Read Scripture In A Year: June 18

Passage 1: Judges 20

(Jdg 20:1) Then all the children of Israel went out, and the Congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, vnto the Lord in Mizpeh.

(Notes Reference) Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as (a) one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the (b) LORD in Mizpeh.

(a) That is, all with one consent.

(b) To ask counsel.

(Jdg 20:2) And the chiefe of all the people, and all the tribes of Israel assembled in the Congregation of the people of God foure hundreth thousand footemen that drewe sword.

(Notes Reference) And the chief of all the people, [even] of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that (c) drew sword.

(Jdg 20:3) (Now the children of Beniamin heard that the children of Israel were gone vp to Mizpeh) Then the children of Israel saide, Howe is this wickednesse committed?

(Notes Reference) (Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpeh.) Then (d) said the children of Israel, Tell [us], how was this wickedness?

(d) To the Levite.

(Jdg 20:4) And the same Leuite, the womans husband that was slaine, answered and saide, I came vnto Gibeah that is in Beniamin with my concubine to lodge,

(Jdg 20:5) And the men of Gibeah arose against me, and beset the house round about vpon mee by night, thinking to haue slaine me, and haue forced my concubine that she is dead.

(Jdg 20:6) Then I tooke my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the countrey of the inheritance of Israel: for they haue committed abomination and villenie in Israel.

(Notes Reference) And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent (e) her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel: for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.

(e) That is, her pieces, to every tribe a piece, (Jdg 19:29).

(Jdg 20:7) Behold, ye are al children of Israel: giue your aduise, and counsell herein.

(Jdg 20:8) Then all the people arose as one man, saying, There shall not a man of vs goe to his tent, neither any turne into his house.

(Notes Reference) And all the people arose as one man, saying, We will not any [of us] go to his tent, neither will we any [of us] turn into his (f) house.

(f) Before we have avenged this wickedness.

(Jdg 20:9) But now this is that thing which we will do to Gibeah: we wil goe vp by lot against it,

(Jdg 20:10) And we wil take ten men of the hundreth throughout al the tribes of Israel, and an hundreth of the thousand, and a thousand of ten thousand to bring vitaile for the people that they may do (when they come to Gibeah of Beniamin) according to all the villeny, that it hath done in Israel.

(Notes Reference) And we will take ten men of an hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and an hundred of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to fetch (g) victual for the people, that they may do, when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, according to all the folly that they have wrought in Israel.

(g) Only these would be charged to provide food for the rest.

(Jdg 20:11) So all the men of Israel were gathered against the citie, knit together, as one man.

(Jdg 20:12) And the tribes of Israel sent men through al the tribe of Beniamin, saying, What wickednesse is this that is committed among you?

(Notes Reference) And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the (h) tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness [is] this that is done among you?

(h) That is, every family of the tribe.

(Jdg 20:13) Nowe therefore deliuer vs those wicked men which are in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away euill from Israel: but the children of Beniamin would not obey the voyce of their brethren the children of Israel.

(Notes Reference) Now therefore deliver [us] the men, the children of Belial, which [are] in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But the children of Benjamin (i) would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel:

(i) Because they would not allow the wicked to be punished, they declared themselves in agreement with their evil, and therefore all were justly punished.

(Jdg 20:14) But ye children of Beniamin gathered them selues together out of the cities vnto Gibeah, to come out and fight against the children of Israel.

(Jdg 20:15) And ye children of Beniamin were nombred at that time out of the cities sixe and twenty thousand men that drewe sworde, beside the inhabitants of Gibeah, which were nombred seuen hundreth chosen men.

(Jdg 20:16) Of all this people were seuen hundreth chosen men, being left handed: all these could sling stones at an heare breadth, and not faile.

(Jdg 20:17) Also the men of Israel, beside Beniamin, were nombred foure hundreth thousande men that drew sword, euen all men of warre.

(Jdg 20:18) And the children of Israel arose, and went vp to the house of God, and asked of God, saying, Which of vs shall goe vp first to fight against the children of Beniamin? And the Lord said, Iudah shalbe first.

(Notes Reference) And the children of Israel arose, and went up (k) to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah [shall go up] first.

(k) That is, to the ark, which was in Shiloh some think in Mizpeh, as in (Jdg 20:1).

(Jdg 20:19) Then the children of Israel arose vp earely and camped against Gibeah.

(Jdg 20:20) And the men of Israel went out to battell against Beniamin, and the men of Israel put themselues in aray to fight against the beside Gibeah.

(Jdg 20:21) And the children of Beniamin came out of Gibeah, and slewe downe to the ground of the Israelites that day two and twentie thousand men.

(Notes Reference) And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites that day (l) twenty and two thousand men.

(l) This God permitted because by this means he would punish their sins, by the strength of the Israelites.

(Jdg 20:22) And the people, the men of Israel plucked vp their hearts, and set their battel againe in aray in the place where they put them in aray the first day.

(Jdg 20:23) (For the children of Israel had gone vp and wept before the Lord vnto the euening, and had asked of the Lord, saying, Shall I goe againe to battel against the children of Beniamin my brethren? and the Lord said, Go vp against them)

(Jdg 20:24) Then the children of Israel came neere against the children of Beniamin the second day.

(Jdg 20:25) Also the second day Beniamin came forth to meete them out of Gibeah, and slewe downe to the grounde of the children of Israel againe eighteene thousand men: all they could handle the sword.

(Jdg 20:26) Then al the children of Israel went vp and all the people came also vnto the house of God, and wept and sate there before the Lord and fasted that day vnto the euening, and offred burnt offrings and peace offrings before the Lord.

(Jdg 20:27) And the children of Israel asked the Lord (for there was the Arke of the couenat of God in those dayes,

(Notes Reference) And the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God [was] (m) there in those days,

(m) That is, in Shiloh.

(Jdg 20:28) And Phinehas the sonne of Eleazar, the sonne of Aaron stoode before it at that time) saying, Shall I yet goe anie more to battel against the children of Beniamin my brethren, or shall I cease? And the Lord said, Go vp: for to morowe I will deliuer them into your hand.

(Notes Reference) And Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, (n) stood before it in those days,) saying, Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease? And the LORD said, Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand.

(n) Or, served in the priest's office in those days: for the Jews write that he lived three hundred years.

(Jdg 20:29) And Israel set men to lie in waite round about Gibeah.

(Jdg 20:30) And the children of Israel went vp against the children of Beniamin the third day, and put theselues in aray against Gibeah, as at other times.

(Jdg 20:31) Then the children of Beniamin comming out against the people, were drawen from the citie: and they began to smite of ye people and kill as at other times, euen by the wayes in the fielde (whereof one goeth vp to the house of God, and the other to Gibeah) vpon a thirtie men of Israel.

(Notes Reference) And the children of Benjamin went out against the people, [and] were (o) drawn away from the city; and they began to smite of the people, [and] kill, as at other times, in the highways, of which one goeth up to the house of God, and the other to Gibeah in the field, about thirty men of Israel.

(o) By the policy of the children of Israel.

(Jdg 20:32) (For the children of Beniamin sayd, They are fallen before vs, as at the first. But the children of Israel saide, Let vs flee and plucke them away from the citie vnto the hie wayes)

(Notes Reference) And the children of Benjamin said, They [are] smitten down before us, as at the first. But the children of Israel said, Let us flee, and draw them from the city unto the (p) highways.

(p) Meaning, crossways or paths to various places.

(Jdg 20:33) And all the men of Israel rose vp out of their place, and put themselues in aray at Baal-tamar: and the men that lay in wayte of the Israelites came forth of their place, euen out of the medowes of Gibeah,

(Jdg 20:34) And they came ouer against Gibeah, ten thousande chosen men of all Israel, and the battell was sore: for they knewe not that the euill was neere them.

(Notes Reference) And there came against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was sore: but they knew not that (q) evil [was] near them.

(q) They did not know that God's judgment was at hand to destroy them.

(Jdg 20:35) And the Lord smote Beniamin before Israel, and the children of Israel destroyed of the Beniamites the same day fiue and twenty thousand and an hundreth men: all they could handle the sword.

(Jdg 20:36) So the children of Beniamin sawe that they were striken downe: for the men of Israel gaue place to the Beniamites, because they trusted to the men that lay in waite, which they had laide beside Gibeah.

(Notes Reference) So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten: for the men of Israel (r) gave place to the Benjamites, because they trusted unto the liers in wait which they had set beside Gibeah.

(r) Retired to draw them after.

(Jdg 20:37) And they that lay in wait hasted, and brake forth toward Gibeah, and the ambushment drewe themselues along, and smote all the citie with the edge of the sword.

(Jdg 20:38) Also the men of Israel had appoynted a certaine time with the ambushmentes, that they should make a great flame and smoke rise vp out of the citie.

(Jdg 20:39) And when the men of Israel retired in the battel, Beniamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirtie persons: for they said, Surely they are striken downe before vs, as in the first battell.

(Notes Reference) And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to (s) smite [and] kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as [in] the first battle.

(s) For they had grown bold because of the two former victories.

(Jdg 20:40) But when the flame bega to arise out of the citie, as a pillar of smoke, the Beniamites looked backe, and behold, the flame of the citie began to ascend vp to heauen.

(Jdg 20:41) Then the men of Israel turned againe, and the men of Beniamin were astonied: for they saw that euill was neere vnto them.

(Notes Reference) And when the men of Israel turned (t) again, the men of Benjamin were amazed: for they saw that evil was come upon them.

(t) And withstood their enemies.

(Jdg 20:42) Therefore they fled before the men of Israel vnto the way of the wildernesse, but the battell ouertooke them: also they which came out of the cities, slew them among them.

(Notes Reference) Therefore they turned [their backs] before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which [came] out of the cities they destroyed (u) in the midst of them.

(u) For they were surrounded from every side.

(Jdg 20:43) Thus they compassed the Beniamites about, and chased them at ease, and ouerranne them, euen ouer against Gibeah on the Eastside.

(Jdg 20:44) And there were slaine of Beniamin eyghteene thousad men, which were all men of warre.

(Jdg 20:45) And they turned and fled to the wildernes vnto the rocke of Rimmon: and the Israelites glayned of them by the way fiue thousand men, and pursued after them vnto Gidom, and slewe two thousand men of them,

(Notes Reference) And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they (x) gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.

(x) They slew them one by one, as they were scattered abroad.

(Jdg 20:46) So that all that were slayne that day of Beniamin, were fiue and twentie thousand men that drewe sword, which were all men of warre:

(Notes Reference) So that all which fell that day of Benjamin were (y) twenty and five thousand men that drew the sword; all these [were] men of valour.

(y) Besides eleven hundred that had been slain in the previous battles.

(Jdg 20:47) But sixe hundreth men turned and fled to the wildernesse vnto the rocke of Rimmon, and abode in the rocke of Rimmon foure moneths.

(Jdg 20:48) Then the men of Israel returned vnto the children of Beniamin, and smote them with the edge of the sword from the men of the citie vnto the beasts, and all that came to hand: also they set on fire all the cities that they coulde come by.

(Notes Reference) And the men of Israel turned again upon the children of Benjamin, and smote them with the edge of the sword, as well the men of [every] city, as the beast, and all that came to hand: also they set on fire all the (z) cities that they came to.

(z) If they belonged to the Benjamites.

Passage 2: Isaiah 42

(Isa 42:1) Behold, my seruaunt: I will stay vpon him: mine elect, in whom my soule deliteth: I haue put my Spirit vpon him: he shall bring forth iudgement to the Gentiles.

(Notes Reference) Behold (a) my servant, (b) whom I uphold; my elect, [in whom] my soul (c) delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth (d) judgment to the Gentiles.

(a) That is, Christ, who in respect to his manhood is called here servant. The prophets used to make mention of Christ after they declared any great promise, because he is the foundation on which all the promises are made and ratified.

(b) For I have committed all my power to him, as to a most faithful steward: some read, I will establish him: that is, in his office by giving him the fulness of my Spirit.

(c) Only he is acceptable to me and they that come to me by him: for there is no other means of reconciliation, (Mat 12:18; Eph 4:1)

(d) He will declare himself governor over the Gentiles and call them by his word, and rule them by his Spirit.

(Isa 42:2) He shall not crie, nor lift vp, nor cause his voice to be heard in the streete.

(Notes Reference) He shall not (e) cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.

(e) His coming will not be with pomp and noise, as earthly princes.

(Isa 42:3) A bruised reede shall hee not breake, and the smoking flaxe shall he not quench: he shall bring foorth iudgement in trueth.

(Notes Reference) A (f) bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking (g) flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment to (h) truth.

(f) He will not hurt the weak and feeble, but support and comfort them.

(g) Meaning, the wick of a lamp or candle which is almost out, but he will cherish it and snuff it, that it may shine brighter.

(h) Although he favours the weak, yet will he not spare the wicked, but will judge them according to truth and equity.

(Isa 42:4) He shall not faile nor be discouraged till he haue set iudgement in the earth: and the yles shall waite for his lawe.

(Notes Reference) He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he hath (i) set judgment in the earth: and the (k) isles shall wait for his law.

(i) Till he has set all things in good order.

(k) The Gentiles will desire to receive his doctrine.

(Isa 42:5) Thus sayeth God the Lord (he that created the heauens and spred them abroad: he that stretched foorth the earth, and the buddes thereof: he that giueth breath vnto the people vpon it, and spirit to them that walke therein)

(Isa 42:6) I the Lord haue called thee in righteousnesse, and will hold thine hand, and I will keepe thee, and giue thee for a couenant of the people, and for a light of the Gentiles,

(Notes Reference) I the LORD have called thee in (l) righteousness, and will hold (m) thy hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a (n) covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

(l) Meaning, to a lawful and just calling.

(m) To assist and guide you.

(n) As him, by whom the promise made to all nations in Abraham will be fulfilled.

(Isa 42:7) That thou maist open the eyes of the blind, and bring out the prisoners from the prison: and them that sitte in darkenesse, out of the prison house.

(Isa 42:8) I am the Lord, this is my Name, and my glory wil I not giue to another, neither my praise to grauen images.

(Notes Reference) I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my (o) glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

(o) I will not permit my glory to be diminished: which I would do if I were not faithful.

(Isa 42:9) Beholde, the former thinges are come to passe, and newe things doe I declare: before they come foorth, I tell you of them.

(Notes Reference) Behold, the former things have (p) come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

(p) As in time past I have been true in my promises, so will I be in time to come.

(Isa 42:10) Sing vnto the Lord a newe song, and his praise from the ende of the earth: yee that goe downe to the sea, and all that is therein: the yles and the inhabitants thereof.

(Isa 42:11) Let the wildernesse and the cities thereof lift vp their voyce, the townes that Kedar doeth inhabite: let the inhabitants of the rocks sing: let them shoute from the toppe of the mountaines.

(Notes Reference) Let the wilderness and its cities lift up [their voice], the villages [that] (q) Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.

(q) Meaning, the Arabians, under whom he comprehends all the people of the East.

(Isa 42:12) Let them giue glorie vnto the Lord, and declare his praise in the ylands.

(Isa 42:13) The Lord shall go forth as a gyant: he shall stirre vp his courage like a man of warre: he shall shout and crie, and shall preuaile against his enemies.

(Notes Reference) The LORD shall go forth as a (r) mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.

(r) He shows the zeal of the Lord, and his power in the conservation of his Church.

(Isa 42:14) I haue a long time holden my peace: I haue beene still and refrained my selfe: nowe will I crie like a trauailing woman: I will destroy and deuoure at once.

(Notes Reference) I have long time held my peace; I have been still, [and] restrained myself: [now] will I cry like a (s) travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.

(s) I will haste to execute my vengeance, which I have so long deferred as a woman that desires to be delivered, when she is in labour.

(Isa 42:15) I will make waste mountaines, and hilles, and drie vp all their herbes, and I will make the floods ylands, and I will drie vp the pooles.

(Isa 42:16) And I will bring the blinde by a way, that they knewe not, and lead them by paths that they haue not knowen: I will make darkenesse light before them, and crooked thinges straight. These thinges will I doe vnto them, and not forsake them.

(Notes Reference) And I will bring the (t) blind by a way [that] they knew not; I will lead them in paths [that] they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do for them, and not forsake them.

(t) That is, my poor people, who are in perplexity and care.

(Isa 42:17) They shall be turned backe: they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in grauen images, and say to the molten images, Yee are our gods.

(Isa 42:18) Heare, ye deafe: and ye blinde, regarde, that ye may see.

(Isa 42:19) Who is blinde but my seruaunt? or deafe as my messenger, that I sent? who is blind as the perfit, and blinde as the Lordes seruant?

(Notes Reference) Who [is] blind, but my (u) servant? or deaf, as my (x) messenger [that] I sent? who [is] blind as [he that is] (y) perfect, and blind as the LORD'S servant?

(u) That is, Israel, which would have most light because of my Law.

(x) The priest to whom my word is committed, who would not only hear it himself but cause others to hear it.

(y) As the priests and prophets that would be lights to others?

(Isa 42:20) Seeing many things, but thou keepest them not? opening the eares, but he heareth not?

(Isa 42:21) The Lord is willing for his righteousnesse sake that he may magnifie the Lawe, and exalt it.

(Isa 42:22) But this people is robbed and spoiled, and shalbe all snared in dungeons, and they shalbe hid in prison houses: they shall be for a pray, and none shall deliuer: a spoile, and none shall say, Restore.

(Notes Reference) But this [is] a people (z) robbed and plundered; [they are] all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, (a) Restore.

(z) Because they will not acknowledge this blessing from the Lord, who is ready to deliver them, he permits them to be spoiled by their enemies through their own fault and incredulity.

(a) There will be no one to comfort them , or to will the enemy to restore that which he has spoiled.

(Isa 42:23) Who among you shall hearken to this, and take heede, and heare for afterwardes?

(Notes Reference) Who among you will give ear to this? [who] will hearken and hear for (b) the time to come?

(b) Meaning, God's wrath.

(Isa 42:24) Who gaue Iaakob for a spoyle, and Israel to the robbers? Did not ye Lord, because we haue sinned against him? for they woulde not walke in his waies, neither be obedient vnto his Lawe.

(Isa 42:25) Therefore hee hath powred vpon him his fierce wrath, and the strength of battell: and it set him on fire round about, and he knewe not, and it burned him vp, yet he considered not.

Passage 3: 1 John 5

(1Jo 5:1) Whosoeuer beleeueth that Iesus is that Christ, is borne of God: and euery one that loueth him, which begate, loueth him also which is begotten of him.

(Notes Reference) Whosoever (1) believeth that Jesus is the (a) Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth (b) him also that is begotten of him.

(1) He advances in the same argument, showing how both those loves come to us, from that love with which God loves us, that is, by Jesus our mediator laid hold on by faith, in whom we are made the children of God, and do love the Father from whom we are begotten, and also our brothers who are begotten with us.

(a) Is the true Messiah.

(b) By one, he means all the faithful.

(1Jo 5:2) In this we know that we loue the children of God, when we loue God, and keepe his commandements.

(Notes Reference) (2) By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his (c) commandments.

(2) The love of our neighbour depends on the love with which we love God, that this last must go before the first: of which it follows, that that is not to be called love, when men agree together to do evil, neither that, when as in loving our neighbours, we do not respect God's commandments.

(1Jo 5:3) For this is the loue of God, that we keepe his commandements: and his commandements are not burdenous.

(Notes Reference) (3) For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: (4) and his commandments are not (d) grievous.

(3) The reason: to love God, is to keep his commandments, which being so, and seeing that both the loves are commanded by the same lawmaker, (as he taught before) it follows also, that we do not love our neighbours, when we break God's commandments. (4) Because experience teaches us that there is no ability in our flesh, neither will to perform God's commandments, therefore lest the apostle should seem, by so often putting them in mind of the keeping of the commandments of God, to require things that are impossible, he pronounces that the commandments of God are not in any way grievous or burdensome, that we can be oppressed with the burden of them.

(d) To those who are regenerate, that is to say, born again, who are led by the Spirit of God, and are through grace delivered from the curse of the law.

(1Jo 5:4) For all that is borne of God, ouercommeth this world: and this is that victorie that hath ouercome this world, euen our faith.

(Notes Reference) (5) For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: (6) and this is the victory that (e) overcometh the world, [even] our (f) faith.

(5) A reason: Because by regeneration we have received strength to overcome the world, that is to say, whatever strives against the commandments of God. (6) He declares what that strength is, that is, faith.

(e) He uses the time that is past, to give us to understand, that although we are in the battle, yet undoubtedly we shall be conquerors, and are most certain of the victory.

(f) Which is the instrumental cause, and as a means and hand by which we lay hold on him, who indeed performs this, that is, has and does overcome the world, even Christ Jesus.

(1Jo 5:5) Who is it that ouercommeth this world, but he which beleeueth that Iesus is that Sonne of God?

(Notes Reference) (7) Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

(7) Moreover he declares two things, the one, what true faith is, that is, that which rests on Jesus Christ the Son of God alone: on which follows the other, that is, that this strength is not proper to faith, but by faith as an instrument is drawn from Jesus Christ the Son of God.

(1Jo 5:6) This is that Iesus Christ that came by water and blood: not by water onely, but by water and blood: and it is that Spirit, that beareth witnesse: for that Spirit is trueth.

(Notes Reference) (8) This is he that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; (9) not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the (g) Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

(8) He proves the excellency of Christ, in whom only all things are given us by six witnesses, three heavenly, and three earthly, who wholly and completely agree together. The heavenly witnesses are, the Father who sent the Son, the Word itself, which became flesh, and the Holy Spirit. The earthly witnesses are water, (that is our sanctification) blood, (that is, our justification) the Spirit, (that is, acknowledging of God the Father in Christ by faith) through the testimony of the Holy Spirit. (9) He warns us not to separate water from blood (that is sanctification from justification, or righteousness, begun from righteousness imputed) for we do not stand on sanctification, but so far as it is a witness of Christ's righteousness imputed to us: and although this imputation of Christ's righteousness is never separated from sanctification, yet it is the only matter of our salvation.

(g) Our spirit which is the third witness, testifies that the holy Sprit is truth, that is to say, that that is true which he tells us, that is, that we are the sons of God.

(1Jo 5:7) For there are three, which beare recorde in heauen, the Father, the Worde, and the holy Ghost: and these three are one.

(Notes Reference) For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the (h) Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are (i) one.

(h) See (Joh 8:13-14)

(i) Agree in one.

(1Jo 5:8) And there are three, which beare record in the earth, the spirit, and the water and the blood: and these three agree in one.

(1Jo 5:9) If we receiue the witnesse of men, the witnesse of God is greater: for this is the witnesse of God, which he testified of his Sonne.

(Notes Reference) (10) If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for (k) this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.

(10) He shows by an argument of comparison, of what great weight the heavenly testimony is, that the Father has given of the Son, to whom agrees both the Son himself and the Holy Spirit.

(k) I conclude correctly: for the testimony which I said is given in heaven, comes from God, who sets forth his Son.

(1Jo 5:10) He that beleeueth in that Sonne of God, hath the witnes in himselfe: he that beleeueth not God, hath made him a lyar, because he beleeued not ye record, that God witnessed of that his Sonne.

(Notes Reference) (11) He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

(11) He proves the sureness of the earthly witness by every man's conscience having that testimony in itself, whose conscience he says cannot be deceived because it agrees with the heavenly testimony which the Father gives of the Son: for otherwise the Father must be a liar, if the conscience which agrees and assents to the Father, should lie.

(1Jo 5:11) And this is that record, to wit, that God hath giuen vnto vs eternall life, and this life is in that his Sonne.

(Notes Reference) (12) And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

(12) Now at length he shows what this testimony is that is confirmed with so many witnesses: that is, that life or everlasting happiness is the gift of God, which is the Son, and proceeds from him to us, who by faith are joined with him, so that without him, life is nowhere to be found.

(1Jo 5:12) He that hath that Sonne, hath that life: and he that hath not that Sonne of God, hath not that life.

(1Jo 5:13) These things haue I written vnto you, that beleeue in the Name of that Sonne of God, that ye may knowe that ye haue eternall life, and that ye may beleeue in the Name of that Sonne of God.

(Notes Reference) (13) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

(13) The conclusion of the epistle, in which he shows first of all, that even they who already believe, need this doctrine, that they may grow more and more in faith: that is to say, that they may be daily more and more certain of their salvation in Christ, through faith.

(1Jo 5:14) And this is that assurance, that we haue in him, that if we aske any thing according to his will, he heareth vs.

(Notes Reference) (14) And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

(14) Because we do not yet in effect obtain that which we hope for, the apostle combines invocation or prayer with faith, which he will have proceed from faith, and moreover to be conceived in such a way, that nothing is asked but that which is agreeable to the will of God: and such prayers cannot be useless.

(1Jo 5:15) And if we know that he heareth vs, whatsoeuer we aske, we know that we haue the petitions, that we haue desired of him.

(1Jo 5:16) If any man see his brother sinne a sinne that is not vnto death, let him aske, and he shall giue him life for them that sinne not vnto death. There is a sinne vnto death: I say not that thou shouldest pray for it.

(Notes Reference) (15) If any man see his brother sin a sin [which is] not unto death, (l) he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

(15) We have to make prayers not only for ourselves, but also for our brothers who sin, that their sins be not to death: and yet he excepts that sin which is never forgiven, or the sin against the Holy Spirit, that is to say, a universal and wilful falling away from the known truth of the gospel.

(l) This is as if he said, let him ask the Lord to forgive him, and he will forgive him being so asked.

(1Jo 5:17) All vnrighteousnesse is sinne, but there is a sinne not vnto death.

(Notes Reference) (16) All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

(16) The taking away of an objection: indeed all iniquity is comprehended under the name of sin: but yet we must not despair therefore, because every sin is not deadly, and without hope of remedy.

(1Jo 5:18) We know that whosoeuer is borne of God, sinneth not: but he that is begotten of God, keepeth himselfe, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

(Notes Reference) (17) We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

(17) A reason why not all, or rather why no sin is mortal to some: that is, because they are born of God, that is to say, made the sons of God in Christ, and being ended with his Spirit, they do not serve sin, nor are they mortally wounded by Satan.

(1Jo 5:19) We knowe that we are of God, and this whole world lieth in wickednesse.

(Notes Reference) (18) [And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

(18) Every man must particularly apply to himself the general promises, that we may certainly persuade ourselves, that whereas all the world is by nature lost, we are freely made the sons of God, by the sending of Jesus Christ his son to us, of whom we are enlightened with the knowledge of the true God and everlasting life.

(1Jo 5:20) But we know that that Sone of God is come, and hath giue vs a mind to know him, which is true: and we are in him that is true, that is, in that his Sone Iesus Christ: this same is that very God, and that eternal life.

(Notes Reference) And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true (m) God, and eternal life.

(m) The divinity of Christ is most clearly proved by this passage.

(1Jo 5:21) Litle children, keepe your selues from idoles, Amen.

(Notes Reference) (19) Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

(19) He expresses a plain precept of taking heed of idols: which he contrasts with the only true God, that with this seal he might seal up all the former doctrine.