Read Scripture In A Year: April 21

Passage 1: Deuteronomy 4

(Deu 4:1) Nowe therefore hearken, O Israel, vnto the ordinances and to the lawes which I teache you to doe, that ye may liue and goe in, and possesse the lande, which the Lord God of your fathers giueth you.

(Notes Reference) Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to (a) do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

(a) For this doctrine stands not in bare knowledge, but in practice of life.

(Deu 4:2) Ye shall put nothing vnto the word which I command you, neither shall ye take ought there from, that ye may keepe the commandements of the Lord your God which I commande you.

(Notes Reference) Ye shall (b) not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye (c) diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

(b) Think not to be more wise than I am.

(Deu 4:3) Your eyes haue seene what the Lord did because of Baal-Peor, for al the men that folowed Baal-Peor the Lord thy God hath destroyed euery one from among you.

(Notes Reference) Your (d) eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you.

(d) God's judgments executed on other idolaters ought to serve for our instruction, read (Num_25:3-4).

(Deu 4:4) But ye that did cleaue vnto the Lord your God, are aliue euery one of you this day.

(Notes Reference) But ye that did (e) cleave unto the LORD your God [are] alive every one of you this day.

(e) And were not idolaters.

(Deu 4:5) Behold, I haue taught you ordinances, and lawes, as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should doe euen so within the land whither ye goe to possesse it.

(Deu 4:6) Keepe them therefore, and doe them; for that is your wisdome, and your vnderstanding in the sight of the people, which shall heare all these ordinances, and shall say, Onely this people is wise, and of vnderstanding, and a great nation.

(Notes Reference) Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your (f) wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people.

(f) Because all men naturally desire wisdom, he shows how to attain it.

(Deu 4:7) For what nation is so great, vnto whome the gods come so neere vnto them, as the Lord our God is neere vnto vs, in all that we call vnto him for?

(Notes Reference) For what nation [is there so] great, who [hath] God [so] (g) nigh unto them, as the LORD our God [is] in all [things that] we call upon him [for]?

(g) Helping us, and delivering us out of all dangers, as in (2Sa_7:23).

(Deu 4:8) And what nation is so great, that hath ordinances and lawes so righteous, as all this Lawe, which I set before you this day?

(Deu 4:9) But take heede to thy selfe, and keepe thy soule diligently, that thou forget not the thinges which thine eyes haue seene, and that they depart not out of thine heart, all the dayes of thy life: but teach them thy sonnes, and thy sonnes sonnes:

(Notes Reference) Only take heed to thyself, and (h) keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;

(h) He adds all these words, to show that we can never be careful enough to keep the law of God and to teach it to our posterity.

(Deu 4:10) Forget not the day that thou stoodest before the Lord thy God in Horeb, when the Lord said vnto me, Gather me the people together, and I wil cause them heare my wordes, that they may learne to feare me all the dayes that they shall liue vpon the earth, and that they may teache their children:

(Deu 4:11) Then came you neere and stoode vnder the mountaine, and the mountaine burnt with fire vnto the mids of heauen, and there was darkenesse, cloudes and mist.

(Notes Reference) And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain (i) burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.

(i) The law was given with fearful miracles, to declare both that God was the author of it, and also that no flesh was able to abide the rigour of the same.

(Deu 4:12) And the Lord spake vnto you out of the middes of the fire, and ye heard the voyce of the wordes, but sawe no similitude, saue a voyce.

(Deu 4:13) Then hee declared vnto you his couenant which he commanded you to doe, euen the ten commandements, and wrote them vpon two tables of stone.

(Notes Reference) And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to (k) perform, [even] ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.

(k) God joins this condition to his covenant.

(Deu 4:14) And the Lord commanded me that same time, that I should teach you ordinances and lawes, which ye should obserue in the lande, whither ye goe, to possesse it.

(Deu 4:15) Take therefore good heede vnto your selues: for ye sawe no image in the day that the Lord spake vnto you in Horeb out of the middes of the fire:

(Notes Reference) Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no (l) manner of similitude on the day [that] the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:

(l) Signifying, that destruction is prepared for all who make any image to represent God.

(Deu 4:16) That ye corrupt not your selues, and make you a grauen image or representation of any figure: whither it be the likenes of male or female,

(Deu 4:17) The likenes of any beast that is on earth, or the likenesse of any fethered foule that flieth in the aire:

(Deu 4:18) Or the likenesse of any thing that creepeth on the earth, or the likenesse of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth,

(Deu 4:19) And lest thou lift vp thine eyes vnto heauen, and when thou seest the sunne and the moone and the starres with all the host of heauen, shouldest bee driuen to worship them and serue them, which the Lord thy God hath distributed to all people vnder the whole heauen.

(Notes Reference) And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, [even] all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath (m) divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.

(m) He has appointed them to serve man.

(Deu 4:20) But the Lord hath taken you and brought you out of the yron fornace: out of Egypt to be vnto him a people and inheritance, as appeareth this day.

(Notes Reference) But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the (n) iron furnace, [even] out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as [ye are] this day.

(n) He has delivered you out of most miserable slavery and freely chosen you for his.

(Deu 4:21) And the Lord was angrie with me for your words, and sware that I should not goe ouer Iorden, and that I should not goe in vnto that good land, which the Lord thy God giueth thee for an inheritance.

(Deu 4:22) For I must die in this land, and shall not go ouer Iorden: but ye shall goe ouer, and possesse that good land.

(Notes Reference) But I must die in this land, I must not go over Jordan: but (o) ye shall go over, and possess that good land.

(o) Moses good affection appears in that while he himself is deprived of such an excellent treasure, he does not envy those who must enjoy it.

(Deu 4:23) Take heede vnto your selues, least ye forget the couenant of the Lord your God which hee made with you, and least ye make you any grauen image, or likenes of any thing, as the Lord thy God hath charged thee.

(Deu 4:24) For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, and a ielous God.

(Notes Reference) For the LORD thy God [is] a (p) consuming fire, [even] a jealous God.

(p) To those that come not to him with love and reverence, but rebel against him.

(Deu 4:25) When thou shalt beget children and childrens children, and shalt haue remained long in the land, if ye corrupt your selues, and make any grauen image, or likenes of any thing, and worke euill in the sight of the Lord thy God, to prouoke him to anger,

(Notes Reference) When thou shalt beget children, and children's children, and ye shall have remained long in the land, and shall (q) corrupt [yourselves], and make a graven image, [or] the likeness of any [thing], and shall do evil in the sight of the LORD thy God, to provoke him to anger:

(q) Meaning by this all superstition and corruption of the true service of God.

(Deu 4:26) I call heauen and earth to record against you this day, that ye shall shortly perish from the land, whereunto ye goe ouer Iorden to possesse it: ye shall not prolong your dayes therein, but shall vtterly be destroyed.

(Notes Reference) I (r) call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong [your] days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed.

(r) Though men would abuse you, yet the insensible creatures will be witnesses of your disobedience.

(Deu 4:27) And the Lord shall scatter you among the people, and ye shall be left few in nomber among the nations, whither the Lord shall bring you:

(Notes Reference) And the LORD shall (s) scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you.

(s) So that his curse will make his former blessings ineffectual.

(Deu 4:28) And there ye shall serue gods, euen ye worke of mans hand, wood, and stone, which neither see, nor heare, nor eate, nor smelll.

(Deu 4:29) But if from thence thou shalt seeke the Lord thy God, thou shalt finde him, if thou seeke him with all thine heart, and with all thy soule.

(Notes Reference) But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find [him], if thou seek him with all thy (t) heart and with all thy soul.

(t) Not with outward show or ceremony, but with a true confession of your faults.

(Deu 4:30) When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come vpon thee, at the length if thou returne to the Lord thy God, and bee obedient vnto his voyce,

(Deu 4:31) (For the Lord thy God is a mercifull God) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the couenant of thy fathers, which hee sware vnto them.

(Notes Reference) (For the LORD thy God [is] a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he (u) sware unto them.

(u) To certify to them even more the assurance of their salvation.

(Deu 4:32) For inquire now of the dayes that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man vpon the earth, and aske from the one ende of heauen vnto the other, if there came to passe such a great thing as this, or whether any such like thing hath bene heard.

(Notes Reference) For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and (x) [ask] from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been [any such thing] as this great thing [is], or hath been heard like it?

(x) Man's negligence is partially the cause for his ignorance of God.

(Deu 4:33) Did euer people heare the voyce of God speaking out of the middes of a fire, as thou hast heard, and liued?

(Deu 4:34) Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from among nations, by tentations, by signes, and by wonders, and by warre, and by a mightie hand, and by a stretched out arme, and by great feare, according vnto all that the Lord your God did vnto you in Egypt before your eyes?

(Notes Reference) Or hath God assayed to go [and] take him a nation from the midst of [another] nation, by (y) temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?

(y) By so manifest proofs that none could doubt of it.

(Deu 4:35) Vnto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest knowe, that the Lord hee is God, and that there is none but he alone.

(Notes Reference) Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest (z) know that the LORD he [is] God; [there is] none else beside him.

(z) He shows the reason why God did these miracles.

(Deu 4:36) Out of heauen hee made thee heare his voyce to instruct thee, and vpon earth he shewed thee his great fire, and thou heardest his voyce out of the middes of the fire.

(Deu 4:37) And because hee loued thy fathers, therefore hee chose their seede after them, and hath brought thee out of Egypt in his sight by his mightie power,

(Notes Reference) And because (a) he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt;

(a) Freely, and not because they deserved it.

(Deu 4:38) To thrust out nations greater and mightier then thou, before thee, to bring thee in, and to giue thee their land for inheritance: as appeareth this day.

(Deu 4:39) Vnderstande therefore this day, and consider in thine heart, that the Lord, he is God in heauen aboue, and vpon the earth beneath: there is none other.

(Deu 4:40) Thou shalt keepe therefore his ordinances, and his commandements which I commaund thee this day, that it may goe well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayst prolong thy dayes vpon the earth, which the Lord thy God giueth thee for euer.

(Notes Reference) Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may (b) go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong [thy] days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.

(b) God promises reward not for our merits, but to encourage us, and to assure us that our labour will not be lost.

(Deu 4:41) Then Moses separated three cities on this side of Iorden toward the sunne rising:

(Deu 4:42) That the slayer should flee thither, which had killed his neighbour at vnwares, and hated him not in time past, might flee, I say, vnto one of those cities, and liue:

(Deu 4:43) That is, Bezer in the wildernesse, in the plaine countrey of the Reubenites: and Ramoth in Gilead among the Gadites: and Golan in Bashan among them of Manasseh.

(Deu 4:44) So this is the law which Moses set before the children of Israel.

(Deu 4:45) These are the witnesses, and the ordinances, and the lawes which Moses declared to the children of Israel after they came out of Egypt,

(Notes Reference) These [are] the (c) testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, after they came forth out of Egypt,

(Deu 4:46) On this side Iorden, in the valley ouer against Beth-peor, in the land of Sihon King of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon, whom Moses and the children of Israel smote, after they were come out of Egypt:

(Deu 4:47) And they possessed his land, and the lande of Og King of Bashan, two Kings of the Amorites, which were on this side Iorden towarde the sunne rising:

(Deu 4:48) From Aroer, which is by the banke of the riuer Arnon, euen vnto mount Sion, which is Hermon,

(Deu 4:49) And all the plaine by Iorden Eastwarde, euen vnto the Sea, of ye plaine, vnder the springs of Pisgah.

(Notes Reference) And all the plain on this side Jordan eastward, even unto (d) the sea of the plain, under the springs of Pisgah.

(d) That is, the salt sea.

Passage 2: Proverbs 31

(Pro 31:1) The words of king Lemuel: The prophecie which his mother taught him.

(Notes Reference) The words of king (a) Lemuel, the (b) prophecy that his mother taught him.

(a) That is, of Solomon who was called Lemuel, that is, of God, because God had ordained him to be king over Israel.

(b) The doctrine which his mother Bathsheba taught him.

(Pro 31:2) What my sonne! and what ye sonne of my wombe! and what, O sonne of my desires!

(Notes Reference) What, my son? and what, the son of (c) my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

(Pro 31:3) Giue not thy strength vnto women, nor thy wayes, which is to destroy Kings.

(Notes Reference) Give not thy strength to women, (d) nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

(d) Meaning, that women are the destruction of kings, if they hunt them.

(Pro 31:4) It is not for Kings, O Lemuel, it is not for Kings to drink wine nor for princes strog drinke,

(Notes Reference) [It is] not for kings, O Lemuel, [it is] not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes (e) strong drink:

(e) That is, the king must not give himself to wantonness, and neglect of his office, which is to execute judgment.

(Pro 31:5) Lest he drinke and forget the decree, and change the iudgement of all the children of affliction.

(Pro 31:6) Giue ye strong drinke vnto him that is readie to perish, and wine vnto them that haue griefe of heart.

(Pro 31:7) Let him drinke, that he may forget his pouertie, and remember his miserie no more.

(Notes Reference) Let him drink, and forget (f) his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

(f) For wine comforts the heart as in (Psa 104:15).

(Pro 31:8) Open thy mouth for the domme in the cause of all the children of destruction.

(Notes Reference) Open thy mouth for the (g) dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

(g) Defend their cause that are not able to help themselves.

(Pro 31:9) Open thy mouth: iudge righteously, and iudge the afflicted, and the poore.

(Pro 31:10) Who shall finde a vertuous woman? for her price is farre aboue the pearles.

(Pro 31:11) The heart of her husband trusteth in her, and he shall haue no neede of spoyle.

(Notes Reference) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of (h) spoil.

(h) He will not need to use any unlawful means to gain his living.

(Pro 31:12) She will doe him good, and not euill all the dayes of her life.

(Pro 31:13) She seeketh wooll and flaxe, and laboureth cheerefully with her handes.

(Pro 31:14) She is like the shippes of marchants: shee bringeth her foode from afarre.

(Pro 31:15) And she riseth, whiles it is yet night: and giueth the portion to her houshold, and the ordinarie to her maides.

(Notes Reference) She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth food to her household, and a (i) portion to her maidens.

(i) She prepares their food early.

(Pro 31:16) She considereth a field, and getteth it: and with the fruite of her handes she planteth a vineyarde.

(Notes Reference) She considereth a field, and (k) buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

(k) She purchases it with the gains of her travail.

(Pro 31:17) She girdeth her loynes with strength, and strengtheneth her armes.

(Pro 31:18) She feeleth that her marchandise is good: her candle is not put out by night.

(Pro 31:19) She putteth her handes to the wherue, and her handes handle the spindle.

(Pro 31:20) She stretcheth out her hand to the poore, and putteth foorth her hands to the needie.

(Pro 31:21) She feareth not the snowe for her familie: for all her familie is clothed with skarlet.

(Pro 31:22) She maketh her selfe carpets: fine linen and purple is her garment.

(Pro 31:23) Her husband is knowen in the gates, when he sitteth with the Elders of the land.

(Notes Reference) Her husband is known in the (l) gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

(l) In the assemblies and places of judgment.

(Pro 31:24) She maketh sheetes, and selleth them, and giueth girdels vnto the marchant.

(Pro 31:25) Strength and honour is her clothing, and in the latter day she shall reioyce.

(Notes Reference) (m) Strength and honour [are] her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

(m) After he had spoken of the apparel of the body, he now declares the apparel of the spirit.

(Pro 31:26) She openeth her mouth with wisdome, and the lawe of grace is in her tongue.

(Notes Reference) She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and on her tongue [is] the (n) law of kindness.

(n) Her tongue is a book by which one might learn many good things: for she delights to talk of the word of God.

(Pro 31:27) She ouerseeth the wayes of her housholde, and eateth not the bread of ydlenes.

(Pro 31:28) Her children rise vp, and call her blessed: her husband also shall prayse her, saying,

(Notes Reference) Her children rise up, and (o) call her blessed; her husband [also], and he praiseth her.

(o) That is, do her reverence.

(Pro 31:29) Many daughters haue done vertuously: but thou surmountest them all.

(Pro 31:30) Fauour is deceitfull, and beautie is vanitie: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praysed.

(Pro 31:31) Giue her of the fruite of her hands, and let her owne workes prayse her in the gates.

(Notes Reference) Give (p) her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the (q) gates.

(p) Confess her diligent labours, and commend her therefore.

(q) Forasmuch as the most honourable are clad in the apparel that she made.

Passage 3: John 15-16

(Joh 15:1) I Am that true vine, and my Father is that husband man.

(Notes Reference) I (1) am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

(1) We are by nature dry and fit for nothing but the fire. Therefore, in order that we may live and be fruitful, we must first be grafted into Christ, as it were into a vine, by the Father's hand: and then be daily moulded with a continual meditation of the word, and the cross: otherwise it will not avail any man at all to have been grafted unless he cleaves fast to the vine, and so draws juice out of it.

(Joh 15:2) Euery branch that beareth not fruite in me, he taketh away: and euery one that beareth fruite, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruite.

(Joh 15:3) Nowe are ye cleane through the worde, which I haue spoken vnto you.

(Joh 15:4) Abide in me, and I in you: as the branche cannot beare fruite of it selfe, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

(Joh 15:5) I am that vine: ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruite: for without me can ye doe nothing.

(Joh 15:6) If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branche, and withereth: and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they burne.

(Joh 15:7) If ye abide in me, and my wordes abide in you, aske what ye wil, and it shalbe done to you.

(Notes Reference) (2) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

(2) Whoever rests in Christ's doctrine abides in him, and therefore brings forth good fruit, and the Father will not deny anything to such a person as this.

(Joh 15:8) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye beare much fruite, and be made my disciples.

(Notes Reference) (a) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

(a) As one would say, "Herein will my Father be glorified, and herein also will you be my disciples, if you bring forth much fruit."

(Joh 15:9) As the father hath loued me, so haue I loued you: continue in that my loue.

(Notes Reference) (3) As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: (b) continue ye in my love.

(3) The love of the Father towards the Son, and of the Son towards us, and of us toward God and our neighbour, are joined together with an inseparable knot: and there is nothing more sweet and pleasant than it is. Now this love shows itself by its effects, a most perfect example of which Christ himself exhibits to us.

(b) That is, in that love with which I love you, which love is the responsibility of both parties.

(Joh 15:10) If ye shall keepe my commandements, ye shall abide in my loue, as I haue kept my Fathers commandements, and abide in his loue.

(Joh 15:11) These things haue I spoken vnto you, that my ioy might remaine in you, and that your ioy might be full.

(Joh 15:12) This is my commandement, that ye loue one another, as I haue loued you.

(Joh 15:13) Greater loue then this hath no man, when any man bestoweth his life for his friendes.

(Joh 15:14) Ye are my friendes, if ye doe whatsoeuer I commaund you.

(Joh 15:15) Henceforth call I you not seruants: for the seruant knoweth not what his master doeth: but I haue called you friends: for all things that I haue heard of my Father, haue I made knowen to you.

(Notes Reference) (4) Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

(4) The doctrine of the gospel, as it is uttered by Christ's own mouth, is a most perfect and absolute declaration of the counsel of God, which pertains to our salvation and is committed unto the apostles.

(Joh 15:16) Ye haue not chosen me, but I haue chosen you, and ordeined you, that ye goe and bring foorth fruite, and that your fruite remaine, that whatsoeuer ye shall aske of the Father in my Name, he may giue it you.

(Notes Reference) (5) Ye (c) have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

(5) Christ is the author and preserver of the ministry of the gospel, even to the end of the world, but the ministers have above all things need of prayer and brotherly love.

(c) These words plainly teach us that our salvation comes only from the favour and gracious goodness of the everlasting God towards us, and of nothing that we do or can deserve.

(Joh 15:17) These things commaund I you, that ye loue one another.

(Joh 15:18) If the worlde hate you, ye knowe that it hated me before you.

(Notes Reference) (6) If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.

(6) When the faithful ministers of Christ are hated by the world as their master was, it should not cause them to fear, but rather strengthen and encourage them.

(Joh 15:19) If ye were of the worlde, the world woulde loue his owne: but because ye are not of ye world, but I haue chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

(Joh 15:20) Remember the word that I said vnto you, The seruant is not greater then his master. If they haue persecuted me, they will persecute you also: if they haue kept my worde, they will also keepe yours.

(Joh 15:21) But all these things will they doe vnto you for my Names sake, because they haue not knowen him that sent me.

(Notes Reference) (7) But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

(7) The hatred that the world bears against Christ proceeds from the stupidity of the mind, which nonetheless is voluntarily blind, so that those of the world cannot give any excuse to explain away their fault.

(Joh 15:22) If I had not come and spoken vnto them, they shoulde not haue had sinne: but nowe haue they no cloke for their sinne.

(Notes Reference) (d) If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

(d) As one would say, "If I had not come, these men would not have been wrong in saying before God's judgment seat that they are religious, and void of sin: but since I came to them, and they completely rejected me, they can have no cloak for their wickedness."

(Joh 15:23) He that hateth me, hateth my Father also.

(Joh 15:24) If I had not done workes among them which none other man did, they had not had sinne: but nowe haue they both seene, and haue hated both me, and my Father.

(Joh 15:25) But it is that the worde might be fulfilled, that is written in their Lawe, They hated me without a cause.

(Notes Reference) But [this cometh to pass], that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their (e) law, They hated me without a cause.

(e) Sometimes this word "law" refers to the five books of Moses, but in this place it refers to the whole scripture: for the place that he refers to is found in the Psalms.

(Joh 15:26) But when that Comforter shall come, whom I will send vnto you from the Father, euen the Spirit of trueth, which proceedeth of the Father, he shall testifie of me.

(Notes Reference) (8) But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

(8) We will surely stand against the rage of the wicked by the inward testimony of the Holy Spirit. But the Holy Spirit speaks in no other way and is consistent with what he spoke by the mouth of the apostles.

(Joh 15:27) And ye shall witnesse also, because ye haue bene with me from the beginning.

(Joh 16:1) These thinges haue I saide vnto you, that ye should not be offended.

(Notes Reference) These (1) things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

(1) The ministers of the gospel must expect all types of reproaches, not only by those who are open enemies, but even by those also who seem to be of the same household, and the very pillars of the Church.

(Joh 16:2) They shall excommunicate you: yea, the time shall come, that whosoeuer killeth you, will thinke that he doeth God seruice.

(Joh 16:3) And these things will they doe vnto you, because they haue not knowen ye Father, nor me.

(Joh 16:4) But these things haue I tolde you, that when the houre shall come, ye might remember, that I tolde you them. And these things said I not vnto you from ye beginning, because I was with you.

(Joh 16:5) But now I go my way to him that sent me, and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

(Joh 16:6) But because I haue saide these thinges vnto you, your hearts are full of sorowe.

(Joh 16:7) Yet I tell you the trueth, It is expedient for you that I goe away: for if I goe not away, that Comforter will not come vnto you: but if I depart, I will send him vnto you.

(Notes Reference) (2) Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

(2) The absence of Christ according to the flesh is profitable to the Church in that it causes the Church to be wholly dependant upon his spiritual power.

(Joh 16:8) And when he is come, he will reproue the worlde of sinne, and of righteousnesse, and of iudgement.

(Notes Reference) (3) And when he is come, he will (a) reprove the (b) world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

(3) The Spirit of God works so mightily by the preaching of the word that he forces the world, whether or not it wants to, to confess its own unrighteousness and Christ's righteousness and almightiness.

(a) He will so reprove the world, that those of the world will not be able to give any excuse.

(b) He refers to the time that followed his ascension, when as all those opposed were manifestly reproved, through the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon the Church: so that the very enemies of Christ were reproved of sin, in that they were forced to confess that they were deceived, in that they believed not, and therefore they said to Peter in (Act 2:37), "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

(Joh 16:9) Of sinne, because they beleeued not in me:

(Joh 16:10) Of righteousnesse, because I goe to my Father, and ye shall see me no more:

(Notes Reference) Of (c) righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

(c) Of Christ himself: for when the world will see that I have poured out the Holy Spirit they will be forced to confess that I was just, and was not condemned by my Father when I went out of this world.

(Joh 16:11) Of iudgement, because the prince of this world is iudged.

(Notes Reference) Of (d) judgment, (e) because the prince of this world is judged.

(d) Of that authority and power which I have both in heaven and in earth.

(e) That is, because they will then understand and indeed know that I have overcome the devil, and govern the world, and then all men will see that they set themselves against you in vain, for I will arm you with heavenly power by which you may destroy every high thing which is lifted up against the knowledge of God; (2Co 10:5).

(Joh 16:12) I haue yet many things to say vnto you, but ye cannot beare them nowe.

(Notes Reference) (4) I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

(4) The doctrine of the apostles proceeded from the Holy Spirit, and is most perfect.

(Joh 16:13) Howbeit, when he is come which is the Spirit of trueth, he will leade you into all trueth: for he shall not speake of himselfe, but whatsoeuer he shall heare, shall he speake, and he will shew you the things to come.

(Joh 16:14) He shall glorifie me: for he shall receiue of mine, and shall shewe it vnto you.

(Notes Reference) (5) He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.

(5) The Holy Spirit brings no new doctrine, but teaches that which was uttered by Christ's own mouth, and imprints it in our minds.

(Joh 16:15) All thinges that the Father hath, are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shewe it vnto you.

(Joh 16:16) A litle while, and ye shall not see me: and againe a litle while, and ye shall see me: for I goe to the Father.

(Notes Reference) (6) A (f) little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, (g) because I go to the Father.

(6) The grace of the Holy Spirit is a most distinct mirror in which Christ is truly beheld with the most sharp sighted eyes of faith, and not with the blurred eyes of the flesh: and by this we feel a continual joy even in the midst of sorrows.

(f) When a little time is past.

(g) For I go on to eternal glory, so that I will be much more present with you than I was before: for then you will feel indeed what I am, and what I am able to do.

(Joh 16:17) Then said some of his disciples among them selues, What is this that he saieth vnto vs, A litle while, and ye shall not see me, and againe, a litle while, and ye shall see me, and, For I goe to the Father.

(Joh 16:18) They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A litle while? we know not what he sayeth.

(Joh 16:19) Now Iesus knew that they would aske him, and said vnto them, Doe ye enquire among your selues, of that I said, A litle while, and ye shall not see me: and againe, a litle while, and yee shall see me?

(Joh 16:20) Verely, verely I say vnto you, that ye shall weepe and lament, and the worlde shall reioyce: and ye shall sorowe, but your sorowe shalbe turned to ioye.

(Joh 16:21) A woman when she traueileth, hath sorowe, because her houre is come: but assoone as she is deliuered of the childe, she remembreth no more the anguish, for ioy that a man is borne into the world.

(Joh 16:22) And ye nowe therefore are in sorowe: but I will see you againe, and your hearts shall reioyce, and your ioy shall no man take from you.

(Joh 16:23) And in that day shall ye aske me nothing. Verely, verely I say vnto you, whatsoeuer ye shall aske the Father in my Name, he will giue it you.

(Joh 16:24) Hitherto haue ye asked nothing in my Name: aske, and ye shall receiue, that your ioye may be full.

(Joh 16:25) These things haue I spoken vnto you in parables: but the time will come, when I shall no more speake to you in parables: but I shall shew you plainely of the Father.

(Notes Reference) (7) These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.

(7) The Holy Spirit, who was poured upon the apostles after the ascension of Christ, instructed both them in all the central mysteries and secrets of our salvation, and also the Church by them, and he will also instruct the Church until the end of the world.

(Joh 16:26) At that day shall ye aske in my Name, and I say not vnto you, that I will pray vnto the Father for you:

(Notes Reference) (8) At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

(8) The sum of the worship of God is the invocation of the Father in the name of the Son the mediator, who is already heard for us, for whom he both abased himself, and is now also glorified.

(Joh 16:27) For the Father himselfe loueth you, because ye haue loued me, and haue beleeued that I came out from God.

(Joh 16:28) I am come out from the Father, and came into the worlde: againe I leaue the worlde, and goe to the Father.

(Joh 16:29) His disciples saide vnto him, Loe, nowe speakest thou plainely, and thou speakest no parable.

(Notes Reference) (9) His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.

(9) Faith and foolish security differ greatly.

(Joh 16:30) Nowe knowe wee that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should aske thee. By this we beleeue, that thou art come out from God.

(Joh 16:31) Iesus answered them, Doe you beleeue nowe?

(Joh 16:32) Beholde, the houre commeth, and is already come, that ye shalbe scattered euery man into his owne, and shall leaue me alone: but I am not alone: for the Father is with me.

(Notes Reference) (10) Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

(10) Neither the wickedness of the world, neither the weakness of his own, can diminish anything of the virtue of Christ.

(Joh 16:33) These thinges haue I spoken vnto you, that in me ye might haue peace: in the world ye shall haue affliction, but be of good comfort: I haue ouercome the world.

(Notes Reference) (11) These things I have spoken unto you, that (h) in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

(11) The surety and foundation of the Church depends only upon the victory of Christ.

(h) That in me you might be thoroughly quieted. For by "peace" is meant here that quiet state of mind which is completely contrary to disquietness and great sadness.