Read Scripture In A Year: April 16

(Num 35:1) And the Lord spake vnto Moses in the plaine of Moab by Iorden, toward Iericho, saying,

(Num 35:2) Commande ye children of Israel, that they giue vnto the Leuites of the inheritace of their possession, cities to dwell in: yee shall giue also vnto the Leuites the suburbes of the cities round about them.

(Notes Reference) Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the (a) Levites of the inheritance of their possession (b) cities to dwell in; and ye shall give [also] unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.

(a) Because they had no inheritance assigned them in the land of Canaan.

(b) God would have them scattered through all the land, because the people might be preserved by them in the obedience of God and his Law.

(Num 35:3) So they shall haue the cities to dwell in, and their suburbes shall be for their cattell, and for their substance, and for all their beasts.

(Num 35:4) And the suburbes of the cities, which ye shall giue vnto the Leuites, from the wall of the citie outward, shalbe a thousand cubites round about.

(Num 35:5) And yee shall measure without the citie of the Eastside, two thousand cubites: and of the Southside, two thousand cubites: and of the Westside, two thousand cubites: and of ye Northside, two thousand cubites: and the citie shalbe in ye middes. this shalbe the measure of the suburbes of their cities.

(Notes Reference) And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side (c) two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits; and the city [shall be] in the midst: this shall be to them the suburbs of the cities.

(Num 35:6) And of the cities which yee shall giue vnto the Leuites, there shalbe sixe cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint, that he which killeth, may flee thither: and to them yee shall adde two and fourtie cities more.

(Num 35:7) All the cities which yee shall giue to the Leuites, shalbe eight and fourtie cities: them shall ye giue with their suburbes.

(Num 35:8) And concerning the cities which yee shall giue, of the possession of the children of Israel: of many ye shall take more, and of few ye shall take lesse: euery one shall giue of his cities vnto the Leuites, according to his inheritance, which hee inheriteth.

(Num 35:9) And the Lord spake vnto Moses, saying,

(Num 35:10) Speake vnto the children of Israel, and say vnto them, When ye be come ouer Iorden into the land of Canaan,

(Num 35:11) Ye shall appoint you cities, to bee cities of refuge for you, that the slayer, which slayeth any person vnwares, may flee thither.

(Num 35:12) And these cities shalbe for you a refuge from the auenger, that he which killeth, die not, vntill he stand before the Congregation in iudgement.

(Notes Reference) And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the (d) avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.

(d) Meaning, from the next of the kindred, who ought to pursue the cause.

(Num 35:13) And of the cities which ye shall giue, sixe cities shall ye haue for refuge.

(Num 35:14) Ye shall appoint three on this side Iorden, and ye shall appoint three cities in the lande of Canaan which shalbe cities of refuge.

(Notes Reference) Ye shall give three cities (e) on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, [which] shall be cities of refuge.

(e) Among the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, (Deu 4:41).

(Num 35:15) These six cities shalbe a refuge for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for him that dwelleth among you, that euery one which killeth any person vnwares, may flee thither.

(Num 35:16) And if one smite another with an instrument of yron that hee die, hee is a murtherer, and the murtherer shall die the death.

(Notes Reference) And if he (f) smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he [is] a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

(f) Wittingly, and willingly.

(Num 35:17) Also if hee smite him by casting a stone, wherewith hee may be slaine, and he die, hee is a murtherer, and the murtherer shall die the death.

(Notes Reference) And if he smite him with throwing a (g) stone, wherewith he may die, and he die, he [is] a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

(g) That is, with a big and dangerous stone: in Hebrew, with a stone of his hand.

(Num 35:18) Or if he smite him with an hand weapon of wood, wherewith he may be slaine, if he die, he is a murtherer, and the murtherer shall die the death.

(Num 35:19) The reuenger of the blood himselfe shall slay the murtherer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.

(Num 35:20) But if hee thrust him of hate, or hurle at him by laying of wait, that he die,

(Num 35:21) Or smite him through enimitie with his hand, that he die, he that smote him shall die ye death: for hee is a murtherer: the reuenger of the blood shall slay the murtherer when he meeteth him.

(Num 35:22) But if he pusshed him vnaduisedly, and not of hatred, or cast vpon him any thing, without laying of waite,

(Num 35:23) Or any stone (whereby he might be slaine) and sawe him not, or caused it to fall vpon him, and he die, and was not his enemie, neither sought him any harme,

(Num 35:24) Then the Congregation shall iudge betweene the slayer and the auenger of blood according to these lawes.

(Notes Reference) Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the (h) revenger of blood according to these judgments:

(h) That is, his next kinsman.

(Num 35:25) And the Congregation shall deliuer the slayer out of the hande of the auenger of blood, and the Congregation shall restore him vnto the citie of his refuge, whither hee was fled: and hee shall abide there vnto the death of the hie Priest, which is anointed with the holy oyle.

(Notes Reference) And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the (i) high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.

(i) Under this figure is declared, that our sins could not be remitted, but by the death of the high Priest Jesus Christ.

(Num 35:26) But if the slayer come without the borders of the citie of his refuge, whither he was fled,

(Num 35:27) And the reuenger of blood finde him without the borders of the citie of his refuge, and the reueger of blood slay ye murtherer, he shalbe giltles,

(Notes Reference) And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the (k) slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:

(k) By the sentence of the judge.

(Num 35:28) Because he should haue remained in the citie of his refuge, vntill the death of the hie Priest: and after the death of the hie Priest, the slayer shall returne vnto the land of his possession.

(Num 35:29) So these thinges shall be a lawe of iudgement vnto you, throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

(Notes Reference) So these [things] shall be for a (l) statute of judgment unto you throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

(l) A law to judge murders done either on purpose, or accidentally.

(Num 35:30) Whosoeuer killeth any person, the Iudge shall slay the murtherer, through witnesses: but one witnesse shall not testifie against a person to cause him to die.

(Num 35:31) Moreouer ye shall take no recompense for the life of the murtherer, which is worthy to die: but he shalbe put to death.

(Notes Reference) Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which [is] (m) guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.

(m) Who purposely committed murder.

(Num 35:32) Also ye shall take no recompense for him that is fled to the citie of his refuge, that he should come againe, and dwell in the lande, before the death of the hie Priest.

(Num 35:33) So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye shall dwell: for blood defileth the land: and the land cannot be clensed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

(Notes Reference) So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye [are]: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be (n) cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

(n) So God is mindful of the blood wrongfully shed, that he makes his dumb creatures demand vengeance of it.

(Num 35:34) Defile not therefore the lande which yee shall inhabite, For I dwell in the middes thereof: for I the Lord dwel among the children of Israel.

Passage 2: Proverbs 26

(Pro 26:1) As the snowe in the sommer, and as the raine in the haruest are not meete, so is honour vnseemely for a foole.

(Pro 26:2) As the sparowe by flying, and the swallow by flying escape, so the curse that is causeles, shall not come.

(Pro 26:3) Vnto the horse belongeth a whip, to the asse a bridle, and a rod to the fooles backe.

(Pro 26:4) Answer not a foole according to his foolishnes, least thou also be like him.

(Notes Reference) Answer not a fool (a) according to his folly, lest thou also be like him.

(a) Consent not to him in his doings.

(Pro 26:5) Answere a foole according to his foolishnes, least he be wise in his owne conceite.

(Notes Reference) Answer a fool (b) according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

(b) Reprove him as the matter requires.

(Pro 26:6) He that sendeth a message by the hand of a foole, is as he that cutteth off the feete, and drinketh iniquitie.

(Notes Reference) He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off (c) the feet, (d) [and] drinketh damage.

(d) That is, receives damage by it.

(Pro 26:7) As they that lift vp the legs of the lame, so is a parable in a fooles mouth.

(Pro 26:8) As the closing vp of a precious stone in an heape of stones, so is he that giueth glory to a foole.

(Pro 26:9) As a thorne standing vp in the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fooles.

(Notes Reference) [As] a thorn goeth (e) up into the hand of a drunkard, so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools.

(e) By which he hurts both himself and others.

(Pro 26:10) The excellent that formed all things, both rewardeth the foole and rewardeth the transgressers.

(Notes Reference) (f) The great [God] that formed all [things] both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

(f) Meaning God.

(Pro 26:11) As a dog turneth againe to his owne vomit, so a foole turneth to his foolishnes.

(Pro 26:12) Seest thou a man wise in his owne conceite? more hope is of a foole then of him.

(Notes Reference) Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] (g) more hope of a fool than of him.

(g) For the fool would rather be counselled than he: also the fool sins out of ignorance, and the other out of malice.

(Pro 26:13) The slouthfull man sayth, A lyon is in the way: a lyon is in the streetes.

(Notes Reference) The slothful [man] saith, (h) [There is] a lion in the way; a lion [is] in the streets.

(h) Read (Pro 22:13).

(Pro 26:14) As the doore turneth vpon his hinges, so doeth the slouthfull man vpon his bed.

(Pro 26:15) The slouthfull hideth his hand in his bosome, and it grieueth him to put it againe to his mouth.

(Pro 26:16) The sluggard is wiser in his owne conceite, then seuen men that can render a reason.

(Pro 26:17) He that passeth by and medleth with the strife that belongeth not vnto him, is as one that taketh a dog by the eares.

(Pro 26:18) As he that faineth himselfe mad, casteth fire brands, arrowes, and mortall things,

(Pro 26:19) So dealeth the deceitfull man with his friend and sayth, Am not I in sport?

(Notes Reference) So [is] the man [that] deceiveth (i) his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

(i) Who disguises himself to be that which he is not.

(Pro 26:20) Without wood the fire is quenched, and without a talebearer strife ceaseth.

(Pro 26:21) As ye cole maketh burning coles, and wood a fire, so the contentious man is apt to kindle strife.

(Pro 26:22) The wordes of a tale bearer are as flatterings, and they goe downe into the bowels of the belly.

(Pro 26:23) As siluer drosse ouerlayde vpon a potsheard, so are burning lips, and an euill heart.

(Notes Reference) Burning lips and (k) a wicked heart [are like] a potsherd covered with silver dross.

(k) They will soon break out and utter themselves.

(Pro 26:24) He that hateth, will counterfaite with his lips, but in his heart he layeth vp deceite.

(Pro 26:25) Though he speake fauourably, beleeue him not: for there are seuen abominations in his heart.

(Notes Reference) When he speaketh kindly, believe him not: for [there are] (l) seven abominations in his heart.

(l) Meaning many: he uses a certain number for the uncertain.

(Pro 26:26) Hatred may be couered by deceite: but the malice thereof shall be discouered in the congregation.

(Notes Reference) [Whose] hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be revealed before the [whole] (m) congregation.

(m) In the assembly of the godly.

(Pro 26:27) He that diggeth a pit shall fall therein, and he that rolleth a stone, it shall returne vnto him.

(Pro 26:28) A false tongue hateth the afflicted, and a flattering mouth causeth ruine.

Passage 3: John 8

(Joh 8:1) And Iesus went vnto the mount of Oliues,

(Joh 8:2) And early in the morning came againe into the Temple, and all the people came vnto him, and he sate downe, and taught them.

(Joh 8:3) Then the Scribes, and the Pharises brought vnto him a woman, taken in adulterie, and set her in the middes,

(Notes Reference) (1) And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

(1) While the wicked go about to make a snare for good men, they make a snare for themselves.

(Joh 8:4) And said vnto him, Master, we foud this woman committing adulterie, euen in the very acte.

(Joh 8:5) Now Moses in our Law commanded, that such should be stoned: what sayest thou therefore?

(Joh 8:6) And this they saide to tempt him, that they might haue, whereof to accuse him. But Iesus stouped downe, and with his finger wrote on the groud.

(Joh 8:7) And while they continued asking him, hee lift himselfe vp, and sayde vnto them, Let him that is among you without sinne, cast the first stone at her.

(Notes Reference) (2) So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

(2) Against hypocrites who are very severe judges against other men, and flatter themselves while they are sinning.

(Joh 8:8) And againe hee stouped downe, and wrote on the ground.

(Joh 8:9) And when they heard it, being accused by their owne conscience, they went out one by one, beginning at ye eldest euen to the last: so Iesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the mids.

(Joh 8:10) When Iesus had lift vp himselfe againe, and sawe no man, but the woman, hee saide vnto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

(Notes Reference) (3) When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

(3) Christ would not take upon himself the office of the civil magistrate: he was content to bring sinners to faith and repentance.

(Joh 8:11) She said, No man, Lord. And Iesus said, Neither do I condemne thee: go and sinne no more.

(Joh 8:12) Then spake Iesus againe vnto them, saying, I am that light of the worlde: hee that followeth mee, shall not walke in darkenes, but shall haue that light of life.

(Notes Reference) (4) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

(4) The world, which is blind in itself, cannot come to have any light but in Christ alone.

(Joh 8:13) The Pharises therefore saide vnto him, Thou bearest recorde of thy selfe: thy recorde is not true.

(Notes Reference) (5) The Pharisees therefore said unto him, (a) Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.

(5) Christ is without all exception the best witness of the truth, for he was sent by his Father for that purpose, and his Father showed his approval of him to the world by infinite miracles.

(a) You bear witness of yourself, which is worth nothing in the opinion of all men, and for a man to commend himself is very uncommendable.

(Joh 8:14) Iesus answered, and sayde vnto them, Though I beare recorde of my selfe, yet my recorde is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go: but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I goe.

(Notes Reference) Jesus answered and said unto them, (b) Though I bear record of myself, [yet] my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

(b) That which he denied before in (Joh 5:31) must be understood as Christ granting their position in a way, for in that place he talked of himself somewhat in line with the opinions of his hearers, who acknowledged nothing in Christ but his humanity, and therefore he was content they should not regard his own witness, unless it were otherwise confirmed. But in this place he stands and affirms Godhead, and praises his Father, who is his witness, and agrees with him.

(Joh 8:15) Ye iudge after the flesh: I iudge no man.

(Notes Reference) Ye judge after the flesh; I (c) judge no man.

(c) I am presently only teaching you, I condemn no man: but yet if I want to do it, I might lawfully do it, for I am not alone, but my Father is with me.

(Joh 8:16) And if I also iudge, my iudgement is true: for I am not alone, but I, and the Father, that sent mee.

(Joh 8:17) And it is also written in your Lawe, that the testimonie of two men is true.

(Joh 8:18) I am one that beare witnes of my selfe, and the Father that sent me, beareth witnes of me.

(Notes Reference) (d) I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

(d) The Godhead is plainly distinguished from the manhood, or else there would not be two witnesses: for the accused party is not taken as a witness.

(Joh 8:19) Then saide they vnto him, Where is that Father of thine? Iesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor that Father of mine. If ye had knowen me, ye should haue knowen that Father of mine also.

(Notes Reference) (6) Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.

(6) No man can know God except in Christ alone.

(Joh 8:20) These wordes spake Iesus in the treasurie, as hee taught in the Temple, and no man layde handes on him: for his houre was not yet come.

(Notes Reference) These words spake Jesus in the (e) treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; (7) for his hour was not yet come.

(e) This was a certain place appointed for the gathering of the offerings. (7) We live and die according to the pleasure of God, and not of men: therefore it behooves us that we constantly go forward in our calling.

(Joh 8:21) Then saide Iesus againe vnto them, I goe my way, and ye shall seeke me, and shall die in your sinnes, Whither I goe, can ye not come.

(Notes Reference) (8) Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

(8) Because men naturally abhor heavenly things, no man can be a fit disciple of Christ unless the Spirit of God makes him so: in the meantime nonetheless, the world must necessarily perish, because it refuses the life that is offered unto it.

(Joh 8:22) Then said the Iewes, Will he kill himselfe, because he saith, Whither I goe, can ye not come?

(Joh 8:23) And hee saide vnto them, Ye are from beneath, I am from aboue: ye are of this world, I am not of this worlde.

(Joh 8:24) I said therefore vnto you, That ye shall die in your sinnes: for except ye beleeue, that I am he, ye shall die in your sinnes.

(Joh 8:25) Then saide they vnto him, Who art thou? And Iesus saide vnto them, Euen the same thing that I said vnto you from the beginning.

(Notes Reference) (9) Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even (f) [the same] that I said unto you from the beginning.

(9) He will eventually know who Christ is who will diligently hear what Christ says.

(f) That is, I am Christ, and the Saviour, for so I told you from the beginning that I was.

(Joh 8:26) I haue many things to say, and to iudge of you: but he that sent me, is true, and the things that I haue heard of him, those speake I to the world.

(Notes Reference) (10) I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.

(10) God is the avenger of Christ's despised doctrine.

(Joh 8:27) They vnderstoode not that hee spake to them of the Father.

(Notes Reference) (11) They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.

(11) Even the contempt of Christ results in his glory: and this thing his enemies will eventually feel to their great pain.

(Joh 8:28) Then said Iesus vnto them, When ye haue lift vp the Sonne of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I doe nothing of my selfe, but as my Father hath taught me, so I speake these things.

(Joh 8:29) For he that sent me, is with me: the Father hath not left me alone, because I do alwayes those things that please him.

(Joh 8:30) As hee spake these thinges, many beleeued in him.

(Joh 8:31) Then saide Iesus to the Iewes which beleeued in him, If ye continue in my worde, ye are verely my disciples,

(Notes Reference) (12) Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed;

(12) The true disciples of Christ continue in his doctrine, that profiting more and more in the knowledge of the truth they may be delivered from the most grievous burden of sin, into the true liberty of righteousness and life.

(Joh 8:32) And shall know the trueth, and the trueth shall make you free.

(Notes Reference) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall (g) make you free.

(g) From the slavery of sin.

(Joh 8:33) They answered him, Wee be Abrahams seede, and were neuer bonde to any man: why sayest thou then, Ye shalbe made free?

(Notes Reference) (h) They answered him, We be (i) Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

(h) Some of the multitude, not they that believed: for this is not the speech of men that agree with him, but of men that are against him.

(i) Born and begotten of Abraham.

(Joh 8:34) Iesus answered them, Verely, verely I say vnto you, that whosoeuer committeth sinne, is the seruant of sinne.

(Joh 8:35) And the seruant abideth not in the house for euer: but the Sonne abideth for euer.

(Joh 8:36) If that Sonne therefore shall make you free, ye shalbe free in deede.

(Joh 8:37) I know that ye are Abrahams seede, but yee seeke to kill mee, because my worde hath no place in you.

(Notes Reference) (13) I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.

(13) Our wicked manners declare that we are obviously born of a wicked nature: but we are changed, and made part of the household of God according to the covenant which he made with Abraham by Christ alone, apprehended and laid hold on by faith: and this faith is known by a godly and honest life.

(Joh 8:38) I speake that which I haue seene with my Father: and ye doe that which ye haue seene with your father.

(Joh 8:39) They answered, and saide vnto him, Abraham is our father. Iesus said vnto them, If ye were Abrahams children, ye woulde doe the workes of Abraham.

(Joh 8:40) But nowe ye goe about to kill mee, a man that haue told you the trueth, which I haue heard of God: this did not Abraham.

(Joh 8:41) Ye do the workes of your father. Then said they to him, We are not borne of fornication: we haue one Father, which is God.

(Joh 8:42) Therefore Iesus sayde vnto them, If God were your Father, then woulde ye loue mee: for I proceeded foorth, and came from God, neither came I of my selfe, but he sent me.

(Joh 8:43) Why doe ye not vnderstande my talke? because ye cannot heare my worde.

(Notes Reference) Why do ye not understand my (k) speech? [even] because ye cannot hear my word.

(k) Or, language: as though he said, "You do not understand what I say any more than if I spoke in a strange and unknown language to you."

(Joh 8:44) Ye are of your father the deuill, and the lustes of your father ye will doe: hee hath bene a murtherer from the beginning, and abode not in the trueth, because there is no trueth in him. When hee speaketh a lie, then speaketh hee of his owne: for he is a liar, and the father thereof.

(Notes Reference) Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the (l) beginning, and (m) abode not in the (n) truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his (o) own: for he is a liar, and the (p) father of it.

(l) From the beginning of the world: for as soon as man was made, the devil cast him headlong into death.

(m) That is, did not continue constantly, or did not remain.

(n) That is, in faithfulness and uprightness, that is, he did not remain in the manner in which he was created.

(o) Even from his own head, and from his own mind or disposition.

(p) The author of it.

(Joh 8:45) And because I tell you the trueth, yee beleeue me not.

(Joh 8:46) Which of you can rebuke me of sinne? and if I say the trueth, why do ye not beleeue me?

(Notes Reference) (14) Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

(14) Christ thoroughly executed the office that his Father gave him.

(Joh 8:47) He that is of God, heareth Gods wordes: yee therefore heare them not, because ye are not of God.

(Joh 8:48) Then answered the Iewes, and said vnto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritane, and hast a deuil?

(Notes Reference) (15) Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

(15) The enemies of Christ act bravely for a while, but the Father will appear in his time to avenge the reproach that is done unto him in the person of his Son.

(Joh 8:49) Iesus answered, I haue not a deuil, but I honour my Father, and ye haue dishonoured me.

(Joh 8:50) And I seeke not mine owne praise: but there is one that seeketh it, and iudgeth.

(Notes Reference) And I seek not mine own glory: there is one (q) that seeketh and judgeth.

(q) That is, that will avenge both your despising of me and of him.

(Joh 8:51) Verely, verely I say vnto you, If a man keepe my word, he shall neuer see death.

(Notes Reference) (16) Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never (r) see death.

(16) Only the doctrine of the gospel apprehended by faith is a sure remedy against death.

(r) That is, he will not feel it: for even in the midst of death the faithful see life.

(Joh 8:52) Then said the Iewes to him, Now know we that thou hast a deuill. Abraham is dead, and the Prophets: and thou sayest, If a man keepe my worde, he shall neuer taste of death.

(Notes Reference) (17) Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.

(17) Against those who abuse the glory of the saints to debase Christ's glory.

(Joh 8:53) Art thou greater then our father Abraham, which is dead? and the Prophets are dead: whome makest thou thy selfe?

(Joh 8:54) Iesus answered, If I honour my selfe, mine honour is nothing worth: it is my Father that honoureth me, whome ye say, that hee is your God.

(Notes Reference) (18) Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is (s) nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:

(18) There is no one further from seeking glory than Christ, but his Father has set him above all things.

(s) In saying this Christ grants their opinion, though not agreeing with it, as if he had said, "Be it so, let this report which I give of myself be of no force; yet there is another that glorifies me, that is, that honours my name."

(Joh 8:55) Yet ye haue not knowen him: but I knowe him, and if I should say I know him not, I should be a liar like vnto you: but I knowe him, and keepe his worde.

(Notes Reference) (19) Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.

(19) There is no right knowledge of God without Christ, neither is there any right knowledge of Christ without his word.

(Joh 8:56) Your father Abraham reioyced to see my day, and he sawe it, and was glad.

(Notes Reference) (20) Your father Abraham (t) rejoiced to see my (u) day: and he (x) saw [it], and was glad.

(20) The power of Christ showed itself through all former ages in the fathers, for they saw in the promises that he would come, and very joyfully laid hold of him with a living faith.

(t) Was very desirous.

(u) A day is a space that a man lives in, or does any notable act in, or endures any great thing in.

(x) With the eyes of faith; (Heb 11:13).

(Joh 8:57) Then sayd ye Iewes vnto him, Thou art not yet fiftie yeere olde, and hast thou seene Abraham?

(Joh 8:58) Iesus sayd vnto them, Verely, verely I say vnto you, before Abraham was, I am.

(Notes Reference) Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I (y) am.

(y) Christ, as he was God, was before Abraham: and he was the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world.

(Joh 8:59) Then tooke they vp stones, to cast at him, but Iesus hid himselfe, and went out of the Temple: And hee passed through the middes of them, and so went his way.

(Notes Reference) (21) Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

(21) Zeal without knowledge eventually breaks out into a most open madness: and yet the wicked cannot do what they desire.