecute those who exercise it, Kond men sometimes have more to fear from them, than from the most at)«oliite civil despot. 16. To condemn a man unheard, without his being in- formed of the nature, extent, and grounds of his accusation, or being permitted to meet and e.\amine his accusers face to face, is the essence of tyranny ; and must be condemned by the judgment and common-sense of the whole world. I'J. VVorldly politicians, high iu office aud clothed with 1212 against him.' CHAPTER XXVI. 2 Paul, in the presence of Agrippa, derlareth his life from his childhood, VZ and liow miraculously he w.as converted, and called to his spostle- ship. 24 Festus duirgeth him to be mad, whereunto he aiiswereth modestly. 28 Agrippa is almost persuaded to be a Christian. 31 The whole company pronounce him innocent. THEN Agrippa said unto Paul, Tliou art per- mitted to speak for tliyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: 2 I think myself ha]iiiy, king Agri])]ia, because I sliall answer for myself tliis day before thee, touch- ing all tiie things whereof I am accused of the Jews : I) Especially because I know thee to be exjicrt in all customs and questions which are among tlie Jews:' wherefore I beseech thee to hear me pa- tiently.'' 4 My manner of life from my youtli,' which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would teslily, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.'" 6 And now I stand and am judged" for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fatliers:" 7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night,* hope to come.'' For wiiich liopc's sake, king iVgrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God slioiild raise the dead?'' 9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to tlic name of Jesus of Nazareth/ 23 :1S; 49:10, Dout 18; 5 ; 2 Sam. 7 :12 Psa. 132:11 , Isa. 4:2; 7 14; «:«, 7; J or 2:J:5i »i: 14- 10; Elek. 34:23 Dan. 9:24; Mic 7:20; Zsch 13: 1,7 .M al. y 1; ch. l.'):32 Gi .4:4 1 Gr. nig lit and day. pLuke 2:37; 1 Then. a: lU. q 1 Cor .lb:l: ,20 r 1 Tim. 1 13. great pomp and power, often think and speak very lightly of events into which iuigol.s dcsiri' to loolc, wliicli fill hc:tveu with rapture, and will be the lliinic of grati'ful and ;idiir- ing praises from multitudes wliicli no man can number, for ever and ever. CHAPTER XXVI. 3. Expert; Agri]i]ia \v;iHof IdiiiMH':indi'sceiit. I!iil from the days of John llyrcanns, the Iduma'.MiK snutli of r;iles- tine, to whom his lUmily belonged, had adopted the Jewish religion, anil were reckoned as Jews. 4. Jcnisnkm; though boni in Tarsus, Paul was early sent to Jerusalem for his education. Chap. 22:3. C. The promise; of the .Messi;ih, 7. Hope to come ; hope to experience the fulfilment of tho promise. Hope's sake ; for Iniving believed in Christ as tho Messiah, and expecting a resurrection through him to end- less life. 8. Incredible; not to bo believed | absurd, or wanting evidence. 9. Verily tlinught with mi/self; in persectiting Christ, I'aul was sincere in his errcir; but this did not nndie him guilt- less, for bis belief h;id ils roiindalion in a wrong Ht;ite of heart. Had he been humble, candid, ;iii(l leachable, tho evidence which Jesiis gave of his MeHsi;ihship would havo carried full conviction to his mind. Contrary to tlie lunne ; in ojiposition to the teachings and to tho followers of Christ. Paul dcfendtth himself aiid ACTS XXVI. the gospel before Agrippa. AD. 62. 10 Which thing I al?o did in Jerusalem :" and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, liaving received authority from the chief priests ;'' and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against fheyn. 11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue,'' and compelled them to blaspheme ; and being ex- ceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. 12 Whereupon, as I went to Damascus,* with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 At mid-day, king, I saw in tlie way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shin- ing round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14 And when wc were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15 And I said. Who art thou. Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 1(5 But rise, and staiid upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a mhiister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things iu the which I will appear unto thee;" 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,'' 18 To open their eyes,*-' and to turn t/iem from darkness to light," and from the power of Satan unto God,' that they may receive forgiveness of sins.J and inheritance'' among them which are sanctified' by faith that is in me."' 19 Whereupon, king Agrippa, I was not dis- obedient unto the heavenly vision : 20 But showed first unto them of Damascus," and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Ju- dea, and the7i to the Gentiles, that they should a Oh. 8:3; Gal. 1:13. bch. 9:14. ccb. 2^:19 J ch. B:3. e ch. 32:1,5, Eph. 3:7; Col. 1:9:!, '2.5. t ch. 22:91 ; Rom. 11:13. elsa. 35:5; 42:7; Epli, 1:1.'*. hLukel:79; John 8:12; 2Cor.4:«; 1 Pet. 2:9. 1 Col. 1:13. J Luke 1:77; Ej.h. 1:7; Col. 1:14. t Eph. 1:11; Col. 1 12; 1 Pet. 1:4. 1 John 10. Authority; chap. 9:14; 22:4,5. 11. Compelled them ; that is, used violent means to induce them. It