Read Scripture In A Year: May 11

Passage 1: Deuteronomy 28

(Deu 28:1) If thou shalt obey diligently the voyce of the Lord thy God, and obserue and do all his commandements, which I commande thee this day, then the Lord thy God wil set thee on high aboue all the nations of the earth.

(Notes Reference) And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe [and] to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will (a) set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

(a) He will make you the most excellent of all people.

(Deu 28:2) And all these blessings shall come on thee, and ouertake thee, if thou shalt obey the voyce of the Lord thy God.

(Notes Reference) And all these blessings shall come on thee, and (b) overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

(b) When you think you are forsaken.

(Deu 28:3) Blessed shalt thou be in the citie, and blessed also in the fielde.

(Notes Reference) Blessed [shalt] thou [be] in the (c) city, and blessed [shalt] thou [be] in the field.

(Deu 28:4) Blessed shalbe the fruite of thy body, and ye fruite of thy ground, and the fruite of thy cattel, the increase of thy kine, and ye flocks of thy sheepe.

(Notes Reference) Blessed [shall be] the fruit (d) of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

(d) Your children and succession.

(Deu 28:5) Blessed shalbe thy basket and thy dough.

(Deu 28:6) Blessed shalt thou be, whe thou commest in, and blessed also when thou goest out.

(Notes Reference) Blessed [shalt] thou [be] when thou (e) comest in, and blessed [shalt] thou [be] when thou goest out.

(e) All your enterprises will have good success.

(Deu 28:7) The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise against thee, to fall before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and shall flee before thee leuen wayes.

(Notes Reference) The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee (f) seven ways.

(f) Meaning many ways.

(Deu 28:8) The Lord shall command the blessing to be with thee in thy store houses, and in all that thou settest thine hande to, and wil blesse thee in the land which the Lord thy God giueth thee.

(Notes Reference) The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine (g) hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

(g) God will bless us, if we do our duty and are not idle.

(Deu 28:9) The Lord shall make thee an holy people vnto himself, as he hath sworne vnto thee, if thou shalt keepe the commandements of the Lord thy God, and walke in his wayes.

(Deu 28:10) Then all people of the earth shall see that the Name of the Lord is called vpon ouer thee, and they shalbe afrayde of thee.

(Notes Reference) And all people of the earth shall see that thou art (h) called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.

(h) In that he is your God, and you are his people.

(Deu 28:11) And the Lord shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruite of thy body, and in the fruite of thy cattell, and in the fruite of thy grounde, in the land which the Lord sware vnto thy fathers, to giue thee.

(Deu 28:12) The Lord shall open vnto thee his good treasure, euen the heauen to giue rayne vnto thy kind in due season, and to blesse all the worke of thine handes: and thou shalt lende vnto many nations, but shalt not borow thy selfe.

(Notes Reference) The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the (i) heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

(i) For nothing in the earth is profitable but when God sends his blessings from heaven.

(Deu 28:13) And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tayle, and thou shalt be aboue onely, and shalt not bee beneath, if thou obey the commandements of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to keepe and to do them.

(Deu 28:14) But thou shalt not decline from any of the wordes, which I command you this day, either to the right hand or to the left, to goe after other gods to serue them.

(Deu 28:15) But if thou wilt not obey the voyce of the Lord thy God, to keepe and to do all his commandementes and his ordinances, which I command thee this day, then al these curses shall come vpon thee, and ouertake thee.

(Deu 28:16) Cursed shalt thou bee in the towne, and cursed also in the fielde.

(Deu 28:17) Cursed shall thy basket be, and thy dough.

(Deu 28:18) Cursed shall be the fruite of thy body, and the fruite of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flockes of thy sheepe.

(Deu 28:19) Cursed shalt thou be when thou commest in, and cursed also when thou goest out.

(Deu 28:20) The Lord shall sende vpon thee cursing, trouble, and shame, in all that which thou settest thine hand to do, vntil thou be destroyed, and perish quickely, because of the wickednesse of thy workes whereby thou hast forsaken me.

(Deu 28:21) The Lord shall make the pestilence cleaue vnto thee, vntill he hath consumed thee from the land, whither thou goest to possesse it.

(Deu 28:22) The Lord shall smite thee with a consumption, and with the feuer, and with a burning ague, and with feruent heate, and with the sworde, and with blasting, and with the mildew, and they shall pursue thee vntill thou perish.

(Deu 28:23) And thine heauen that is ouer thine head, shall be brasse, and the earth that is vnder thee, yron.

(Notes Reference) And thy heaven that [is] over thy head shall be (k) brass, and the earth that is under thee [shall be] iron.

(k) It will give you no more moisture than if it were of brass.

(Deu 28:24) The Lord shall giue thee for the rayne of thy land, dust and ashes: euen from heauen shall it come downe vpon thee, vntil thou be destroyed.

(Deu 28:25) And the Lord shall cause thee to fall before thine enemies: thou shalt come out one way against them, and shalt flee seuen wayes before them, and shalt be scattered through all the kingdomes of the earth.

(Notes Reference) The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be (l) removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

(i) Some read, you shall be a terror and fear, when they hear how God has plagued you.

(Deu 28:26) And thy carkeis shall be meate vnto all foules of the ayre, and vnto the beasts of the earth, and none shall fray them away.

(Notes Reference) And thy (m) carcase shall be meat unto all fowls of the air, and unto the beasts of the earth, and no man shall fray [them] away.

(m) You will be cursed both in your life and in your death: for the burial is a testimony of the resurrection a sign you will lack because of your wickedness.

(Deu 28:27) The Lord wil smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emeroids, and with the skab, and with the itche, that thou canst not be healed.

(Deu 28:28) And ye Lord shall smite thee with madnes, and with blindnes, and with astonying of heart.

(Deu 28:29) Thou shalt also grope at noone daies, as the blinde gropeth in darknes, and shalt not prosper in thy wayes: thou shalt neuer but bee oppressed with wrong and be powled euermore, and no man shall succour thee.

(Notes Reference) And thou shalt grope at noonday, as the (n) blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save [thee].

(n) In things most evident and clear you will lack discretion and judgment.

(Deu 28:30) Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lye with her: thou shalt builde an house, and shalt not dwell therein: thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not eate the fruite.

(Deu 28:31) Thine oxe shalbe slayne before thine eyes, and thou shalt not eate thereof: thine asse shall be violently taken away before thy face, and shall not be restored to thee: thy sheepe shalbe giuen vnto thine enemies, and no man shall rescue them for thee.

(Deu 28:32) Thy sonnes and thy daughters shalbe giuen vnto another people, and thine eyes shall still looke for them, euen till they fall out, and there shalbe no power in thine hand.

(Notes Reference) Thy sons and thy daughters [shall be] given unto another people, and thine eyes (o) shall look, and fail [with longing] for them all the day long: and [there shall be] no might in thine hand.

(o) When they will return from their captivity.

(Deu 28:33) The fruite of thy land and all thy labours shall a people, which thou knowest not, eate, and thou shalt neuer but suffer wrong, and violence alway:

(Deu 28:34) So that thou shalt be madde for the sight which thine eyes shall see.

(Deu 28:35) The Lord shall smite thee in the knees, and in the thighes, with a sore botche, that thou canst not be healed: euen from the sole of thy foote vnto the top of thine head.

(Deu 28:36) The Lord shall bring thee and thy King (which thou shalt set ouer thee) vnto a nation, which neither thou nor thy fathers haue knowen, and there thou shalt serue other gods: euen wood and stone,

(Notes Reference) The LORD shall bring thee, and thy (p) king which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known; and there shalt thou serve other gods, wood and stone.

(p) As he did Manasseh, Joiakim, Zedekiah and others.

(Deu 28:37) And thou shalt be a wonder, a prouerbe and a common talke among all people, whither the Lord shall carie thee.

(Deu 28:38) Thou shalt carie out much seede into the fielde, and shalt gather but litle in: for the grashoppers shall destroy it.

(Deu 28:39) Thou shalt plant a vineyard, and dresse it, but shalt neither drinke of the wine, nor gather the grapes: for the wormes shall eate it.

(Deu 28:40) Thou shalt haue Oliue trees in all thy coastes, but shalt not anoynt thy selfe with the oyle: for thine oliues shall fall.

(Deu 28:41) Thou shalt beget sonnes, and daughters, but shalt not haue them: for they shall goe into captiuitie.

(Deu 28:42) All thy trees and fruite of thy land shall the grashopper consume.

(Notes Reference) All thy trees and fruit of thy land (q) shall the locust consume.

(q) Under one kind he contains all the vermin, which destroy the fruit of the land: and this is an evident token of God's curse.

(Deu 28:43) The straunger that is among you, shall clime aboue thee vp on hie, and thou shalt come downe beneath alow.

(Deu 28:44) He shall lend thee, and thou shalt not lend him: he shalbe the head, and thou shalt be ye tayle.

(Deu 28:45) Moreouer, all these curses shall come vpon thee, and shall pursue thee and ouertake thee, till thou be destroyed, because thou obeyedst not the voyce of the Lord thy God, to keepe his commandements, and his ordinances, which he commanded thee:

(Deu 28:46) And they shalbe vpon thee for signes and wonders, and vpon thy seede for euer,

(Deu 28:47) Because thou seruedst not the Lord thy God with ioyfulnesse and with a good heart for the abundance of all things.

(Deu 28:48) Therefore thou shalt serue thine enemies which the Lord shall send vpon thee, in hunger and in thirst, and in nakednesse, and in neede of all things? and he shall put a yoke of yron vpon thy necke vntill he haue destroyed thee.

(Deu 28:49) The Lord shall bring a nation vpon thee from farre, euen from the ende of the world, flying swift as an Egle: a nation whose tongue thou shalt not vnderstand:

(Deu 28:50) A nation of a fierce countenance, which will not regarde the person of the olde, nor haue compassion of the yong.

(Deu 28:51) The same shall eate the fruit of thy cattell, and the fruite of thy land vntill thou be destroyed, and he shall leaue thee neyther wheate, wine, nor oyle, neither the increase of thy kyne, nor the flockes of thy sheepe, vntill he haue brought thee to nought.

(Deu 28:52) And he shall besiege thee in all thy cities, vntill thine hie and strong walles fall downe, wherein thou trustedst in all the lande: and hee shall besiege thee in all thy cities throughout all thy lande, which the Lord thy God hath giuen thee.

(Deu 28:53) And thou shalt eate the fruite of thy bodie: euen the flesh of thy sonnes and thy daughters, which the Lord thy God hath giuen thee, during the siege and straitnesse wherein thine enemie shall inclose thee:

(Deu 28:54) So that the man (that is tender and exceeding deintie among you) shalbe grieued at his brother, and at his wife, that lieth in his bosome, and at the remnant of his children, which hee hath yet left,

(Deu 28:55) For feare of giuing vnto any of them of the flesh of his children, whom he shall eate, because he hath nothing left him in that siege, and straitnesse, wherewith thine enemie shall besiege thee in all thy cities.

(Deu 28:56) The tender and deintie woman among you, which neuer woulde venture to set the sole of her foote vpon the grounde (for her softnesse and tendernesse) shalbe grieued at her husband that lieth in her bosome, and at her sonne, and at her daughter,

(Notes Reference) The tender and delicate (s) woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter,

(s) As came to pass in the days of Joram king of Israel, (2Ki_6:28) and when the Romans besieged Jerusalem.

(Deu 28:57) And at her afterbirth (that shall come out from betweene her feete) and at her childre, which she shall beare: for when all things lacke, she shall eate them secretly, during the siege and straitnesse, wherewith thine enemie shall besiege thee in thy cities.

(Notes Reference) And toward her (t) young one that cometh out from between her feet, and toward her children which she shall bear: for she shall eat them for want of all [things] secretly in the siege and straitness, wherewith thine enemy shall distress thee in thy gates.

(t) Hunger will so bite her, that she will be ready to eat her child before it is delivered.

(Deu 28:58) If thou wilt not keepe and doe all the wordes of the Lawe (that are written in this booke) and feare this glorious and feareful name The Lord Thy God,

(Notes Reference) If thou wilt not observe to do (u) all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD;

(u) For he that offends in one, is guilty of all, (Jam_2:10)

(Deu 28:59) The the Lord wil make thy plagues wonderfull, and the plagues of thy seede, euen great plagues and of long continuance, and sore diseases, and of long durance.

(Deu 28:60) Moreouer, he will bring vpon thee all the diseases of Egypt, whereof thou wast afraide, and they shall cleaue vnto thee.

(Deu 28:61) And euery sickenesse, and euery plague, which is not written in the booke of this Lawe, will the Lord heape vpon thee, vntill thou be destroyed.

(Notes Reference) Also every sickness, and every plague, which [is] not (x) written in the book of this law, them will the LORD bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed.

(x) Declaring, that God has infinite means to plague the wicked, besides those that are ordinary or written.

(Deu 28:62) And ye shall be left few in nomber, where ye were as the starres of heauen in multitude, because thou wouldest not obey the voyce of the Lord thy God.

(Deu 28:63) And as the Lord hath reioyced ouer you, to doe you good, and to multiply you, so he will reioyce ouer you, to destroy you, and bring you to nought, and ye shalbe rooted out of the land, whither thou goest to possesse it.

(Deu 28:64) And the Lord shall scatter thee among all people, from the one ende of the worlde vnto the other, and there thou shalt serue other gods, which thou hast not knowen nor thy fathers, euen wood and stone.

(Notes Reference) And the LORD shall (y) scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, [even] wood and stone.

(y) Signifying that it is a singular gift from God to be in a place where we may worship God purely and declare our faith and religion.

(Deu 28:65) Also among these nations thou shalt finde no rest, neither shall the sole of thy foote haue rest: for the Lord shall giue thee there a trembling heart, and looking to returne till thine eyes fall out, and a sorowfull minde.

(Deu 28:66) And thy life shall hang before thee, and thou shalt feare both night and day, and shalt haue none assurance of thy life.

(Deu 28:67) In the morning thou shalt say, Woulde God it were euening, and at the euening thou shalt say, Would God it were morning, for ye feare of thine heart, which thou shalt feare, and for the sight of thine eyes, which thou shalt see.

(Deu 28:68) And the Lord shall bring thee into Egypt againe with shippes by the way, whereof I saide vnto thee, Thou shalt see it no more againe: and there yee shall sell your selues vnto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and there shalbe no byer.

(Notes Reference) And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with (z) ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy [you].

(z) Because they were unmindful of that miracle, when the sea made room for them to pass through.

Passage 2: Songofsolomon 8

(Son 8:1) Oh that thou werest as my brother that sucked the brestes of my mother: I would finde thee without, I would kisse thee, then they should not despise thee.

(Notes Reference) O (a) that thou [wert] as my brother, that was nourished at the breasts of my mother! [when] I should find thee outside, I would kiss thee; yea, I should not be despised.

(a) The Church called of the Gentiles speaks thus to the Church of Jerusalem.

(Son 8:2) I will leade thee and bring thee into my mothers house: there thou shalt teache me: and I will cause thee to drinke spiced wine, and newe wine of the pomegranate.

(Son 8:3) His left hand shalbe vnder mine head, and his right hand shall embrace me.

(Notes Reference) (b) His left hand [should be] under my head, and his right hand should embrace me.

(b) Read (Son 2:6).

(Son 8:4) I charge you, O daughters of Ierusale, that you stir not vp, nor waken my loue, vntil she please.

(Notes Reference) (c) I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not, nor awake [my] love, until he please.

(Son 8:5) (Who is this that commeth vp out of the wildernesse, leaning vpon her welbeloued?) I raysed thee vp vnder an apple tree: there thy mother conceiued thee: there she coceiued that bare thee.

(Son 8:6) Set mee as a seale on thine heart, and as a signet vpon thine arme: for loue is strong as death: ielousie is cruel as the graue: the coles thereof are fierie coles, and a vehement flame.

(Notes Reference) (d) Set me as a seal upon thy heart, as a seal upon thy arm: for love [is] strong as death; jealousy [is] cruel as the grave: the coals of it [are] coals of fire, [which hath a] most vehement flame.

(d) The spouse desires Christ to be joined in perpetual love with him.

(Son 8:7) Much water can not quench loue, neither can the floods drowne it: If a man should giue all the substance of his house for loue, they would greatly contemne it.

(Son 8:8) Wee haue a litle sister, and she hath no breastes: what shall we do for our sister when she shalbe spoken for?

(Notes Reference) (e) We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for?

(e) The Jewish Church speaks this of the Church of the Gentiles.

(Son 8:9) If shee be a wall, we will builde vpon her a siluer palace: and if she be a doore, we wil keepe her in with bordes of cedar.

(Notes Reference) (f) If she [is] a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she [is] a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar.

(f) If she is sure and fast, she is fit for her husband to dwell in.

(Son 8:10) I am a wall, and my breasts are as towres: then was I in his eyes as one that findeth peace.

(Notes Reference) (g) I [am] a wall, and my breasts like towers: then was I in his eyes as one that found favour.

(g) The Church promises fidelity and constancy.

(Son 8:11) Salomon had a vine in Baal-hamon: hee gaue the vineyarde vnto keepers: euery one bringeth for ye fruite thereof a thousand pieces of siluer.

(Notes Reference) (h) Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard to keepers; every one for the fruit of it was to bring a thousand [pieces] of silver.

(h) This is the vineyard of the Lord hired out, (Mat 21:33).

(Son 8:12) But my vineyarde which is mine, is before me: to thee, O Salomon appertaineth a thousand pieces of siluer, and two hundreth to them that keepe the fruite thereof.

(Son 8:13) O thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken vnto thy voyce: cause me to heare it.

(Notes Reference) Thou that dwellest in the (i) gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear [it].

(i) Christ dwells in his Church, whose voice the faithful hear.

(Son 8:14) O my welbeloued, flee away, and be like vnto the roe, or to the yong harte vpon ye mountaines of spices.

(Notes Reference) (k) Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of spices.

(k) The Church desires Christ that if he depart from them, yet he would haste to help them in their troubles.

Passage 3: Acts 25-26

(Act 25:1) When Festus was then come into the prouince, after three dayes he went vp from Caesarea vnto Hierusalem.

(Notes Reference) Now (1) when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

(1) Satan's ministers are subtle and diligent in seeking every occasion: but God who watches for his own, easily hinders all their counsels.

(Act 25:2) Then the high Priest, and the chiefe of the Iewes appeared before him against Paul: and they besought him,

(Act 25:3) And desired fauour against him, that hee would send for him to Hierusalem: and they layd waite to kill him by the way.

(Act 25:4) But Festus answered, that Paul should bee kept at Caesarea, and that he himselfe would shortly depart thither.

(Act 25:5) Let them therefore, saide he, which among you are able, come downe with vs: and if there be any wickednes in the man, let them accuse him.

(Act 25:6) Now when he had taried among them no more then ten dayes, hee went downe to Caesarea, and the next day sate in the iudgement seat, and commanded Paul to be brought.

(Notes Reference) (2) And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

(2) We may justly avoid an injury, but not with an injury.

(Act 25:7) And when hee was come, the Iewes which were come from Hierusalem, stoode about him and layd many and grieuous complaints against Paul, whereof they could make no plaine proofe,

(Notes Reference) And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which (a) they could not prove.

(a) They could not prove them certainly and without undoubted reasons.

(Act 25:8) Forasmuch as he answered, that he had neither offended any thing against the lawe of the Iewes, neither against ye temple, nor against Caesar.

(Act 25:9) Yet Festus willing to get fauour of the Iewes, answered Paul and saide, Wilt thou goe vp to Hierusalem, and there be iudged of these things before mee?

(Notes Reference) (3) But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

(3) God does not only turn aside the counsel of the wicked, but also turns it upon their own heads.

(Act 25:10) Then said Paul, I stand at Caesars iudgment seate, where I ought to be iudged: to the Iewes I haue done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

(Act 25:11) For if I haue done wrong, or committed any thing worthie of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof they accuse me, no man, to pleasure them, can deliuer me to them: I appeale vnto Caesar.

(Act 25:12) Then when Festus had spoken with the Council, hee answered, Hast thou appealed vnto Caesar? vnto Caesar shalt thou goe.

(Act 25:13) And after certaine dayes, King Agrippa and Bernice came downe to Caesarea to salute Festus.

(Notes Reference) (4) And after certain days king (b) Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.

(4) Festus, without even trying to, even before kings, brings to light the wickedness of the Jews, and Paul's innocence, and in this way marvellously confirms the Church of God.

(b) This Agrippa was the son of Agrippa whose death Luke spoke of before, and Bernice was his sister.

(Act 25:14) And when they had remained there many dayes, Festus declared Pauls cause vnto the King, saying, There is a certaine man left in prison by Felix,

(Act 25:15) Of whom when I came to Hierusalem, the high Priestes and Elders of the Iewes informed me, and desired to haue iudgement against him.

(Act 25:16) To whome I answered, that it is not the maner of the Romanes for fauour to deliuer any man to the death, before that hee which is accused, haue the accusers before him, and haue place to defend himselfe, concerning the crime.

(Notes Reference) To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to (c) deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

(Act 25:17) Therefore when they were come hither, without delay the day following I sate on the iudgement seate, and commanded the man to be brought foorth.

(Act 25:18) Against whom when the accusers stood vp, they brought no crime of such things as I supposed:

(Act 25:19) But had certaine questions against him of their owne superstition, and of one Iesus which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be aliue.

(Notes Reference) (5) But had certain questions against him of their own (d) superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

(5) The profane and wicked take an occasion to condemn the true doctrine, because of private controversies and contentions of men between themselves: but the truth nevertheless abides safe and sure in the meantime.

(d) This profane man calls the Jewish religion "superstition", and that before King Agrippa, but it is no wonder: for the rulers of provinces, because of the majesty of the empire of Rome, used to think themselves better than kings.

(Act 25:20) And because I doubted of such maner of question, I asked him whether he would goe to Hierusalem, and there be iudged of these things.

(Act 25:21) But because he appealed to be reserued to the examination of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept, till I mght send him to Cesar.

(Act 25:22) Then Agrippa sayd vnto Festus, I would also heare the man my selfe. To morowe, sayd he, thou shalt heare him.

(Notes Reference) (6) Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

(6) That is fulfilled in Paul which the Lord had told to Ananias about him; see (Act 9:15).

(Act 25:23) And on the morowe when Agrippa was come and Bernice with great pompe, and were entred into the Common hall with the chiefe captaines and chiefe men of the citie, at Festus commandement Paul was brought forth.

(Notes Reference) And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great (e) pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.

(e) Gorgeously, like a prince.

(Act 25:24) And Festus sayd, King Agrippa, and all men which are present with vs, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Iewes haue called vpon me, both at Hierusalem, and here, crying, that he ought not to liue any longer.

(Act 25:25) Yet haue I found nothing worthy of death, that he hath committed: neuertheles, seeing that he hath appealed to Augustus, I haue determined to send him.

(Act 25:26) Of whome I haue no certaine thing to write vnto my Lord: wherefore I haue brought him forth vnto you, and specially vnto thee, King Agrippa, that after examination had, I might haue somewhat to write.

(Notes Reference) Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my (f) lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.

(f) To Augustus. Good princes refused this name at the first, that is, to be called lords, but afterwards they allowed it, as we read of Traianus.

(Act 25:27) For me thinketh it vnreasonable to send a prisoner, and not to shewe the causes which are layde against him.

(Act 26:1) Then Agrippa sayd vnto Paul, Thou art permitted to speake for thy selfe. So Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himselfe.

(Act 26:2) I thinke my selfe happy, King Agrippa, because I shall answere this day before thee of all the things whereof I am accused of the Iewes.

(Notes Reference) (1) I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

(1) To have a skilful judge is a great and singular gift of God.

(Act 26:3) Chiefly, because thou hast knowledge of all customes, and questions which are among the Iewes: wherefore I beseech thee, to heare me patiently.

(Act 26:4) As touching my life from my childhood, and what it was from the beginning among mine owne nation at Hierusalem, know all the Iewes,

(Notes Reference) (2) My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

(2) Paul divides the history of his life into two times: for the first he calls his adversaries as witnesses: for the latter, the fathers and Prophets.

(Act 26:5) Which knewe me heretofore, euen from my elders (if they would testifie) that after the most straite sect of our religion I liued a Pharise.

(Notes Reference) Which (a) knew me from (b) the beginning, if they would testify, that after the (c) most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

(a) That I was, and where, and how I lived.

(b) That my parents were Pharisees.

(c) The sect of the Pharisees was the most exquisite amongst all the sects of the Jews, for it was better than all the rest.

(Act 26:6) And now I stand and am accused for the hope of the promise made of God vnto our fathers.

(Notes Reference) (3) And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:

(3) There are three chief and principal witnesses of true doctrine: God, the true fathers, and the consent of the true Church of God.

(Act 26:7) Whereunto our twelue tribes instantly seruing God day and night, hope to come: for the which hopes sake, O King Agrippa, I am accused of the Iewes.

(Act 26:8) Why should it be thought a thing incredible vnto you, that God should raise againe the dead?

(Notes Reference) (4) Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

(4) He proves the resurrection of the dead, first by the power of God, then by the resurrection of Christ, of which he is a sufficient witness.

(Act 26:9) I also verely thought in my selfe, that I ought to doe many contrarie things against the Name of Iesus of Nazareth.

(Act 26:10) Which thing I also did in Hierusalem: for many of the Saints I shut vp in prison, hauing receiued authoritie of the hie Priests, and when they were put to death, I gaue my sentence.

(Notes Reference) Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave (d) my voice against [them].

(d) I consented to and allowed their actions: for he was not a judge.

(Act 26:11) And I punished them throughout all the Synagogues, and compelled them to blaspheme, and being more mad against them, I persecuted them, euen vnto strange cities.

(Notes Reference) And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and (e) compelled [them] to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted [them] even unto strange cities.

(e) By extreme punishment.

(Act 26:12) At which time, euen as I went to Damascus with authoritie, and commission from the hie Priests,

(Act 26:13) At midday, O King, I sawe in the way a light from heauen, passing the brightnes of the sunne, shine round about mee, and them which went with me.

(Act 26:14) So when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voyce speaking vnto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kicke against pricks.

(Act 26:15) Then I sayd, Who art thou, Lord? And he sayd, I am Iesus whom thou persecutest.

(Act 26:16) But rise and stand vp on thy feete: for I haue appeared vnto thee for this purpose, to appoint thee a minister and a witnesse, both of the things which thou hast seene, and of the things in the which I will appeare vnto thee,

(Act 26:17) Deliuering thee from this people, and from the Gentiles, vnto whom now I send thee,

(Act 26:18) To open their eyes, that they may turne from darknes to light, and from the power of Satan vnto God, that they may receiue forgiuenes of sinnes, and inheritance among them, which are sanctified by fayth in me.

(Notes Reference) (5) To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

(5) The end of the Gospel is to save those who are brought to the knowledge of Christ, and are justified and sanctified in him, being laid hold on by faith.

(Act 26:19) Wherefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient vnto the heauenly vision,

(Notes Reference) (6) Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

(6) Paul alleges God to be author of the office of his apostleship, and that God's grace is a witness.

(Act 26:20) But shewed first vnto them of Damascus, and at Hierusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Iudea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turne to God, and doe workes worthy amendment of life.

(Act 26:21) For this cause the Iewes caught me in the Temple, and went about to kill me.

(Act 26:22) Neuertheles, I obteined helpe of God, and continue vnto this day, witnessing both to small and to great, saying none other things, then those which the Prophets and Moses did say should come,

(Notes Reference) (7) Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to (f) small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

(7) Christ is the end of the Law and the Prophets.

(f) To everyone.

(Act 26:23) To wit, that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light vnto this people, and to the Gentiles.

(Notes Reference) That Christ should (g) suffer, [and] that he should be the (h) first that should rise from the dead, and should shew (i) light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

(g) That Christ would not be such a king as the Jews dreamed of, but one appointed to bear our miseries, and the punishment of our sins.

(h) The first of those who are raised from the dead.

(i) Life, yea and that a most blessed life which will be endless: and this is set against darkness, which almost in all languages sometimes signifies death, and sometimes misery and calamity.

(Act 26:24) And as he thus answered for himselfe, Festus said with a loude voyce, Paul, thou art besides thy selfe: much learning doeth make thee mad.

(Notes Reference) (8) And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

(8) The wisdom of God is madness to fools, yet nonetheless we must boldly confirm the truth.

(Act 26:25) But he said, I am not mad, O noble Festus, but I speake the wordes of trueth and sobernes.

(Act 26:26) For the King knoweth of these things, before whom also I speake boldly: for I am perswaded that none of these things are hidden from him: for this thing was not done in a corner.

(Notes Reference) For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a (k) corner.

(k) Secretly and privately.

(Act 26:27) O King Agrippa, beleeuest thou the Prophets? I know that thou beleeuest.

(Notes Reference) (9) King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

(9) Paul, as it were forgetting that he stood a prisoner to defend his cause, does not forget the office of his apostleship.

(Act 26:28) Then Agrippa said vnto Paul, Almost thou perswadest me to become a Christian.

(Act 26:29) Then Paul sayd, I would to God that not onely thou, but also all that heare me to day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

(Notes Reference) And Paul said, (l) I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

(l) I would to God that not only almost, but thoroughly and altogether, both you and all that hear me this day, might be made as I am, only except for my bonds.

(Act 26:30) And when he had thus spoken, the King rose vp, and the gouernour, and Bernice, and they that sate with them.

(Notes Reference) (10) And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

(10) Paul is solemnly acquitted, and yet not dismissed.

(Act 26:31) And when they were gone apart, they talked betweene themselues, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death, nor of bonds.

(Act 26:32) Then sayd Agrippa vnto Festus, This man might haue bene loosed, if hee had not appealed vnto Cesar.