Matthew

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" background="13cfd5a3.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Remnant Bible Fellowship *</B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Remnant Bible Fellowship "><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div>                                                   </div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFCC66" TEXT="#080000" background="13dd2043.jpg"> <div> <A HREF="id66.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Introductions"><U>Introductions</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id80.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="History of the English Bible"><U>History of the English Bible</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id67.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis"><U>Genesis</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id68.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Exodus"><U>Exodus</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id69.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Leviticus"><U>Leviticus</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id70.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Numbers"><U>Numbers</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id71.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Deuteronomy"><U>Deuteronomy</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id110.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Ezekiel"><U>Ezekiel</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id111.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Daniel"><U>Daniel</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id95.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Matthew"><U>Matthew</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id106.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hebrews"><U>Hebrews</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id83.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Revelation"><U>Revelation</U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="1eb65653.jpg"> <div> <I>Matthew</I></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> The Holy <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#800000" FACE="Arial" >a</FONT> Gospel<FONT SIZE="7" COLOR="#000000" FACE="English111 Vivace BT" > </FONT></div> <div> of Jesus Christ, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#800000" FACE="Arial" >b</FONT> according to <FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#000000" FACE="English111 Vivace BT" >Matthew</FONT></div> <div> (a) this word signifies the good tidings, and is taken here </div> <div> for the story which contains the joyful message of the </div> <div> coming of the son of God promised from the </div> <div> beginning.</div> <div> (b) That is, written and taught by Matthew.</div> <bR> <div>      <B>     </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="BibleScrT" >T H E  A R G U M E N T</FONT></div> <div> In this history written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the Spirit of God so governed their hearts, that although they were four in number, yet in effect and purpose they so consent, as though the whole had been composed by any one of them.  And albeit in style and manner of writing they be diverse, and sometimes one writes more largely where the other do abridge: nevertheless in matter and argument they all tend to one end: which is, to publish the word of the favor of God toward mankind through Christ Jesus, whom the father hath given as a pledge of his mercy & love.  And for this cause they entitle their story Gospel which signifies good tidings, for as much as God hath performed in deed that which the father’s hoped for.  So that hereby we are admonished to forsake the world, and the vanities thereof, and with most affectioned hearts embrace this incomparable treasure freely offered unto us: for there is no joy nor consolation, no peace nor quietness, no felicity nor salvation, but in Jesus Christ, which is the very substance of this Gospel, and in whom all the promises are yea, and amen.  And therefore under this word is contained the whole New testament: but commonly we use this name for the history, which the four Evangelists write, containing Christ’s coming in the flesh, his death and resurrection, which is the perfect sum of our salvation.  Matthew, Mark, and Luke are more copious in describing his life and death: but John more resurrection more fully appear: for without this, to know that Christ was born, dead & risen again, should nothing profit us.  The which thing notwithstanding that the three first touch partly, as he also sometimes intermeddles the historical narration, yet John chiefly is occupied herein.  And therefore our eyes the soul.  Wherefore the same aptly terms the Gospel writ by John, the key which opens the door to the understanding of the other: for whosoever does know the office, virtue and power of Christ, shall read that which is written of the Son of God come to be the redeemer of the world, with more profit.  Now as concerning the writers of this history, it is evident that Matthew was a Publican or custom gatherer, and was thence chosen of Christ to be an Apostle.  Mark is thought to be Peter’s disciple, and to have planted the first Church at Alexandria where he died the eighth year of the rein of Nero.  Luke was a physician of Antiochia and became Paul’s disciple, and fellow in all his travels: he lived four score and four years, and was buried at Constantinople.  John was that Apostle whom the Lord loved, the Son of Zebedues, and brother of James he died three score years after Christ, and was buried near to the City of Ephesus.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="7" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Phalesio" >T</FONT>he c book of the generation of Jesus Christ the d son of e David, the son of Abraham. </div> <div> (c) The is the rehearsal of the progeny, whereof Jesus Christ is sprung according to the flesh.</div> <div> (d) So called, for that he came of the stock of David.</div> <div> (e) These two are first rehearsed, because Christ was especially promised to come of them and their seed, and therefore Christ commonly was called the son of David, because the promise was more evidently confirmed unto him.</div> <div> 2  Abraham begat Isaac. And Isaac begat Jacob. And Jacob begat Judas and his brethren. </div> <bR> <div> 3  And Judas begat Phares, and Zara <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >f</FONT> of Thamar. And Phares begat Esrom. And Esrom begat Aram. </div> <div> (f) By incestuous adultery, the which shame sets forth his great humility, who made him self of no reputation, but became a servant for our sakes: yea, a worm and no man, the reproche of men, and contempt of the people. and at length suffered the assured death of the cross.</div> <div> 4  And Aram begat Aminadab. And Aminadab begat Naasson. And Naasson begat Salmon. </div> <div> 5  And Salmon begat Booz of <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >g</FONT> Rachab. And Booz begat Obed of Ruth. and Obed begat Jesse. </div> <div> (g) Rahab and Ruth, being Gentiles, signify that Christ came not only of the Jews, and for them but also of the Gentiles, and for their salvation.</div> <div> 6  And Jesse begat David the King. And David the King begat Salomon of her that was the wife of Vrias. </div> <div> 7  And Salomon begat Roboam. And Roboam begat Abia. And Abia begat Asa. </div> <div> 8  And Asa begat Josaphat. And Josaphat begat Joram. And Joram begat Hozias. </div> <div> 9  And Hozias begat Joatham. And Joatham begat Achaz. And Achaz begat Ezekias. </div> <div> (h) He hath omitted three Kings, Joas, Amasia, Azaria, abridging the number to make the times fourteen generations.</div> <div> 10  And Ezekias begat Manasses. And Manasses begat Amon. And Amon begat Josias. </div> <div> 11  And Josias begat <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >E</FONT> Jakim. And Jakim begat Jechonias and his brethren about the time they were carried away to Babylon. </div> <div> (E) That is, the captivity fell in the days of Jakim and Jechonias: for Jechonias was born before the carrying away into captivity. </div> <div> 12  And after they were carried away into Babylon, Jechonias begat <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >i</FONT> Salathighl. And Salathighl begat Zorobabel. </div> <div> (i) After the captivity, the title royal was appointed unto him: so that not withstanding that they were as slaves for the space of seventy years yet by the providence of God the government remained in the family of David, where it continued to the coming of Christ.</div> <div> 13  And Zorobabel begat Abiud. And Abiud begat Eliacim. And Eliacim begat Azor. </div> <div> 14  And Azor begat Sadoc. And Sadoc begat Achim. And Achim begat Eliud. </div> <div> 15  And Eliud begat Eleazar. And Eleazar begat Matthan. And Matthan begat Jacob. </div> <div> 16  And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >k</FONT> of whom was borne Jesus, that is called <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >l</FONT> Christ. </div> <div> (k) Albeit the Jews number their kindred by the malekind: yet this lineage of Mary is comprehended under the same, because she was married to a man of her own stock & tribe.</div> <div> (l) Who is the true King, Priest, and Prophet anointed of God to accomplish the office of the redeemer. </div> <div> 17  So all the generations from Abraham to David, are fourteen generations. And from David until they were carried away into Babylon, fourteen generations: and after they were carried away into Babylon until Christ, fourteen generations. </div> <div> 18  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was thus, When as his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >m</FONT> before they came together, she was found <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >n</FONT> with child of the holy Ghost. </div> <div> (m) Before he took her home to him.</div> <div> (n) As the Angel afterward declared to Joseph.</div> <div> 19  Then Joseph her husband being a <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >o</FONT> just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. </div> <div> (o) Upright and fearing God, & therefore suspecting that she had committed fornication, before she was betrothed, would nether retain her, which by the Law should be married to another neither by accusing her put her to shame for her fact. </div> <div> 20  But while he thought these things, behold, the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >p</FONT> dream, saying, Joseph, the <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >q</FONT> son of David, fear not to take Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her, is of the holy Ghost. </div> <div> (p) This dream is witnessed by the Holy Ghost, and is a kind of revelation, {Num. 12, 6}</div> <div> (q) This name puts him in remembrance of God’s promise to David.</div> <div> 21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >r</FONT> JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. </div> <div>      (r) That is, a Savior. </div> <div> 22  And all this was done that it might be fulfilled, which is spoken of the Lord by the Prophet, saying, </div> <div> 23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which is by interpretation, God with us. </div> <div> (s) God is joined with us by the means of Jesus Christ, who is both God and man. </div> <div> 24  Then Joseph, being raised from sleep, did as the Angel of the Lord had enjoined him, and took his wife. </div> <div> 25  But he knew her not, till she had brought forth her <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >t</FONT> first borne son, and he called his name JESUS. </div> <div> (t) Christ is here called the first borne, because she had never none before, and not in respect of any she had after. Nether yet does this word (till) import always a time following: wherein the contrary may be affirmed, as our Savior, saying, that he will be present with his disciples, til the end of the world, means not that after this world he will not be with them.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 2</div> <div> 1  When Jesus then was born at Beth-leem in <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >a</FONT> Judea, in the days of Herod the King, behold, there came <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >b</FONT> Wisemen from the East to Jerusalem, </div> <div> (a) For there is another Beth-lehem in the tribe of Zebulun.</div> <div> (b) Wisemen, or Magi, in the Persians and Chaldeans tongue signify Philosophers, Priests, or astronomers, & are here the first fruits of the Gentiles that came to worship Christ.</div> <div> 2  Saying, Where is that King of the Jews that is borne? for we have seen his c star in the East, and are come to d worship him. </div> <div> (c) An extraordinary sign to set forth the Kings honor, whom the world did not esteem. </div> <div> (d) Which was a declaration of that reverence, which the Gentiles should bear unto Christ. </div> <div> 3  When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. </div> <div> 4  And gathering together all the chief Priests and Scribes ISBE of the people, he asked of them, where Christ should be born. </div> <bR> <div> ISBE   Scribes:  The existence of law leads necessarily to a profession whose business is the study and knowledge of the law.  The priests were therefore also in the first instance the scholars and the guardians of the Law; but in the course of time this was changed. There developed a class of scholars who, though not priests, devoted themselves assiduously to the Law. These became known as the scribes, that is, the professional students of the Law. Thus, the scribes and not the priests were now the zealous defenders of the Law, and hence, were the true teachers of the people. At the time of Christ, this distinction was complete. The scribes formed a solid profession which held undisputed sway over the thought of the people. In the New Testament they are usually called “students of the Scriptures,” “scholars,” those who make a profession of literary studies, which, in this case, of course, meant chiefly the Law. We also find the specific word meaning “students of the Law,” “lawyers;” and in so far as they not only know the Law but also teach it they are called “doctors of the Law” (Luke 5:17; Acts 5:34).</div> <div> That the judge should not receive presents or bribes was written in the Law (Exo 23:8; Deu 16:19); in Christ's philippics against the scribes and Pharisees He makes special mention of their greed. Hence, even though they ostensibly gave instruction in the Law gratuitously, they must have practiced methods by which they indirectly secured their fees.</div> <div> Since the separation of the Pharisaic and the Sadducean tendencies in Judaism, the scribes generally belonged to the Pharisaic class; for this latter is none other than the party which recognized the interpretations or “traditions” which the scribes in the course of time had developed out of the body of the written Law and enforced upon the people as the binding rule of life. Since, however, “scribes” are merely “students of the Law,” there must also have been scribes of the Sadducee type; for it is not to be imagined that this party, which recognized only the written Law as binding, should not have had some opposing students in the other class. Indeed, various passages of the New Testament which speak of the “scribes of the Pharisees” indicate that there were also “scribes of the Sadducees.”</div> <div> Under the reign and leadership of the scribes, it became the ambition of every Israelite to know more or less of the Law. The aim of education in family, school and synagogue was to make the entire people a people of the Law. Even the common laborer should know what was written in the Law; and not only know it, but also do it. So loyal were the majority of the Jews toward their Law that they would gladly endure the tortures of the rack and even death for it. This frame of mind was due almost wholly to the systematic and persistent instruction of the scribes.</div> <div> Law always affords opportunity for casuistry, and it was the development of this in the guidance of the Jewish religious life through the “precepts of the elders” which called forth Christ's repeated denunciation of the work of the scribes.</div> <div> 5 e And they said unto him, At Beth-leem in Judea: for so it is written by the Prophet, </div> <div> (e) They could well tell of Christ in general: but when they should profess his name, and give him his due honor, they wax cold, and shrink back. </div> <div> 6  And thou Beth-leem in the land of Juda, art not the f least among the Princes of Juda: For out of thee shall come the governor that shall g feed that my people Israel.</div> <div> 7  Then Herod f privily called the Wisemen, and diligently inquired of them the time of the star that appeared, </div> <div> (f) An evil conscience is a burning fire.</div> <div> 8  And sent them to Beth-leem, saying, Go, and search diligently for the babe: and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come also, and worship him. </div> <div> 9  So when they had heard the King, they departed: and lo, the g star which they had seen in the East, went before them, till it came and stood over the place where the babe was. </div> <div> (g) The star vanished away before, to the intent they should tarry at Jerusalem, and there inquire of the thing, to the confusion of the Jews. </div> <div> 10  And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with an exceeding great joy, </div> <div> 11  And went into the house, and found the babe with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him, and opened their treasures, and presented unto him gifts, h even gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. </div> <div>  (h) The Persians manner was not to salute Kings without a present, and therefore they brought of that which was most precious in their country, whereof every one of them offered. </div> <div> 12  And after they were warned of God in a dream, that they should <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >i</FONT> not go again to Herod, they returned into their country another way. </div> <div> (i) Promises ought not to be kept, where God’s honor and preaching of his truth is hindered: or else it ought not to be broken. </div> <div> 13  After their departure, behold, the Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the babe and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be there till I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the babe, to destroy him. </div> <div> 14  So he arose and took the babe and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt, </div> <div> 15  And was there unto the death of Herod, that that might be fulfilled, which is spoken of the Lord by the Prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. </div> <div> (k) That which was prefigured by the deliverance of the Israelites out of Egypt, which were Christ’s Church and his body, is now verified, and accomplished in the head Christ. </div> <div> 16 l Then Herod, seeing that he was mocked of the Wisemen, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Beth-leem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently searched out of the Wisemen. </div> <div> (l) Within a certain time after. </div> <div> 17  Then was that fulfilled which is spoken by the Prophet Jeremias, saying, </div> <div> 18  In m Rama was a voice heard, mourning, and weeping, and great howling: Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they were n not. </div> <div> (m) Herod renewed the sorrow which the Benjamites had suffered long before: yet for all his cruelty he could not bring to pass, that Christ should not reign. </div> <div> (n) That is, they were killed & dead.</div> <div> 19 And when Herod was dead, behold, an Angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, </div> <div> 20  Saying, Arise, and take the babe and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are o dead which sought the babe’s life. </div> <div> (o) Thus the faithful may see how God hath infinite means to preserve them from the rage of tyrants. </div> <div> 21  Then he arose up and took the babe and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. </div> <div> 22  But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: yet after he was warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee, </div> <div> 23  And went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophets, which was, That he should be called a p Nazarite. </div> <div> (p) Which is holy and consecrated to God, alluding unto those that were Nazarites in the old Law, which were a figure of that holiness which should be manifested in Christ, as was Samson, Joseph, &c.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 3</div> <div> 1  And in a those days, John the Baptist came and preached in the b wilderness of Judea, </div> <div> (a) In the first year of te reign of Tiberius, after Christ had long time remained in Nazareth, and was now about 30 years old. </div> <div> (b) So called in respect of the plain country and fertile valleys: and not because it was not inhabited.</div> <div> 2  And said, Repent: for the <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >c</FONT> kingdom of heaven is at hand. </div> <div> (c) Which is, that God will reign over us, gather us unto him, pardon our sins, and adopt us by the preaching of the Gospel. </div> <div> 3  For this is he of whom it is spoken by the Prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of him that cries in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord: make his paths straight. </div> <div> 4  And this John had his d garment of camels hair, and a girdle of a skin about his loins: his meat was also e locusts and wild honey. </div> <div> (d) Woven with hair, as gross haircloth.</div> <div> (e) Such meats as nature brought forth without mans labor or diligence: read {Levit. 11,22} </div> <div> 5  Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan. </div> <div> 6  And they were baptized of him in Jordan, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >f</FONT> confessing their sins. </div> <div> (f) Acknowledging their faults: for there is no repentance without confession. </div> <div> 7<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT> Now when he saw many of the Pharisees, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >D1</FONT> and of the Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generations of vipers, who hath forewarned you to flee from the anger to come? </div> <div> D<I>  Pharisee:  One of a sect among the Jews, whose religion consisted in a strict observance of rites and ceremonies and of the traditions of the elders, and whose pretended holiness led them to separate themselves (so called from perishin, the Aramaic form of the Hebrew word, perushim, "separated") as a sect, considering themselves as more righteous than other Jews.  The chief sects among the Jews were the Pharisees, the Sadducees and the Essenes, who may be described respectively as the Formalists, the Freethinkers and the Puritans. A knowledge of the opinion, and practices of the Pharisees at the time of Christ is of great importance for entering deeply into the genius of the Christian religion.  Christ's teaching was, in some respects, thoroughly antagonistic to theirs. He denounced them in the bitterest language.</I></div> <div> <I>The Pharisees held that the oral law was equal to or greater than the scriptures–a characteristic oddly reminiscent of modern Catholicism and Judaism alike–as the history of the Roman Church shows or proclaims the words of the Pope to be equal or greater value to the scriptures.  The first portion of the Talmud is called the Mishna ("second law") which is this oral tradition.</I></div> <div> <I>Jesus taught the law of God as supreme, while the  Pharisees hemmed in and burdened every element of Jewish life.  It is on this premise that modern apostate Christianity bases such doctrine as teaching that Christ “did away with the law” or the 10 commandments.  Nothing could be further from the case.  Christ showed the error of tradition, and upset the apple carts of the Pharisees and “tradition teachers” at every opportunity – showing clearly how the law of God was being turned on its head by these phony, “religious” trifles.  Indeed no man could “obey the law” as it had become under the false teachings of the religious community of the time.</I></div> <div> <I>“Regulations” defined such things as washings before they could eat bread, bathing when they returned from the market; how to wash cups, pots, etc.; rules on fasting, tithing; and ridiculous notions about the law of the Sabbath–all of which relegated God's gracious ordinances into a huge burden on the people.</I></div> <div> <I>Contrariwise, Christ taught the “substance,” not outward appearance and observance of man-created traditions.  He explained the man’s heart and spirit. The Pharisees sought to attract attention, and to excite the admiration of men.</I></div> <div> 8 Bring forth therefore <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >g</FONT> fruits, worthy amendment of life. </div> <div> (g) He (John) mocks those venomous and malicious Pharisees with the judgement of God, except they show before men such works as are agreeable to the possession of the godly, whom Isaiah calls the trees of righteousness, {chap. 61, 3} </div> <div> 9 And think not to say with yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able even of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. </div> <div> 10  And now also is the h axe put to the root of the trees: therefore every tree which brings not forth good fruit, is hewn down, and cast into the fire. </div> <div> (h) The judgement of God is at hand to destroy such as are not mete to be of his Church. </div> <div> 11 Indeed I baptize you with water to amendment of life, R but he that comes after me, is mightier then I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he will baptize you with the holy Ghost, and with i fire. </div> <div> (i) When God baptizes inwardly with the virtue of his Spirit, he burns, & consumes the vices and inflames the hearts with love toward him. </div> <div> (R) ‘Amendment of life,’ which is to say “repentance” imports both precepts, to wit: (1) the inward resolution to keep the commandments of God; and (2) to seek God’s grace to forgive you for those sins which have been committed in the past.</div> <div> 12<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT> Which hath his <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >k</FONT> fan in his hand, and will make clean his floor, and gather his wheat into his garner, but will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. </div> <div> (k) Which is the preaching of the Gospel, whereby he gathers the faithful as good corn, & scatters the infidels as chaff. </div> <div> 13<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT> Then came Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. </div> <div> 14  But John earnestly put him back, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and commest thou to me? </div> <div> 15  Then Jesus answering, said to him, Let be now: for thus it becomes us to l fulfill all righteousness. So he suffered him. </div> <div> (l) We must render perfect obedience to God in all things, which he hath ordained. </div> <div> 16  And Jesus when he was baptized, came straight out of the water. And lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and John saw the Spirit of God descending like a <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >m</FONT> dove, and lighting upon him. </div> <div> (m) To show the state of his kingdom, which is in all meekness & lowliness. </div> <div> 17 And lo, a voice came from heaven, saying, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >n</FONT> This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >R</FONT></div> <div> (n) The favor of God rests on Jesus Christ, that from him it might be poured on us, which deserve of ourselves his wrath, and indignation.</div> <div> (R) The tradition of passing on the Levitical priesthood to the next generation was done by the father identifying the new priest and publicly declaring that the son was found fit and pleasing by the former priest to have the responsibility.  In this verse, not only did that chain of command continue according to the law, but the very father of Christ, God Himself, made the statement!</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 4</div> <bR> <div> 1  Then was Jesus led aside <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >a</FONT> of the Spirit into the wilderness, to be <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >b</FONT> tempted of the devil. </div> <div> (a) By the holy Ghost. </div> <div> (b) To the end that he overcoming these temptations might get the victory for us. </div> <div> 2  And when he had fasted forty days, and forty nights, he was afterward hungry. </div> <div> 3  Then came to him the tempter, and said, If thou be the Son of God, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >c</FONT> command that these stones be made bread. </div> <div> (c) Satan would have Christ to distrust God, and his word and follow other strange and unlawful means. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >4  But he answering said, </FONT>It is written, Man shall not live by bread only, but by every <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >d</FONT> word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >R</FONT></div> <div> (d) He means the order that God hath ordained to maintain his creatures by. </div> <div>      (R) Deut. 8:3</div> <div> 5  Then the devil took him up into the <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >e</FONT> holy City, and set him on a pinnacle <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >D</FONT> of the temple, </div> <div> (e) To wit, Jerusalem.</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     </FONT>(D)<I> High point</I></div> <div> 6  And said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, that he will give his Angels charge over thee, and with their hands they shall <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >f</FONT> lift thee up, lest at any time thou should dash thy foot against a stone. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >R</FONT></div> <div> (f) He alleges but half the sentence to deceive thereby the rather, and cloak his crafty purpose. Matthew 4:7 (g) We must not leave such lawful means as God hath appointed, to seek others after our own fantasy. </div> <div>      (R) Psalms 91:11</div> <div> 7  Jesus said unto him, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. </FONT></div> <div> 8  Again the devil took him up into an exceeding high mountain, and h showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, </div> <div> (h) In a vision. </div> <div> 9  And said to him, All these will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down, and worship me. </div> <div> 10  Then said Jesus unto him, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Avoid Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. </FONT></div> <div> 11  Then the devil i left him: and behold, the Angels k came, and ministered unto him. </div> <div> (i) The word of God is the sword of the spirit, wherewith Satan is overcome. </div> <div> (k) To comfort him. </div> <div> 12 And when Jesus had heard that John was l delivered up, he returned into Galilee. </div> <div> (l) And cast in prison by Herod. </div> <div> 13  And leaving Nazareth, went and dwelt in Capernaum, which is near the m sea in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim, </div> <div> (m) For so they called the lake of Gennesareth. </div> <div> 14  That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the Prophet, R saying, </div> <div>      (R) Isa. 9:2</div> <div> 15  The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, n Galilee of the Gentiles: </div> <div>  (n) Christ had preached now almost a year in Judea, and Samaria, and after went to preach in the uppermost Galilee, which was out of the borders of Palestina. </div> <div> 16  The people which sat in <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >o</FONT> darkness, saw great light: and to them which sat in the region, and shadow of death, light is risen up. </div> <div> (o) Which was without comfort, hath received consolation. </div> <div> 17  From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Amend your lives: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. </FONT></div> <div> 18 And Jesus walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon, which was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea (for they were p fishers.) </div> <div> (p) God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the mighty.  {1 Corin. 1, 27}  </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >19  And he said unto them, </FONT>Follow me, and I will make you fishers <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >q</FONT> of men. </div> <div> (q) To draw them out of the sea of this world, wherein they are drowned. </div> <div> 20  And they straightway leaving the nets, followed him. </div> <div> 21  And when he was gone forth from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedeus, and Iohn his brother in a ship with Zebedeus their father, mending their nets, and he called them. </div> <div> 22  And they <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >r</FONT> without tarrying, leaving the ship, and their father, followed him. </div> <div> (r) We ought to be most ready to follow Christ, when he calls, leaving all worldly respects apart. </div> <div> 23  So Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their Synagogues, and preaching the Gospel of the <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >s</FONT> kingdom, and healing<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>every sickness and every disease among the people. </div> <div> (s) That is, the blessed tidings of forgiveness of sins & reconciliation with God. </div> <div> 24  And his fame spread abroad through all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people, that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and them that were possessed with <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >t</FONT> devils, and those which were <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >u</FONT> lunatic, and those that had the palsy: and he healed them. </div> <div> (t) So that by healing incurable diseases Christ’s divinity appeared .</div> <div> (u) They that were mad or sick at a certain time of the moon. </div> <div> 25  And there followed him great multitudes out of Galilee, and Decapolis, and Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond Jordan. </div> <div> (x) It was a country wherein was ten cities, as the word signifies.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 5</div> <div> 1  And when he saw the multitude, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came to him. </div> <div> 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying,</div> <div> 3  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Blessed are the </FONT>a<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. </FONT></div> <div> (a) That feels themselves void of all righteousness that they may only seek it in Christ. </div> <div> 4  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Blessed are they that </FONT>b<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > mourn: for they shall be comforted. </FONT></div> <div> (b) Which feel their own misery, & seek their comfort in God. </div> <div> 5  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Blessed are the </FONT>c<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > meek: for they shall inherit the earth.</FONT> </div> <div> (c) Who rather would suffer all injuries, then they would revenge themselves. </div> <div> 6  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Blessed are they which </FONT>d<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled. </FONT></div> <div> (d) Being in necessity, desire nothing but that which is upright & godly. </div> <div> 7  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. </FONT></div> <div> 8  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. </FONT></div> <div> 9  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Blessed are the peace makers: for they shall be called the </FONT>e<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > children of God. </FONT></div> <div> (e) For he is called the God of peace, {1 Cor. 14:33} </div> <div> 10  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Blessed are they which suffer persecution for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. </FONT></div> <div> 11<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  Blessed shall ye be when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you for my sake, falsely. </FONT></div> <div> 12<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you. </FONT></div> <div> 13<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  Ye are the </FONT>f<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. </FONT></div> <div> (f) Your office is to season men with the salt of the heavenly doctrine. </div> <div> 14  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill, cannot be hid. </FONT></div> <div> 15  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. </FONT></div> <div> 16  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Let </FONT>g<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. </FONT></div> <div> (g) Because you are seen far off, give good example of life. </div> <div> 17<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the Prophets. </FONT>h<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > I am not come to destroy them, but to fulfill them. </FONT></div> <div> (h) The Gospel is the establishing, & accomplishing of the Law. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >18  </FONT>For truly I say unto you, Till heaven, and earth perish, one jot or one title <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >D</FONT> of the Law shall not escape, till <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >i</FONT> all things be fulfilled. </div> <div> (i) The doctrine of the Law contains nothing unprofitable or superfluous. </div> <div> D  <I>A “jot” is the dotting of the letter “i,” and the “tittle” is the crossing of the letter “t.”</I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><I>Therefore Christ is declaring that not the smallest of details shall be left out in the fulfillment of the law and the scriptures</I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >19 </FONT>Whosoever therefore shall break one of <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >k</FONT> these least commandments, and teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall observe and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. </div> <div> (k) Whosoever shall transgress the least of the ten commandments in word and example, he shall be cast out of the kingdom of God, except it be pardoned him in Christ. </div> <div> 20  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For I say unto you, except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the </FONT>l<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. </FONT></div> <div> (l) Which nether expound the Law truly, nor observe it well. </div> <div> 21 m<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Ye have heard that it was said unto them of the old time, Thou shalt not kill: for whosoever kills shall be culpable of judgement. </FONT></div> <div> (m) He shows how these worthy doctors have falsely glossed this commandment. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >22  </FONT>But I say unto you, whosoever is angry with his brother <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >n</FONT> unadvisedly, shall be culpable <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >D1</FONT> of judgment. And whosoever sayeth unto his brother, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >o</FONT> Raca, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#800000" FACE="Arial" >D2</FONT> shall be worthy to be punished by the Council. And whosoever shall say, Fool, shall be worthy to be punished with hell fire. </div> <div> (<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >n) For God knowing his secret malice will punish him. </FONT></div> <div> (o) Which signifies in the Syrians tongue an idle brain, & is spoken in contempt. </div> <div> D1<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><I>Culpable: Blamable; deserving censure</I></div> <div> D2<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><I>Raca: A Syriac word signifying empty, beggarly, foolish; a term of extreme contempt.</I></div> <div> 23 If then thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remember that thy brother hath ought against thee, </div> <div> 24 Leave there thine offering before the altar, and go thy way: first be <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >q</FONT> reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. </div> <div> (q) For that thou hast offended him, or he hath offended thee: for God prefers brotherly reconciliation to sacrifice. </div> <div> 25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him, lest thine adversary deliver thee to the Judge, and the Judge deliver thee to ye sergeant, and thou be cast into prison. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     </FONT></div> <div> 26 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Verily I say unto thee, thou shalt not come out thence, till thou hast payed the utmost farthing. </FONT></div> <div> 27 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery.</FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >28  </FONT>But I say unto you, that whosoever look on a woman to lust after her, hath committed <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >r</FONT> adultery with her already in his heart. </div> <div> (r) Chastity is required both in body & in mind. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >29  </FONT>Wherefore if thy right <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >s</FONT> eye cause thee to offend, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for better it is for thee, that one of thy members perish, then that thy whole body should be cast into hell. </div> <div> (s) Nothing is so precious which ought not to be rejected in respect of the glory of God. </div> <div> 30  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Also if thy right hand make thee to offend, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for better it is for thee that one of thy members perish, then that thy whole body should be cast into hell. </FONT></div> <div> 31  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >It hath been said also, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a bill of divorcement. </FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >32  </FONT>But I say unto you, whosoever shall put away his wife (except it be for fornication) <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >t</FONT> causes her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced, commits adultery. </div> <div> (t) In that he gives her leave to marry another by that testimonial. </div> <div> 33 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Again, ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform thine oaths to the Lord. </FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >34  </FONT>But I say unto you, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >u</FONT> Swear not at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God: </div> <div> (u) All superfluous oaths are utterly debarred, whether the Name of God be therein mentioned, or otherwise. </div> <div> 35  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Nor yet by the earth: for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem: for it is the city of the great King. </FONT></div> <bR> <div> 36  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Neither shalt thou swear by thine head, because thou can not make one hair white or black. </FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >37  </FONT>But let your communication be <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >x</FONT> Yea, yea: Nay, nay. For whatsoever is more then these, commeth of <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >y</FONT> evil. </div> <div> (x) Let simplicity & truth be in your words, and then ye shall not be so light, and ready to swear. </div> <div> (y) When a man speaks otherwise than he thinks in heart, it comes of an evil conscience, and of the devil. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >38 </FONT>Ye have heard that it hath been said, An <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >z</FONT> eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. </div> <div> (z) Albeit this spoken for the judges, yet every man applied it to revenge his private quarrel. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >39  </FONT>But I say unto you, Resist not evil: but whosoever <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >a</FONT> shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. </div> <div> (a) Rather receive double wrong, then revenge thine own griefs. </div> <div> 40  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. </FONT></div> <div> 41  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And whosoever will compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. </FONT></div> <div> 42  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Give to him that asketh, and from him that would borrow of thee, turn not away. </FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >43  </FONT>Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >b</FONT> hate thine enemy. </div> <div> (b) This was added by the false expositors, the Pharisees. </div> <div> 44  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But I say unto you, Love your enemies: bless them that curse you: do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which hurt you, and persecute you, </FONT></div> <div> 45 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >That ye may be the children of your father that is in heaven: for he makes his sun to arise on the evil, and the good, and sends rain on the just, and unjust.</FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >46  </FONT>For if ye love them, which love you, what reward shall you have? do not the <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >c</FONT> Publicans <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >D</FONT> even the same? </div> <div> (c) These did take to farm the taxes, to wills, & other payments, & therefore were greatly in disdain with all men. </div> <div> D<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><I>Publicans: A collector of toll or tribute. Among the Romans, a publican was a gatherer of the taxes and public revenues, and the inferior officers of this class were deemed oppressive.</I></div> <div> 47  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And if ye be friendly to your brethren only, what singular thing do ye? do not even the Publicans likewise? </FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >48  </FONT>Ye shall therefore be <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >d</FONT> perfect, as your Father which is in heaven, is perfect. </div> <div> (d) We must labor to attain unto the perfection of God, who of his free liberality, do good to them that are unworthy. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 6</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >1  </FONT>Take heed that ye give not your alms before men, to be seen of them, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >R</FONT> or else ye shall have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. </div> <div> (R)  These words of Christ are equally important in the structure of “church” organization as for the value of receiving heavenly gifts for your alms to others. In the times of persecution of believers in Europe and elsewhere, financial tribulation awaited those who were viewed as “withholding” from the Roman Church in favor of others, and the penalty was death.  Those who are “givers” are often the target of “inquisitions” by government, even today. Those who insist on a “tax number” from the church to make the gift “deductible” from taxation are in danger of losing whatever benefit from God can be garnered by giving in secret, as Christ instructed.  If your “expected” benefit is a “tax writeoff,” then you have your reward.  If a pastor reports the names of his givers to government, those who give are in danger from government inquisitions  if they do not likewise “report” properly. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >2  </FONT>Therefore when thou give thine alms, thou shalt not make a trumpet to be blown before thee, as the <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >a</FONT> hypocrites do in the Synagogues and in the streets, to be praised of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >b</FONT> reward. </div> <div> (a) Whose works proceed not of a right faith, but are done for vain glory.</div> <div> (b) In that they are praised & commended of men. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >3  </FONT>But when thou do thine alms, let not thy <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >c</FONT> left hand know what thy right hand doeth, </div> <div> (c) It is sufficient that God approve our works. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >4  </FONT>That thine alms may be in secret, and thy Father that sees in secret, he will reward thee <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >d</FONT> openly.</div> <div> (d) In that day when all things shall be revealed. </div> <div> 5 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And when thou prayest, be not as the hypocrites: for they love to stand, and pray in the Synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, because they would be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. </FONT></div> <div> 6  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But when thou prayest, </FONT>e<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > enter into thy chamber and when thou hast shut thy door, pray unto thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father which sees in secret, shall reward thee openly. </FONT></div> <div> (e) Withdraw thyself rather apart. </div> <div> 7  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Also when ye pray, </FONT>f<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > use no vain repetitions as the Heathen: for they think to be heard for their much babbling. </FONT></div> <div> (f) He commands us to beware of much babbling & superfluous repeats. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >8  </FONT>Be ye not like them therefore: for your <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >g</FONT> Father knoweth whereof ye have need, before ye ask of him. </div> <div> (g) Who is not persuaded by eloquent speech, and long talk, as men are. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >9 </FONT>After this <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >h</FONT> manner therefore pray ye, Our father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >i</FONT> Name. </div> <div> (h) Christ binds them not to the words, but to the sense and form of prayers. </div> <div> (i) We must seek God’s glory first, and above all things. </div> <div> 10  Thy <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >k</FONT> Kingdom come. Thy will be done even in earth, as it is in heaven.</div> <div> (k) Reign thou over all, and let us render unto thee perfect obedience, as thine Angels do.</div> <div> 11  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Give us this day our daily bread. </FONT></div> <div> 12  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. </FONT></div> <div> 13  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And lead us not into </FONT>l<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > temptation, but deliver us from evil: for </FONT>m<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever. Amen. </FONT></div> <div> (l) To be overcome thereby.</div> <div> (m) This conclusion excludes man’s merits, and teaches us to ground our prayers only on God. </div> <div> 14 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For if ye do forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. </FONT></div> <div> 15  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But if ye do not forgive men their trespasses, no more will your father forgive you your trespasses. </FONT></div> <div> 16 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Moreover, when ye fast, look not sour as the hypocrites: for they disfigure their faces, that they might seem unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, that they have their reward. </FONT></div> <div> (n) Make their faces to seem of another sort then they were wont to do. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     </FONT></div> <div> 17<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  But when thou fastest, </FONT>o<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > anoint thine head, and wash thy face, </FONT></div> <div> (o) Whereby is commanded to avoid all vain ostentation. </div> <bR> <div> 18<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  That thou seem not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father which sees in secret, will reward thee openly. </FONT></div> <div> 19<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Lay not up treasures for yourselves upon the earth, where the moth and canker corrupt, and where thieves dig through and steal. </FONT></div> <div> 20<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  But lay up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where neither the moth nor canker corrupts, and where thieves neither dig through, nor steal. </FONT></div> <div> 21<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. </FONT></div> <div> 22<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > The light of the body is the eye: if then thine eye be </FONT>p<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > single, thy whole body shall be light. </FONT></div> <div>      (p) If thine eye be disposed to liberality.  Prov. 21:9</div> <bR> <div> 23  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But if thine eye be </FONT>q<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > wicked, then all thy body shall be dark. Wherefore if the </FONT>r<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > light that is in thee, be darkness, how great is that darkness! </FONT></div> <div> (q) If thine affection be corrupt & given to covetousness. Deu. 15:9</div> <div> (r) If the concupiscence, & wicked affections overcome reason, we must not marvel though men be blinded, & be like unto beasts. </div> <div> 24 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >No man can serve two masters: for either he shall hate the one, and love the other, or else he shall lean to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and riches. </FONT>E</div> <div> (E) This is a moderately significant different translation from the KJV where the word “mammon” (man) is used in place of a reference to money (riches).  The Geneva translation cites the source of strife is worldly riches, indicating the love of money, or as covetousness such as Exo. 20:15,17.</div> <div> 25 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Therefore I say unto you, be not </FONT>s<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > careful for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink: nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more worth then meat? and the body then raiment? </FONT></div> <div> (s) Man’s travail nothing avails where God gives not increase. </div> <div> 26  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Behold the fouls of the heaven: for they sow not, neither reap, nor carry into the barns: yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are ye not much better then they? </FONT></div> <div> 27  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Which of you by taking care is able to add one cubit unto his stature? </FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >28  </FONT>And why care ye for raiment? Learn how the lilies of the <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >t</FONT> field do grow: they <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >u</FONT> labor not, neither spin: </div> <div> (t) The goodness of God even towards the herbs of the field, far passes all things that man can compass by his power and labor. </div> <div> (u) The word signifies, they weary not themselves.</div> <div> 29  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Yet I say unto you, that even Salomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. </FONT></div> <div> 30  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field which is to day, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not do much more unto you, O ye of little faith? </FONT></div> <div> 31  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or where with shall we be clothed? </FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >32  </FONT>(For after all these things <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >x</FONT> seek the Gentiles) for your heavenly Father knoweth, that ye have need of all these things. </div> <div> (x) With care and distrust. </div> <bR> <div> 33  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his </FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >y</FONT> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >righteousness, and all these things shall be ministered unto you. </FONT></div> <div> (y) That is, to be regenerate, and amend, your lives. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >34  </FONT>Care not then for the morrow: for the morrow shall care for <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >z</FONT> itself: the day hath enough with his own grief. </div> <div> (z) God will provide for every day that that shall be necessary, though we do not increase, the present grief by the carefulness how to live in time to come.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 7</div> <div> 1 <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >a</FONT> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Judge not, that ye be not judged.</FONT> </div> <div> (a) He commands, not to be curious or malicious to try out, and condemn our neighbors faults: for hypocrites hide their own faults, and seek not to amend them, but are curious to reprove other men’s. </div> <div> 2 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged, and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. </FONT></div> <div> 3<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  And why sees thou the mote, that is in thy brother’s eye, and perceive not the beam that is in thine own eye? </FONT></div> <div> 4<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  Or how sayest thou to thy brother, Suffer me to cast out the mote out of thine eye, and behold, a beam is in thine own eye? </FONT></div> <div> 5<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  Hypocrite, first cast out that beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brothers eye. </FONT></div> <div> 6<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>b <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Give ye not that which is holy, to dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they tread them under their feet, and turning again, all to rent you. </FONT></div> <div> (b) Declare not the Gospel to the wicked contemners of God whom thou sees left to themselves & forsaken. </div> <div> 7 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and it shall be opened unto you. </FONT></div> <div> 8  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For whosoever asks, receives: and he, that seeks, finds: and to him that knocks, it shall be opened. </FONT></div> <div> 9  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For what man is there among you, which if his son ask him bread, would give him a stone? </FONT></div> <div> 10  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Or if he ask fish, will he give him a serpent? </FONT></div> <div> 11<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  If ye then, which are evil, can give to your children good gifts, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven, give good things to them that ask him? </FONT></div> <div> 12<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, even so do ye to them: for this is the </FONT>c<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > law and the Prophets. </FONT></div> <div> (c) The whole Law and the Scriptures set forth unto us, & commend charity. </div> <div> 13 <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >d</FONT> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Enter in at the straight gate: for it is the wide gate, and broad </FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >e</FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > way that leads to destruction: and many there be which go in thereat, </FONT></div> <div> (d) We must overcome and mortify our affections, if we will be true disciples of Christ. </div> <div> (e) For the most part of men seek their own liberty, and run headlong to evil. </div> <div> 14  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Because the gate is straight, and the way narrow that leads unto life, and few there be that find it. </FONT></div> <div> 15 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Beware of false prophets, which come to you, in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. </FONT></div> <div> 16  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Ye shall know them by their fruits. do men gather grapes of thorns? or figs of thistles? </FONT></div> <div> 17<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  So every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, and a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. </FONT></div> <div> 18<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  A good tree can not bring forth evil fruit: neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. </FONT></div> <div> 19<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down, and cast into the fire. </FONT></div> <div> 20<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them. </FONT></div> <div> 21<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Not every one that sayeth unto me, </FONT>f<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth my Fathers will which is in heaven. </FONT></div> <div> (f) He means hirelings & hypocrites, who rather serve God with their lips than with their heart. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >22  </FONT>Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >g</FONT> by thy Name prophesied? and by thy name cast out devils? and by thy name done many great works? </div> <div> (g) By thy virtue, authority and power. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     </FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >23  </FONT>And then will I profess to them, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >h</FONT> I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. </div> <div> (h) I never accepted you to be my true ministers and disciples. </div> <div> 24<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Whosoever then hears of me these words, and does the same, I will liken him to a wise man, which hath built his house on a rock: </FONT></div> <div> 25  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell not: for it was grounded on a rock. </FONT></div> <div> 26  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But whosoever hears these my words, and does them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which hath built his house upon the sand: </FONT></div> <div> 27  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell, and the fall thereof was great. </FONT></div> <div> 28  And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these words, the people were astonished at his doctrine. </div> <div> 29  For he taught them as one having <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >i</FONT> authority, and not as the Scribes. </div> <div> (i) The mighty power of God’s Spirit appeared in him, whereby he declared himself to be God and caused others to believe in him.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 8</div> <div> 1  Now when he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. </div> <div> 2<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT> And lo, there came a Leper and worshiped him, saying, Master, if thou wilt, thou can make me clean. </div> <div> 3  And Jesus putting forth his hand, touched him, saying, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >I will, be thou clean</FONT>: and immediately his <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >a</FONT> leprosy was cleansed. </div> <div> (a) It was not like the leprosy that is snow, but was a kind thereof  which was incurable. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >4  Then Jesus said unto him, </FONT>See thou tell <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >b</FONT> no man, but go, and show thyself unto the <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >c</FONT> Priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >d</FONT> witness to them. </div> <div> (b) He would not yet be throughly known, but had his time & hour appointed. </div> <div> (c) Our Savior would not contemn that which was ordained by the Law, seeing as yet the ceremonies thereof were not abolished. </div> <div> (d) To condemn them of ingratitude, when they shall se thee whole. </div> <div> 5 When Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a Centurion, beseeching him, </div> <div> 6  And said, Master, my servant lies sick at home of the palsy, and is grievously pained. </div> <div> 7  And Jesus said unto him,<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > I will come and heal him.</FONT> </div> <div> 8  But the Centurion answered, saying, Master, I am not worthy that thou should come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. </div> <div> 9  For I am a man also under the authority of an other, and have soldiers under me: and I say to one, Go, and he goes: and to another, Come, and he comes: and to my servant, do this, and he does it. </div> <div> 10  When Jesus heard that, he marveled, and said to them that followed him, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Verily, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, even in Israel.</FONT> </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >11  </FONT>But I say unto you, that <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >e</FONT> many shall come from the East and West, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. </div> <div> (e) Which are strange people & the Gentiles, to whom the covenant of God did not properly appertain. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >12  </FONT>And the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >f</FONT> utter <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >E</FONT> darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. </div> <div> (f) For there is nothing but mere darkness out of the kingdom of heaven. </div> <div> (E) In the original, the word is rendered “vtter.”  The Middle English of the Geneva, in every case thus far, has substituted the “v” for a “u,” not an “o.”  Therefore we chose “utter” instead of “outer” for the word.  The original footnote (f) speaks of this darkness as being “outside” the kingdom, also implying the permissible translation to “outer” darkness.</div> <div> 13  Then Jesus said unto the Centurion, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >go thy way, and as thou hast believed, so be it unto thee</FONT>, And his servant was healed the same hour. </div> <div> 14 And when Jesus came to Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid down, and sick of a fever. </div> <div> 15  And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: so she arose, and ministered unto them. </div> <div> 16  When the evening was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick, </div> <div> 17  That it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by Esaias D the Prophet, g saying, He took our infirmities, and bare our sickness. </div> <div> (g) The Prophet speaks chiefly of the feebleness & disease of our souls, with Jesus Christ hath borne: therefore he sets his great mercy and power before our eyes by healing the body. </div> <div>      <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >D</FONT> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>Isaiah 53:4</I></FONT></div> <div> 18  And when Jesus saw great multitudes of people about him, he commanded them to go over the water. </div> <div> 19 Then came there a certain Scribe, and said unto him, Master, h I will follow thee whithersoever thou goes. </div> <div> (h) He thought by this means to curry favor with the world: but Jesus shows him that he is far wide from that he looks for: for instead of worldly wealth, there is but poverty in Christ. </div> <div> 20  But Jesus said unto him, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven have nests, but the Son of man hath not whereon to rest his head.</FONT> </div> <div> 21 And i another of his disciples said unto him, Master, suffer me first to go, and k bury my father. </div> <div> (i) Luke makes mention of three, which were hindered  by worldly respects from coming to Christ. </div> <div> (k) To succor & help him in his old age till he die, and then I will follow thee wholly. </div> <div> 22  But Jesus said unto him, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Follow me, and let the </FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >l</FONT> dead bury their dead. </div> <div> (l) No duty or love is to be preferred to God’s calling: therefore Jesus calls them dead, which are hindered by any worldly thing to follow Christ.</div> <div> 23 And when he was entered into the ship, his disciples followed him. </div> <div> 24  And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, so that the ship was covered with waves: but he was a sleep. </div> <div> 25  Then his disciples came, and awoke him, saying, Master, save us: we perish. </div> <div> 26  And he said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?</FONT> Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea: and so there was a great calm. </div> <div> 27  And the men marveled, saying, What man is this, that both the winds and the sea obey him! </div> <div> 28 And when he was come to the other side into ye country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, which came out of the graves very fierce, so that no man might go by that way. </div> <div> 29  And behold, they cried out, saying, Jesus the son of God, what have we to do with thee? Art thou come hither to torment us m before the time? </div> <div> (m) The wicked would ever, defer their punishment, thinking all correction to come too soon. </div> <div> 30  Now there was, afar off from them, a great heard of swine feeding. </div> <div> 31  And the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, n suffer us to go into the heard of swine. </div> <div> (n) The devil desires ever to do harm but he can do no more, than God does appoint. </div> <div> 32  And he said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Go</FONT>. So they went out and departed into the heard of swine: and behold, the whole heard of swine ran headlong into the o sea, and died in the water. </div> <div> (o) Meaning the lake of Gennesareth. </div> <div> 33  Then the herdsmen fled: and when they were come into the city, they told all things, and what was become of them that were possessed with the devils. </div> <div> 34  And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, p they besought him to depart out of their coasts. </div> <div> (p) These Gergesenes esteemed more their hogs then Jesus Christ.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 9</div> <div> 1  Then he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. </div> <div> 2  And lo, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, laid on a bed. And Jesus seeing their a faith, said to the sick of the palsy, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Son, be of good comfort: thy </FONT>b<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > sins are forgiven thee. </FONT></div> <div> (a) And also his faith that had the palsy: for except we have faith, our sins cannot be forgiven.</div> <div> (b) Jesus touches the principal cause of all our miseries, which is sin. </div> <div> 3  And behold, certain of the Scribes said with themselves, This man blasphemes. </div> <div> 4  But when Jesus saw their thoughts, he said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Wherefore think ye evil things </FONT>c<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > in your hearts? </FONT></div> <div> (c) Because they did maliciously refuse Christ, who offered himself unto them. </div> <div> 5  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For whether is it </FONT>d<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > easier to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee, or to say, Arise, and walk? </FONT></div> <div> (d) Christ speaks according to their capacity: for they more esteemed outward miracles, then the virtue & power of Jesus Christ, whereby their sins might be forgiven. </div> <div> 6  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And that ye may know that the Son of man hath authority in earth to forgive sins,</FONT> (then said he unto the sick of the palsy,) <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Arise, take up thy bed, and go to thine house. </FONT></div> <div> 7  And he arose, and departed to his own house. </div> <div> 8  So when the multitude saw it, they marveled, and glorified God, which had given such authority to men. </div> <div> 9  And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man sitting at the custom, named Matthew, and said to him, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Follow me.</FONT> And he arose, and followed him. </div> <div> 10  And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, behold, many Publicans and sinners, that came thither, sat down at the table with Jesus and his disciples. </div> <div> 11  And when the Pharisees saw that, they said to his disciples, Why eats your master with Publicans and sinners? </div> <div> 12  Now when Jesus heard it, he said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The </FONT>e <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >whole need not a Physician, but they that are sick. </FONT></div> <div> (e) He reproves the vain persuasion of them, which thought themselves whole, & contemned the poor sick sinners, which sought Jesus Christ to be their physician. </div> <div> 13  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But go </FONT>f<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > ye and learn what this is, I </FONT>g<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but the sinners to repentance. </FONT></div> <div> (f) Which are puffed up with vain confidence of your own righteousness. </div> <div> (g) God requires not ceremonies, but brotherly love of one toward s another. </div> <div> 14  Then came the disciples of John to him, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, and thy disciples fast not? </div> <div> 15  And Jesus said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Can the </FONT>h<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > children of the marriage chamber mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast. </FONT></div> <div> (h) Christ would spare his disciples a while, not burdening them to much, lest he should discourage them. </div> <div> 16  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Moreover no man pieces an </FONT>i<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > old garment with a piece of new cloth: for that that should fill it up, taketh away from the garment, and the breach is worse.</FONT> </div> <div> (i) Christ compares his disciples for their infirmity, to old garments, and old vessels, which are not able as yet to bear the perfection of his doctrine, which he means by new cloth, and new wine. </div> <div> 17  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Neither do they put new wine into </FONT>k<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > old vessels: for then the vessels would break, and the wine would be spilt, and the vessels should perish: but they put new wine into new vessels, and so are both preserved. </FONT></div> <div> (k) The mind which is infected with the dregs of superstitious ceremonies, is not mete to receive the pleasant wine of the Gospel. </div> <div> 18  While he thus spake unto them, behold there came a certain ruler, and worshiped him, saying, My daughter is now deceased, but come and lay thine hand on her, and she shall live. </div> <bR> <div> 19  And Jesus arose and followed him with his disciples. </div> <div> 20  (And behold, a woman which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment. </div> <div> 21  For she said in herself, If I may touch but his garment only, I shall be whole. </div> <div> 22  Then Jesus turned him about, and seeing her, did say, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole.</FONT> And the woman was made whole at that same moment.) </div> <div> 23  Now when Jesus came into the Ruler’s house, and saw the l minstrels and the multitude making noise, </div> <div> (l) Players upon flutes or pipes or other instruments, which in those days they used at burials.</div> <div> 24  He said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Get you hence: for the maid is not dead, but sleeps.</FONT> And they laughed him to scorn. </div> <div> 25  And when the multitude were put forth, he went in and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. </div> <div> 26  And this brute went throughout all that land. </div> <div> 27  And as Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, O son of David, have mercy upon us. </div> <div> 28  And when he was come into the house, the blind came to him, and Jesus said unto them, m<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Believe ye that I am able to do this?</FONT> And they said unto him, Yea, Lord. </div> <div> (m) He would prove whether they bare him that reverence which was due to Messiah. </div> <div> 29  Then touched he their eyes, saying, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >According to your faith be it unto you. </FONT></div> <div> 30  And their eyes were opened, and Jesus gave them great charge, saying, See that no man know it. </div> <div> 31  But when they were departed, they spread abroad his fame throughout all that land. </div> <div> 32  And as they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. </div> <div> 33  And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: then the multitude marveled, saying, The like was never seen in Israel. </div> <div> 34  But the Pharisees said, He n casts out devils, through the prince of devils. </div> <div> (n) This blasphemy precedes of extreme impiety, seeing all the people confessed the contrary. </div> <div> 35  And Jesus went about all cities and towns, teaching in their Synagogues, and preaching the Gospel of the o kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. </div> <div> (o) Whereby God gathers his people together, that he may reign over them. </div> <div> 36  But when he saw the multitude, he had compassion upon them, because they were dispersed, and scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. </div> <div> 37  Then said he to his disciples, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Surely the </FONT>p<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > harvest is great, but the laborers are few. </FONT></div> <div> (p) He means the people are ripe, and ready to receive the Gospel, comparing the number of the elect to a plentiful harvest. </div> <div> 38  Wherefore pray the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 10</div> <div> 1  And he called his twelve disciples unto him, and gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every sickness, and every disease. </div> <div> 2  Now the names of the twelve Apostles are these. The first is Simon, called Peter, and Andrew his brother: James the son of Zebedeus, and John his brother. </div> <div> 3  Philippe and Bartlemew: Thomas, and Matthew that Publican: James the son of Alpheus, and Lebbeus whose surname was Thaddeus: </div> <div> 4  Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. </div> <div> 5  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >These twelve did Jesus send forth, and commanded them, saying, go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into the cities of the Samaritans enter ye not: </FONT></div> <div> 6  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But go rather to the </FONT>a<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > lost sheep of the house of Israel. </FONT></div> <div> (a) For the kingdom of God must first be preached unto them, because Christ was especially promised unto them. </div> <div> 7  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. </FONT></div> <div> 8  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Heal the sick: cleanse the lepers: raise up the dead: cast out the devils. Freely ye have received, </FONT>b<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > freely give. </FONT></div> <div> (b) He commands them to offer themselves freely to the Lord’s work, without respect of gain or lucre. </div> <div> 9  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Possess not </FONT>c<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > gold, nor silver, nor money in your girdles, </FONT></div> <div> (c) Because he sends them not for a long time, but only for one journey, he defends the things that might let them: nether is this a perpetual commandment. </div> <div> 10  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Nor a scrip for the journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor a staff: for the workman is worthy of his meat. </FONT></div> <div> 11  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And into whatsoever city or town ye shall come, enquire who is worthy in it, and there abide till ye go thence. </FONT></div> <div> 12  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And when ye come into a house, salute the same. </FONT></div> <div> 13<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. </FONT></div> <div> 14  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house, or that city, </FONT>d<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > shake off the dust of your feet. </FONT></div> <div> (d) To signify that their land is polluted & that you consent not to their wickedness. </div> <div> 15  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Truly I say unto you, it shall be easier for them of the land of </FONT>e<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgement, than for that city. </FONT></div> <div> (e) Who were not so lively taught, and advertised. </div> <div> 16  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of the wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and </FONT>f <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >innocent as doves. </FONT></div> <div> (f) Not revenging wrong, much less doing wrong. </div> <div> 17  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to the Councils, and will scourge you in their Synagogues. </FONT></div> <div> 18  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And ye shall be brought to the governors and Kings for my sake, in </FONT>g<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > witness to them, and to the Gentiles. </FONT></div> <div> (g) To take from them all pretense of ignorance, and to make them inexcusable. </div> <div> 19  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that hour, what ye shall say. </FONT></div> <div> 20  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For it is not ye that speak, but the spirit of your father which speaks in you. </FONT></div> <div> 21  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son, and the children shall rise against their parents, and shall cause them to die.</FONT> </div> <div> 22  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And ye shall be hated of all men for my Name: but he that endures to the end, he shall be saved. </FONT></div> <div> 23  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And when they persecute you in this city, flee </FONT>h<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > into another: for verily I say unto you, ye shall not go over all the cities of Israel, till the </FONT>i<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Son of man be come. </FONT></div> <div> (h) To profit & do good, & not to be idle. </div> <div> (i) And will comfort you & give manifest evidence of his presence: and he speaks not of their first sending, but of the whole time of their Apostleship. </div> <div> 24  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his Lord. </FONT></div> <div> 25<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  It is enough for the disciple to be as his master is, and the servant as his Lord. If they have called the master of the house </FONT>k<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Beelzebub, how much more them of his household? </FONT></div> <div> (k) It was the name of an idol which signified the god of flies, & in despite thereof was attributed to the devil. {read 2 Kings 1:2} and the wicked called Christ by this name. </div> <div> 26  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be disclosed, nor hid, that shall not be known. </FONT></div> <div> 27  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye on the </FONT>l <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >houses</FONT>. </div> <div> (l) Which in those countries are so made the men may walk upon them. </div> <div> 28  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And fear ye not them which kill the body, but are nor able to kill the soul: but rather fear him, which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. </FONT></div> <div> 29  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing, and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father? </FONT></div> <div> 30  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Yea, and all the hairs of your head are numbered. </FONT></div> <div> 31  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value then many sparrows. </FONT></div> <div> 32  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Whosoever therefore shall </FONT>m<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. </FONT></div> <div> (m) And acknowledge me his only Savior. </div> <div> 33  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But whosoever shall deny me before me, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. </FONT></div> <div> 34  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Think not that I am come to send </FONT>n<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > peace into the earth: I came not to send peace, but the sword. </FONT></div> <div> (n) He gives us inward peace in our conscience, but outwardly we must have war with wicked worldlings. </div> <div> 35  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For I am come to set a man at </FONT>o<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. </FONT></div> <div> (o) Which thing comes not of the property of Christ, but proceeds of the malice of men, which love not the light, but darkness, and are offended with the word of salvation. </div> <div> 36  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And a man’s enemies shall be they of his own household. </FONT></div> <div> 37  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >He that loveth father or mother more then me, is not worthy of me. And he that loveth son, or daughter more then me, is not worthy of me. </FONT></div> <div> 38  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And he that taketh not his cross, and </FONT>p<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > followeth after me, is not worthy of me. </FONT></div> <div> (p) Also they that invent any other way to honor God, then that he hath prescribed by his word, follow not Christ, but go before him. </div> <div> 39  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >He that will find his </FONT>q<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > life, shall lose it: and he that loses his life for my sake, shall find it. </FONT></div> <div> (q) He that doth prefer his life before my glory. </div> <div> 40  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >He that receiveth you, receiveth me: and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that hath sent me. </FONT></div> <div> 41 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >He that receiveth a </FONT>r<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Prophet in the name of a Prophet, shall receive a Prophet’s reward: and he that receiveth a righteous man, in the name of a righteous man, shall receive the reward of a righteous man. </FONT></div> <div> (r) We must reverence Christ in his servants, & receive them, as sent from him, & honor them for their office sake.</div> <div> 42  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And whosoever shall give unto one of these little ones to drink a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.</FONT> </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 11</div> <div> 1  And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. </div> <div> 2  And when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he a sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, </div> <div> (a) Not because John was ignorant of Christ: but that he might reach his disciples that his office was to lead them to Christ. </div> <div> 3  Art thou he that should come, or shall we look for another? </div> <div> 4  And Jesus answering, said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Go, and show John, what things ye hear, and see. </FONT></div> <div> 5  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The blind receive sight, and the halt do walk: the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor receive the Gospel. </FONT></div> <div> 6  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And blessed is he that shall not </FONT>b<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > be offended in me. </FONT></div> <div> (b) That take no occasion by Christ to be hindered from the Gospel. </div> <div> 7  And as they departed, Jesus began to speak unto the multitude, of John, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A </FONT>c<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > reed shaken with the wind? </FONT></div> <div>      <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >(c) A man inconstant? </FONT></div> <div> 8  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But what went ye out to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing, are in King’s houses. </FONT></div> <div> 9  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But what went ye out to see? A Prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and </FONT>d<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > more than a Prophet. </FONT></div> <div> (d) For the Prophets declared Christ long before he came, but John as it were pointed him with his finger. </div> <div> 10  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For this is he of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. </FONT></div> <div> 11 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Verily I say unto you, among them which are </FONT>e <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >begotten of women, arose there not a greater then John Baptist: notwithstanding, he that is the </FONT>f<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > least in the kingdom of heaven, is greater then he. </FONT></div> <div> (e) Which were begotten and borne by the meanness of man, and after the commune course of nature: for Christ was conceived by the Holy Ghost. </div> <div> (f) The least of them that shall preach the Gospel in the new estate of Christ’s Church, shall have more clear knowledge than John. </div> <div> 12  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And from the time of John Baptist hitherto, the kingdom of heaven </FONT>g<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. </FONT></div> <div> (g) Men’s zeals are inflamed with desire to receive God’s mercies offered, and are most greedy to hear the word. </div> <div> 13  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For all the Prophets and the law </FONT>h<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > prophesied unto John. </FONT></div> <div> (h) They prophesied things to come, which now we se present and more clear. </div> <div> 14  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And if ye will receive </FONT>i<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > it, this is that Elias, which was to come. </FONT></div> <div> (i) Meaning his testimony concerning John. </div> <div> 15  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. </FONT></div> <div> 16  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto little children which sit in the markets, and call unto their fellows, </FONT></div> <div> 17  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And say, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced, we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. </FONT></div> <div> 18  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. </FONT></div> <div> 19  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a glutton and a drinker of wine, a friend unto Publicans and sinners: but </FONT>k<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > wisdom is justified of her children. </FONT></div> <div> (k) They that are wise indeed, acknowledge the wisdom of God in him, whom the Pharisees contemn, read {Luke 7,29}. </div> <div> 20  Then began he to upbraid the cities, wherein most of his great works were done, because they repented not. </div> <div> 21  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Woe be to thee, Chorazin: Woe be to thee, Bethsaida: for if the great works, which were done in you, had been done in </FONT>l<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Tyrus and Sidon, they had repented long ago in sackcloth </FONT>D <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >and ashes. </FONT></div> <div> (l) Cities of great merchandise full of dissolution and wantonness. D<I>  Sackcloth: Coarse cloth of which sacks are made. This word is chiefly used in Scripture to denote a cloth or garment worn in mourning, distress or mortification.</I></div> <div> 22  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But I say to you, It shall be easier for Tyrus and Sidon at the day of judgement, than for you. </FONT></div> <div> 23  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And thou, Capernaum, which art lifted up unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the great works, which have been done in thee, had been done among them of Sodom, they had remained to this day. </FONT></div> <div> 24  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But I say unto you, that it shall be easier for them of the land of Sodom in the day of judgement, then for thee. </FONT></div> <div> 25  At that time Jesus answered, and said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >I give thee thanks, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and men of understanding, and hast opened them unto babes. </FONT></div> <div> 26  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >It is so, O Father, because thy good </FONT>m<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > pleasure was such. </FONT></div> <div> (m) Faith comes not of man’s will or power, but by the secret illumination of God, which is the declaration of his eternal counsel. </div> <div> 27  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >All things are given unto me of my Father: and no man knows the Son, but the Father: neither knows any man the Father, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will revile him. </FONT></div> <div> 28  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Come unto me, all ye that </FONT>n<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > are weary and laden, and I will ease you. </FONT></div> <div> (n) Which feel the weight, & grief of your sins and miseries. </div> <div> 29  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Take my </FONT>o<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > yoke on you, and learn of me that I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. </FONT></div> <div> (o) To be governed by my Spirit, and to mortify your affections.</div> <div> 30  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For my yoke is easy, and my burden light. </FONT></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 12</div> <div> 1  At that time Jesus went on a Sabbath day through the corn, D and his disciples were hungry, and began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat. </div> <div> D<I> To Americans, “corn” is a specific vegetable, also known as maize.  In scripture, “corn” refers to the seeds of certain plants in general, in bulk or quantity. In this sense, the word comprehends all the kinds of grain which constitute the food of men and horses. In Great Britain, corn is generally applied to wheat, rye, oats and barley.  As such, European translators saw “grain” of many diversities as “corn.”  Do not misunderstand that Christ was hereby speaking of plucking “ears” from rows of “American Corn,” or maize, when he was more likely in a wheat field gathering the long rows or “ears” of wheat. “Corn” as Americans know it was undiscovered, nor was it even a food of any type to the Israelites!</I></div> <div> 2  And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the Sabbath. </div> <div> 3  But he said unto them, a<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Have ye not read what David did when he was a hungered, and they that were with him? </FONT></div> <div> (a) Necessity makes that lawful, which is prohibited for a certain respect, in things appertaining to ceremonies. </div> <div> 4  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the Priests? </FONT></div> <div> 5  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Or have ye not read in the Law, how that on the Sabbath days the Priests in the Temple </FONT>b<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > break the Sabbath, and are blameless? </FONT></div> <div> (b) Not that the Priests brake the Sabbath in doing that, which was commanded by the Law, but he speaks thus to confute the error of the people, who thought the Sabbath broken, if any necessary work was done that day. </div> <div> 6  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But I say unto you, that here is one greater than the Temple. </FONT></div> <div> 7  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Wherefore if ye knew what this is, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the innocents. </FONT></div> <div> 8  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For the son of man is </FONT>c<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Lord, even of the Sabbath. </FONT></div> <div> (c) Christ hath power to exempt his from keeping of the Sabbath, seeing the service required in the Temple, was able to excuse them that labored in the same. </div> <div> 9  And he departed thence, and went into their Synagogue: </div> <div> 10  And behold, there was a man which had his hand dried up. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal upon a Sabbath day? that they might accuse him. </div> <div> 11  And he said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >What man shall there be among you, that hath a sheep, and if it fall on a Sabbath day into a pit, doth not take it and lift it out? </FONT></div> <div> 12  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >How much more then is a man better then a sheep? therefore, it is lawful to do well on a Sabbath day. </FONT></div> <div> 13  Then said he to the man, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Stretch forth thine hand.</FONT> And he stretched it forth, and it was made whole as the other. </div> <div> 14  Then the Pharisees went out, and consulted against him, how they might destroy him. </div> <div> 15  But when Jesus knew it, he departed thence, and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all, </div> <div> 16  And charged them in threatening wise, that they should not make him known, </div> <div> 17  That it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by Esaias D the Prophet, saying, </div> <div>      <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >D</FONT> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>Isaiah 42:1-4</I></FONT></div> <div> 18  Behold my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul delights: I will put my Spirit on him, and he shall show d judgement to the Gentiles. </div> <div> (d) The right trade of government, not only to the Jews, but also to strange nations. </div> <div> 19  He shall not e strive, nor cry, neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. </div> <div> (e) He shall not make great noise, nor seek outward pomp and glory. </div> <div> 20  A f bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he bring forth judgement g unto victory. </div> <div> (f) He will bear with them that be infirm & weak. </div> <div> (g) Christ shall overcome all lets, which hinder the course of the Gospel, and then shall give sentence as a conqueror against all his enemies. </div> <div> 21  And in his Name shall the Gentiles trust. </div> <div> 22  Then was brought to him one, possessed with a devil, both blind, and dumb, and he healed him, so that he which was blind and dumb, both spake and saw. </div> <div> 23  And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this that son of David? </div> <div> 24  But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This man casts the devils no otherwise out, but through Beelzebub the prince of devils. </div> <div> 25  But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Every kingdom divided against itself, is brought to nought: and every city or house, divided against itself, shall not stand. </FONT></div> <div> 26  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >So if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself: how shall then his kingdom endure? </FONT></div> <div> 27  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Also if I through Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your </FONT>h<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. </FONT></div> <div> (h) Which conjured devils by the virtue of God’s name, albeit it was expressly against the Law of God. </div> <div> 28  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then is the kingdom of God come unto you. </FONT></div> <div> 29  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Else how can a man enter into a strong man’s house and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man, and then spoil his house. </FONT></div> <div> 30  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >He </FONT>i<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > that is not with me, is against me: and he that gathers not with me, scatters. </FONT></div> <div> (i) He declares to the Pharisees, that they were in two sorts his enemies, not only because they did forsake him, but also make open war against him. </div> <div> 31  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Wherefore I say unto you, every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. </FONT></div> <div> 32  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever shall speak against the </FONT>k<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > holy Ghost, </FONT>R <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, nor in the world to come. </FONT></div> <div> (k) That is, he that strives against the truth which he knows, and against his own conscience, cannot return to repentance: for he sins against the Holy Ghost. </div> <div> (R)  Many apostate Christians today speak against the Holy Ghost (even if innocently) by claiming that such miracles as have been or are being done in the name of Christ are of evil; and by claiming, for whatever reason, that the Holy Ghost no longer bestows any spiritual gifts (healing, tongues, etc.  See I Cor. 12) on believers.  To assume that the eternal God is incapable of working miracles today as was done under the Acts of the Apostles is to deny God’s sovereignty, and to speak ill of the Holy Ghost working for His Kingdom.</div> <div> 33  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Either make the tree good, and his fruit good: or else make the tree evil, and his fruit evil: for the tree is known by the fruit. </FONT></div> <div> 34  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >O generations of vipers, how can you speak good things, when ye are evil? For of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. </FONT></div> <div> 35  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of an evil treasure, brings forth evil things. </FONT></div> <div> 36  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But I say unto you, that of every </FONT>l<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof at the day of judgement. </FONT></div> <div> (l) Much more they shall give account of their blasphemies. </div> <div> 37  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For by thy words thou shalt be </FONT>m<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. </FONT></div> <div> (m) Their wicked words shall be a sufficient proof to condemn the ungodly, if there were not other thing. </div> <div> 38  Then answered certain of the Scribes and of the Pharisees, saying, Master, we n would see a sign of thee. </div> <div> (n) This was to find some new shift or pretext to resist his doctrine. </div> <div> 39  But he answered and said to them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >An evil and </FONT>o <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >adulterous generation seeketh a sign, but no sign shall be given unto it, save that sign of the Prophet Jonah. </FONT></div> <div> (o) They were become bastards and degenerate from their holy ancestors. </div> <div> 40  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For as Jonah was </FONT>p<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > three days and three nights in the whale’s belly: so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. </FONT>R</div> <div> (p) He takes part of the day for the whole day. </div> <div> (R)  Herein lies a great lie of “organized religion” and the Catholic Church, which was begun in Rome during the time of Constantine.  It is impossible that one can deduce 3 days and nights beginning on (“Good”) Friday and ending on Sunday.  Because of the high Sabbaths occurring on the week of Passover, it is without question among learned Christians that Christ was crucified on Wednesday, was raised from the dead on the Sabbath (Saturday) and was only <I>discovered missing</I> on the first day of the week (Sunday).  He had already risen by the time the women found the tomb vacant.</div> <div> 41  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgement with this generation, and condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of </FONT>q<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Jonah: and behold, a greater than Jonah is here. </FONT></div> <div> (q) Who was a poor stranger, and yet these know not the Messiah which was promised to be their King. </div> <div> 42  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The Queen of the South shall rise in judgement with this generation, and shall </FONT>r<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > condemn it: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon: and behold, a greater then Solomon is here. </FONT></div> <div> (r) It is meant as touching her face in coming to see Solomon, and not her person: for she was not instructed in the Law of God.</div> <div> 43  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Now when the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walks throughout dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. </FONT></div> <div> 44  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then he sayeth, I will return into mine house from whence I came: and when he is come, he finds it empty, swept and garnished. </FONT></div> <div> 45  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then he goes, and takes unto him </FONT>s<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > seven other </FONT>t <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >spirits worse then himself, and they enter in, and dwell there: and the end of that man is worse then the beginning. Even so shall it be with this wicked generation. </FONT></div> <div> (s) Meaning an infinite number. </div> <div> (t) If Satan be cast out, we must watch still, that he enter not again: for since he was once man’s old guest, he knows every hole and corner of our house. </div> <div> 46  While he yet spake to ye multitude, behold, his mother, and his u brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. </div> <div> (u) This word in the Scriptures signifies oft times every kinsman. </div> <div> 47  Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. </div> <div> 48  But he answered, and said to him that told him, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? </FONT></div> <div> 49  And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Behold my </FONT>x<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > mother and my brethren. </FONT></div> <div> (x) Christ prefers the spiritual kindred to the carnal.</div> <div> 50  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For whosoever shall do my Father’s will which is in heaven, the same is my brother and sister and mother. </FONT></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 13</div> <div> 1  The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. </div> <div> 2  And a great multitudes resorted unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat down: and the whole multitude stood on the shore. </div> <div> (a) All desired to hear his doctrine, but there was not like affection in all. </div> <div> 3  Then he spake many things to them in parables, saying, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Behold, a sower went forth to sow. </FONT></div> <div> 4  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside, and the fouls came and devoured them up. </FONT></div> <div> 5  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And some fell upon stony ground, where they had not much earth, and anon </FONT>D<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > they sprung up, because they had no depth of earth. </FONT></div> <div>      D <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>Quickly; without intermission: soon; immediately.</I></FONT></div> <div> 6  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And when the sun was up, they were parched, and for lack of rooting, withered away. </FONT></div> <div> 7  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprung up, and choked them.</FONT> </div> <div> 8  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Some again fell in good ground, and brought forth fruit, one corn an hundred fold, some sixty fold, and another thirty fold. </FONT></div> <div> 9  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >He that </FONT>b<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > hath ears to hear, let him hear. </FONT></div> <div> (b) He shows that all men can not understand these mysteries, and also makes his disciples more attentive. </div> <div> 10  Then the disciples came, and said to him, Why speak thou to them in parables? </div> <div> 11  And he answered, and said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Because it is given unto you, to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not </FONT>c<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > given. </FONT></div> <div> (c) The Gospel is hid to them that perish. </div> <div> 12 d <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away, </FONT>e<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > even that he hath. </FONT></div> <div> (d) Christ increases in his children his graces. </div> <div> (e) Even that which he seems to have. </div> <div> 13  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Therefore speak I to them in parables, because they seeing, do not see: and hearing, they hear not, neither understand. </FONT></div> <div> 14  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >So in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, </FONT>D <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >which prophecy says, By hearing, ye shall hear, and shall not understand, and seeing, ye shall see, and shall not perceive. </FONT></div> <div> D<I>  Isaiah 6:9</I></div> <div> 15 f <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For this people’s heart is waxed fat, and their ears are dull of hearing, and with their eyes they have winked, lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their hearts, and should return, that I might heal them. </FONT></div> <div> (f) That which the Prophet refers to the secret counsel of God, is here attributed to the hard stubbornness of the people: for the one can not be separated from the other. </div> <div> 16  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But blessed are your eyes, for they </FONT>g <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >see: and your ears, for they hear. </FONT></div> <div> (g) To wit, the glory of the Son of God, to acknowledge him their Savior. </div> <div> 17  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For verily I say unto you, that many Prophets, and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them, and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.</FONT> </div> <div> 18  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Hear ye therefore ye parable of ye sower. </FONT></div> <div> 19<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  Whensoever any man hears the word of that kingdom, and understands it not, that evil one commeth, and catches away that which was sown in his heart: and this is he which hath received the seed by the way side. </FONT></div> <div> 20  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And he that received seed in the stony ground, is he which hears the word, and incontinently with joy receiveth it, </FONT></div> <div> 21  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Yet hath he no root in himself, and dureth </FONT>D<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > but a season: for as soon as tribulation or persecution commeth because of the word, by and by he is offended. </FONT></div> <div>      D <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>[obsolete word] “endure”, to continue, to last</I></FONT></div> <div> 22  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And he that received the seed among thorn, is he that hears the word: but the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he is made unfruitful. </FONT></div> <div> 23  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But he that received the seed in the good ground, is he that hears the word, and understands it, which also bears fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundred fold, some sixty fold, and some thirty fold. </FONT></div> <div> 24  Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The kingdom of heaven is like unto a man which sowed good seed in his field. </FONT></div> <div> 25 h <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But while men slept, there came his enemy, and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. </FONT></div> <div> (h) He teaches that the good and the bad shall be mixed together in the Church to the end that the faithful may arm themselves with patience and constancy. </div> <div> 26  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. </FONT></div> <div> 27  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then came the servants of the householder, and said unto him, Master, sowed not thou good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?</FONT> </div> <div> 28  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And he said to them, Some envious man hath done this. Then the servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? </FONT></div> <div> 29  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But he said, Nay, lest while ye go about to gather the tares, ye pluck up also with them the wheat. </FONT></div> <div> 30 i <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Let both grow together until the harvest, and in time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye first the tares, and bind them in sheaves to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. </FONT></div> <div> (i) Christ means only that the Church shall never be without some wicked men: although they be never so sharply punished by such means as he hath left to purge his Church. </div> <div> 31  Another parable he put forth unto them, saying, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man takes and sows in his field: </FONT></div> <div> 32  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Which indeed is the </FONT>k<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and it is a tree, so that the birds of heaven come and build in the branches thereof. </FONT></div> <div> (k) This teaches us not to be astonished at the small beginnings of the Gospel. </div> <div> 33  Another parable spake he to them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman takes and hides in three pecks of meal, </FONT>l<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > till all be leavened. </FONT>R </div> <div> (l) By this he admonishes them to wait till the fruit of the Gospel appear. </div> <div> (R)  Even a little bit of apostate teaching can spread to the entire flock.</div> <div> 34  All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables, and without parables spake he not to them, </div> <div> 35  That it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the Prophet, D saying, I will open my mouth in m parables, and will utter the things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. </div> <div> (m) This word signifies grave and sententious proverbs, to the end that the doctrine might have the more majesty, and the wicked might thereby be confounded. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     </FONT>D<I> The psalmist, David, Psa. 78:2</I></div> <div> 36  Then sent Jesus the multitude away, and went into the house. And his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of that field. </div> <div> 37  Then answered he, and said to them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >He that sows the good seed, is the Son of man. </FONT></div> <div> 38  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom, and the tares are the children of that wicked one. </FONT></div> <div> 39  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And the enemy that sows them, is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers be the Angels. </FONT></div> <div> 40  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >As then the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of this world. </FONT></div> <div> 41  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The Son of man shall send forth his Angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that </FONT>n <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >offend, and them which do iniquity, </FONT></div> <div> (n) The wicked which hurt others by their evil example. </div> <div> 42  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And shall cast them into a furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. </FONT></div> <div> 43  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then shall the just men shine as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. </FONT></div> <div> 44  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hid in the field, which when a man hath found, he hides it, and for joy thereof departs and sells all that he hath, and buys that field. </FONT></div> <div> 45  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Again, the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant man, that seeks good pearls, </FONT></div> <div> 46  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Who having found a pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. </FONT></div> <div> 47  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a </FONT>o<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > draw net cast into the sea, that gathers of all kinds of things. </FONT></div> <div> (o) It is a kind of net that gathers in all things that come in the way. </div> <div> 48  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Which, when it is full, men draw to land, and sit and gather the good into vessels, and cast the </FONT>p<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > bad away. </FONT></div> <div> (p) The Greek word signifies rotten things. </div> <div> 49  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >So shall it be at the end of the world. The Angels shall go forth, and sever the bad from among the just,</FONT> </div> <div> 50  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing, and gnashing of teeth. </FONT></div> <div> 51  Jesus said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Understand ye all these things?</FONT> They said unto him, Yea, Lord. </div> <div> 52  Then said he unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Therefore every </FONT>q<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Scribe which is taught unto the kingdom of heaven, is like unto an householder, which brings forth out of his </FONT>r treasure things both new and old. </div> <div> (q) Because the Scribes office was to expound the Scriptures, he means him that does interpret them aright, and according to the Spirit. </div> <div> (r) The preachers of God’s word must have store of sundry and ample instructions. </div> <div> 53  And it came to pass, that when Jesus had ended these parables, he departed thence, </div> <div> 54  And came into his own country, and taught them in their Synagogue, so that they were astonied, and said, Whence commeth this wisdom and great works unto this man? </div> <div> 55  Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary, and his brethren James and Joses, and Simon and Judas? </div> <div> 56  And are not his sisters all with us? Whence then hath he all these things? </div> <div> 57  And they were offended with him. Then Jesus said to them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >A Prophet is not without honor, </FONT>s<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > save in his own country, and in his own house. </FONT></div> <div> (s) Men communally neglect them whom they have known of Children: also they do envy them of the same country: and such is their ingratitude that they take light occasion to contemn the graces of God in others.</div> <bR> <div> 58  And he did not many great works there, for their unbelief’s sake. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 14</div> <div> 1  At that time Herod the Tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, </div> <div> 2  And said unto his servants, This is that John Baptist, a he is risen again from the dead, and therefore great b works are wrought by him. </div> <div> (a) He spake after the common error: for they thought that the souls of them that were departed, entered into another body. </div> <div> (b) To approve his resurrection, and to get him greater authority. </div> <div> 3  For Herod had taken John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife. </div> <div> 4  For John said unto him, It is not c lawful for thee to have her. </div> <div> (c) As well because nature abhors such horrible incest, as also that he had taken her by force from his brother.</div> <div> 5  And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a Prophet. </div> <div> 6  But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. </div> <div> 7  Wherefore he d promised with an oath, that he would give her whatsoever she would ask. </div> <div> (d) The promise was wicked: but yet it was more vile to be obstinate in the same, that he might seem constant. </div> <div> 8  And she being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a platter. </div> <div> 9  And the King was sorry: nevertheless because of the oath, and them that sat with him at the table, he commanded it to be given her, </div> <div> 10  And sent, and beheaded John in the prison. </div> <div> 11  And his head was brought in a platter, and given to the maid, and she brought it unto her mother. </div> <div> 12  And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went, and told Jesus. </div> <div> 13  And when Jesus heard it, he departed thence by ship into a e desert place apart. And when the multitude had heard it, they followed him on foot out of the cities. </div> <div> (e) To the intent that his disciples now after their ambassage might some what rest them, or else that he might instruct them to greater enterprises. </div> <div> 14  And Jesus went forth and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. </div> <div> 15  And when even was come, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is already past: let the multitude depart, that they may go into the towns, and bye them vitailes. </div> <div> 16  But Jesus said to them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >They have no </FONT>f<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > need to go away: give ye them to eat. </FONT></div> <div> (f) Christ leaves them not destitute of bodily nourishment, which seek the food of the soul. </div> <div> 17  Then said they unto him, we have here but five loaves, and two fishes. </div> <div> 18  And he said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Bring them hither to me.</FONT> </div> <div> 19  And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looked up to heaven and blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. </div> <div> 20  And they did all eat, and were sufficed, and they took up of the fragments that remained, twelve baskets full. </div> <div> 21  And they that had eaten, were about five thousand men, beside women and little children. </div> <div> 22  And straightway Jesus g compelled his disciples to enter into a ship, and to go over before him, while he sent the multitude away. </div> <div> (g) The disciples were loth to depart from Christ: but yet they showed their obedience.</div> <div> 23  And as soon as he had sent the multitude away, he went up into a mountain alone to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. </div> <div> 24  And the ship was now in the midst of the sea, and was tossed with waves: for it was a contrary wind. </div> <div> 25  And in the h fourth watch of the night, Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. </div> <div> (h) The night was divided into four watches, whereof every one contained three hours. </div> <div> 26  And when his disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit, and cried out for fear. </div> <div> 27  But straight way Jesus spake unto them, saying, i <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Be of good comfort, It is I: be not afraid. </FONT></div> <div> (i) The presence of Christ makes his bold. </div> <div> 28  Then Peter answered him, and said, Master, if it be thou, k bid me come unto thee on the water. </div> <div> (k) His zeal was great, but he had not sufficiently considered the measure of his faith. </div> <div> 29  And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. </div> <div> 30  But when he saw a mighty wind, he was afraid: and as he l began to sink, he cried, saying, Master, save me. </div> <div> (l) His enterprise was to great, & therefore he must needs fall in danger, when his faith failed.</div> <div> 31  So immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said to him, m <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >O thou of little faith, wherefore did thou doubt? </FONT></div> <div>      (m) Christ corrects his fault, and also gives remedy both, at once.</div> <div> 32  And as soon as they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. </div> <div> 33  Then they that were in the ship, came and worshiped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. </div> <div> 34  And when they were come over, they came into the land of Gennezaret. </div> <div> 35  And when the men of that place knew him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were sick, </div> <div> 36  And besought him, that they might touch the hem of his n garment only: and as many as touched it, were made whole. </div> <div> (n) It seems they were led with a certain superstition, not with standing our Savior would not quench the smoking flax, and therefore did bear with these small beginnings. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 15</div> <div> 1  Then came to Jesus the Scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, </div> <bR> <div> 2  Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the Elders? for they a wash not their hands when they eat bread. </div> <div> (a) Men are more rigorous to observe their own traditions then God’s commandment. </div> <div> 3  But he answered and said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? </FONT></div> <div> 4  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For God hath commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother: and he that curses father or mother, let him die the death. </FONT></div> <div> 5  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But ye say, Whosoever shall say to father or mother, </FONT>b<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > By the gift that is offered by me, thou may have profit, </FONT></div> <div> (b) The Scribes dispensed with them that did not their duties to their own parents, so that they would recompense the same to their profit by their offerings. </div> <div> 6  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Though he honor not his father, or his mother, shall be free: thus have ye made the commandment of God of no authority by your tradition. </FONT></div> <div> 7  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >O hypocrites, Esaias </FONT>D<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > prophesied well of you, saying, </FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     </FONT>D<I> Isaiah 29:13</I></div> <div> 8  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >This people draw near unto me with their mouth, and honor me with the lips, but their heart is far off from me. </FONT></div> <div> 9<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  But in vain they worship me, teaching for doctrines, men’s precepts. </FONT> R</div> <div> (c) God will not be honored according to man’s fantasy, but detests all good intentions, which are not grounded on his word. </div> <div> (R) By this Christ is warning us not to be taken into false doctrines, “organized religion” and those teachings of man that run counter to the scriptures. </div> <div> 10  Then he called the multitude unto him, and said to them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Hear and understand. </FONT></div> <div> 11  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >That which goes into the mouth, defiles not the man, but that which comes out of the mouth, that defiles the man. </FONT></div> <div> 12  Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Perceive thou not, that the Pharisees are offended in hearing this saying? </div> <div> 13  But he answered and said, d <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Every plant which mine heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. </FONT></div> <div> (d) All they which are not grafted in Jesus Christ by free adoption, and every doctrine, that is not established by God’s word. </div> <div> 14 e <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Let them alone, they be the blind leaders of the blind: and if the blind lead the blind both shall fall into the ditch. </FONT></div> <div> (e) They are not worthy to be cared for. </div> <div> 15  Then answered Peter, and said to him, Declare unto us this parable. </div> <div> 16  Then said Jesus, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Are ye yet without understanding? </FONT></div> <div> 17  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Perceive ye not yet, that whatsoever enters into the mouth, goes into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? </FONT></div> <div> 18  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But those things which proceed out of the mouth, come from the heart, and they defile the man. </FONT></div> <div> 19  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For out of the heart come evil </FONT>f<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false testimonies, slanders. </FONT></div> <div> (f) All vices proceed of the corrupt affection of the heart. </div> <div> 20  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >These are the things, which defile the man: but to eat with unwashed hands, defiles not the man. </FONT></div> <div> 21  And Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyrus and Sidon. </div> <div> 22  And behold, a woman a Canaanite came out of the same coasts, and cried, saying unto him, Have mercy on me, O Lord, the son of David: my daughter is miserably vexed D with a devil. </div> <div> D<I>  Vexed: harassed, tormented, afflicted.</I></div> <div> 23  But he answered her not a word. Then came to him his disciples, and besought him, saying, g Send her away, for she cries after us. </div> <div> (g) The disciples were offended at her importunity. </div> <div> 24  But he answered, and said,<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > I am not sent, but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. </FONT></div> <div> 25  Yet she came, and worshiped him, saying, Lord, help me. </div> <div> 26  And he answered, and said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >It is not good to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to </FONT>h<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > whelps. </FONT></div> <div> (h) Christ calls them dogs, or whelps which are strangers from the house of God. </div> <div> 27  But she said, Truth, Lord: yet indeed the whelps eat of the crumbs, which fall from their master’s table. </div> <div> 28  Then Jesus answered, and said unto her, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >O woman, great is thy </FONT>i<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > faith: be it to thee, as thou desires. </FONT>And her daughter was made whole at that hour. </div> <div> (i) Christ granted her petition, for her faith’s sake, and not at the request of his disciples. </div> <div> 29  So Jesus went away from thence, and came near unto the sea of Galilee, and went up into a mountain and sat down there. </div> <div> 30  And great multitudes came unto him, having with them, halt, D blind, dumb, maimed, and many other, and cast them down at Jesus feet, and he healed them. </div> <div> D<I> halt: limp, impediment in walking, crippled</I></div> <div> 31  In so much that the multitude wondered, to see the dumb speak, the maimed whole, the halt to go, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel. </div> <div> 32  Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >I </FONT>k<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > have compassion on this multitude, because they have continued with me already three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not let them depart fasting, least they faint in the way. </FONT></div> <div> (k) Christ cannot forget those that follow him. </div> <div> 33  And his disciples said unto him, Whence should we get so much bread in the wilderness, as should suffice so great a multitude! </div> <div> 34  And Jesus said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >How many loaves have ye?</FONT> And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes. </div> <div> 35  Then he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground, </div> <div> 36  And took the seven loaves, and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. </div> <div> 37  And they did all eat, and were sufficed: and they took up of the fragments that remained, seven baskets full. </div> <div> 38  And they that had eaten, were four thousand men, beside women, and little children. </div> <div> 39  Then Jesus sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the parts of Magdala. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 16</div> <div> 1  Then came the a Pharisees and Sadducees, and did b tempt him, desiring him to show them a sign from heaven. </div> <div> (a) Although they did not agree in doctrine, yet they joined together to fight against truth.</div> <div> (b) Men tempt God ether by their incredulity, or curiosity. </div> <div> 2  But he answered, and said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >When it is evening, ye say, Fair weather: for the sky is red. </FONT></div> <div> 3  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And in the morning ye say, Today shall be a tempest: for the sky is red and lowering. O hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky, and can ye not discern the </FONT>c<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > signs of the times? </FONT></div> <div> (c) Which appertain to the heavenly and spiritual life. </div> <div> 4  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The wicked generation, and adulterous seeketh a sign, but there shall no sign be given it, but that </FONT>d<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > sign of the Prophet Jonah</FONT>: so he left them, and departed. </div> <div> (d) Christ shall be to them as a Jonas raised up from death. </div> <div> 5  And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread with them. </div> <div> 6  Then Jesus said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. </FONT></div> <div> 7  And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have brought no bread. </div> <div> 8  But Jesus e knowing it, said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >O ye of little faith, why reason you thus among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? </FONT></div> <div> (e) A token of Christ’s divinity, to know men’s thoughts. </div> <div> 9 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Do ye not yet perceive, neither remember the five loaves, when there were five thousand men, and how many baskets took ye up? </FONT></div> <div> 10  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Neither the seven loaves when there were four thousand men, and how many baskets took ye up? </FONT></div> <div> 11  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Why perceive ye not that I said not unto you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees? </FONT></div> <div> 12  Then understood they that he had not said that they should beware of the leaven of bread, but of the f doctrine of the Pharisees, and Sadducees. </div> <div> (f) We may boldly by Christ’s admonition reject and contemn all erroneous doctrine and man’s inventions, and ought only to cleave to the word of God. </div> <div> 13  Now when Jesus came into the coasts of Cesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Whom do men say that I, the son of man am? </FONT></div> <div> 14  And they said, Some say, John Baptist: and some, Elias: and others, Jeremias, or one of the Prophets. </div> <div> 15  He said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But whom say ye that I am? </FONT></div> <div> 16  Then Simon Peter answered, and said, Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. </div> <div> 17  And Jesus answered, and said to him, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Blessed art thou, Simon, the son of Jonah: for </FONT>g<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. </FONT></div> <div> (g) He means any thing that is in man. </div> <div> 18  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon </FONT>h<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > this rock I will build my Church: and the </FONT>i<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > gates of hell shall not overcome it. </FONT></div> <div> (h) Upon that faith whereby thou hast confessed and acknowledged men: for it is grounded upon an infallible truth. </div> <div> (i) The power of Satan which stands in craft and violence. </div> <div> 19 k <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt </FONT>l<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > bind upon earth, shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. </FONT></div> <div> (k) The preachers of the Gospel open the gates of heaven with the word of God, which is the right key: so, that where this word is not purely taught, there is nether key, nor authority. </div> <div> (l) Condemn by God’s word. </div> <div> 20  Then he charged his disciples, that they should m tell no man that he was Jesus that Christ. </div> <div> (m) Because he would yet instruct them, & not prevent his time. </div> <div> 21 n From that time forth Jesus began to show unto his disciples, that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the Elders, and of the high Priests, and Scribes, and be slain, and be raised again the third day. </div> <div> (n) He would pluck out of their hearts that false opinion, which they had of his temporal kingdom. </div> <div> 22  Then Peter took him aside, and began to rebuke him, saying, Master, pity thyself: this shall not be unto thee. </div> <div> 23  Then he turned back, and said unto Peter, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Get thee behind me, </FONT>o<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Satan: thou art an offence unto me, because thou understands not the things that are of God, but the things that are of men. </FONT></div> <div> (o) Which word signifies adversary, who resists the will of God, either of malice, as did Judas, or rashness and arrogancy, as Peter did. </div> <div> 24  Jesus then said to his disciples, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >If any man will follow me, let him forsake himself: and take up his cross, and follow me. </FONT></div> <div> 25  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For whosoever will </FONT>p<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > save his life, shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake, shall find it.</FONT></div> <div> (p) That is, whosoever thinks to save himself by forsaking Jesus Christ</div> <div> 26  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For what shall it profit a man though he should win the whole world, if he lose his own soul? or what shall a man give for recompense of his soul? </FONT></div> <div> 27  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his Angels, and then shall he give to every man according to his deeds. </FONT></div> <div> 28 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Verily I say unto you, there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, </FONT>q <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >till they have seen the Son of man come in his kingdom. </FONT></div> <div> (q) This was fulfilled in his resurrection which was as an entry into his kingdom, and was also confirmed by sending the Holy Ghost, whereby he wrought so great and sundry miracles.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 17</div> <div> 1  And after six days, Jesus took Peter, and James and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain apart, D</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     </FONT>D<I>  Away from others, privately</I></div> <div> 2  And was a transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the Sun, and his clothes were as white as the light. </div> <div> (a) Christ showed them his glory, that they might not think that he suffered through infirmity: but that he offered up himself willingly to die. </div> <div> 3  And behold, there appeared b unto them Moses, and Elias, talking with him. </div> <div> (b) By these two witnesses are represented the Law and the Prophets, which lead us to Christ.</div> <div> 4  Then answered Peter, and said to Jesus, Master, it is c 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. </div> <div> (c) After Moses & Elias departure Peter fearing he should lose that joyful sight, speaks as a man distracted & would have lodged them in earthly houses, which were received in glory. </div> <div> 5  While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud shadowed them: and behold, there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is that my beloved Son, d in whom I am well pleased: e hear him. </div> <div> (d) We are reconciled to God by Christ only. </div> <div> (e) Christ is our chief and only schoolmaster. </div> <div> 6  And when the disciples heard that, they f fell on their faces, and were sore afraid. </div> <div> (f) And so worshiped Christ. </div> <div> 7  Then Jesus came and touched them, and said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Arise, and be not afraid.</FONT> </div> <div> 8  And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. </div> <div> 9  And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Show the vision to no man, until the Son of man rise again from the dead. </FONT></div> <div> (g) For men would not have believed them, before that Christ had made his glory more manifest by his resurrection. </div> <div> 10  And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the Scribes that Elias must first come? </div> <div> 11  And Jesus answered, and said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Certainly Elias must first come, and restore all things. </FONT></div> <div> 12  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But I say unto you that Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they would: likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. </FONT></div> <div> 13  Then the disciples perceived that he spake unto them of John Baptist. </div> <div> 14  And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, and fell down at his feet, </div> <div> 15  And said, Master, have pity on my son: for he is lunatic, and is sore vexed: for often times he falls into the fire, and often times into the water. </div> <div> 16  And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not heal him. </div> <div> 17  Then Jesus answered, and said, h <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >O generation faithless, and crooked, how long now shall I be with you! how long now shall I suffer you! bring him hither to me. </FONT></div> <div> (h) He speaks chiefly to the Scribes, who began to brag, as if they had not gotten the victory over Christ because his disciples were not able to do this miracle. </div> <div> 18  And Jesus rebuked the devil, and he went out of him: and the child was healed at that hour. </div> <div> 19  Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? </div> <div> 20  And Jesus said unto them,<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as much as is a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, </FONT>i<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove: and nothing shall be unpossible unto you. </FONT></div> <div> (i) By this manner of speech is signified, that they should do things, by their faith that should seem impossible. </div> <div> 21  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Howbeit this kind goes not out, but by </FONT>k<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > prayer and fasting. </FONT></div> <div> (k) The best remedy to strengthen the weak faith is prayers, which hath fasting added to it, as a help to the same. </div> <div> 22  And they being in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men, </FONT></div> <div> 23  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And they shall kill him, but the third day shall he rise again:</FONT> and they were very sorry. </div> <div> 24  And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received l poll money, came to Peter, and said, Doeth not your Master pay poll money? </div> <div> (l) The Greek word is “didrachma” which was of value about 10 pence of old sterling money, & the Israelites payed it once by the Law, {Exo. 30:13}, and at this time they payed it to the Romans. </div> <div> 25  He said, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >What thinks thou, Simon? Of whom do the Kings of the earth take tribute, or poll money? of their children, or of strangers? </FONT></div> <div> 26  Peter said unto him, Of strangers. Then said Jesus unto him, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then are the children free. </FONT></div> <div> 27  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Nevertheless, lest we should </FONT>m<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > offend them: go to the sea, and cast in an angle, and take the first fish that comes up, and when thou has opened his mouth, thou shalt find a </FONT>n<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > piece of twenty pence: that take, and give it unto them for me and thee. </FONT>R</div> <div> (m) Or give occasion to forsake the truth. </div> <div> (n) The word is “Statera” which contains two didrachmas, & is valued about 5 grotes of old sterling.</div> <div> (R)  Here Christ uses faith to find money to pay a governmental tax.  The money is taken from a fish’s mouth, neither his own wages, nor from the pocket of Peter, to pay a “head” or “poll” tax for both.  Neither does it say that the tax was even “owed” but normally assessed on “strangers,” not the citizens.  To prevent any possible trouble, Christ showed Peter the location for a resource provided by God, and based on the faith of both, the money was found in the mouth of the fish.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 18</div> <div> 1  The same time the disciples came unto Jesus, saying, a Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? </div> <div> (a) They strive for the reward before they have taken any pain: and where as they should have helped & reverenced one another, they were ambitious and despisers of their brethren. </div> <div> 2  And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, </div> <div> 3  And said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little </FONT>b<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. </FONT></div> <div> (b) Not in lack of discretion, but that they be not vain glorious, seeking to advance themselves to worldly honors. </div> <div> 4  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. </FONT></div> <div> 5 c <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And whosoever shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me. </FONT></div> <div> (c) He calls them little children now, which humble themselves with all humility and subjection. </div> <div> 6  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But whosoever shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him, that a </FONT>d <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. </FONT></div> <div> (d) The word signifies a great millstone which an ass turns, and it is spoken in respect of that which is turned with man’s hand, which is less. </div> <div> 7 e <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Woe be unto the world because of offences: for it must needs be that offences shall come, but woe be to that man by whom the offence comes. </FONT></div> <div> (e) Christ warns his to take heed that they shrink not back from him for any evil example or offence that man can give. </div> <div> 8  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Wherefore, if thy hand or thy foot cause thee to offend, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life, halt, or maimed, then having two hands, or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. </FONT></div> <div> 9  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And if thine eye cause thee to offend, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, then having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. </FONT></div> <div> 10 f <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >See that ye despise not one of these little ones: for I say unto you, that in heaven their </FONT>g<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Angels always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. </FONT></div> <div> (f) Christ touches the cause of this offence, which is pride and disdain of our inferiors. </div> <div> (g) Seeing God hath commanded his Angels to take the charge of his children, the wicked may be assured that if they despise them, God will revenge their cause. </div> <div> 11  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For the Son of man is come to </FONT>h<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > save that which was lost. </FONT></div> <div> (h) We may not lose by our offence that which God hath so dearly bought. </div> <div> 12  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, does he not leave ninety and nine, and go into the mountains, and seek that which is gone astray? </FONT></div> <div> 13  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoices more of that sheep, then of the ninety and nine which went not astray: </FONT></div> <div> 14  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >So is it not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. </FONT></div> <div> 15  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Moreover, if thy brother trespass against </FONT>i<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast won thy brother. </FONT></div> <div> (i) Wherewith thou may be offended: he speaks of secret or particular sins, & not of open or known to others. </div> <div> 16  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But if he hear thee not, take yet with thee one or two, that by the mouth of two or three witness every word may be confirmed. </FONT></div> <div> 17  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And if he refuse to hear them, tell it unto the </FONT>k Church: and if he refuse to hear the Church also, let him be unto thee as an heathen man, and a Publican. </div> <div> (k) He means according to the order that was among the Jews, who had their council of ancient and expert men to reform manners, and execute discipline. This assembly represented the Church, which had appointed them to this charge. </div> <div> 18 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye </FONT>l<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. </FONT></div> <div> (l) In the 16th Chapter, v. 19 he meant this of doctrine, and here of ecclesiastical discipline, which depends of the doctrine. </div> <div> 19  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Again, verily I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree in earth upon any thing, whatsoever they shall desire, it shall be given them of my Father which is in heaven. </FONT></div> <div> 20  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midst of them. </FONT></div> <div> 21  Then came Peter to him, and said, Master, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I shall forgive him? unto seven times? </div> <div> 22  Jesus said unto him, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >I say not to thee, Unto seven times, but, Unto </FONT>m<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > seventy times seven times. </FONT></div> <div> (m) We must be continually ready to forgive and be forgiven. </div> <div> 23  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain King, which would take an account of his servants. </FONT></div> <div> 24  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which ought him ten thousand talents. </FONT>D</div> <div> (n) A commune talent was valued at three score pound: some also were greater and some less. </div> <div> D<I>  Talent: Among the Hebrews, was a gold coin, the same with a shekel of gold; called also stater, and weighing only four drachmas (“half shekel”, roughly equivalent to a Roman denarius).  The Hebrew talent of silver, called cicar, was equivalent to three thousand shekels, or one hundred and thirteen pounds, ten ounces and a fraction, troy weight.  Attic talent = 193 British pounds, 15 shillings. The Hebrew talent was 3,000 shekels; if the shekel is 2 shillings, 6 pence = 375 British pounds. Hebrew kibbar, "a globe."  When used in the monetary sense the talent might be either of silver or gold, and the value varied according to the standard, but is probably to be taken on the Phoenician, which would give about 410 British pounds, or $2, 050 (in 1915), for the silver talent and 6, 150 British pounds or $30, 750 (in 1915), for the gold. A weight composed of 60 manehs (English Versions of the Bible “pounds”) equal to about 120 pounds troy and 96 pounds avoirdupois, or 672,500 grains, of the Phoenician standard. </I></div> <div> 25  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And because he had nothing to pay, his Lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and his children, and all that he had, and the debt to be paid. </FONT></div> <div> 26  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The servant therefore fell down, and worshiped him, saying, Lord, refrain thine anger toward me, and I will pay thee all. </FONT></div> <div> 27  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then that servant’s Lord had compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. </FONT></div> <div> 28  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But when the servant was departed, he found one of his fellow servants, which ought him an hundred </FONT>o <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >pence,</FONT> R <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >and he laid hands on him, and thrattled him, saying, Pay me that thou owes. </FONT></div> <div> (o) Which amounts of our money to the sum of 25 shillings, or very near, and was nothing in respect of the former which his master for gave him. </div> <div> (R)  Being 1560 Europe.  As of 1833, the ‘shilling” (English coin) had a value of one twentieth part of a pound, of which the “pound sterling” was taken as of the value of four dollars and eighty cents of American Silver.  Today’s (2005) hyper-inflated paper money in America has the value of one silver dollar roughly equal to seven old (pre-1964) silver dollars. </div> <div> 29<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  Then his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Refrain thine anger towards me, and I will pay thee all. </FONT></div> <div> 30<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  Yet he would not, but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. </FONT></div> <div> 31<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  And when his other fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came, and declared unto their Lord all that was done. </FONT></div> <div> 32<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  Then his Lord called him unto him, and said to him, O evil servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou prayed me. </FONT></div> <div> 33<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  Ought not thou also to have had pity on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee? </FONT></div> <div> 34<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  So his Lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due to him. </FONT></div> <div> 35<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  So likewise shall mine heavenly Father do unto you, except ye forgive </FONT>p<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > from your hearts, each one to his brother their trespass. </FONT></div> <div> (p) God esteems only the heart and affection.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 19</div> <div> 1  And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into ye coasts of Judea beyond Jordan. </div> <div> 2  And great multitudes followed him, and he healed them there. </div> <div> 3  Then came unto him the Pharisees tempting him, and saying to him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife upon every occasion? </div> <div> 4  And he answered and said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning, made them male and female, </FONT></div> <div> 5  And said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For this cause, shall a man leave father and mother, and cleave unto his wife, and they which were </FONT>a<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > two shall be one flesh. </FONT></div> <div> (a) They that afore were as two, shall be now as one person. </div> <div> 6  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. Let not man therefore put asunder that, which God hath coupled together. </FONT></div> <div> 7  They said to him, Why did then Moses command to give a bill of divorcement, and to put her away? </div> <div> 8  He said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Moses, because of the </FONT>b<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > hardness of your heart, suffered </FONT>D<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > you to put away your wives: but </FONT>c<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > from the beginning it was not so. </FONT></div> <div> (b) It was to avoid the cruelty, that men would have used towards their wives, if they had been forced to retain, them in their displeasure, fury and malice. </div> <div> (c) That is, at the beginning, and by God’s ordinance. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     </FONT>D<I> Suffered: allowed grudgingly</I></div> <div> 9  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >I say therefore unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for whoredom, and marry another, commits </FONT>d<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > adultery: and whosoever marries her which is divorced, does commit adultery. </FONT></div> <div> (d) For this band can not be broken at man’s pleasure. </div> <div> 10  Then said his disciples to him, If the matter be so between man and wife, it is not good to marry. </div> <div> 11  But he said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >All men cannot receive this thing, save they to whom it is given. </FONT></div> <div> 12  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For there are </FONT>e<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > some </FONT>f<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > chaste, </FONT>D <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >which were so borne of their mother’s belly: and there be some chaste, which be made chaste by men: and there be some chaste, which have</FONT> g<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > made themselves chaste for the kingdom of heaven. He </FONT>h <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >that is able to receive this, let him receive it.</FONT> E</div> <div> (e) Some by nature are unable to marry, and some by art. </div> <div> (f) The word signifies (gelded)* and they were so made because they should keep the chambers of noble women: for they were judged chaste. </div> <div> (g) Which have the gift of continence, & use it to serve God with more free liberty. </div> <div> (h) This gift is not commune for all men, but is very rare, and given to few: therefore men may not rashly abstain from marriage. *<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><I>To castrate (deprive of testicles-male), emasculate, or deprive of any essential part.</I></div> <div> D<I>  Pure from all unlawful commerce of sexes. Applied to persons before marriage, it signifies pure from all sexual commerce, undefiled; applied to married persons, true to the marriage bed.</I></div> <div> E<I> </I>In the KJV, the word “chaste” is translated “eunuch.”  The “eunuch” is one that is considered “incapable of marital relations” due to something akin to castration (either a birth defect, or to have been castrated by others).  The “chaste” individual is not necessarily incapable of it, but is of a superior spiritual nature, capable of extreme self-control.  Note “h” of the Geneva authors suggests men should not “rashly” abstain from marriage, because the natural tendency and desire for intimate relations will cause most to do so in a sinful manner if they be not married and able to obtain or satisfy their fleshly needs or desires.</div> <div> 13  Then were brought to him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. </div> <div> 14  But Jesus said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Suffer the little children, and forbid them not to come to me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. </FONT></div> <div> 15  And when he had put his hands on them, he departed thence. </div> <div> 16  And behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? </div> <div> 17  And he said unto him, i<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Why call thou me good? there is none good but one, even God: but if thou wilt enter into life, </FONT>k<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > keep the commandments. </FONT></div> <div> (i) Because this young man knew nothing in Jesus Christ but his manhood, he leads him to higher things, to the intent, that his doctrine might better take place. </div> <div> (k) He spoke this that he might learn to know himself. </div> <div> 18  He said to him, Which? And Jesus said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >These, Thou shalt not kill: Thou shalt not commit adultery: Thou shalt not steal: Thou shalt not bear false witness. </FONT>19  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Honor thy father and mother: and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. </FONT></div> <div> 20  The young man said unto him, I have l observed all these things from my youth: what lack I yet? R</div> <div> (l) He boasts much because as yet he knew not himself. </div> <div> (R)  Here is both an example of a person who testifies to having lived according to the 10 commandments, and again Christ reciting them as a continued requirement for believers.  Many apostate religions of today imply that “the law was done away with by Christ” or that “it is impossible to live under the law of Moses,” yet that notion is contradicted by the words of Christ.</div> <div> 21  Jesus said unto him, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >If thou wilt be perfect, go, </FONT>m<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > sell that thou hast, and give it to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come, and follow me. </FONT>R</div> <div> (m) Christ hereby discovered his hypocrisy, and caused him to feel his own weakness, not generally commanding all to do the like. </div> <div>      (R)  Admonishing the man to do yet two more things to be perfect.</div> <div> 22  And when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great n possessions. </div> <div> (n) What hindrance men have by riches. </div> <div> 23  Then Jesus said unto his disciples, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. </FONT></div> <div> 24  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, then for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. </FONT></div> <div> 25  And when his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? </div> <div> 26  And Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >With men this is unpossible, but with God </FONT>o<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > all things are possible. </FONT></div> <div> (o) Who can frame men’s hearts, so that they shall not set their minds on their riches. </div> <div> 27  Then answered Peter, and said to him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee: what therefore shall we have? </div> <div> 28  And Jesus said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Verily I say to you, that when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his majesty, ye which followed me </FONT>p<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > in the regeneration, shall sit also upon twelve thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. </FONT></div> <div> (p) In this work whereby the world is changed, renewed and regenerate: or to join this word with the sentence following and so take regeneration for the day of judgement, when the elect shall in soul and body enjoy their inheritance, to the end that they might know that it is not sufficient to have begun once. </div> <div> 29  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And whosoever shall forsake houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my Name’s sake, he shall receive a </FONT>q hundred fold more, and shall inherit everlasting life. </div> <div> (q) The joy of conscience which God’s children feel even in their afflictions is a 1000 fold more worth then all worldly treasures.</div> <div> 30  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But many that are first, shall be last, and the last shall be first.</FONT></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 20</div> <div> 1  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain householder, which went out at the dawning of the day to hire laborers into his vineyard. </FONT></div> <div> 2  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And he agreed with the laborers for a </FONT>a<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > penny a day, and sent them into his vineyard. </FONT></div> <div> (a) Which was called denarius, & was of value about four pence half penny of old money, and was commonly a workman’s hire. </div> <div> 3  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And he went out about the </FONT>b<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > third hour, and saw other standing idle in the market place, </FONT></div> <div> (b) They divided the day in to twelve hours, so that the third was the fourth part of the day, six of the clock was one, nine was three of the clock after dinner, & the eleventh hour was an hour before the sun set. </div> <div> 4  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And said unto them, go ye also into my vineyard, and whatsoever is right, I will give you: and they went their way. </FONT></div> <div> 5  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. </FONT></div> <div> 6  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And he went about the eleventh hour, and found other standing idle, and said unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? </FONT></div> <div> 7  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >They said unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He said to them, go ye also into my vineyard, and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. </FONT></div> <div> 8  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And when even was come, the master of the vineyard said unto his steward, Call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning at the last, till thou come to the first. </FONT></div> <div> 9  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And they which were hired about the eleventh hour, came and received every man a penny. </FONT></div> <div> 10  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Now when the first came, they supposed that they should receive more, but they likewise received every man a penny. </FONT></div> <div> 11  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And when they had received it, they murmured against the master of the house, </FONT></div> <div> 12  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. </FONT></div> <div> 13<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  And he answered one of them, saying, Friend, I do thee no wrong: did thou not agree with me for a penny? </FONT></div> <div> 14  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Take that which is thine own, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, as much as to thee. </FONT></div> <div> 15  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Is it not lawful for me to do as I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? </FONT></div> <div> (c) Or envious, because of my liberality, {Deut 15:19} </div> <div> 16  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >So </FONT>d<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > the last shall be first, and the first last: for many are called, but few chosen. </FONT></div> <div> (d) Therefore every man in his vocation, as he is called first, ought to go forward, & encourage others, seeing the hire is indifferent for all. </div> <div> 17  And Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, </div> <div> 18  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the Scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, </FONT></div> <div> 19  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And shall deliver him to the Gentiles, to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him, but the third day he shall rise again. </FONT></div> <div> 20  Then came to him the mother of Zebedeus children with her sons, worshiping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. </div> <div> 21  And he said unto her, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >What would thou? </FONT>She said to him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one at thy right hand, and the other at thy left hand in thy kingdom. </div> <div> 22  And Jesus answered and said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the </FONT>e<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I shall be baptized with?</FONT> They said to him, We are able. </div> <div> (e) He sets the cross before their eyes to draw them from ambition, calling it a cup to signify the measure of the afflictions, which God hath ordained for every man: the which thing also he calls baptisms. </div> <div> 23  And he said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and shall be baptized with the baptism, that I am baptized with, but to sit at my right hand, and at my left hand, is </FONT>f<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > not mine to give: but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. </FONT></div> <div> (f) God my Father hath not given me charge to bestow offices of honor here: but to be an example of humility unto all. </div> <div> 24  And when the other ten heard this, they disdained at the two brethren. </div> <div> 25  Therefore Jesus called them unto him, and said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >We know that the lords of the Gentiles have domination over them, and they that are great, exercise authority over them. </FONT></div> <div> 26  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your servant. </FONT></div> <div> 27  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant. </FONT></div> <div> 28  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Even as the Son of man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life for the ransom of many. </FONT></div> <div> 29  And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. </div> <div> 30  And behold, two blind men, sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried, saying, O Lord, the Son of David, have mercy on us. </div> <div> 31  And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, O Lord, the Son of David, have mercy on us. </div> <div> 32  Then Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >What will ye that I should do to you? </FONT></div> <div> 33  They said to him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. </div> <div> 34  And Jesus moved with compassion, touched their eyes, and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 21</div> <div> 1  And when they drew near to Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of the Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, </div> <div> 2  Saying to them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >go into the town that is over against you, and anon </FONT>D<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > ye shall find an </FONT>a<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > ass bound, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. </FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >(a) By this entry Christ would show take state and condition of his kingdom, which is far contrary to the pomp and glory of the world. </FONT>D <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>Quickly; without intermission: soon; immediately.</I></FONT></div> <div> 3  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And if any man say ought unto you, say ye, that the Lord hath need of them, and straightway he will let them go. </FONT></div> <div> 4  All this was done that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the Prophet, D saying, </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     </FONT>D<I>  Isaiah 62:11</I></div> <div> 5  Tell ye the b daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King commeth unto thee, meek and sitting upon an ass, and a c colt, the foal of an ass used to the yoke. </div> <div> (b) That is, the city Sion, or Jerusalem. </div> <div> (c) It is a manner of speech called synechdoche, whereby two are taken for one. </div> <div> 6  So the disciples went, and did as Jesus had commanded them, </div> <div> 7  And brought the ass and the colt, and put on d them their clothes, and set him thereon. </div> <div> (d) He rode on the foal & the dame went by. </div> <div> 8  And a great multitude spread their garments in the way: and other cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. </div> <div> 9  Moreover, the people that went before, and they also that followed, cried, saying, e Hosanna to the Son of David, Blessed be he that commeth in the Name of the Lord, Hosanna thou which art in the f highest heavens. </div> <div> (e) Which is to say, Save I pray thee, desiring God to prosper & send good success to the Messiah. </div> <div> (f) For God which is in heaven, must only save. </div> <div> 10  And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? </div> <div> 11  And the people said, This is Jesus that Prophet of Nazareth in Galilee. </div> <div> 12  And Jesus went into the Temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the g Temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, </div> <div> (g) In the porch or entry into the Temple. </div> <div> 13  And said to them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >it is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer: </FONT>h<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > but ye have made it a den of thieves. </FONT></div> <div> (h) Under the pretense of re religion hypocrites seek their own gain, and spoil God of his true worship. </div> <div> 14  Then the blind, and the halt came to him in the Temple, and he healed them. </div> <div> 15  But when the chief priests and Scribes saw the marvels that he did, and the children crying in the Temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David, they disdained, </div> <div> 16  And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Yea: read ye never, By the </FONT>i<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast </FONT>k<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > made perfect the praise? </FONT></div> <div> (i) If God reveal his glory & might by babes, that cannot as yet speak, is it marvel, if they that can speak, do set forth, and magnify the same? </div> <div> (k) In Hebrew it is, hast ordained or grounded the strength: which is all to one purpose, because God is then most praised when his strength is best known. </div> <div> 17  So he left them, and went out of the city unto Bethania, and lodged there. </div> <div> 18  And in the morning, as he returned into the city, he was hungry, </div> <div> 19  And seeing a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said to it, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Never fruit grow on thee henceforwards.</FONT> And anon D the fig tree withered. </div> <div>      D<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>  Quickly; immediately.</I></FONT></div> <div> 20  And when his disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered! </div> <div> 21  And Jesus answered and said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Verily I say unto you, if ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do that, which I have done to the fig tree, but also if ye say unto this mountain, </FONT>l<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Take thyself away, and cast thyself into the sea, it shall be done. </FONT></div> <div> (l) Which thing seems to be impossible. </div> <div> 22  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, if ye believe, ye shall receive it. </FONT></div> <div> 23  And when he was come into the Temple, the chief Priests, and the Elders of the people came unto him, as he was teaching, and said, By what authority do thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? </div> <div> 24  Then Jesus answered and said unto them,<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > I also will ask of you a certain thing, which if ye tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things. </FONT></div> <div> 25  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? </FONT>Then they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven, he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? </div> <div> 26  And if we say, Of men, we m fear the multitude, for all hold John as a Prophet. </div> <div> (m) The hypocrites fear man more then God, & malice never justifies truth. </div> <div> 27  Then they answered Jesus, and said, We can not tell. And he said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things. </FONT></div> <div> 28  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But what think ye? A certain man had two sons, and came to the elder, and said, Son, go and work to day in my vineyard. </FONT></div> <div> 29  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But he answered, and said, I will not: yet afterward he repented himself, and went. </FONT></div> <div> 30  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then came he to the second, and said likewise. And he answered, and said, I will, Sir: yet he went not.</FONT> </div> <div> 31  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Whether of them twain did the will of the father?</FONT> They said unto him, The first. Jesus said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Verily I say unto you, that the </FONT>n<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Publicans and the harlots go before you into the kingdom of God. </FONT></div> <div> (n) So far it is impossible for them to repent & be saved, that stand in their own conceit, that the greatest sinners that are, shall more sone come to repentance. </div> <div> 32  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For John came unto you in the </FONT>o<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the Publicans, and the harlots believed him, and ye, though ye saw it, were not moved with repentance afterward, that ye might believe him. </FONT></div> <div> (o) God taught by John the way of righteousness, whose life was upright and perfect. </div> <div> 33  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Hear another parable, There was a certain householder, which planted a </FONT>p<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > vineyard, and </FONT>q<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > hedged it round about, and made a winepress therein, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a strange country. </FONT></div> <div> (p) The vineyard is the people, whom he had elected. </div> <div> (q) Used all means to preserve it, and to make it fruitful. </div> <div> 34  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to </FONT>r<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > the husbandmen to receive the fruits thereof. </FONT></div> <div> (r) Which were the Priests & rulers. </div> <div> 35  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And the husbandmen took his </FONT>s<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > servants and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. </FONT></div> <div> (s) The Prophets. </div> <div> 36  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Again he sent other servants, more then the first: and they did the like unto them. </FONT></div> <div> 37  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But last of all he sent unto them his own </FONT>t<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > son, saying, They will reverence my son. </FONT></div> <div> (t) Jesus Christ. </div> <div> 38  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, and let us take his inheritance. </FONT></div> <div> 39  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >So they took him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. </FONT></div> <div> 40  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >When therefore the Lord of the vineyard shall come, what will he do to those husbandmen? </FONT></div> <div> 41  They said unto him, he will cruelly destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall deliver him the fruits in their seasons. </div> <div> 42  Jesus said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Read ye never in the Scriptures, The stone which the builders </FONT>u<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > refused, the same is made the </FONT>x<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > head of the corner? This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. </FONT></div> <div> (u) As not mete or fit for their building. </div> <div>  (x) To fallen & join the building together, & to uphold the whole. </div> <div> 43  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and shall be given to a nation, which shall bring forth the fruits thereof. </FONT></div> <div> 44  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And whosoever shall fall on this stone, he shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will dash him to pieces. </FONT></div> <div> 45  And when the chief Priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. </div> <div> 46  And they seeking to lay hands on him, feared the people, because they took him as a Prophet. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 22</div> <div> 1  Then Jesus answered, and spake unto them again in parables, saying, </div> <div> 2  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain King which married his son, </FONT></div> <div> 3  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And </FONT>a<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > sent forth his servants, to call them that were bid to the wedding, but they would not come. </FONT></div> <div> (a) Christ reproaches the Jews of their ingratitude & obstinate malice, in that they rejected the grace of God, which was so plentifully offered unto them. </div> <div> 4  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Again he sent forth other servants, saying. Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: mine oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. </FONT></div> <div> 5  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, and another about his merchandise. </FONT></div> <div> 6<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them sharply, and slew them. </FONT></div> <div> 7  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But when the King heard it, he was wroth, and sent forth his warriors, and </FONT>b<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > destroyed those murderers, and burnt up their city. </FONT></div> <div> (b) God punishes extremely such ingratitude. </div> <div> 8  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then said he to his servants, Truly the wedding is prepared: but they which were bidden, were not worthy. </FONT></div> <div> 9  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Go ye therefore out into the highways, and as many as ye find, bid them to the marriage. </FONT></div> <div> 10  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >So </FONT>c<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all that ever they found, both </FONT>d <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >good and bad: so the wedding was furnished with guests. </FONT></div> <div> (c) The ingratitude of them which are bid, cannot cause God’s liberality & his holy meats to perish, which he hath prepared for his. </div> <div> (d) In the Church the hypocrites are mixed with the godly. </div> <div> 11  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then the King came in, to see the guests, and saw there a man which had not on a </FONT>e<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > wedding garment. </FONT></div> <div> (e) He had not a pure affection & upright conscience, which proceeded of faith. </div> <div> 12  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And he said unto him, Friend, how </FONT>f<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > came thou in hither, and hast not on a wedding garment? And he was speechless. </FONT></div> <div> (f) Though God suffer for a time hypocrites in the Church, yet he knows how to try them, & fan them out.</div> <div> 13  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then said the King to the servants, Bind him hand and foot: take him away, and cast him into utter darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. </FONT></div> <div> 14  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For many are </FONT>g<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > called, but few chosen. </FONT></div> <div>  (g) By the outward, & general calling. </div> <div> 15  Then went the Pharisees and took counsel how they might tangle him in talk. </div> <div> 16  And they sent unto him their disciples with the h Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teaches the way of God truly, neither cares for any man: for thou considers not the i person of men. </div> <div> (h) These were certain flatterers of the court, which ever maintained that religion, which King Herod best approved: and though they were enemies to the Pharisees: yet in this thing they consented, thinking to entangle Christ, and so ether to accuse him of treason, or to bring him into the hatred of all his people. </div> <div> (i) As touching the outward quality, as whether a man be rich or poor. </div> <div> 17  Tell us therefore, how think thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cesar, or not? </div> <div> 18  But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? </FONT></div> <div> 19  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Show me the tribute money.</FONT> And they brought him a k penny. </div> <div> (k) Which was of value about four pence half penny. </div> <div> 20  And he said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Whose is this image and superscription? </FONT></div> <div> 21  They said unto him, Caesar’s. Then said he unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Give therefore to Cesar, the things which are Caesar’s, and give unto God, those things which are God’s. </FONT> AC</div> <div> AC  The conclusion is drawn from their own premises. You acknowledge this to be Caesar’s coin; this coin is current, in your land; the currency of this coin shows the country to be under the Roman government; and your acknowledgment that it is Caesar’s proves you have submitted. Don’t therefore be unjust; but render to Caesar the things which you acknowledge to be his; at the same time, be not impious, but render unto God the thing’s which belong to God.</div> <div> This answer is full of consummate wisdom. It establishes the limits, regulates the rights, and distinguishes the jurisdiction of the two empires of heaven and earth. The image of princes stamped on their coin denotes that temporal things belong all to their government. The image of God stamped on the soul denotes that all its faculties and powers belong to the Most High, and should be employed in his service.</div> <div> But while the earth is agitated and distracted with the question of political rights and wrongs, the reader will naturally ask, What does a man owe to Caesar? - to the civil government under which he lives? Our Lord has answered the question - That which IS Caesar’s. But what is it that is Caesar’s? 1. Honor. 2. Obedience. And 3. Tribute.</div> <div> 1.  The civil government under which a man lives, and by which he is protected, demands his honor and reverence.  2.  The laws which are made for the suppression of evil doers, and the maintenance of good order, which are calculated to promote the benefit of the whole, and the comfort of the individual should be religiously obeyed.  3.The government that charges itself with the support and defense of the whole, should have its unavoidable expenses, however great, repaid by the people, in whose behalf they are incurred; therefore we should pay tribute.</div> <div> But remember, if Caesar should intrude into the things of God, coin a new creed, or broach a new Gospel, and affect to rule the conscience, while he rules the state, in these things Caesar is not to be obeyed; he is taking the things of God, and he must not get them. Give not therefore God’s things to Caesar, and give not Caesar’s things to God. That which belongs to the commonwealth should, on no account whatever, be devoted to religious uses; and let no man think he has pleased God, by giving that to charitable or sacred uses which he has purloined from the state. </div> <div> 22  And when they heard it, they marveled, and left him, and went their way. </div> <div> 23  The same day the Sadducees came to him (which say that there is no resurrection) and asked him, </div> <div> 24  Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall l marry his wife by the right of alliance, and raise up seed unto his brother. </div> <div> (l) By the title of alliance: and here by brother he means the next kinsman, that lawfully might marry her. </div> <div> 25  Now there were with us seven brethren, and the first married a wife, and deceased: and having none issue, left his wife unto his brother. </div> <div> 26  Likewise also the second, and the third, unto the seventh. </div> <div> 27  And last of all the woman died also. </div> <div> 28  Therefore in the resurrection, whose wife shall she be of the seven? for all had her. </div> <div> 29  Then Jesus answered, and said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Ye are </FONT>m <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >deceived, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. </FONT></div> <div> (m) Where God’s word is not preached and understand, there must needs reign blindness and errors. </div> <div> 30  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For in the resurrection they neither marry wives, nor wives are bestowed in marriage, but are as the </FONT>n <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Angels of God in heaven. </FONT></div> <div> (n) Forasmuch as they shall be exempted from the infirmities of this present life. </div> <div> 31  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And concerning the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read what is spoken unto you of God, saying, </FONT></div> <div> 32  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >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. </FONT></div> <div> 33  And when the multitude heard it, they were astonished at his doctrine. </div> <div> 34  But when the Pharisees had heard, that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they assembled together. </div> <div> 35  And one of them, which was an expounder of the Law, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, </div> <div> 36  Master, which is the great commandment in the Law? </div> <div> 37  Jesus said to him, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. </FONT></div> <div> 38  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >This is the first and the great commandment. </FONT></div> <div> 39  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And the second is like unto this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. </FONT></div> <div> 40  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >On these two commandments hangs the whole Law, and the Prophets. </FONT></div> <div> 41  While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, </div> <div> 42  Saying, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >What think ye of Christ? whose </FONT>o<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > son is he?</FONT> They said unto him, David’s. </div> <div> (o) Of what stock or family. </div> <div> 43  He said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >How then does David in </FONT>p<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > spirit call him Lord, saying, </FONT></div> <div> (p) By the spirit of prophecy speaking of the kingdom of Christ. </div> <div> 44  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my </FONT>q<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > right hand, </FONT>r <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >till I make thine enemies thy footstool? </FONT></div> <div> (q) By the right hand is signified the authority and power, which God gives his Son Christ in making him his lieutenant & governor over his Church. </div> <div> (r) Not that his kingdom shall then end: but the office of his humanity shall cease, and he with the Father and Holy Ghost shall reign for ever as one God all in all. </div> <div> 45  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >If then David call him </FONT>f<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Lord, how is he his son? </FONT></div> <div> (s) Christ is David’s son touching his manhood, and his Lord, concerning his Godhead.</div> <div> 46  And none could answer him a word, neither durst any from that day forth ask him any more questions. </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 23</div> <div> 1  Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, </div> <div> 2  Saying, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The Scribes and the Pharisees </FONT>a<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > sit in Moses seat. </FONT></div> <div> (a) And teach that which Moses saith. </div> <div> 3  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >All therefore whatsoever they bid you </FONT>b<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > observe, that observe and do: but after their works do not: for they say, and do not. </FONT></div> <div> (b) According to Moses whom they read, but not that which they teach of themselves. </div> <div> 4  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For they bind heavy burdens, and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. </FONT></div> <div> 5  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >All their works they do for to be seen of men: for they make their </FONT>c<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > phylacteries broad, and make long the fringes of their garments, </FONT></div> <div> (c) They were scrolls of parchment wherein the commandments were written: and to this day the Jews use the same & close them in a piece of leather, & so bind them to their brow & left arm, to the intent they might have continual remembrance of the Law. </div> <div> 6<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  And love the chief place at feasts, and to have the chief seats in the assemblies, </FONT></div> <div> 7  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. </FONT></div> <div> 8  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But be not ye called, </FONT>d<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Rabbi: for one is your doctor, to wit, Christ, and all ye are brethren. </FONT></div> <div> (d) Christ forbids not to give just honor to Magistrates and Masters, but condemns ambition and superiority over our brother’s faith, which office appertains to Christ alone. </div> <div> 9  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And call no man your father upon the earth: for there is but one, your father which is in heaven. </FONT>R</div> <div> (R) Herein lies a chief conflict between the Catholic Church (along with some other denominations) and the scriptures, for the priests, bishops and like officeholders of apostate Christianity prescribe to themselves title of “father” or “doctor of divinity” or the like. </div> <div> 10  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Be not called doctors: for one is your doctor, even Christ. </FONT></div> <div> (e) The Pharisees were called Masters or Fathers, and the Scribe’s Doctors. </div> <div> 11  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But he that is </FONT>f<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > greatest among you, let him be your servant. </FONT></div> <div> (f) The highest dignity in the Church is no lordship, or dominion, but ministry, and service.</div> <div> 12  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For whosoever will exalt himself, shall be brought low: and whosoever will humble himself, shall be exalted. </FONT></div> <div> 13  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Woe therefore be unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because ye </FONT>g<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > shut up the kingdom of heaven before men: for ye yourselves go not in, neither suffer ye them that </FONT>h<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > would enter, to come in. </FONT></div> <div> (g) Ye keep back the pure religion & knowledge of God when men are ready to embrace it. </div> <div> (h) Which have now their foot within the doors. </div> <div> 14  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Woe be unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites: for ye devour widow’s houses, even under a color of long prayers: wherefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. </FONT></div> <div> 15  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Woe be unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites: for ye compass </FONT>i<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > sea and land to make one of your profession: and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell, then you yourselves. </FONT></div> <div> (i) They sought all means, that they could invent, to make of a Gentile a Jew. </div> <div> 16  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Woe be unto you blind guides, which say, Whosoever swears by the Temple, it is nothing: but whosoever swears by the gold of the Temple, he offends. </FONT></div> <div> 17  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Ye fools and blind, whether is greater, the gold, or the Temple that </FONT>k<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > sanctifies the gold? </FONT></div> <div> (k) And makes it to be taken as an holy thing, because of the use: and hereby Christ shows that man’s doctrine does not only obscure the word of God, but is contrary to it. </div> <div> 18  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And whosoever swears by the altar, it is nothing: but whosoever swears by the offering that is upon it, offends. </FONT></div> <div> 19  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Ye fools and blind, whether is greater, the offering, or the altar which sanctifies the offering? </FONT></div> <div> 20  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Whosoever therefore swears by the altar, swears by it, and by all things thereon. </FONT></div> <div> 21  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And whosoever swears by the Temple, swears by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. </FONT></div> <div> 22  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And he that swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him that sits thereon. </FONT></div> <div> 23  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Woe be to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites: for ye tithe mint, and annyse, and cummin, and leave the weightier matters of the law, as judgement, and mercy and fidelity. These ought ye to have done, and not to have left the other. </FONT></div> <div> 24  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Ye blind guides, which </FONT>l<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel. </FONT></div> <div> (l) Ye stay at that which is nothing, & let pass that which is of greater importance. </div> <div> 25  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Woe be to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites: for ye make clean the outer side of the cup, and of the platter: but within they are full of bribery and excess. </FONT></div> <div> (m) Ye seek how to get estimation with men and pass not whether ye have a good conscience or no. </div> <div> 26  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. </FONT></div> <div> 27  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Woe be to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites: for ye are like unto whited tombs, which appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and all filthiness. </FONT></div> <div> 28  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >So are ye also: for outward ye appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. </FONT></div> <div> 29  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Woe be unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites: for ye build the tombs of the </FONT>n<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Prophets, and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous, </FONT></div> <div> (n) For a remembrance of them, & in the mean season they passed not for their doctrine. </div> <div> 30  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in the blood of the Prophets. </FONT></div> <div> 31  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >So then ye be witness unto yourselves, that ye </FONT>o<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > are the children of them that murdered the Prophets. </FONT></div> <div> (o) It is not now only that your nation hath begun to be cruel against the servants of God, & therefore it is not marvel though the children of such murderers handle roughly the Prophets. </div> <div> 32  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Fulfill ye also the measure of your fathers. </FONT></div> <div> 33<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >  O serpents, the generation of vipers, how should ye escape the damnation of hell! </FONT></div> <div> 34  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Wherefore behold, I send unto you </FONT>p<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Prophets, and wise men, and Scribes, and of them ye shall kill and crucify: and of them shall ye scourge in your Synagogues, and persecute from city to city, </FONT></div> <div> (p) To convince you of greater ingratitude. </div> <div> 35  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >That upon you may come all the righteous blood that was shed upon the earth, from the blood of Abel the righteous, unto the blood </FONT>r<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > of Zacharias the son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the Temple and the altar. </FONT></div> <div> (q) Christ means that all their race shall be punished,, so that the iniquity of the fathers shall be poured into the bosom of the children, which resembled their fathers. </div> <div> 36 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Verily I say unto you, all these things shall come upon this generation. </FONT></div> <div> 37  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which kills the Prophets, and stones them which are sent to thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, as the hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! </FONT></div> <div> 38  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Behold, your habitation shall be left unto you desolate, </FONT></div> <div> 39  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For I say unto you, ye shall not see me </FONT>f<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > hence forth till that ye say, Blessed is he that comes in the Name of the Lord. </FONT></div> <div> (s) He will return no more to them, as a teacher, but as a judge, when as they shall be compelled to confess (although too late) that he is the very Son of God.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 24</div> <div> 1  And Jesus went out, and departed from the Temple, and his disciples came to him, to show him the a building of the Temple. </div> <div> (a) Whose excellency appears in that Herod for the space of 8 years kept 10,000 men in work, the stones were 15 cubits long, in height 12, in breadth 8, as Josephus writes. </div> <div> 2  And Jesus said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >See ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you, there shall not be here left a stone upon a stone, that shall not be cast down. </FONT>R</div> <div>      <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >(R)  Here Christ prophesies the destruction of the Temple. </FONT></div> <div> 3  And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, his disciples came unto him apart, saying, Tell us when these things shall be, and what sign shall be of thy coming, b and of the end of the world. </div> <div> (b) They thought the world should be at an end, when Jerusalem were destroyed. </div> <div> 4  And Jesus answered, and said unto them, c <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Take heed that no man deceive you. </FONT></div> <div> (c) He answers them not according to their minds, but admonishes them of that which is necessary for them to know. </div> <div> 5  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, </FONT>R<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > and shall deceive many. </FONT></div> <div>      <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >(R)  As the Popes call themselves “vicars of Christ,” etc.</FONT></div> <div> 6  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >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. </FONT></div> <div> 7  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For nation shall rise against nation, and realm against realm, and there shall be famine, and pestilence, and earthquakes in diverse places. </FONT></div> <div> 8  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >All these are but the </FONT>d<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > beginning of sorrows.</FONT> </div> <div> (d) Great and cruel wars have ensued since among the heathen for the contempt of the Gospel and increase more & more. </div> <div> 9  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you, and ye shall be </FONT>e<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > hated of all nations for my Name’s sake. </FONT>R</div> <div> (e) As if you were the cause of these troubles. </div> <div> (R)  As Christians are being blamed for diverse problems around the world now, and have been for the past 2,000 years since Christ.</div> <div> 10  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.</FONT></div> <div> 11  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many. </FONT>R</div> <div> (R)  Modern television, instead of preaching the truth of Christ’s message, spreads lies about the Gospel, and have Christians chasing phantom future anti-Christs, when their words convict them of being false prophets in the flesh, working evil and leading many to profess sin as “acceptable” in the eyes of God.</div> <div> 12  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And because </FONT>f<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > iniquity shall be increased, the love of many shall be cold. </FONT></div> <div> (f) Many will keep back their charity, because they are unthankful and evil, upon whom they should bestow it. </div> <div> 13 R <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But he that endures to the end, he shall be saved.</FONT></div> <div> (R)  Meaning potentially to the end of their lives, suffering persecution and martyrdom with various methods through the ages, under diverse governments and in all nations, until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled.</div> <div> 14  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached through the whole world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come. </FONT></div> <div> 15  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >When ye therefore shall see the </FONT>h<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the Prophet, </FONT>R <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >set in the holy place (let him that reads consider it.) </FONT></div> <div> (g) When the Temple shall be polluted, it shall be a sign of extreme desolation: the sacrifices shall end & never be restored. </div> <div> (h) The horrible destruction of the Temple & the corruption of God’s pure religion. </div> <div>      <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >(R)  Daniel 9:23-27</FONT></div> <div> 16  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then let them which be in Judea, flee into the mountains. </FONT></div> <div> 17  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Let him which is on the house top, not come down to fetch any thing out of his house. </FONT></div> <div> 18  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And he that is in the field, let not him return back to fetch his clothes. </FONT></div> <div> 19  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And woe shall be to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days. </FONT></div> <div> 20  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But pray that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day. </FONT></div> <div> 21  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not from the beginning of the world to this time, nor shall be. </FONT></div> <div> 22  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the </FONT>i<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. </FONT></div> <div> (i) God provides for his children in the midst of troubles. </div> <div> 23  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then if any shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there, believe it not. </FONT></div> <div> 24  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, so that if it were possible, they should deceive the very elect. </FONT></div> <div> 25  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Behold, I have told you before. </FONT></div> <div> 26  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the </FONT>k<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > desert, go not forth: Behold, he is in the secret places, believe it not. </FONT></div> <div> (k) Whither the false Christs, and deceivers lead the people, hiding themselves in holes as if they were ashamed of their profession. </div> <div> 27  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For as the lightning commeth out of the East, and is seen into the West, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. </FONT></div> <div> 28  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For wheresoever a dead </FONT>l<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > carcass is, thither will the Eagles be gathered together. </FONT></div> <div> (l) In despite of Satan the faithful shall be gathered & joined with Christ, as the eagles assemble to a dead carcase. </div> <div> 29  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And immediately after the </FONT>m<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > tribulations of those days, shall the sun </FONT>n<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken. </FONT></div> <div> (m) When God hath made an end of the troubles of his Church. </div> <div> (n) He means a horrible trembling of world, & as it were, an alteration of the order of nature. </div> <div> 30  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the kindreds of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. </FONT></div> <div> 31  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And he shall send his Angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect, from the four winds, and from the one end of the heavens unto the other. </FONT></div> <div> 32  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Now learn the parable of the fig tree: when her bough is yet tender, and it puts forth leaves, ye know that summer is near. </FONT></div> <div> 33  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >So likewise ye, when ye see all these things, know that the kingdom of God is near, even at the doors. </FONT></div> <div> 34 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Verily I say unto you, this </FONT>o<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.</FONT> R</div> <div> (o) For within fifty years after, Jerusalem was destroyed: the godly were persecuted, false teachers seduced the people, religion was polluted, so that the world seemed to be at an end. </div> <div> (R)  This passage has given many generations of preachers difficulty, as it seems the second coming (in the clouds to call the elect) did not occur in the “physical generation” of people of Jesus’s time.  However, note that a generation in the <I>spiritual sense</I> may indeed be much different–perhaps this 2000+ years of earthly time.  If the “generation” being spoken of by Christ was the non-believing Jews, or the “time of the gentiles,” then we could be seeing the fulfillment of that prophecy in the <I>spiritual sense</I> by the current massive conversions of Jews into the Christian faith, the continued spreading of the gospel around the globe via the heretofore unknown medium of electronic communication, &c. </div> <div> 35  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. </FONT></div> <div> 36  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the Angels of heaven, but my father only. </FONT></div> <div> 37  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But as the days of Noah were, so likewise shall the coming of the Son of man be. </FONT></div> <div> 38  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For as in the days before the flood, they did eat and drink, marry, and give in marriage, unto the day that Noah entered into the Ark, </FONT></div> <div> 39  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And </FONT>p<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > knew nothing, till the flood came, and took them all away, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. </FONT></div> <div> (p) Because of their incredulity. </div> <div> 40  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then two shall be in the fields, the one shall be received, and the other shall be refused. </FONT>E</div> <div> E The words “received” and “refused” in this Geneva text are quite different than the words “taken” and “left” from the KJV.  “Taken” and “left” are tenets of the so-called “rapture” theory, and indeed form the basis of several prophetic schools of thought indicating “pre-tribulation rapture,” whereby the second coming of Christ will prevent Christians from being persecuted or enduring a supposed 7 year reign of one particular anti-Christ.  This alleged 7 year period is loosely and very shoddily built on a mistaken interpretation of Daniel 9:27.  Again, such teachings have their root in apostate theories of scripture created by Jesuit (Roman Catholic) interpretations, designed to cast light in directions other than upon the evils of their own anti-Christ religion.</div> <div> 41  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Two women shall be grinding at the mill: the one shall be received, and the other shall be refused. </FONT>E</div> <div> E  The words “received” and “refused” are again different in this verse than “taken” and “left” in the KJV.</div> <div> 42  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your master will come. </FONT></div> <div> 43  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Of this be sure, that if the good man of the house knew at what watch the thief would come, he would surely watch, and not suffer his house to be dug through. </FONT></div> <div> 44  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Therefore be ye also ready: for in the hour that ye think not, will the Son of man come. </FONT></div> <div> 45  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Who then is a faithful servant and wise, whom his master hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in season? </FONT></div> <div> 46  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Blessed is that servant, whom his master when he commeth, shall find so doing. </FONT></div> <div> 47 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Verily I say unto you, he shall make him ruler over all his goods. </FONT></div> <div> 48  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My master doth defer his coming, </FONT></div> <div> 49  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And begin to smite his fellows, and to eat, and to drink with the drunken, </FONT></div> <div> 50  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >That servant’s master will come in a day, when he look not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, </FONT></div> <div> 51  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And will cut him off, and give him his portion with hypocrites: there shall be weeping, and gnashing of teeth. </FONT></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 25</div> <div> 1  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then the </FONT>a<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > kingdom of heaven shall be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to </FONT>b meet the bridegroom. </div> <div> (a) This similitude teaches us, that it is not sufficient to have once given ourselves to follow Christ, but that we must continue. </div> <div> (b) To do him honor, as the manner was.</div> <div> 2  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And five of them were wise, and five foolish. </FONT></div> <div> 3  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >The foolish took their lamps, but took none oil with them. </FONT></div> <div> 4  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. </FONT></div> <div> 5  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Now while the bridegroom tarried long, all slumbered and slept. </FONT></div> <div> 6  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom commeth: go out to meet him. </FONT></div> <div> 7  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. </FONT></div> <div> 8  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And the foolish said to the wise, </FONT>c Give us of your oil, for our lamps are out. </div> <div> (c) Many seek that which they have contemned, but it is to late. </div> <div> 9  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But the wise answered, saying, Not so, lest there will not be enough for us and you: but </FONT>d<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. </FONT></div> <div> (d) This was spoken in reproach, because they made not provision in time. </div> <div> 10  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the wedding, and the gate was shut. </FONT></div> <div> 11  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Afterwards came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. </FONT></div> <div> 12  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But he answered, and said, Verily I say unto you, </FONT>e<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > I know you not. </FONT></div> <div> (e) I will not open to you because you have failed in the middle way. </div> <div> 13  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Watch therefore: for ye know neither the day, nor the hour, when the son of man will come. </FONT></div> <div> 14 f <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For the kingdom of heaven is as a man that going into a strange country, called his servants, and delivered to them his goods. </FONT></div> <div> (f) This similitude teaches how we ought to continue in the knowledge of God, and do good with those graces that God hath given us. </div> <div> 15  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And unto one he gave five </FONT>g<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > talents, and to another two, and to another one, to every man after his own ability, and straightway went from home. </FONT></div> <div> (g) Every talent commonly made threescore pounds, read {Chap. 18:24} </div> <div> 16  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then he that had received the five talents, went and occupied with them, and gained other five talents. </FONT>17  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Likewise also, he that received two, he also gained other two. </FONT></div> <div> 18  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But he that received that one, went and digged it in the earth, and hid his masters money. </FONT></div> <div> 19  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But after a long season, the master of those servants came, and reckoned with them. </FONT></div> <div> 20  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then came he that had received five talents, and brought other five talents, saying, Master, thou delivered unto me five talents: behold, I have gained with them other five talents. </FONT></div> <div> 21  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then his master said unto him, It is well done good servant and faithful, Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: </FONT>h<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > enter into thy masters joy. </FONT></div> <div> (h) The master receives him into his house to give him part of his gods and commodities.</div> <div> 22  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Also he that had received two talents, came, and said, Master, thou delivered unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents more. </FONT></div> <div> 23  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >His master said unto him, It is well done good servant, and faithful, Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: enter into thy master’s joy. </FONT></div> <div> 24  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then he which had received the one talent, came, and said, Master, I knew that thou was a hard man, which reap where thou sowed not, and gathers where thou strawed not: </FONT></div> <div> 25  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >I was therefore afraid, and went, and hid thy talent in the earth: behold, thou hast thine own. </FONT></div> <div> 26  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And his master answered, and said unto him, Thou evil servant, and slothful, thou knew that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I strawed not. </FONT></div> <div> 27  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming should I have received mine own with vantage. </FONT></div> <div> 28  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. </FONT></div> <div> 29  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For unto every man that hath, it shall be given, and he shall have abundance, and </FONT>i<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > from him that hath not, even that he hath, shall be taken away. </FONT></div> <div> (i) The graces of God shall be taken away from him that does not bestow them to God’s glory and his neighbor’s profit. </div> <div> 30  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Cast therefore that unprofitable servant into utter darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. </FONT></div> <div> 31  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And when the Son of man commeth in his glory, and all the holy Angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory, </FONT></div> <div> 32  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And before him shall be gathered all nations, and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. </FONT></div> <div> 33  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, and the goats on the left. </FONT></div> <div> 34  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then shall ye king say to them on his right hand, Come ye </FONT>k <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >blessed of my father: take the inheritance of the kingdom prepared for you from the </FONT>l<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > foundation of the world. </FONT></div> <div> (k) For our salvation comes of the blessing and favor of God. </div> <div> (l) Hereby God declares the certainty of our predestination, whereby we are saved because we were chosen in Christ before the foundations of the world, {Ephe. 1:4} </div> <div> 35  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For I was </FONT>m<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > hungry, and ye gave me meat: I thirsted, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in unto you. </FONT></div> <div> (m) Christ means not that our salvation depends on our works or merits, but teaches what it is to live justly according to godliness, & charity, and that God recompenses his of his free mercy, likewise as he does elect them. </div> <div> 36  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >I was naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. </FONT></div> <div> 37  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or a thirst, and gave thee drink? </FONT></div> <div> 38  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in unto us? or naked, and clothed thee? </FONT></div> <div> 39  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? </FONT></div> <div> 40  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And the King shall answer, and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, in as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it to me. </FONT></div> <div> 41  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then shall he say unto them on the left hand, Depart from me ye cursed, into everlasting fire, which is prepared for the devil and his angels. </FONT></div> <div> 42  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For I was hungry, and ye gave me no meat: I thirsted, and ye gave me no drink: </FONT></div> <div> 43  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >I was a stranger, and ye took me not in unto you: I was naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. </FONT></div> <div> 44  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? </FONT></div> <div> 45  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Then shall he answer them, and say, Verily I say unto you, in as much as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. </FONT></div> <div> 46  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >And these </FONT>n<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > shall go into everlasting pain, and the righteous into life eternal. </FONT></div> <div> (n) We must therefore only do that, which God requires of us, and not follow men’s foolish fantasies.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 26</div> <div> 1  And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, </div> <div> 2  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Ye know that after two days is the Passover, </FONT>R<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > and the Son of man shall be delivered to be crucified. </FONT></div> <div> (R)  Proving conclusively that the season of the Jews called Passover is the proper place for Christians to remember the death and resurrection of Christ–not Easter, which is a pagan holiday and can be as much as a full month outside of the time of Passover.</div> <div> 3  Then assembled together the chief Priests, and the Scribes, and the Elders of the people into the hall of the high Priest called Caiaphas: </div> <div> 4  And consulted together that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him. </div> <div> 5  But they said, Not on the feast day, D least any uproar be among the people. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     </FONT>D<I>  The feast day of the Passover.</I></div> <div> 6  And when Jesus was in Bethania, in the house of Simon the leper, </div> <div> 7  There came unto him a woman, which had a box of very costly ointment, and a poured it on his head, as he sat at the table. </div> <div> (a) He shows what occasion Judas took to commit his treason. </div> <div> 8  And when his disciples saw it, they had b indignation, saying, What needed this waste? </div> <div> (b) This was through Judas motion to whom they gave credit. </div> <div> 9  For this ointment might have been sold for much, and been given to the poor. </div> <div> 10  And Jesus knowing it, said unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. </FONT></div> <div> 11  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For ye have the poor always with you, but me shall ye not </FONT>c<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > have always. </FONT></div> <div> (c) This fact was extraordinary, nether was it left as an example to be followed: also Christ is not present with us bodily or to be honored with any outward pomp. </div> <div> 12  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For in that she poured this ointment on my body she did it to bury me. </FONT></div> <div> (d) To honor my burial with all. </div> <div> 13 <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Verily I say unto you, wheresoever this Gospel shall be preached throughout all the world, there shall also this that she hath done, be spoken of for a memorial of her. </FONT></div> <div> 14  Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief Priests, </div> <div> 15  And said, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? and they appointed unto him thirty e pieces of silver. </div> <div> (e) Every one in value was about four pence half penny of old sterling. </div> <div> 16  And from that time, he sought opportunity to betray him. </div> <div> 17  Now on the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the Passover? </div> <div> 18  And he said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >go ye into the city to such a man, and say to him, The master says, My time is at hand: I will </FONT>R <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >keep the Passover at thine house with my disciples. </FONT></div> <div> (f) He makes haste to a more worthy sacrifice, to wit, to that which the Passover signified. </div> <div> (R)  Proving again Christ’s confirmation of the law of Moses, in that he kept the Passover with all the disciples.  To follow his example, we must put away all of man’s foolishness, and also the wicked traditions that make the Word of God of none effect.  The tradition of Christians celebrating Easter is folly, and contradicted by the very words of Christ.  It was created by that great Anti-Christ religion of the papists, who in separating themselves from the laws of God have thereby separated themselves from God.  This was done initially by “Pope” Constantine, and proof is found in his “Letter of the Emperor to all those not present at the Council” (of Nicea A.D. 325). (Eusebius, Vita Const., Lib. iii., 18-20.) </div> <div> “It was declared to be particularly unworthy ... to follow the custom ... of the Jews, who had soiled their hands with the most fearful of crimes, and whose minds were blinded ... we desire ... to separate ourselves from the detestable company of the Jews ... for, in their blindness and repugnance to all improvements, they frequently celebrate two passovers in the same year ... But even if this were not so, it would still be your duty not to tarnish your soul by communications with such wicked people ... it is our duty not to have anything in common with the murderers of our Lord ...it is right to demand what our reason approves, and that we should have nothing in common with the Jews. To sum up in few words: By the unanimous judgment of all, it has been decided that the most holy festival of Easter should be everywhere celebrated on one and the same day ... “</div> <div> 19  And the disciples did as Jesus had given them charge, and made ready the Passover. </div> <div> 20  So when the Even was come, he sat down with the twelve. </div> <div> 21  And as they did eat, he said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. </FONT></div> <div> 22  And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Is it I, Master? </div> <div> 23  And he answered and said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >he that </FONT>g<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > dips his hand with me in the dish, he shall betray me. </FONT></div> <div> (g) He that is accustomed to eat with me daily at the table, {Psal. 41:9} </div> <div> 24  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Surely the Son of man goes his way, </FONT>h<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > as it is written of him: but woe be to that man, by whom the Son of man is betrayed: it had been good for that man, if he had never been born. </FONT></div> <div> (h) To the intent his disciples might know that all this was appointed by the providence of God. </div> <div> 25  Then Judas which betrayed him, answered and said, Is it I, Master? He said unto him, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Thou hast said it. </FONT></div> <div> 26  And as they did eat, Jesus took the bread, and when he had blessed, he brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Take, eat: </FONT>i<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > this is my body. </FONT></div> <div> (i) That is, a true sign, and testimony that my body is made yours, and by me your souls are nourished. </div> <div> 27  Also he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it them, saying, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Drink ye all of it. </FONT></div> <div> 28  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >For this is my </FONT>k<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > blood of the New Testament, that is shed for many, for the remission of sins. </FONT>R</div> <div> (k) The wine signifies that our souls are refreshed and satisfied with the blood of Christ, spiritually received, so that without him we have no nourishment. </div> <div> (R)  Christ did not hand over the bread and wine to a Levitical Priest, nor to Peter, nor any other, and have them perform some ceremony to make the two respectively become the body and blood of the Lamb of God.  The ritual known as “transubstanti-ation” as done by Catholic priests is more like unto witchcraft than any example set before us by Christ.</div> <div> 29  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >I say unto you, that </FONT>l<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine until that day, when I shall drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. </FONT></div> <div> (l) You shall no more enjoy my bodily presence till we meet together in heaven. </div> <div> 30  And when they had sung a Psalm, they went out into the mount of Olives. </div> <div> 31  Then said Jesus unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >All ye shall be </FONT>m <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >offended by me this night: for it is written, </FONT>D <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered. </FONT></div> <div> (m) Shall turn back and be discouraged. </div> <div> <I>     </I>D<I>  Zech. 13:7</I></div> <div> 32  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. </FONT></div> <div> 33  But Peter answered, and said unto him, n Though that all men should be offended by thee, yet will I never be offended. </div> <div> (n) This declares what danger it is to trust too much to our own strength. </div> <div> 34  Jesus said unto him, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Verily I say unto thee, that this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. </FONT></div> <div> 35  Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, I will in no case deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. </div> <div> 36  Then went Jesus with them into a place which is called Gethsemane, and said unto his disciples, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Sit ye here, while I go, and pray yonder. </FONT></div> <div> 37  And he took unto him Peter, and the two sons of Zebedeus, and began to wax sorrowful, o and grievously troubled. </div> <div> (o) He feared not death of itself, but trembled for fear of God’s anger toward sin, the burden whereof he bare for our sakes. </div> <div> 38  Then said Jesus unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >My soul is very heavy, even unto the </FONT>p<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.</FONT></div> <div> (p) For he saw God’s anger kindled towards us. </div> <div> 39  So he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >O my Father, if it be possible, let this </FONT>q <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >cup</FONT> r <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt. </FONT></div> <div> (q) That is, the anger of God for man’s sins. </div> <div> (r) He knew well what his Father had determined, and therefore was ready to obey, but he prays as the faithful do in their troubles without respect of the eternal counsel of God. </div> <div> 40  After, he came unto the disciples, and found them a sleep, and said to Peter, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >What? could ye not watch with me one hour? </FONT></div> <div> 41  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Watch, and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is ready, but the flesh is </FONT>s<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > weak.</FONT> </div> <div> (s) And therefore we must continually fight against the flesh. </div> <div> 42  Again he went away the second time, and prayed, saying, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >O my Father, if this cup cannot pass away from me, but that I must drink it, thy will be done. </FONT></div> <div> 43  And he came, and found them a sleep again, for their eyes were heavy. </div> <div> 44  So he left them and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. </div> <div> 45  Then came he to his disciples, and said unto them, t <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Sleep henceforth, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is given into the hands of sinners. </FONT></div> <div> (t) He speaks this in a contrary sense, meaning they should anon be well wakened. </div> <div> 46 u <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Rise, let us go: behold, he is at hand that betray me. </FONT></div> <div> (u) Christ died willingly, and therefore presented himself to his enemies. </div> <div> 47  And while he yet spake, lo Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the high Priests and Elders of the people. </div> <div> 48  Now he that betrayed him, had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he, lay hold on him. </div> <div> 49  And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, God save thee, Master, and kissed him. </div> <div> 50  Then Jesus said unto him, x <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Friend, wherefore art thou come?</FONT> Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. </div> <div> (x) He rebukes his unkindness under the cloak of pretended friendship. </div> <div> 51  And behold, one of them which were with Jesus, stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high Priest, and smote off his ear. </div> <div> 52  Then said Jesus unto him, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Put up thy sword into his place: for all that </FONT>y<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > take the sword, shall perish with the sword. </FONT></div> <div> (y) The exercising of the sword is forbid to private persons. Also he would have hindered by his indiscreet zeal the work of God. </div> <div> 53  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Either think thou, that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he will give me more then twelve </FONT>z<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > legions of Angels? </FONT></div> <div> (z) Every legion contained communally 6000 footmen, and 732 horsemen whereby here he means an infinite number. </div> <div> 54  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >How then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say, that it must be so? </FONT></div> <div> 55  The same hour said Jesus to the multitude, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Ye be come out as it were against a thief, with swords and staves to take me: I sat daily teaching in the Temple among you, and ye took me not. </FONT></div> <div> 56  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >But all this was done, that the Scriptures of the Prophets might be fulfilled.</FONT> Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. </div> <div> 57  And they took Jesus, and led him to Caiaphas the high Priest, where the Scribes and the Elders were assembled. </div> <div> 58  And Peter followed him a far off unto the high Priest’s hall, and went in, and sat with the servants to see the end. </div> <div> 59  Now the chief Priests and the Elders, and all the whole council a sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death. </div> <div> (a) He declares how Jesus was wrongfully accused, to the end that we may know his innocency, and not that he suffered for him self, but for us. </div> <div> 60  But they found none, and though many false witness came, yet found they b none: but at the last came two false witness, </div> <div> (b) Which could justly witness against him. </div> <div> 61  And said, This man said, I can destroy the Temple of God, and build it in three days. </div> <div> 62  Then the chief Priest arose, and said to him, Answer thou nothing? What is the matter that these men witness against thee? </div> <div> 63  But Jesus c held his peace. Then the chief Priest answered, and said to him, I d charge thee swear unto us by the living God, to tell us, If thou be that Christ the Son of God, or no. </div> <div> (c) Christ did neglect their false reports and moreover he was not there to defend his cause, but to suffer condemnation. </div> <div> (d) Or adjure thee by thine allegiance towards God. </div> <div> 64  Jesus said to him, e<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Thou hast said it: nevertheless I say unto you, hereafter shall ye see the Son of man, sitting at the right hand of the power of God, and come in the clouds of the heaven. </FONT></div> <div> (e) Christ confesses that he is the Son of God. </div> <div> 65  Then the high Priest rent his f clothes, saying, he hath g blasphemed, what have we any more need of witness? behold: now ye have heard his blasphemy. </div> <div> (f) This was one of their own traditions, if they had heard any Israelite blaspheme. </div> <div> (g) The enemies of God call a true confession blasphemy. </div> <div> 66  What think ye? They answered, and said, He is guilty of death. </div> <div> 67  Then spat they in his face, and buffeted him, and other h smote him with rods, </div> <div> (h) The officers smite Christ with their rods or little staves. </div> <div> 68  Saying, i Prophecy to us, O Christ, Who is he that smote thee? </div> <div> (i) They mocked him after this sort that he might not seem to be a Prophet, and so would turn the peoples minds from him. </div> <div> 69  Peter sat without in the hall, and a maid came to him, saying, Thou also was with Jesus of Galilee: </div> <div> 70  But he denied before them all, saying, I <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#800000" FACE="Arial" >wot</FONT> D not what thou says. </div> <div>      D <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I> know, or be aware</I></FONT></div> <div> 71  And when he went out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This man was also with Jesus of Nazareth. </div> <div> 72  And k again he denied with an oath, saying, I know not the man. </div> <div> (k) An example of our infirmity that we may learn to depend upon God and not put our trust in ourselves. </div> <div> 73  So after a while, came unto him they that stood by, and said unto Peter, Surely thou art also one of them: for even thy speech betrays thee. </div> <div> 74  Then began he to curse himself, and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. </div> <div> 75  Then Peter remembered the words of Jesus, which had said unto him, Before the cock crow thou shalt deny me thrice. So he went out, and l wept bitterly. </div> <div> (l) He was lively touched with repentance by the motion of God’s Spirit, who never suffers his to perish utterly, though for a time they fall, to the intent they may feel their own weakness & acknowledge his great mercy.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 27</div> <div> 1  When the morning was come, all the chief Priests, and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus, to put him to death, </div> <div> 2  And led him away bound, and a delivered him unto Pontius Pilate the governor. </div> <div> (a) For they had no authority to condemn him or to put any to death. </div> <div> 3  Then when Judas which betrayed him, saw that he was condemned, b he repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief Priests, and Elders, </div> <div> (b) Over late repentance brings desperation. </div> <div> 4  Saying, I have c sinned, betraying the innocent blood. But they said, What is that to us? d See thou to it. </div> <div> (c) Although he abhor his sins yet is he not displeased there with, but despairs in God’s mercies, and seeks his own destruction.</div> <div> (d) These hypocrites lay the whole fault upon Judas. </div> <div> 5  And when he had cast down the silver pieces in the Temple, he departed, and went, and hanged himself. </div> <div> 6  And the chief Priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not e lawful for us to put them into the treasure, because it is the price of blood. </div> <div> (e) The hypocrites are full of conscience in a matter of nothing, but to shed innocent blood they make nothing of it. </div> <div> 7  And they took counsel, and bought with them a potters field, for the burial of f strangers. </div> <div> (f) For the Jews thought it a great offence to by buried in the same place that the strangers were. </div> <div> 8  Wherefore that field is called, The field of blood, until this day. </div> <div> 9  (Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the Prophet, saying, And they took thirty silver pieces, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel valued. </div> <div> 10  And they gave them for the potters field, as the Lord appointed me.) </div> <div> 11  And Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou that King of the Jews? Jesus said unto him, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Thou sayest it.</FONT> </div> <div> 12  And when he was accused of the chief Priests, and Elders, he answered nothing. </div> <div> 13  Then said Pilate unto him, Hear thou not how many things they lay against thee? </div> <div> 14  But he answered him not to one word, in so much that the governor marveled greatly. </div> <div> 15  Now at the feast, the governor was wont to deliver unto the people a prisoner whom they would. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > (g) It was tradition of the Jews to deliver a prisoner at Easter. </FONT> R</div> <div> (R) Here the notes of the Geneva err, in that the governor was not a Jew.  It was <I>his</I> tradition to deliver a Jewish prisoner at the time of the Jew’s Passover feast.  It had not anything to do with Easter, which the Jews did not celebrate.  Easter was indeed celebrated during the spring time, but its celebration was governed by pagans, not the Rabbis.</div> <div> 16  And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. </div> <div> 17  When they were then gathered together, Pilate said unto the, Whether will ye that I let loose unto you Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? </div> <div> 18  (For he knew well, that for envy they had delivered him. </div> <div> 19  Also when he was set down upon the judgement seat, his wife sent to him, saying, h Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream by reason of him.) </div> <div> (h) This was to the greater condemnation of Pilate, whom neither his own knowledge could teach nor counsel of others, to defend Christ’s innocency. </div> <div> 20  But the chief Priests and the Elders had persuaded the people that they should ask Barabbas, and should destroy Jesus. </div> <div> 21  Then the governor answered, and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I let loose unto you? And they said, i Barabbas. </div> <div> (i) The multitude prefer the wicked to the righteous. </div> <div> 22  Pilate said unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus, which is called Christ? They all said to him, Let him be crucified. </div> <div> 23  Then said the governor, But what evil hath he done? Then they cried the more, saying, Let him be crucified. </div> <div> 24  When Pilate saw that he availed nothing, but that more tumult was made, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this k just man: look you to it. </div> <div> (k) Pilate bears witness that he is innocent, before he condemns him. </div> <div> 25  Then answered all the people, and said, His l blood be on us, and on our children. </div> <div> (l) If his death be not lawful, let the punishment fall on our heads & our children’s and as they wished, so this curse takes place to this day. </div> <div> 26  Thus let he Barabbas loose unto them, and scourged Jesus, and delivered him to be crucified. </div> <div> 27  Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered about him the whole band, </div> <div> 28  And they stripped him, and put about him a m scarlet robe, </div> <div> (m) To deride him, because he called himself King. </div> <div> 29  And platted a crown of thorns, and put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand, and bowed their knees before him, and mocked him, saying, God save thee King of the Jews, </div> <div> 30  And spitted upon him, and took a reed, and smote him on the head. </div> <div> 31  Thus when they had mocked him, they took the robe from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. </div> <div> 32  And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, named Simon: him they compelled to bear his cross. </div> <div> 33  And when they came unto the place called Golgotha, (that is to say, the place of dead men’s skulls) </div> <div> 34  They gave him vinegar to drink, mingled with gall: D and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. </div> <div> (n) It was a kind of drink to open the veins, and so to hasten his death, which was given him upon the cross. </div> <div> D<I>  Gall:  a bitter, a yellowish green fluid, secreted in the glandular substance of the liver.</I></div> <div> 35  And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, and did cast lots, that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the Prophet, They divided my garments among them, and upon my vesture did cast lots. </div> <div> 36  And they sat, and watched him there. </div> <div> 37  They set up also over his head his cause written, o THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. </div> <div> (o) The manner then was to set up a writing to signify wherefore a man was executed: but here God governed Pilate’s hand to write other wise then he thought. </div> <div> 38  And there were two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. </div> <div> 39  And they that passed by, reviled him, wagging their heads, </div> <div> 40  And saying, Thou that destroy the Temple, and build it in three days, save thyself: if thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. </div> <div> 41  Likewise also the high Priests mocking him, with the Scribes, and Elders, and Pharisees, said, </div> <div> 42  He saved others, but he cannot save himself: if he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in him. </div> <div> 43  He p trusted in God, let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. </div> <div> (p) This was a great temptation to go about to take from him his trust in God, and so to bring him to despair. </div> <div> 44  The self same thing also the q thieves which were crucified with him, cast in his teeth. </div> <div> (q) Meaning by this synechdoche the one of the thieves. </div> <div> 45  Now from the r sixth hour was there darkness over all the s land, unto the ninth hour. </div> <div> (r) That was from noon till three of the clock. </div> <div> (s) Of Jewry and the country there about. </div> <div> 46  And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Eli, Eli, Jamasabachthani?</FONT> that is, t My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? </div> <div> (t) Notwithstanding that he feels himself as it were wounded with God’s wrath and forsaken for our sins, yet he ceases not to put his confidence in God and call upon him: which is written to teach us in all afflictions to trust still in God, be the assaults never so grievous to the flesh. </div> <div> 47  And some of them that stood there, when they heard it, said, This man calls u Elias. </div> <div> (u) They mocked at Christ’s prayer, as if it had been in vain. </div> <div> 48  And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. </div> <div> 49  Other said, Let be: let us see, if Elias will come and save him. </div> <div> 50  Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up the x ghost. </div> <div> (x) Voluntarily after he had obeyed his Father in all things. </div> <div> 51  And behold, the y veil of the Temple was rent in twain, from the top to the bottom, and the earth did quake, and the stones were clove. D</div> <div> (y) Which signified an end of all the ceremonies of the Law. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     </FONT>D<I>  Clove: To split or divide by force.</I></div> <div> 52  And the graves did open themselves, and many bodies of the Saints, which slept, arose, </div> <div> 53  And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. </div> <div> 54  When the Centurion, and they that were with him watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly z this was the Son of God. </div> <div> (z) This judgement of an heathen man was sufficient to condemn the gross malice of the Jews.</div> <div> 55  And many women were there, beholding him a far off, which had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him. </div> <div> 56  Among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Joses, and the mother of Zebedeus’ sons. </div> <div> 57  And when the even was come, there came a a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who had also himself been Jesus disciple. </div> <div> (a) Who was so much the more in danger by declaring him self to be Jesus disciple. </div> <div> 58  He went to Pilate, and asked the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. </div> <div> 59  So Joseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, </div> <div> 60  And put it in his new b tomb, which he had hewn out in a rock, and rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulcher, and departed. </div> <div> (b) Christ’s burying does so much more verify his death & resurrection. </div> <div> 61  And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary sitting over against the sepulcher. </div> <div> 62  Now the next day that followed the c Preparation of the Sabbath, the high Priests and Pharisees assembled to Pilate, </div> <div> (c) Which was the day before the Sabbath. </div> <div> 63  And said, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, Within three days I will rise. </div> <div> 64  Command therefore, that the sepulcher 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 shall the last d error be worse then the first. </div> <div> (d) More will follow his doctrine then did afore he was put to death. </div> <div> 65  Then Pilate said unto them, Ye have e a watch: go, and make it sure as ye know. </div> <div> (e) That is, men appointed for the keeping of the Temple. </div> <div> 66  And they went, and made the sepulcher f sure with the watch, and sealed the stone. </div> <div> (f) The more that men go about to subdue Christ’s powers the more show they their own malice, and procure to themselves the greater condemnation, for as much as God’s glory the more appears thereby.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Chapter 28</div> <div> 1  Now in the end of the a Sabbath, D when the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary came to see the sepulcher, </div> <div> (a) Here the Evangelist reckons the natural day from the sun rising to his rising again, & not as the Jews did, which began to count at the first hour after the sun set. </div> <div> D  The Sabbath being Saturday</div> <div> 2  And behold, there was a great earthquake: for the b Angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. </div> <div> (b) There were two: but it is a manner of speech to use the singular number for the plural, and contrary. </div> <div> 3  And his countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. </div> <div> 4  And for fear of him, the keepers were astonished, and became as dead men. </div> <div> 5  But the Angel answered, and said to the women, Fear ye not: for I know that ye seek Jesus which was crucified: </div> <div> 6  He is not here, for he is risen; as he said: come, see the place where the Lord was laid, </div> <div> 7  And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead: and behold, he goeth before you into Galilee: there ye shall see him: c lo, I have told you. </div> <div> (c) He assures them that it is so. </div> <div> 8  So they departed quickly from the sepulcher, with fear and great d joy, and did run to bring his disciples word. </div> <div> (d) Their joy was mixed with fear, both because of the Angel’s presence, & also for that they were not assured. </div> <div> 9  And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus also met them, saying, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >God save you.</FONT> And they came, and took him by the feet, and worshiped him. </div> <div> 10  Then said Jesus unto them, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Be not afraid. Go, and tell my brethren, that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. </FONT></div> <div> 11  Now when they were gone, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and showed unto the high Priests all the things that were done. </div> <div> 12  And they gathered them together with the Elders, and took counsel, and gave large money unto the soldiers, </div> <div> 13  Saying, Say, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. </div> <div> 14  And if this matter come before the governor to be heard, we will persuade him, and so use the matter that you shall not need to care. </div> <div> 15  So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this e saying is noised among the Jews unto this day. </div> <div> (e) An extreme vengeance of God, whereby the Jews were the more hardened, so that they cannot feel the profit of his death & resurrection. </div> <div> 16  Then the eleven disciples went into Galilee, into a mountain, where Jesus had appointed them. </div> <div> 17  And when they saw him, they worshiped him: but some doubted. </div> <div> 18  And Jesus came, and spake unto them, saying, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >All power is given unto me, in heaven, and in earth. </FONT></div> <div> 19  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the holy Ghost, </FONT></div> <div> 20  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have </FONT>f<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, until the end of the world, Amen. </FONT></div> <div> (f) Men may not teach their own doctrine, but whatsoever Christ hath taught them: for he refers this authority to himself, to be the only teacher and author of the doctrine. </div> </td> </tr></table></body>