May 7 Bible Reading
From the Original 1599 Geneva Bible Notes

Passage 1: Deuteronomy 24
Passage 2: Songofsolomon 4
Passage 3: Acts 18-19


Passage 1: Deuteronomy 24

(Deu 24:1) When a man taketh a wife, and marrieth her, if so be shee finde no fauour in his eyes, because hee hath espyed some filthinesse in her, then let him write her a bill of diuorcement, and put it in her hand, and send her out of his house.

(Notes Reference) When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: (a) then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give [it] in her hand, and send her out of his house.

(a) By this God does not approve light divorcement, but permits it to avoid further inconvenience; (Mat_19:7).

(Deu 24:2) And when she is departed out of his house, and gone her way, and marrie with an other man,

(Deu 24:3) And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a letter of diuorcement, and put it in her hand, and send her out of his house, or if the latter man die which tooke her to wife:

(Deu 24:4) Then her first husband, which sent her away, may not take her againe to be his wife, after that she is defiled: for that is abomination in the sight of the Lord, and thou shalt not cause the land to sinne, which the Lord thy God doeth giue thee to inherite.

(Notes Reference) Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is (b) defiled; for that [is] abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance.

(b) Seeing that by divorcing her he judged her to be unclean and defiled.

(Deu 24:5) When a man taketh a new wife, he shall not goe a warfare, neither shalbe charged with any businesse, but shalbe free at home one yeere, and reioyce with his wife which he hath taken.

(Notes Reference) When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, (c) neither shall he be charged with any business: [but] he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.

(c) That they might learn to know one another's conditions, and so afterward live in godly peace.

(Deu 24:6) No man shall take the nether nor the vpper milstone to pledge: for this gage is his liuing.

(Notes Reference) No man shall take the nether or the upper (d) millstone to pledge: for he taketh [a man's] life to pledge.

(d) Not anything by which a man gets his living.

(Deu 24:7) If any man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh marchandise of him, or selleth him, that thiefe shall die: so shalt thou put euil away from among you.

(Deu 24:8) Take heede of the plague of leprosie, that thou obserue diligently, and doe according to all that the Priestes of the Leuites shall teach you: take heede ye doe as I commanded them.

(Deu 24:9) Remember what the Lord thy God did vnto Miriam by the way after that ye were come out of Egypt.

(Deu 24:10) Whe thou shalt aske again of thy neighbour any thing lent, thou shalt not goe into his house to fet his pledge.

(Notes Reference) When thou dost lend thy brother any thing, thou shalt not go (e) into his house to fetch his pledge.

(e) As though you would appoint what to have, but shall receive what be may spare.

(Deu 24:11) But thou shalt stand without, and the man that borowed it of thee, shall bring the pledge out of the doores vnto thee.

(Deu 24:12) Furthermore if it be a poore body, thou shalt not sleepe with his pledge,

(Deu 24:13) But shalt restore him the pledge when the sunne goeth downe, that he may sleepe in his raiment, and blesse thee: and it shalbe righteousnesse vnto thee before the Lord thy God.

(Notes Reference) In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee (f) before the LORD thy God.

(f) Though he would be unthankful, yet God will not forget it.

(Deu 24:14) Thou shalt not oppresse an hyred seruant that is needie and poore, neyther of thy brethren, nor of the stranger that is in thy land within thy gates.

(Deu 24:15) Thou shalt giue him his hire for his day, neither shall the sunne goe downe vpon it: for he is poore, and therewith susteineth his life: lest he crye against thee vnto the Lord, and it be sinne vnto thee.

(Deu 24:16) The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children put to death for the fathers, but euery man shalbe put to death for his owne sinne.

(Deu 24:17) Thou shalt not peruert the right of the stranger, nor of the fatherlesse, nor take a widowes rayment to pledge.

(Notes Reference) Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the (g) stranger, [nor] of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge:

(g) Because the world valued these people least, therefore God has most care over them.

(Deu 24:18) But remember that thou wast a seruant in Egypt, and howe the Lord thy God deliuered thee thence. Therefore I commaund thee to doe this thing.

(Deu 24:19) When thou cuttest downe thine haruest in thy fielde, and hast forgotten a sheafe in the fielde, thou shalt not goe againe to fet it, but it shalbe for the stranger, for the fatherles, and for the widowe: that the Lord thy God may blesse thee in all the workes of thine hands.

(Deu 24:20) When thou beatest thine oliue tree, thou shalt not goe ouer the boughes againe, but it shalbe for the stranger, for the fatherlesse, and for the widowe.

(Deu 24:21) When thou gatherest thy vineyard, thou shalt not gather the grapes cleane after thee, but they shalbe for the stranger, for the fatherlesse, and for the widowe.

(Deu 24:22) And remember that thou wast a seruant in the land of Egypt: therefore I command thee to doe this thing.

(Notes Reference) And thou shalt remember that thou wast (h) a bondman in the land of Egypt: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

(h) God judged them not mindful of his beasts, unless they were beneficial to others.


Passage 2: Songofsolomon 4

(Son 4:1) Behold, thou art faire, my loue: behold, thou art faire: thine eyes are like the doues: among thy lockes thine heare is like the flocke of goates, which looke downe from the mountaine of Gilead.

(Notes Reference) Behold, thou [art] (a) fair, my love; behold, thou [art] fair; thou [hast] doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair [is] as a (b) flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead.

(a) Because Christ delights in his Church, he commends all that is in her.

(b) He has respect for the multitude of the faithful, which are many in number.

(Son 4:2) Thy teeth are like a flocke of sheepe in good order, which go vp from the washing: which euery one bring out twinnes, and none is barren among them.

(Son 4:3) Thy lippes are like a threede of scarlet, and thy talke is comely: thy temples are within thy lockes as a piece of a pomegranate.

(Son 4:4) Thy necke is as the tower of Dauid builte for defence: a thousand shieldes hang therein, and all the targates of the strong men.

(Son 4:5) Thy two breastes are as two young roes that are twinnes, feeding among the lilies.

(Notes Reference) Thy two (c) breasts [are] like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.

(c) In which are knowledge and zeal two precious jewels.

(Son 4:6) Vntill the day breake, and the shadowes flie away, I wil go into the mountaine of myrrhe and to the mountaine of incense.

(Son 4:7) Thou art all faire, my loue, and there is no spot in thee.

(Son 4:8) Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, euen with me from Lebanon, and looke from the toppe of Amanah, from the toppe of Shenir and Hermon, from the dennes of the lyons, and from the mountaines of the leopards.

(Notes Reference) (d) Come with me from Lebanon, [my] spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards.

(d) Christ promises his Church to call his faithful from all the corners of the world.

(Son 4:9) My sister, my spouse, thou hast wounded mine heart: thou hast wounded mine heart with one of thine eyes, and with a chaine of thy necke.

(Notes Reference) Thou hast ravished my heart, my (e) sister, [my] spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thy (f) eyes, with one chain of thy neck.

(e) Christ calls his Church sister in respect that he had taken the flesh of man.

(f) In that he made his Church beautiful and rich, he loved his gifts in her.

(Son 4:10) My sister, my spouse, how faire is thy loue? howe much better is thy loue then wine? and the sauour of thine oyntments then all spices?

(Son 4:11) Thy lippes, my spouse, droppe as honie combes: honie and milke are vnder thy tongue, and the sauoure of thy garments is as the sauoure of Lebanon.

(Notes Reference) Thy (g) lips, O [my] spouse, drop [as] the honeycomb: honey and milk [are] under thy tongue; and the scent of thy garments [is] like the fragrance of Lebanon.

(g) Because of your confession and thanksgiving.

(Son 4:12) My sister my spouse is as a garden inclosed, as a spring shut vp, and a fountaine sealed vp.

(Son 4:13) Thy plantes are as an orchard of pomegranates with sweete fruites, as camphire, spikenarde,

(Son 4:14) Euen spikenarde, and saffran, calamus, and cynamon with all the trees of incense, myrrhe and aloes, with all the chiefe spices.

(Son 4:15) O fountaine of the gardens, O well of liuing waters, and the springs of Lebanon.

(Notes Reference) (h) A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.

(h) The Church confesses that all her glory and beauty comes from Christ who is the true fountain of all grace.

(Son 4:16) Arise, O North, and come O South, and blowe on my garden that the spices thereof may flow out: let my welbeloued come to his garden, and eate his pleasant fruite.

(Notes Reference) Awake, O (i) north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, [that] its spices may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.

(i) She desires Christ to comfort her and to pour the graces of his Spirit on her, which is meant by the North and South wind.


Passage 3: Acts 18-19

(Act 18:1) After these thinges, Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinthus,

(Notes Reference) After (1) these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;

(1) The true ministers are so far from seeking their own profit, that they willingly depart from what is rightfully theirs, rather than hindering the course of the Gospel in the slightest way.

(Act 18:2) And found a certaine Iewe named Aquila, borne in Pontus, lately come from Italie, and his wife Priscilla (because that Claudius had commanded all Iewes to depart from Rome) and he came vnto them.

(Notes Reference) And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that (a) Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.

(a) Suetonius records that Rome banished the Jews because they were never at rest, and that because of Christ.

(Act 18:3) And because hee was of the same crafte, he abode with them and wrought (for their crafte was to make tentes.)

(Act 18:4) And he disputed in the Synagogue euery Sabbath day, and exhorted the Iewes, and the Grecians.

(Notes Reference) (2) And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and (b) persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

(2) The truth ought always to be freely uttered, yet nonetheless the doctrine may be moderated in accordance with the hearers, so that they are most profited.

(b) Exhorted so that he persuaded, and that is what the word signifies.

(Act 18:5) Now when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul, forced in spirit, testified to the Iewes that Iesus was the Christ.

(Notes Reference) And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul (c) was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews [that] Jesus [was] Christ.

(c) Was very much grieved in mind: by which is signified the great earnestness of his mind, which was greatly moved: for Paul was so zealous that he completely forgot himself, and with a wonderful courage gave himself to preach Christ.

(Act 18:6) And when they resisted and blasphemed, he shooke his raiment, and saide vnto them, Your blood be vpon your owne head: I am cleane: from henceforth will I goe vnto the Gentiles.

(Notes Reference) (3) And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook [his] raiment, and said unto them, Your (d) blood [be] upon your own heads; I [am] clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

(3) Although we have tried all possible means, and yet in vain, we must not stop our work, but forsake the rebellious, and go to those that are more obedient.

(d) This is a type of speech taken from the Hebrews, by which he means that the Jews are the cause of their own destruction, and as for him, that he is without fault in forsaking them and going to other nations.

(Act 18:7) So he departed thence, and entred into a certaine mans house, named Iustus, a worshipper of God, whose house ioyned hard to the Synagogue.

(Act 18:8) And Crispus the chiefe ruler of the Synagogue, beleeued in the Lord with all his housholde: and many of the Corinthians hearing it, beleeued and were baptized.

(Act 18:9) Then saide the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Feare not, but speake, and holde not thy peace.

(Notes Reference) (4) Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

(4) God does confirm and maintain the steadfastness of his servants.

(Act 18:10) For I am with thee, and no man shall lay handes on thee to hurt thee: for I haue much people in this citie.

(Act 18:11) So he continued there a yeere and six moneths, and taught ye worde of God among them.

(Notes Reference) And he (e) continued [there] a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

(e) Literally, "sat", whereupon they in former time took the name of their bishop's seat: but Paul sat, that is, continued teaching the word of God: and this type of seat does not belong to those who never took their seats with a mind to teach in them.

(Act 18:12) Now when Gallio was Deputie of Achaia, the Iewes arose with one accorde against Paul, and brought him to the iudgement seate,

(Notes Reference) (5) And when Gallio was the deputy of (f) Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,

(5) The wicked are never weary of doing evil, but the Lord wonderfully mocks their endeavours.

(f) That is, of Greece, yet the Romans did not call him deputy of Greece, but of Achaia, because the Romans brought the Greeks into subjection by the Achaians, who in those days were Princes of Greece, as Pausanias records.

(Act 18:13) Saying, This fellow persuadeth me to worship God otherwise then the Lawe appointeth.

(Act 18:14) And as Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio saide vnto the Iewes, If it were a matter of wrong, or an euill deede, O ye Iewes, I would according to reason maintaine you.

(Notes Reference) And when Paul was now about to open [his] mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O [ye] Jews, (g) reason would that I should bear with you:

(g) As much as I rightly could.

(Act 18:15) But if it bee a question of woordes, and names, and of your Lawe, looke yee to it your selues: for I will be no iudge of those things.

(Notes Reference) But if it be a question of (h) words and (i) names, and [of] your law, look ye [to it]; for I will be no judge of such [matters].

(h) As if a man has not spoken well, as judged by your religion.

(i) For this profane man thinks that the controversy of religion is merely a fight about words, and over nothing important.

(Act 18:16) And hee draue them from the iudgement seate.

(Act 18:17) Then tooke al the Grecians Sosthenes the chiefe ruler of the Synagogue, and beat him before the iudgement seat: but Gallio cared nothing for those things.

(Act 18:18) But when Paul had taried there yet a good while, hee tooke leaue of the brethren, and sailed into Syria (and with him Priscilla and Aquila) after that he had shorne his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vowe.

(Notes Reference) (6) And Paul [after this] tarried [there] yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; (k) having shorn [his] head in (l) Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

(6) Paul is made all to all, to win all to Christ.

(k) That is, Paul.

(l) Cenchrea was a haven of the Corinthians.

(Act 18:19) Then hee came to Ephesus, and left them there: but hee entred into the Synagogue and disputed with the Iewes.

(Act 18:20) Who desired him to tarie a longer time with them: but he would not consent,

(Notes Reference) (7) When they desired [him] to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;

(7) The apostles were carried about not by the will of man, but by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

(Act 18:21) But bade the farewel, saying, I must needes keepe this feast that commeth, in Hierusalem: but I will returne againe vnto you, if God will. So he sailed from Ephesus.

(Notes Reference) But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, (m) if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

(m) So we should promise nothing without this clause, for we do not know what the following day will bring forth.

(Act 18:22) And when hee came downe to Cesarea, he went vp to Hierusalem: and when he had saluted the Church, he went downe vnto Antiochia.

(Act 18:23) Nowe when he had taried there a while, he departed, and went thorowe the countrey of Galatia and Phrygia by order, strengthening all the disciples.

(Act 18:24) And a certaine Iewe named Apollos, borne at Alexandria, came to Ephesus, an eloquent man, and mightie in the Scriptures.

(Notes Reference) (8) And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, [and] (n) mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

(8) Apollos, a godly and learned man, does not refuse to profit in the school of a base and abject handicraftsman, and also of a woman: and so becomes and excellent minister of the Church.

(n) Very well instructed in the knowledge of the scriptures.

(Act 18:25) The same was instructed in the way of the Lord, and hee spake feruently in the Spirite, and taught diligently the things of the Lord, and knew but the baptisme of Iohn onely.

(Act 18:26) And he began to speake boldely in the Synagogue. Whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they tooke him vnto them, and expounded vnto him the way of God more perfectly.

(Notes Reference) And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto [them], and expounded unto him the (o) way of God more perfectly.

(o) The way that leads to God.

(Act 18:27) And when hee was minded to goe into Achaia, the brethren exhorting him, wrote to the disciples to receiue him: and after hee was come thither, he holpe them much which had beleeued through grace.

(Notes Reference) And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through (p) grace:

(p) Through God's gracious favour, or by those excellent gifts which God had bestowed upon him.

(Act 18:28) For mightily hee confuted publikely the Iewes, with great vehemencie, shewing by the Scriptures, that Iesus was that Christ.

(Act 19:1) And it came to passe, while Apollos was at Corinthus, that Paul when he passed thorow the vpper coasts, came to Ephesus, and found certaine disciples,

(Notes Reference) And (1) it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

(1) Paul, not being offended at the rudeness of the Ephesians, plants a church amongst them.

(Act 19:2) And saide vnto them, Haue ye receiued the holy Ghost since ye beleeued? And they saide vnto him, Wee haue not so much as heard whether there be an holy Ghost.

(Notes Reference) He said unto them, Have ye received the (a) Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

(a) Those excellent gifts of the Holy Spirit, which were in the Church in those days.

(Act 19:3) And he said vnto them, Vnto what were ye then baptized? And they saide, Vnto Iohns baptisme.

(Notes Reference) (2) And he said unto them, Unto (b) what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto (c) John's baptism.

(2) John only began to instruct the disciples whom Christ would make perfect.

(b) In what doctrine then are you taught and instructed?

(c) To be baptized into John's baptism is to profess the doctrine which John preached and to be identified with his baptism.

(Act 19:4) Then saide Paul, Iohn verely baptized with the baptisme of repentance, saying vnto the people, that they shoulde beleeue in him, which should come after him, that is, in Christ Iesus.

(Act 19:5) And when they heard it, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Iesus.

(Act 19:6) So Paul layde his handes vpon them, and the holy Ghost came on them, and they spake the tongues, and prophecied.

(Act 19:7) And all the men were about twelue.

(Act 19:8) Moreouer he went into the Synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three moneths, disputing and exhorting to the things that appertaine to the kingdome of God.

(Act 19:9) But when certaine were hardened, and disobeyed, speaking euill of the way of God before the multitude, hee departed from them, and separated the disciples, and disputed dayly in the schoole of one Tyrannus.

(Notes Reference) (3) But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that (d) way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one (e) Tyrannus.

(3) For a man to separate himself and others from infidels who are utterly desperate, is not to divide the Church, but rather to unite it, and make it one.

(d) By this word "way", the Hebrews understand any type of life, and here it is taken for Christianity.

(e) This was a man's proper name.

(Act 19:10) And this was done by the space of two yeeres, so that all they which dwelt in Asia, heard the word of ye Lord Iesus, both Iewes and Grecians.

(Act 19:11) And God wrought no small miracles by the handes of Paul,

(Act 19:12) So that from his body were brought vnto the sicke, kerchefs or handkerchefs, and the diseases departed from them, and the euill spirits went out of them.

(Act 19:13) Then certaine of the vagabond Iewes, exorcistes, tooke in hand to name ouer them which had euil spirits, the Name of the Lord Iesus, saying, We adiure you by Iesus, whom Paul preacheth.

(Notes Reference) (4) Then certain of the vagabond Jews, (f) exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

(4) Satan is forced to give witness against himself.

(f) So were they called who cast out demons by forcing them to leave in the name of God: and in the beginning of the Church, those who had the gift of working miracles, and laid their hands on those that were possessed with demons, were called the same.

(Act 19:14) (And there were certaine sonnes of Sceua a Iewe, the Priest, about seuen which did this)

(Act 19:15) And the euil spirit answered, and said, Iesus I acknowledge, and Paul I know: but who are ye?

(Act 19:16) And the man in whome the euil spirit was, ranne on them, and ouercame them, and preuailed against them, so that they fledde out of that house, naked, and wounded.

(Notes Reference) And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and (g) prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

(g) He prevailed against them, though they struggled ever so much.

(Act 19:17) And this was knowen to all the Iewes and Grecians also, which dwelt at Ephesus, and feare came on them all, and the Name of the Lord Iesus was magnified,

(Act 19:18) And many that beleeued, came and confessed, and shewed their workes.

(Notes Reference) (5) And many that believed came, and (h) confessed, and shewed their deeds.

(5) Conjuring and sorcery is condemned by open testimony, and by the authority of the apostle.

(h) Confessed their errors, and openly detested them, being terrified with the fear of the judgment of God: and how does this compare to confession to a priest?

(Act 19:19) Many also of them which vsed curious artes, brought their bookes, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fiftie thousand pieces of siluer.

(Notes Reference) Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all [men]: and they counted the price of them, and found [it] (i) fifty thousand [pieces] of silver.

(i) Those that give the lowest estimate, reckon it to be about eight hundred pounds English.

(Act 19:20) So the worde of God grewe mightily, and preuailed.

(Act 19:21) Nowe when these things were accomplished, Paul purposed by the Spirite to passe through Macedonia and Achaia, and to goe to Hierusalem, saying, After I haue bene there, I must also see Rome.

(Notes Reference) (6) After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the (k) spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

(6) Paul is never weary.

(k) By the motion of God's Spirit: therefore we may not say that Paul ran rashly unto death, but as the Spirit of God led him.

(Act 19:22) So sent hee into Macedonia two of them that ministred vnto him, Timotheus and Erastus, but he remained in Asia for a season.

(Act 19:23) And the same time there arose no small trouble about that way.

(Notes Reference) (7) And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

(7) Gain cloaked with a show of religion is the very cause why idolatry is strongly and stubbornly defended.

(Act 19:24) For a certaine man named Demetrius a siluersmith, which made siluer temples of Diana, brought great gaines vnto the craftesmen,

(Notes Reference) For a certain [man] named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver (l) shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

(l) These were special counterfeit temples with Diana's picture in them, which those who worshipped her bought.

(Act 19:25) Whom he called together, with the workemen of like things, and saide, Syrs, ye knowe that by this craft we haue our goods:

(Act 19:26) Moreouer ye see and heare, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia this Paul hath perswaded, and turned away much people, saying, That they be not gods which are made with handes.

(Act 19:27) So that not onely this thing is dangerous vnto vs, that this our portion shall be reproued, but also that the temple of the great goddesse Diana should be nothing esteemed, and that it would come to passe that her magnificence, which all Asia and the world worshippeth, should be destroyed.

(Notes Reference) So that not only (m) this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

(m) As if he said, "If Paul goes on in this way as he has begun, to confuse the opinion which men have of Diana's image, all of our gain will come to nothing."

(Act 19:28) Now when they heard it, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

(Act 19:29) And the whole citie was full of confusion, and they rushed into the common place with one assent, and caught Gaius, and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, and Pauls companions of his iourney.

(Act 19:30) And when Paul would haue entred in vnto the people, the disciples suffred him not.

(Act 19:31) Certaine also of the chiefe of Asia which were his friendes, sent vnto him, desiring him that hee woulde not present him selfe in the Common place.

(Notes Reference) (8) And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring [him] that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.

(8) There ought to be in all Christians, and especially in the ministers, an invincible steadfastness which may not by any storms or assaults be overcome, which nonetheless must modestly allow itself to be governed by wisdom.

(Act 19:32) Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assemblie was out of order, and the more part knewe not wherefore they were come together.

(Act 19:33) And some of the company drew foorth Alexander, the Iewes thrusting him forwards. Alexander then beckened with the hande, and woulde haue excused the matter to the people.

(Act 19:34) But when they knew that he was a Iewe, there arose a shoute almost for the space of two houres, of all men crying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

(Notes Reference) (9) But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great [is] Diana of the Ephesians.

(9) Instead of reason, the idolaters are sufficiently contented with their own madness and outcries, and those are the greatest defence that they have.

(Act 19:35) Then the towne clearke when hee had stayed the people, saide, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is it that knoweth not howe that the citie of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddesse Diana, and of the image, which came downe from Iupiter?

(Notes Reference) (10) And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, [Ye] men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the [image] which (n) fell down from Jupiter?

(10) An example of a political man who redeems peace and quietness with lies, which Paul would have never done.

(n) The Ephesians believed superstitiously that the image of Diana came down to them from heaven.

(Act 19:36) Seeing then that no man can speake against these things, ye ought to be appeased, and to doe nothing rashly.

(Act 19:37) For yee haue brought hither these men, which haue neither committed sacrilege, neither doe blaspheme your goddesse.

(Act 19:38) Wherefore, if Demetrius and the craftes men which are with him, haue a matter against any man, the lawe is open, and there are Deputies: let them accuse one another.

(Notes Reference) Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a (o) matter against any man, the (p) law is open, and there are (q) deputies: let them implead one another.

(o) Have anything to accuse any man of.

(p) For there are certain days appointed for civil causes and matters of judgment, and the deputies sit on those days.

(q) By the deputies are meant also the deputies' substitutes, that is, those who sat for them.

(Act 19:39) But if ye inquire any thing cocerning other matters, it may be determined in a lawful assembly.

(Notes Reference) But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a (r) lawful assembly.

(r) He speaks of a lawful assembly not only to speak against the disordered tumult of the people, but also against all meeting and coming together which was not by order: for there were certain days appointed to call people together in.

(Act 19:40) For we are euen in ieopardie to be accused of this dayes sedition, for as much as there is no cause, whereby we may giue a reason of this concourse of people.

(Act 19:41) And when he had thus spoken, hee let the assembly depart.