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Passage 1: Deuteronomy 22

(Deu 22:1) Thou shalt not see thy brothers oxe nor his sheepe go astray, and withdraw thy selfe from them, but shalt bring the againe vnto thy brother.

(Notes Reference) Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and (a) hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother.

(a) As though your did not see it.

(Deu 22:2) And if thy brother bee not neere vnto thee, or if thou knowe him not, then thou shalt bring it into thine house, and it shall remaine with thee, vntill thy brother seeke after it: then shalt thou deliuer it to him againe.

(Notes Reference) And if thy brother [be] not (b) nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again.

(b) Showing that brotherly affection must be shown, not only to those who dwell near to us, but also to those who are far off.

(Deu 22:3) In like maner shalt thou do with his asse, and so shalt thou do with his rayment, and shalt so doe with all lost things of thy brother, which he hath lost: if thou hast found them, thou shalt not withdraw thy selfe from them.

(Notes Reference) In like manner shalt thou do with his (c) ass; and so shalt thou do with his raiment; and with all lost thing of thy brother's, which he hath lost, and thou hast found, shalt thou do likewise: thou mayest not hide thyself.

(c) You are bound to do much more for your neighbour.

(Deu 22:4) Thou shalt not see thy brothers asse nor his oxe fal downe by the way, and withdrawe thy selfe from them, but shalt lift them vp with him.

(Deu 22:5) The woman shall not weare that which perteineth vnto the man, neither shall a man put on womans rayment: for all that doe so, are abomination vnto the Lord thy God.

(Notes Reference) The (d) woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so [are] abomination unto the LORD thy God.

(d) For that alters the order of nature, and shows that you despise God.

(Deu 22:6) If thou finde a birdes nest in the way, in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be yong or egges, and the damme sitting vpon the yong, or vpon the egges, thou shalt not take ye damme with the yong,

(Notes Reference) If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, [whether they be] young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, (e) thou shalt not take the dam with the young:

(e) If God detests cruelty done to little birds, how much more to man, made according to his image?

(Deu 22:7) But shalt in any wise let the damme go, and take the yong to thee, that thou mayest prosper and prolong thy dayes.

(Deu 22:8) When thou buildest a newe house, thou shalt make a battlemet on thy roofe, that thou lay not blood vpon thine house, if any man fal thence.

(Deu 22:9) Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with diuers kinds of seedes, lest thou defile the increase of the seede which thou hast sowen, and the fruite of the vineyarde.

(Notes Reference) Thou shalt not (f) sow thy vineyard with divers seeds: lest the fruit of thy seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of thy vineyard, be defiled.

(f) The tenor of this law is to walk in simplicity and not to be curious about new fads.

(Deu 22:10) Thou shalt not plow with an oxe and an asse together.

(Deu 22:11) Thou shalt not weare a garment of diuers sorts, as of woollen and linen together.

(Deu 22:12) Thou shalt make thee fringes vpon the foure quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou couerest thy selfe.

(Deu 22:13) If a man take a wife, and when he hath lyen with her, hate her,

(Deu 22:14) And laye slaunderous thinges vnto her charge, and bring vp an euill name vpon her, and say, I tooke this wife, and when I came to her, I found her not a mayde,

(Notes Reference) And give (g) occasions of speech against her, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid:

(g) That is, be an occasion that she is slandered.

(Deu 22:15) Then shall the father of the mayde and her mother take and bring the signes of the maydes virginitie vnto the Elders of the citie to the gate.

(Deu 22:16) And the maydes father shall say vnto the Elders, I gaue my daughter vnto this man to wife, and he hateth her:

(Deu 22:17) And lo, he layeth slaunderous things vnto her charge, saying, I founde not thy daughter a mayde: loe, these are the tokens of my daughters virginitie: and they shall spreade the vesture before the Elders of the citie.

(Notes Reference) And, lo, he hath given occasions of speech [against her], saying, I found not thy daughter a maid; and yet these [are the tokens of] my daughter's virginity. And they shall spread the (h) cloth before the elders of the city.

(h) Meaning, the sheet, in which the signs of her virginity were.

(Deu 22:18) Then the Elders of the citie shall take that man and chastise him,

(Deu 22:19) And shall condemne him in an hundreth shekels of siluer, and giue them vnto the father of the mayde, because he hath brought vp an euill name vpon a mayde of Israel: and she shalbe his wife, and he may not put her away all his life.

(Notes Reference) And they shall amerce him in an hundred [shekels] of silver, and give [them] unto the father (i) of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days.

(i) For the fault of the child becomes the shame of the parents: therefore he was recompensed when she was faultless.

(Deu 22:20) But if this thing be true, that the mayde be not found a virgine,

(Deu 22:21) Then shall they bring forth the mayde to the doore of her fathers house, and the men of her citie shall stone her with stones to death: for shee hath wrought follie in Israel, by playing ye whore in her fathers house: so thou shalt put euill away from among you.

(Deu 22:22) If a man be found lying with a woman marryed to a man, then they shall dye euen both twaine: to wit, the man that lay with the wife, and the wife: so thou shalt put away euil from Israel.

(Deu 22:23) If a maid be betrothed vnto an husband, and a man finde her in the towne and lye with her,

(Deu 22:24) Then shall yee bring them both out vnto the gates of the same citie, and shall stone them with stones to death: the mayde because she cried not, being in the citie, and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbours wife: so thou shalt put away euill from among you.

(Deu 22:25) But if a man finde a betrothed mayde in the field, and force her, and lye with her, then the man that lay with her, shall dye alone:

(Deu 22:26) And vnto the mayd thou shalt do nothing, because there is in the mayde no cause of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour and woundeth him to death, so is this matter.

(Notes Reference) But unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; [there is] in the damsel no sin [worthy] of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so (k) [is] this matter:

(k) Meaning, that the innocent cannot be punished.

(Deu 22:27) For he found her in the fieldes: the betrothed mayde cryed, and there was no man to succour her.

(Deu 22:28) If a man finde a mayde that is not betrothed, and take her, and lye with her, and they be founde,

(Deu 22:29) Then the man that lay with her, shall giue vnto the maydes father fiftie shekels of siluer: and she shalbe his wife, because he hath humbled her: he can not put her away all his life.

(Deu 22:30) No man shall take his fathers wife, nor shall vncouer his fathers skirt.

(Notes Reference) A man shall not (l) take his father's wife, nor discover his father's skirt.

(l) He shall not lie with his stepmother, meaning by this all other variations forbidden in (Lev. 18:1-30).

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Passage 2: Songofsolomon 2

(Son 2:1) I am the rose of the fielde, and the lilie of the valleys.

(Son 2:2) Like a lilie amog the thornes, so is my loue among the daughters.

(Notes Reference) As the lily among thorns, so [is] my (a) love among the daughters.

(a) Thus Christ prefers his Church above all other things.

(Son 2:3) Like the apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my welbeloued among the sonnes of men: vnder his shadow had I delite, and sate downe: and his fruite was sweete vnto my mouth.

(Notes Reference) (b) As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so [is] my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit [was] sweet to my taste.

(b) The spouse testifies her great desire toward her husband, but her strength fails her, and therefore she desires to be comforted, and felt it.

(Son 2:4) Hee brought mee into the wine cellar, and loue was his banner ouer me.

(Son 2:5) Stay me with flagons, and comfort me with apples: for I am sicke of loue.

(Son 2:6) His left hande is vnder mine head, and his right hand doeth imbrace me.

(Son 2:7) I charge you, O daughters of Ierusalem, by the roes and by the hindes of the fielde, that ye stirre not vp, nor waken my loue, vntill she please.

(Notes Reference) (c) I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not, nor awake [my] love, till he please.

(c) Christ charges them who have to do in the Church as it were by a solemn oath, that they trouble not the quietness of it.

(Son 2:8) It is the voyce of my welbeloued: beholde, hee commeth leaping by the mountaines, and skipping by the hilles.

(Notes Reference) (d) The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.

(d) This is spoken of Christ who took on our nature to come to help his Church.

(Son 2:9) My welbeloued is like a roe, or a yong hart: loe, he standeth behinde our wall, looking forth of the windowes, shewing him selfe through the grates.

(Notes Reference) My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he (e) standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, gazing himself through the (f) lattice.

(e) For as his divinity was hidden under the cloak of our flesh.

(f) So that we cannot have full knowledge of him in this life.

(Son 2:10) My welbeloued spake and said vnto me, Arise, my loue, my faire one, and come thy way.

(Son 2:11) For beholde, winter is past: the raine is changed, and is gone away.

(Notes Reference) For, lo, the (g) winter is past, the rain is over [and] gone;

(g) That is, sin and error is driven back by the coming of Christ, who is here described by the springtime, when all things flourish.

(Son 2:12) The flowers appeare in the earth: the time of the singing of birdes is come, and the voyce of the turtle is heard in our land.

(Son 2:13) The figtree hath brought foorth her yong figges: and the vines with their small grapes haue cast a sauour: arise my loue, my faire one, and come away.

(Son 2:14) My doue, that art in the holes of ye rocke, in the secret places of the staires, shewe mee thy sight, let mee heare thy voyce: for thy voyce is sweete, and thy sight comely.

(Notes Reference) O my dove, [that art] in the (h) clefts of the rock, in the secret [places] of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet [is] thy voice, and thy countenance [is] comely.

(h) You who are ashamed of your sins, come and show yourself to me.

(Son 2:15) Take vs the foxes, the little foxes, which destroy the vines: for our vines haue small grapes.

(Notes Reference) Take for us the foxes, the (i) little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines [have] tender grapes.

(i) Suppress the heretics while they are young, that is, when they begin to show their malice, and destroy the vine of the Lord.

(Son 2:16) My welbeloued is mine, and I am his: hee feedeth among the lilies,

(Son 2:17) Vntil the day breake, and the shadowes flee away: returne, my welbeloued, and be like a roe, or a yong hart vpon the mountaines of Bether.

(Notes Reference) Until the day shall break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a (k) roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.

(k) The church desires Christ to be most ready to help her in all dangers.

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Passage 3: Acts 14-15

(Act 14:1) And it came to passe in Iconium, that they went both together into the Synagogue of the Iewes, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Iewes and of the Grecians beleeued.

(Notes Reference) And (1) it came to pass in (a) Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

(1) We should be no less constant in the preaching of the Gospel than the perversity of the wicked is obstinate in persecuting it.

(a) Iconium was a city of Lycaonia.

(Act 14:2) And the vnbeleeuing Iewes stirred vp, and corrupted the mindes of the Gentiles against the brethren.

(Notes Reference) But the (b) unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

(b) Who did not obey the doctrine.

(Act 14:3) So therefore they abode there a long time, and spake boldly in the Lord, which gaue testimonie vnto the woord of his grace, and caused signes and woders to be done by their hands.

(Notes Reference) (2) Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

(2) We should not leave our places and give in to threatenings, or to open rage, but only when there is no other remedy, and that not for our own peace and quiet, but only so that the Gospel may be spread further abroad.

(Act 14:4) But the multitude of the city was deuided: and some were with the Iewes, and some with the Apostles.

(Act 14:5) And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and of the Iewes with their rulers, to doe them violence, and to stone them,

(Act 14:6) They were ware of it, and fled vnto Lystra, and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and vnto the region round about,

(Notes Reference) They were ware of [it], and (c) fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

(c) It is sometimes proper to flee dangers, at the appropriate times.

(Act 14:7) And there preached the Gospel.

(Act 14:8) Nowe there sate a certaine man at Lystra, impotent in his feete, which was a creeple from his mothers wombe, who had neuer walked.

(Notes Reference) (3) And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

(3) It is an old subtlety of the devil, either to cause the faithful servants of God to be immediately banished, or to be worshipped as idols: and he does this by taking occasion of miracles which they have done.

(Act 14:9) He heard Paul speake: who beholding him, and perceiuing that he had faith to be healed,

(Act 14:10) Said with a loude voyce, Stand vpright on thy feete. And he leaped vp, and walked.

(Act 14:11) Then when the people sawe what Paul had done, they lift vp their voyces, saying in ye speach of Lycaonia, Gods are come downe to vs in the likenesse of men.

(Act 14:12) And they called Barnabas, Iupiter: and Paul, Mercurius, because hee was the chiefe speaker.

(Act 14:13) Then Iupiters priest, which was before their citie, brought bulles with garlands vnto the gates, and would haue sacrificed with the people.

(Notes Reference) Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the (d) gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

(d) Of the house where Paul and Barnabas were.

(Act 14:14) But when the Apostles, Barnabas and Paul heard it, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying,

(Act 14:15) And saying, O men, why doe yee these things? We are euen men subiect to the like passions that yee be, and preache vnto you, that yee shoulde turne from these vaine things vnto the liuing God, which made heauen and earth, and the sea, and all things that in them are:

(Notes Reference) (4) And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of (e) like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these (f) vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

(4) That is also called idolatry which gives to creatures, be they ever so holy and excellent, that which is proper to the only One God, that is, invocation, or calling upon.

(e) Men, as you are, and partakers of the very same nature of man as you are.

(f) He calls idols "vanities", after the manner of the Hebrews.

(Act 14:16) Who in times past suffered all the Gentiles to walke in their owne waies.

(Notes Reference) (5) Who in times past (g) suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

(5) Custom, be it ever so old, does not excuse the idolaters.

(g) Allowed them to live as they wished, prescribing and appointing them no type of religion.

(Act 14:17) Neuerthelesse, hee left not him selfe without witnes, in that hee did good and gaue vs raine from heauen, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with foode, and gladnesse.

(Act 14:18) And speaking these things, scarce appeased they the multitude, that they had not sacrificed vnto them.

(Act 14:19) Then there came certaine Iewes from Antiochia and Iconium, which when they had persuaded the people, stoned Paul, and drewe him out of the citie, supposing he had bene dead.

(Notes Reference) (6) And there came thither [certain] Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew [him] out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

(6) The devil, when he is brought to his last chance, at length rages openly, but in vain, even at that time when he seems to have the upper hand.

(Act 14:20) Howbeit, as the disciples stoode rounde about him, hee arose vp, and came into the citie, and the next day hee departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

(Act 14:21) And after they had preached the glad tidings of the Gospel to that citie, and had taught many, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antiochia,

(Notes Reference) (7) And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and [to] Iconium, and Antioch,

(7) We must go forward in our calling through a thousand deaths.

(Act 14:22) Confirming the disciples hearts, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, affirming that we must through many afflictions enter into the kingdome of God.

(Notes Reference) (8) Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

(8) It is the office of the ministers, not only to teach, but also to confirm those that are taught, and prepare them for the cross.

(Act 14:23) And when they had ordeined them Elders by election in euery Church, and prayed, and fasted, they commended them to the Lord in whome they beleeued.

(Notes Reference) (9) And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

(9) The apostles committed the churches which they had planted to proper and special pastors, who they appointed not rashly, but with prayers and fastings preceding their choice: neither did they thrust them upon churches through bribery, or lordly superiority, but chose and placed them by the voice of the congregation.

(Act 14:24) Thus they went throughout Pisidia, and came to Pamphylia.

(Notes Reference) (10) And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

(10) Paul and Barnabas, having completed their journey, and having returned to Antioch, give an account of their journey to the congregation or church.

(Act 14:25) And when they had preached the woorde in Perga, they came downe to Attalia,

(Notes Reference) And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into (h) Attalia:

(h) Attalia was a sea city of Pamphylia, near to Lycia.

(Act 14:26) And thence sailed to Antiochia, from whence they had bene comended vnto the grace of God, to the woorke, which they had fulfilled.

(Notes Reference) And thence sailed to (i) Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

(i) Antioch of Syria.

(Act 14:27) And when they were come and had gathered the Church together, they rehearsed all the things that God had done by them, and howe he had opened the doore of faith vnto the Gentiles.

(Act 14:28) So there they abode a long time with the disciples.

(Act 15:1) Then came downe certaine from Iudea, and taught the brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the maner of Moses, ye cannot be saued.

(Notes Reference) And (1) (a) certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, [and said], Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

(1) The Church is at length troubled with dissension within itself, and the trouble rises from the proud and stubborn intellects of certain evil men. The first strife was concerning the office of Christ, whether we are saved only by his righteousness apprehended by faith, or if we also have need to observe the Law.

(a) Epiphanius is of the opinion that this was Cerinthus.

(Act 15:2) And when there was great dissension, and disputation by Paul and Barnabas against them, they ordeyned that Paul and Barnabas, and certaine other of them, should goe vp to Hierusalem vnto the Apostles and Elders about this question.

(Notes Reference) (2) When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

(2) Meetings of congregations were instituted to suppress heresies, to which certain were sent by common consent on behalf of all.

(Act 15:3) Thus being brought forth by ye Church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conuersion of the Gentiles, and they brought great ioy vnto all the brethren.

(Notes Reference) And (b) being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

(b) Courteously and lovingly brought on their way by the Church, that is, by certain ones appointed by the Church.

(Act 15:4) And when they were come to Hierusalem, they were receiued of the Church, and of the Apostles and Elders, and they declared what things God had done by them.

(Act 15:5) But said they, certaine of the sect of the Pharises, which did beleeue, rose vp, saying, that it was needefull to circumcise them, and to commaund them to keepe the lawe of Moses.

(Act 15:6) Then the Apostles and Elders came together to looke to this matter.

(Notes Reference) (3) And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

(3) The matter is first handled, both parts being heard, in the assembly of the apostles and elders, and after is communicated to the people.

(Act 15:7) And when there had bene great disputation, Peter rose vp, and said vnto them, Ye men and brethren, ye know that a good while ago, among vs God chose out me, that the Gentiles by my mouth should heare the worde of the Gospel, and beleeue.

(Notes Reference) And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, (4) Men [and] brethren, ye know how that a (c) good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

(4) God himself, in the calling of the Gentiles who are uncircumcised, taught that our salvation consists in faith, without the worship appointed by the Law.

(c) Literally, "of old time", that is, even from the first time that we were commanded to preach the Gospel, and immediately after that the Holy Spirit came down upon us.

(Act 15:8) And God which knoweth the heartes, bare them witnesse, in giuing vnto them ye holy Ghost euen as he did vnto vs.

(Act 15:9) And he put no difference betweene vs and them, after that by faith he had purified their heartes.

(Notes Reference) And put no (d) difference between us and them, purifying their hearts (e) by faith.

(d) He put no difference between us and them, with regard to the benefit of his free favour.

(e) Christ proclaims those blessed who are pure of heart: and here we are plainly taught that men are made pure of heart by faith.

(Act 15:10) Nowe therefore, why tempt ye God, to lay a yoke on the disciples neckes, which neither our fathers, nor we were able to beare?

(Notes Reference) (5) Now therefore why (f) tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

(5) Peter, passing from the ceremonies to the Law itself in general, shows that no one could be saved, if salvation were to be sought for by the Law, and not by grace alone in Jesus Christ; and this is because no man could ever fulfil the Law, neither the patriarch nor the apostle.

(f) Why do you tempt God, as though he could not save by faith?

(Act 15:11) But we beleeue, through the grace of the Lord Iesus Christ to be saued, euen as they doe.

(Act 15:12) Then all the multitude kept silence, and heard Barnabas and Paul, which told what signes and wonders God had done among the Gentiles by them.

(Notes Reference) (6) Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

(6) A true pattern of a lawful council, where God's truth alone reigns.

(Act 15:13) And when they helde their peace, Iames answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken vnto me.

(Notes Reference) And after they had held their peace, (g) James answered, saying, Men [and] brethren, hearken unto me:

(g) The son of Alphaeus, who is also called the Lord's brother.

(Act 15:14) Simeon hath declared, howe God first did visite the Gentiles, to take of them a people vnto his Name.

(Notes Reference) (7) Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

(7) James confirms the calling of the Gentiles out of the word of God, in this agreeing with Peter.

(Act 15:15) And to this agree the woordes of the Prophets, as it is written,

(Act 15:16) After this I will returne, and will builde againe the tabernacle of Dauid, which is fallen downe, and the ruines thereof will I build againe, and I will set it vp,

(Act 15:17) That the residue of men might seeke after the Lord, and all the Gentiles vpon whom my Name is called, saith the Lord which doeth all these things.

(Act 15:18) From the beginning of the worlde, God knoweth all his workes.

(Notes Reference) (h) Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

(h) And therefore nothing comes to pass by chance, but only by God's appointment.

(Act 15:19) Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them of the Gentiles that are turned to God,

(Notes Reference) (8) Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

(8) In indifferent matters, we may be patient with the weakness of our brethren with the end in view that they may have time to be instructed.

(Act 15:20) But that we send vnto them, that they abstaine themselues from filthinesse of idoles, and fornication, and that that is strangled, and from blood.

(Notes Reference) But that we write unto them, that they abstain from (i) pollutions of idols, and [from] fornication, and [from] things strangled, and [from] blood.

(i) From sacrifices, or from feasts which were kept in idol's temples.

(Act 15:21) For Moses of olde time hath in euery citie them that preache him, seeing he is read in the Synagogues euery Sabbath day.

(Act 15:22) Then it seemed good to the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church, to sende chosen men of their owne companie to Antiochia with Paul and Barnabas: to wit, Iudas whose surname was Barsabas and Silas, which were chiefe men among the brethren,

(Notes Reference) (9) Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; [namely], Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

(9) In a lawful synod, neither those who are appointed and chosen judges, appoint and determine anything tyrannously or upon a lordly superiority, neither do the common multitude stir up disorder against those who sit as judges by the word of God: and the like manner of doing things is also used in proclaiming and ratifying those things which have been so determined and agreed upon.

(Act 15:23) And wrote letters by them after this maner, THE APOSTLES, and the Elders, and the brethren, vnto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antiochia, and in Syria, and in Cilicia, send greeting.

(Act 15:24) Forasmuch as we haue heard, that certaine which went out from vs, haue troubled you with wordes, and cumbred your mindes, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keepe the Lawe: to whom we gaue no such commandement,

(Notes Reference) (10) Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which (k) went out from us have troubled you with words, (l) subverting your souls, saying, [Ye must] be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no [such] commandment:

(10) The council of Jerusalem concludes that the ones who trouble men's consciences are they who teach us to seek salvation in any other means than in Christ alone, apprehended by faith, no matter where they come from, and whoever they pretend to be the author of their calling.

(k) From our congregation.

(l) A borrowed type of speech taken of those who pull down that which was built up: and it is a very common metaphor in the scriptures, to say "the Church is built", for "the Church is planted and established".

(Act 15:25) It seemed therefore good to vs, when we were come together with one accord, to send chosen men vnto you, with our beloued Barnabas and Paul,

(Act 15:26) Men that haue giuen vp their liues for the Name of our Lord Iesus Christ.

(Act 15:27) We haue therefore sent Iudas and Silas, which shall also tell you ye same things by mouth.

(Act 15:28) For it seemed good to the holy Ghost, and to vs, to lay no more burden vpon you, then these necessary things,

(Notes Reference) (11) For it seemed good to the (n) Holy Ghost, and (o) to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these (p) necessary things;

(11) That is a lawful council, which the Holy Spirit rules.

(n) First they made mention of the Holy Spirit, so that it may not seem to be any man's work.

(o) Not that men have any authority of themselves, but to show the faithfulness that they used in their ministry and labour.

(p) This was no absolute necessity, but in respect of the state of that time, so that the Gentiles and the Jews might live together more peaceably, with less occasion to quarrel.

(Act 15:29) That is, that ye abstaine from things offered to idoles, and blood, and that that is strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keepe your selues, ye shall doe well. Fare ye well.

(Notes Reference) (12) That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

(12) Charity is required even in indifferent matters.

(Act 15:30) Nowe when they were departed, they came to Antiochia, and after that they had assembled the multitude, they deliuered the Epistle.

(Notes Reference) (13) So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:

(13) It is required for all people to know certainly what to hold in matters of faith and religion, and not that the Church by ignorance and knowing nothing, should depend upon the pleasure of a few.

(Act 15:31) And when they had read it, they reioyced for the consolation.

(Act 15:32) And Iudas and Silas being Prophets, exhorted the brethren with many wordes, and strengthened them.

(Act 15:33) And after they had taried there a space, they were let goe in peace of the brethren vnto the Apostles.

(Notes Reference) And after they had tarried [there] a space, they were let go in (q) peace from the brethren unto the apostles.

(q) This is a Hebrew idiom, which is the same as saying, "as the brethren wished them all prosperous success, and the church dismissed them with good leave."

(Act 15:34) Notwithstanding Silas thought good to abide there still.

(Act 15:35) Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antiochia, teaching and preaching with many other, the worde of the Lord.

(Act 15:36) But after certaine dayes, Paul said vnto Barnabas, Let vs returne, and visite our brethren in euery citie, where we haue preached the worde of the Lord, and see how they doe.

(Notes Reference) (14) And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, [and see] how they do.

(14) Congregations or churches easily degenerate unless they are diligently watched over, and therefore these apostles went to oversee the churches they had planted, and for this reason also synods were instituted and appointed.

(Act 15:37) And Barnabas counselled to take with them Iohn, called Marke.

(Notes Reference) (15) And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

(15) A lamentable example of discord between excellent men and very great friends, yet not because of profane matters or their own private affairs, neither yet because of doctrine.

(Act 15:38) But Paul thought it not meete to take him vnto their companie, which departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the worke.

(Act 15:39) Then were they so stirred, that they departed asunder one from the other, so that Barnabas tooke Marke, and sailed vnto Cyprus.

(Notes Reference) (16) And (r) the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

(16) God uses the faults of his servants to the profit and building of the Church: yet we have to take heed, even in the best matters, that we do not let our anger overflow.

(r) They were in great heat: but in this we have to consider the power of God's counsel, for by this means it came to pass that the doctrine of the Gospel was spread into many places.

(Act 15:40) And Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended of the brethren vnto the grace of God.

(Act 15:41) And he went through Syria and Cilicia, stablishing the Churches.