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Passage 1: Numbers 29-30

(Num 29:1) Moreouer, in the first day of the seuenth moneth ye shall haue an holy conuocation: ye shall doe no seruile worke therein: it shall be a day of blowing the trumpets vnto you.

(Notes Reference) And in the (a) seventh month, on the first [day] of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.

(a) Which contains part of September, and part of October.

(Num 29:2) And ye shall make a burnt offering for a sweete sauour vnto the Lord: one yong bullocke, one ram, and seuen lambes of a yeere olde, without blemish.

(Num 29:3) And their meat offring shalbe of fine floure mingled with oyle, three tenth deales vnto the bullocke, and two tenth deales vnto the ramme,

(Num 29:4) And one tenth deale vnto one lambe, for the seuen lambes,

(Num 29:5) And an hee goate for a sinne offering to make an atonement for you,

(Num 29:6) Beside the burnt offring of the moneth, and his meat offring, and the continual burnt offring, and his meate offring and the drinke offrings of the same, according to their maner, for a sweete sauour: it is a sacrifice made by fire vnto ye Lord.

(Notes Reference) Beside the burnt offering of the (b) month, and his meat offering, and the daily (c) burnt offering, and his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner, for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

(b) Which must be offered in the beginning of every month.

(c) Which is for morning and evening.

(Num 29:7) And ye shall haue in ye tenth day of the seuenth moneth, an holy conuocation: and ye shall humble your soules, and shall not doe any worke therein:

(Notes Reference) And ye shall have on the tenth [day] of this seventh month an holy (d) convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work [therein]:

(d) Which is the feast of reconciliation.

(Num 29:8) But ye shall offer a burnt offring vnto the Lord for a sweete sauour: one yong bullocke, a ramme, and seuen lambes of a yeere olde: see they be without blemish.

(Num 29:9) And their meate offering shall be of fine floure mingled with oyle, three tenth deales to a bullocke, and two tenth deales to a ramme,

(Num 29:10) One tenth deale vnto euery lambe, thoroughout the seuen lambes,

(Num 29:11) An hee goate for a sinne offring, (beside ye sinne offring to make the atonement and the continual burnt offring and the meat offring thereof) and their drinke offrings.

(Notes Reference) One kid of the goats [for] a sin offering; beside the sin offering of atonement, and the continual (e) burnt offering, and the meat offering of it, and their drink offerings.

(e) That is, offered every morning and evening.

(Num 29:12) And in the fifteenth day of the seuenth moneth ye shall haue an holie conuocation: ye shall do no seruile worke therein, but yee shall keepe a feast vnto the Lord seuen daies.

(Notes Reference) And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy (f) convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days:

(f) Meaning, the feast of the tabernacles.

(Num 29:13) And ye shall offer a burnt offring for a sacrifice made by fire of sweete sauour vnto the Lord, thirteene yong bullockes, two rammes, and fourtene lambes of a yeere olde: they shall bee without blemish.

(Num 29:14) And their meate offering shall bee of fine floure mingled with oyle, three tenth deales vnto euery bullocke of the thirteene bullockes, two tenth deales to either of the two rammes,

(Num 29:15) And one tenth deale vnto eche of ye fourteene lambes,

(Num 29:16) And one hee goate for a sinne offring, beside the continuall burnt offring, his meate offring, and his drinke offring.

(Num 29:17) And the second day ye shall offer twelue yong bullockes, two rams, fourteene lambes of a yeere olde without blemish,

(Num 29:18) With their meate offring and their drinke offrings for the bullockes, for the rammes, and for the lambes according to their nomber, after the maner,

(Num 29:19) And an hee goate for a sinne offring, (beside the continuall burnt offering and his meate offring) and their drinke offrings.

(Num 29:20) Also the third day ye shall offer eleuen bullocks, two rams, and fourteene lambes of a yeere olde without blemish,

(Num 29:21) With their meate offring and their drinke offrings, for the bullockes, for the rams, and for the lambes, after their nomber according to the maner,

(Notes Reference) And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, [shall be] according to their number, after the (g) manner:

(g) According to the ceremonies appointed to it.

(Num 29:22) And an hee goat for a sinne offring, beside the continuall burnt offring, and his meate offring and his drinke offring.

(Num 29:23) And the fourth day ye shall offer tenne bullocks, two rammes, and fourteene lambes of a yeere olde without blemish.

(Num 29:24) Their meate offring and their drinke offrings, for the bullockes, for the rammes, and for the lambes according to their nomber, after the maner,

(Num 29:25) And an hee goate for a sinne offering beside the continuall burnt offring, his meate offering and his drinke offering.

(Num 29:26) In the fifth day also ye shall offer nine bullockes, two rammes, and fourteene lambes of a yeere olde without blemish,

(Num 29:27) And their meat offering and their drinke offrings for the bullockes, for the rammes, and for the lambes according to their nomber, after the maner,

(Num 29:28) And an hee goat for a sinne offring, beside the continuall burnt offring, and his meat offring and his drinke offering.

(Num 29:29) And in the sixt day ye shall offer eight bullockes, two rams, and fourteene lambes of a yeere olde without blemish,

(Num 29:30) And their meate offring, and their drinke offrings for the bullockes, for the rammes, and for the lambes according to their nomber, after the maner,

(Num 29:31) And an hee goat for a sinne offring, beside the continuall burnt offring, his meate offring and his drinke offrings.

(Num 29:32) In the seuenth day also ye shall offer seuen bullocks, two rammes and fourteene lambes of a yeere olde without blemish,

(Num 29:33) And their meate offering and their drinke offrings for the bullockes, for the rammes, and for the lambes according to their nomber, after their maner,

(Num 29:34) And an hee goate for a sinne offring, beside the continuall burnt offring, his meate offering and his drinke offring.

(Num 29:35) In the eight day, yee shall haue a solemne assemblie: yee shall doe no seruile worke therein,

(Num 29:36) But yee shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire for a sweete sauour vnto the Lord, one bullocke, one ram, and seuen lambes of a yeere old without blemish,

(Num 29:37) Their meate offring and their drinke offrings for the bullocke, for the ramme, and for the lambes according to their nomber, after the maner,

(Num 29:38) And an hee goat for a sinne offring, beside the continuall burnt offring, and his meate offring, and his drinke offring.

(Num 29:39) These things ye shall do vnto the Lord in your feastes, beside your vowes, and your free offrings, for your burnt offrings, and for your meate offrings, and for your drinke offrings and for your peace offrings.

(Notes Reference) These [things] ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your (h) vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.

(h) Beside the sacrifices that you will vow or offer of your own minds.

(Num 29:40) (30:1) Then Moses spake vnto the children of Israel according to all that the Lord had commanded him,

(Num 30:1) (30:2) Moses also spake vnto the heads of ye tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded,

(Notes Reference) And Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes (a) concerning the children of Israel, saying, This [is] the thing which the LORD hath commanded.

(a) Because they might declare them to the Israelites.

(Num 30:2) (30:3) Whosoeuer voweth a vow vnto the Lord, or sweareth an othe to binde him selfe by a bonde, he shall not breake his promise, but shall do according to al that proceedeth out of his mouth.

(Num 30:3) (30:4) If a woman also vow a vow vnto the Lord, and binde her selfe by a bonde, being in her fathers house, in the time of her youth,

(Num 30:4) (30:5) And her father heare her vowe and bonde, wherewith she hath bound her selfe, and her father hold his peace concerning her, then all her vowes shall stande, and euery bonde, wherewith she hath bound her selfe, shall stand.

(Notes Reference) And her father hear her vow, and her bond wherewith she hath bound her soul, and her father shall hold his (b) peace at her: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she hath bound her soul shall stand.

(b) For in so doing he approves her.

(Num 30:5) (30:6) But if her father disallow her the same day that he heareth all her vowes and bondes, wherewith she hath bound her selfe, they shall not bee of value, and the Lord will forgiue her, because her father disallowed her.

(Notes Reference) But if her (c) father disallow her in the day that he heareth; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand: and the LORD shall forgive her, because her father disallowed her.

(c) By not approving or consenting to her vow.

(Num 30:6) (30:7) And if she haue an husband when she voweth or pronounceth ought with her lips, wherewith she bindeth her selfe,

(Notes Reference) And if she had at all an husband, when she vowed, or (d) uttered ought out of her lips, wherewith she bound her soul;

(d) Either by oath, or solemn promise.

(Num 30:7) (30:8) If her husband heard it, and holdeth his peace concerning her, the same day he heareth it, then her vowe shall stande, and her bondes wherewith she bindeth her selfe shall stand in effect.

(Num 30:8) (30:9) But if her husband disallow her the same day that hee heareth it, then shall hee make her vowe which shee hath made, and that that shee hath pronounced with her lips, wherewith shee bound her selfe, of none effect: and the Lord will forgiue her.

(Notes Reference) But if her husband disallowed her on the day that he heard [it]; then he shall make her vow which she vowed, and that which she uttered with her lips, wherewith she bound her (e) soul, of none effect: and the LORD shall forgive her.

(e) For she is in subjection to her husband, and can perform nothing without his consent.

(Num 30:9) (30:10) But euery vowe of a widowe, and of her that is diuorced (wherewith she hath bound her selfe) shall stand in effect with her.

(Notes Reference) But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they have bound their souls, shall stand (f) against her.

(f) For they are not under the authority of the man.

(Num 30:10) (30:11) And if she vowed in her husbands house, or bound her selfe streightly with an othe,

(Notes Reference) And if she vowed in her husband's (h) house, or bound her soul by a bond with an oath;

(h) Her husband being alive.

(Num 30:11) (30:12) And her husband hath heard it, and helde his peace cocerning her, not disalowing her, then all her vowes shall stand, and euery bond, wherewith she bound her selfe, shall stand in effect.

(Num 30:12) (30:13) But if her husband disanulled them, the same day that he heard them, nothing that proceeded out of her lippes concerning her vowes or concerning her bondes, shall stand in effect: for her husband hath disanulled them: and the Lord will forgiue her.

(Num 30:13) (30:14) So euery vowe, and euery othe or bonde, made to humble the soule, her husband may stablish it, or her husband may breake it.

(Notes Reference) Every vow, and every binding oath to (h) afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.

(h) To mortify herself by abstinence or other bodily exercise.

(Num 30:14) (30:15) But if her husband holde his peace concerning her from day to day, then he stablisheth al her vowes and all her bondes which shee hath made: hee hath confirmed them because he held his peace concerning her the same day that hee hearde them.

(Notes Reference) But if her husband altogether hold his peace at her from (i) day to day; then he establisheth all her vows, or all her bonds, which [are] upon her: he confirmeth them, because he held his peace at her in the day that he heard [them].

(i) And warn her not the same day that he hears it, as in (Num 30:8).

(Num 30:15) (30:16) But if he breake them after that he hath heard them, then shall he beare her iniquitie.

(Notes Reference) But if he shall any ways (k) make them void after that he hath heard [them]; then he shall bear her iniquity.

(k) Not the same day he heard them, but some day after, the sin will be imputed to him and not to her.

(Num 30:16) (30:17) These are the ordinances which the Lord commanded Moses, betweene a man and his wife, and betweene the father and his daughter, being young in her fathers house.

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Passage 2: Proverbs 21

(Pro 21:1) The Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the riuers of waters: he turneth it whithersoeuer it pleaseth him.

(Notes Reference) The (a) king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it wherever he will.

(a) Though kings seem to have all things at commandment, they are not able to bring their own purposes to pass unless God has appointed: much less are the inferiors able.

(Pro 21:2) Euery way of a man is right in his owne eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.

(Pro 21:3) To doe iustice and iudgement is more acceptable to the Lord then sacrifice.

(Pro 21:4) A hautie looke, and a proude heart, which is the light of the wicked, is sinne.

(Notes Reference) An high look, and a proud heart, [and] the (b) plowing of the wicked, [is] sin.

(b) That is, the thing by which he is guided or which he brings forth as the fruit of his work.

(Pro 21:5) The thoughtes of the diligent doe surely bring abundance: but whosoeuer is hastie, commeth surely to pouertie.

(Notes Reference) The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of (c) every one [that is] hasty only to want.

(c) He who goes rashly about his business and without counsel.

(Pro 21:6) The gathering of treasures by a deceitfull tongue is vanitie tossed to and from of them that seeke death.

(Pro 21:7) The robberie of the wicked shall destroy them: for they haue refused to execute iudgement.

(Notes Reference) The (d) robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

(d) He means this chiefly of judges and princes who leave that calling, to which God has called them, and impoverish their subjects to maintain their lusts.

(Pro 21:8) The way of some is peruerted and strange: but of the pure man, his worke is right.

(Pro 21:9) It is better to dwell in a corner of the house top, then with a contentious woman in a wide house.

(Pro 21:10) The soule of the wicked wisheth euill: and his neighbour hath no fauour in his eyes.

(Pro 21:11) When the scorner is punished, the foolish is wise: and when one instructeth the wise, he wil receiue knowledge.

(Notes Reference) (e) When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

(e) Read (Pro 19:25).

(Pro 21:12) The righteous teacheth the house of the wicked: but God ouerthroweth the wicked for their euill.

(Notes Reference) The righteous [man] wisely (f) considereth the house of the wicked: [but God] overthroweth the wicked for [their] wickedness.

(f) Though the godly admonish them both by words and example of life, yet the wicked will not amend, till God destroys them.

(Pro 21:13) He that stoppeth his eare at the crying of the poore, he shall also cry and not be heard.

(Pro 21:14) A gift in secret pacifieth anger, and a gift in the bosome great wrath.

(Notes Reference) A (g) gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

(g) To do a pleasure to the angry man pacifies him.

(Pro 21:15) It is ioye to the iust to doe iudgement: but destruction shalbe to the workers of iniquitie.

(Pro 21:16) A man that wandreth out of the way of wisdome, shall remaine in the congregation of the dead.

(Pro 21:17) Hee that loueth pastime, shalbe a poore man: and he that loueth wine and oyle, shall not be riche.

(Pro 21:18) The wicked shalbe a ransome for the iust, and the transgressour for the righteous.

(Notes Reference) The (h) wicked [shall be] a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

(h) God will cause that to fall on their own heads, which they intended against the just by delivering the just, and putting the wicked in their places.

(Pro 21:19) It is better to dwell in the wildernesse, then with a contentious and angry woman.

(Pro 21:20) In the house of the wise is a pleasant treasure and oyle: but a foolish man deuoureth it.

(Notes Reference) [There is] a treasure to be desired and (i) oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

(i) Meaning, abundance of all things.

(Pro 21:21) He that followeth after righteousnes and mercy, shall finde life, righteousnes, and glory.

(Pro 21:22) A wise man goeth vp into the citie of the mightie, and casteth downe the strength of the confidence thereof.

(Notes Reference) A (k) wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of its confidence.

(k) Wisdom overcomes strength and confidence in worldly things.

(Pro 21:23) He that keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soule from afflictions.

(Pro 21:24) Proude, hautie and scornefull is his name that worketh in his arrogancie wrath.

(Pro 21:25) The desire of the slouthfull slayeth him: for his hands refuse to worke.

(Notes Reference) The desire of the slothful (l) killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

(l) He thinks to live by wishing and desiring all things, but will make no effort to get anything.

(Pro 21:26) He coueteth euermore greedily, but the righteous giueth and spareth not.

(Pro 21:27) The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: how much more when he bringeth it with a wicked minde?

(Pro 21:28) A false witnes shall perish: but hee that heareth, speaketh continually.

(Notes Reference) A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth (m) speaketh constantly.

(m) He may boldly testify the truth that he has heard.

(Pro 21:29) A wicked man hardeneth his face: but the iust, he will direct his way.

(Pro 21:30) There is no wisedome, neither vnderstanding, nor counsell against the Lord.

(Pro 21:31) The horse is prepared against the day of battell: but saluation is of the Lord.

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Passage 3: John 2-3

(Joh 2:1) And the thirde day, was there a mariage in Cana a towne of Galile, and the mother of Iesus was there.

(Notes Reference) And (1) the (a) third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

(1) Christ, declaring openly in an assembly by a notable miracle that he has power over the nature of things to feed man's body, leads the minds of all men to consider his spiritual and saving strength and power.

(a) After the talk which he had with Nathanael, or after his departure from John, or after he came into Galilee.

(Joh 2:2) And Iesus was called also, and his disciples vnto the mariage.

(Joh 2:3) Nowe when the wine failed, the mother of Iesus saide vnto him, They haue no wine.

(Notes Reference) (2) And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

(2) Christ takes good enough care of our salvation, and therefore has no need of others to remind of it.

(Joh 2:4) Iesus saide vnto her, Woman, what haue I to doe with thee? mine houre is not yet come.

(Notes Reference) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine (b) hour is not yet come.

(b) My appointed time.

(Joh 2:5) His mother saide vnto the seruants, Whatsoeuer he sayeth vnto you, doe it.

(Joh 2:6) And there were set there, sixe waterpots of stone, after the maner of the purifying of the Iewes, conteining two or three firkins a piece.

(Notes Reference) And there were set there six (c) waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three (d) firkins apiece.

(c) These were vessels made for the use of water, in which they washed themselves.

(d) Every firkin contained one hundred pounds, at twelve ounces a pound: By this we gather that Christ helps them with one thousand and eight hundred pounds of wine. (about 135 imperial gallons or 600 litres Ed.)

(Joh 2:7) And Iesus sayde vnto them, Fill the waterpots with water. Then they filled them vp to the brim.

(Joh 2:8) Then he sayde vnto them, Draw out nowe and beare vnto the gouernour of the feast. So they bare it.

(Joh 2:9) Nowe when the gouernour of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, (for he knewe not whence it was: but the seruants, which drewe the water, knewe) the gouernour of ye feast called the bridegrome,

(Joh 2:10) And saide vnto him, All men at the beginning set foorth good wine, and when men haue well drunke, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept backe the good wine vntill nowe.

(Notes Reference) And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have (e) well drunk, then that which is worse: [but] thou hast kept the good wine until now.

(e) Literally, "are drunken". Now this saying, to be drunken, does not always refer to being drunk in the evil sense in the Hebrew language, but sometimes signifies an abundant and plentiful use of wine, which is nonetheless a measured amount, as in (Gen 43:34).

(Joh 2:11) This beginning of miracles did Iesus in Cana a towne of Galile, and shewed forth his glorie: and his disciples beleeued on him.

(Joh 2:12) After that, he went downe into Capernaum, he and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: but they continued not many daies there.

(Notes Reference) After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his (f) brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

(f) That is, his cousins.

(Joh 2:13) For the Iewes Passeouer was at hande. Therefore Iesus went vp to Hierusalem.

(Notes Reference) (3) And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

(3) Christ being made subject to the law for us, satisfies the law of the passover.

(Joh 2:14) And he found in the Temple those that sold oxen, and sheepe, and doues, and changers of money, sitting there.

(Notes Reference) (4) And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:

(4) Christ being ordained to purge the Church with great zeal begins his office both of Priest and Prophet.

(Joh 2:15) Then hee made a scourge of small cordes, and draue them all out of the Temple with the sheepe and oxen, and powred out the changers money, and ouerthrewe the tables,

(Joh 2:16) And said vnto them that solde doues, Take these things hence: make not my fathers house, an house of marchandise.

(Joh 2:17) And his disciples remembred, that it was written, The zeale of thine house hath eaten me vp.

(Notes Reference) And his disciples remembered that it was written, The (g) zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

(g) "Zeal" in this place is taken for a wrathful indignation and displeasure of the mind, brought about when someone deals wickedly and evilly towards those whom we love well.

(Joh 2:18) Then answered the Iewes, and saide vnto him, What signe shewest thou vnto vs, that thou doest these things?

(Notes Reference) (5) Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What (h) sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

(5) Against those who so bind God to an ordinary calling, which they themselves most shamefully abuse, that they will not admit of an extraordinary calling, which God confirms from heaven (and they would have it extinguished, although in vain) unless it is sealed with outward and bodily miracles.

(h) With what miracle do you confirm it, that we may see the heavenly power and strength which gives you authority to speak and to act in this manner?

(Joh 2:19) Iesus answered, and said vnto them, Destroy this Temple, and in three daies I will raise it vp againe.

(Joh 2:20) Then said the Iewes, Fourtie and sixe yeeres was this Temple a building, and wilt thou reare it vp in three daies?

(Joh 2:21) But he spake of the temple of his bodie.

(Notes Reference) But he spake of the (i) temple of his body.

(i) That is, of his body.

(Joh 2:22) Assoone therefore as he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembred that hee thus sayde vnto them: and they beleeued the Scripture, and the worde which Iesus had saide.

(Joh 2:23) Nowe when hee was at Hierusalem at the Passeouer in the feast, many beleeued in his Name, when they sawe his miracles which he did.

(Joh 2:24) But Iesus did not commit him selfe vnto them, because he knewe them all,

(Notes Reference) (6) But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all [men],

(6) It is not good giving credit to those who trust only because of miracles.

(Joh 2:25) And had no neede that any should testifie of man: for he knewe what was in man.

(Notes Reference) (7) And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

(7) Christ is the searcher of hearts, and therefore truly God.

(Joh 3:1) There was nowe a man of the Pharises, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Iewes.

(Notes Reference) There (1) was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a (a) ruler of the Jews:

(1) There are none sometimes more unlearned than the learned, but the learned as well as the unlearned must desire wisdom from Christ only.

(a) A man of great estimation and a ruler amongst the Jews.

(Joh 3:2) This man came to Iesus by night, and sayd vnto him, Rabbi, we knowe ye thou art a teacher come from God: for no man could do these miracles that thou doest, except God were with him.

(Notes Reference) The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a (b) teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, (c) except God be with him.

(b) We know that you are sent from God to teach us.

(c) But he in whom some part of the excellency of God appears. And if Nicodemus had rightly known Christ, he would not only have said that God was with him, but in him, as Paul does in (2Co 1:19).

(Joh 3:3) Iesus answered, and said vnto him, Verely, verely I say vnto thee, except a man be borne againe, he can not see the kingdome of God.

(Notes Reference) (2) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot (d) see the (e) kingdom of God.

(2) The beginning of Christianity consists in this, that we know ourselves not only to be corrupt in part, but to be wholly dead in sin: so that our nature has need to be created anew, with regard to its qualities, which can be done by no other power, but by the divine and heavenly, by which we were first created.

(d) That is, "go in", or "enter", as he expounds himself below in (Joh 3:5).

(e) The Church: for Christ shows here how we come to be citizens and to have anything to do in the city of God.

(Joh 3:4) Nicodemus sayde vnto him, Howe can a man be borne which is olde? can he enter into his mothers wombe againe, and be borne?

(Notes Reference) Nicodemus saith unto him, How (f) can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

(f) How can I who am old be born again? For Nicodemus answers as if Christ's words were only addressed to himself.

(Joh 3:5) Iesus answered, Verely, verely I say vnto thee, except that a man be borne of water and of the Spirite, hee can not enter into the kingdome of God.

(Joh 3:6) That which is borne of the flesh, is flesh: and that that is borne of the Spirit, is spirit.

(Notes Reference) That which is born of the flesh is (g) flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

(g) That is, fleshly, namely, wholly unclean and under the wrath of God: and therefore this word "flesh" signifies the corrupt nature of man: contrary to which is the Spirit, that is, the man ingrafted into Christ through the grace of the Holy Spirit, whose nature is everlasting and immortal, though the strife of the flesh remains.

(Joh 3:7) Marueile not that I said to thee, Yee must be borne againe.

(Joh 3:8) The winde bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it commeth, and whither it goeth: so is euery man that is borne of the Spirit.

(Notes Reference) The wind bloweth where it (h) listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

(h) With free and wandering blasts as it wishes.

(Joh 3:9) Nicodemus answered, and said vnto him, Howe can these things be?

(Notes Reference) (3) Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

(3) The secret mystery of our regeneration which cannot be comprehended by man's capacity, is perceived by faith, and that in Christ only, because he is both God on earth, and man in heaven, that is to say, man in such a way that he is God also, and therefore almighty: and God in such a way that he is man also, and therefore his power is made manifest to us.

(Joh 3:10) Iesus answered, and saide vnto him, Art thou a teacher of Israel, and knowest not these things?

(Joh 3:11) Verely, verely I say vnto thee, wee speake that we know, and testifie that we haue seene: but yee receiue not our witnesse.

(Notes Reference) Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our (i) witness.

(i) You handle doubtful things even though you have no solid basis for believing them, and yet men believe you: but I teach those things that are of a truth and well known, and you do not believe me.

(Joh 3:12) If when I tel you earthly things, ye beleeue not, howe should yee beleeue, if I shall tel you of heauenly things?

(Joh 3:13) For no man ascendeth vp to heauen, but he that hath descended from heauen, that Sonne of man which is in heauen.

(Notes Reference) And no (k) man (l) hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] (m) the Son of man which (n) is in heaven.

(k) Only Christ can teach us heavenly things, for no man ascends, etc.

(l) That is, has any spiritual light and understanding, or ever had any, but only the Son of God who came down to us.

(m) Whereas he is said to have come down from heaven, this must be understood as referring to his Godhead, and of the manner of his conception: for Christ's birth upon the earth was heavenly and not earthly, for he was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

(n) That which is proper to the divinity of Christ, is here spoken of the whole Christ, to show us that he is but one person in which two natures are united.

(Joh 3:14) And as Moses lift vp the serpent in the wildernesse, so must that Sonne of man be lift vp,

(Joh 3:15) That whosoeuer beleeueth in him, shoulde not perish, but haue eternall life.

(Joh 3:16) For God so loued the worlde, that hee hath giuen his onely begotten Sonne, that whosoeuer beleeueth in him, should not perish, but haue euerlasting life.

(Notes Reference) (5) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth (o) in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

(5) Nothing else but the free love of the Father is the beginning of our salvation, and Christ is he in whom our righteousness and salvation dwells: and faith is the instrument or means by which we apprehend it, and everlasting life is that which is set before us to apprehend.

(o) It is not the same to believe in a thing, and to believe about a thing, for we may not believe in anything except in God alone, but we may believe about anything whatever, says Nazianzene in his Oration of the Spirit.

(Joh 3:17) For God sent not his Sonne into the world, that he should condemne the world, but that the world through him might be saued.

(Notes Reference) (6) For God sent not his Son into the world (p) to condemn the world; but that the (q) world through him might be saved.

(6) Christ does not condemn, but rather despising Christ condemns.

(p) That is, to be the cause of the condemning of the world, for indeed sins are the cause of death; however, Christ will still judge the living and the dead.

(q) Not only the people of the Jews, but whoever will believe in him.

(Joh 3:18) Hee that beleeueth in him, is not condemned: but hee that beleeueth not, is condemned already, because he hath not beleeued in the Name of that onely begotten Sonne of God.

(Joh 3:19) And this is the condemnation, that that light came into the worlde, and men loued darknesse rather then that light, because their deedes were euill.

(Notes Reference) (7) And this is the (r) condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

(7) The only reason why men refuse the light that is offered to them is wickedness.

(r) That is, the cause of condemnation, which remains in men, unless through God's great benefit they are delivered from it.

(Joh 3:20) For euery man that euill doeth, hateth the light, neither commeth to light, least his deedes should be reprooued.

(Joh 3:21) But he that doeth trueth, commeth to the light, that his deedes might bee made manifest, that they are wrought according to God.

(Notes Reference) But he that (s) doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought (t) in God.

(s) That is, he that leads an honest life, and is void of all cunning and deceit.

(t) That is, with God, God as it were going before.

(Joh 3:22) After these things, came Iesus and his disciples into the lande of Iudea, and there taried with them, and baptized.

(Joh 3:23) And Iohn also baptized in Enon besides Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

(Joh 3:24) For Iohn was not yet cast into prison.

(Joh 3:25) Then there arose a question betweene Iohns disciples and the Iewes, about purifying.

(Notes Reference) (8) Then there arose a question between [some] of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

(8) Satan inflames the disciples of John with a fond emulation of their master in order to hinder the course of the gospel: but John, being mindful of his office, not only puts a stop to their endeavours, but also takes occasion by that means to give testimony of Christ, that in him alone the Father has set forth everlasting life.

(Joh 3:26) And they came vnto Iohn, and saide vnto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Iorden, to whom thou barest witnesse, behold, he baptizeth, and all men come to him.

(Joh 3:27) Iohn answered, and saide, A man can receiue nothing, except it be giuen him from heauen.

(Notes Reference) John answered and said, A man (u) can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

(u) Why are you trying to better my state? This is every man's lot and portion, that he cannot better himself in the slightest way.

(Joh 3:28) Yee your selues are my witnesses, that I sayde, I am not that Christ, but that I am sent before him.

(Joh 3:29) He that hath the bride, is the bridegrome: but the friend of the bridegrome which standeth and heareth him, reioyceth greatly, because of the bridegromes voyce. This my ioy therefore is fulfilled.

(Joh 3:30) He must increase, but I must decrease.

(Joh 3:31) Hee that is come from an hie, is aboue all: he that is of the earth, is of the earth, and speaketh of the earth: hee that is come from heauen, is aboue all.

(Notes Reference) He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is (x) earthly, and (y) speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

(x) Is nothing else but man, a piece of work made of the slime of the earth.

(y) Is characterized by nothing but corruption, ignorance, dulness, etc.

(Joh 3:32) And what hee hath seene and heard, that he testifieth: but no man receiueth his testimonie.

(Notes Reference) And what he hath (z) seen and heard, that he testifieth; and (a) no man receiveth his testimony.

(z) What he knows fully and perfectly.

(a) That is, very few.

(Joh 3:33) He that hath receiued his testimonie, hath sealed that God is true.

(Joh 3:34) For hee whome God hath sent, speaketh the woordes of God: for God giueth him not the Spirit by measure.

(Joh 3:35) The Father loueth the Sonne, and hath giuen all things into his hande.

(Notes Reference) The Father loveth the Son, and hath (b) given all things into his hand.

(b) Committed them to his power and will.

(Joh 3:36) Hee that beleeueth in the Sonne, hath euerlasting life, and hee that obeyeth not the Sonne, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.

(Notes Reference) He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not (c) see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

(c) Shall not enjoy.