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Passage 1: 2 Chronicles 30

(2Ch 30:1) And Hezekiah sent to all Israel, and Iudah, and also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Ierusalem, to keepe the Passeouer vnto the Lord God of Israel.

(Notes Reference) And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to (a) Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel.

(a) Meaning, all Israel, whom Tiglath Pilesar had not taken away into captivity, (2Ki 15:29).

(2Ch 30:2) And the King and his princes and all the Congregation had taken counsel in Ierusalem to keepe the Passeouer in the second moneth.

(Notes Reference) For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the (b) second month.

(b) Though they should have done it in the first month, as in (Exo 12:18; Num 9:3), yet if any were not clean or else had a long journey, they could delay it to the second month, as in (Num 9:10-11).

(2Ch 30:3) For they could not keepe it at this time, because there were not Priests enow sanctified, neither was the people gathered to Ierusalem.

(2Ch 30:4) And the thing pleased the King, and all the Congregation.

(2Ch 30:5) And they decreed to make proclamation throughout all Israel from Beersheba euen to Dan, that they should come to keepe the Passeouer vnto the Lord God of Israel at Ierusalem: for they had not done it of a great time, as it was written.

(Notes Reference) So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from (c) Beersheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel at Jerusalem: for they had not done [it] of a long [time in such sort] (d) as it was written.

(c) From one end of the land to the other, north and south.

(d) In such sort and perfection as God had appointed.

(2Ch 30:6) So the postes went with letters by the commission of the King, and his princes, thorowout all Israel and Iudah, and with the commandement of the King, saying, Ye children of Israel, turne againe vnto the Lord God of Abraham, Izhak, and Israel, and he will returne to the remnant that are escaped of you, out of ye hands of the Kings of Asshur.

(Notes Reference) So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and (e) he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.

(e) He will have compassion on them and preserve them.

(2Ch 30:7) And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the Lord God of their fathers: and therfore he made them desolate, as ye see.

(2Ch 30:8) Be not ye now stiffenecked like your fathers, but giue the hand to the Lord, and come into his sanctuarie, which he hath sanctified for euer, and serue the Lord your God, and the fiercenesse of his wrath shall turne away from you.

(Notes Reference) Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers [were, but] (f) yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.

(f) Submit yourselves to the Lord, and rebel no more.

(2Ch 30:9) For if ye returne vnto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall finde mercy before them that led them captiues, and they shall returne vnto this lande: for the Lord your God is gracious and mercifull, and will not turne away his face from you, if ye conuert vnto him.

(Notes Reference) For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children [shall find] compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall (g) come again into this land: for the LORD your God [is] gracious and merciful, and will not turn away [his] face from you, if ye return unto him.

(g) God will not only preserve you, but through your repentance restore your brethren, who for their sins he gave into the hands of the enemies.

(2Ch 30:10) So the postes went from citie to citie thorow the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, euen vnto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorne, and mocked them.

(Notes Reference) So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they (h) laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.

(h) Though the wicked mock the servants of God, by whom he calls them to repentance, as in (Gen 19:14), yet the word does not cease to ripen in the hearts of God's elect.

(2Ch 30:11) Neuerthelesse diuers of Asher, and Manasseh, and of Zebulun submitted themselues, and came to Ierusalem.

(2Ch 30:12) And the hand of God was in Iudah, so that he gaue them one heart to doe the commandement of the King, and of the rulers, according to the worde of the Lord.

(Notes Reference) Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one (i) heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the LORD.

(i) He shows the reason why some obey and some mock God's calling, that is, because his Spirit is with the one sort and moves in their heart, and the others are left to themselves.

(2Ch 30:13) And there assembled to Ierusalem much people, to keepe the feast of ye vnleauened bread in the second moneth, a very great assemblie.

(2Ch 30:14) And they arose, and tooke away the altars that were in Ierusalem: and all those for incense tooke they away, and cast them into the brooke Kidron.

(Notes Reference) And they arose and took away the (k) altars that [were] in Jerusalem, and all the altars for incense took they away, and cast [them] into the brook Kidron.

(k) Which declares that we must put away those things with which God is offended, before we can serve him correctly.

(2Ch 30:15) Afterwarde they slewe the Passeouer the fourteenth day of the seconde moneth: and the Priestes and Leuites were ashamed, and sanctified themselues, and brought the burnt offrings into the house of the Lord.

(Notes Reference) Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth [day] of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were (l) ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the LORD.

(l) Seeing their own negligence (who should have been most prompt) and the readiness of the people, (2Ch 29:36).

(2Ch 30:16) And they stoode in their place after their maner, according to the Lawe of Moses the man of God: and the Priestes sprinkled the blood, receiued of the handes of the Leuites.

(Notes Reference) And they stood in their place after their manner, according to the law of Moses the man of God: the priests sprinkled the (m) blood, [which they received] of the hand of the Levites.

(m) That is, of the lamb of the passover.

(2Ch 30:17) Because there were many in the Congregation that were not sanctified, therefore the Leuites had the charge of the killing of ye Passeouer for all that were not cleane, to sanctifie it to the Lord.

(2Ch 30:18) For a multitude of the people, euen a multitude of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun had not cleansed themselues, yet did eate the Passeouer, but not as it was written: wherefore Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good Lord be mercifull toward him,

(Notes Reference) For a multitude of the people, [even] many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The (n) good LORD pardon every one

(n) He knew that faith and sincerity of heart were more agreeable to God than the observation of the ceremonies and therefore he prayed to God to pardon this fault to the people who did not offend out of malice, but out of ignorance.

(2Ch 30:19) That prepareth his whole heart to seeke the Lord God, the God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed, according to the purification of the Sanctuarie.

(2Ch 30:20) And the Lord heard Hezekiah, and healed the people.

(Notes Reference) And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and (o) healed the people.

(o) That is, accepted them as purified.

(2Ch 30:21) And the children of Israel that were present at Ierusalem, kept the feast of the vnleauened bread seuen dayes with great ioye, and the Leuites, and the Priestes praysed the Lord, day by day, singing with loude instruments vnto the Lord.

(2Ch 30:22) And Hezekiah spake comfortably vnto all the Leuites that had good knowledge to sing vnto the Lord: and they did eate in that feast seuen dayes, and offred peace offrings, and praysed the Lord God of their fathers.

(2Ch 30:23) And the whole assembly tooke counsel to keepe it other seuen dayes. So they kept it seuen dayes with ioy.

(2Ch 30:24) For Hezekiah King of Iudah had giuen to the Congregation a thousande bullockes, and seuen thousand sheepe. And the princes had giuen to the Congregation a thousand bullocks, and ten thousand sheepe: and many Priests were sanctified.

(Notes Reference) For Hezekiah king of Judah did give to the congregation a (p) thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the congregation a thousand bullocks and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves.

(p) This great liberality declares how kings, princes and all they to whom God has given, should be ready to bestow it in the setting forth of God's glory.

(2Ch 30:25) And all the Congregation of Iudah reioyced with the Priestes and the Leuites, and all the Congregation that came out of Israel, and the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in Iudah.

(2Ch 30:26) So there was great ioye in Ierusalem: for since the time of Salomon the sonne of Dauid King of Israel there was not the like thing in Ierusalem.

(2Ch 30:27) Then the Priests and the Leuites arose, and blessed the people, and their voyce was heard, and their prayer came vp vnto heauen, to his holy habitation.

(Notes Reference) Then the priests the Levites arose and (q) blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came [up] to his holy dwelling place, [even] unto heaven.

(q) According to that which is written in (Num 6:23) when they should dismiss the people.

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Passage 2: Daniel 10

(Dan 10:1) In the third yeere of Cyrus King of Persia, a thing was reueiled vnto Daniel (whose name was called Belteshazzar) and the worde was true, but the time appointed was long, and he vnderstood the thing, and had vnderstanding of the vision.

(Notes Reference) In the (a) third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing [was] true, but the time appointed [was] (b) long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

(a) He notes this third year, because at this time the building of the temple began to be hindered by Cambyses, Cyrus's son, when the father made war in Asia minor against the Scythians, which was discouraging to the godly, and fearful to Daniel.

(b) Which is to declare that the godly should not hasten too much, but patiently abide the fulfilment of God's promise.

(Dan 10:2) At the same time I Daniel was in heauines for three weekes of dayes.

(Dan 10:3) I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint my selfe at all, till three weekes of dayes were fulfilled.

(Dan 10:4) And in the foure and twentieth day of the first moneth, as I was by the side of that great riuer, euen Hiddekel,

(Notes Reference) And in the four and twentieth day of the (c) first month, as I (d) was by the side of the great river, which [is] Hiddekel;

(c) Called Abib, which contains part of March, and part of April.

(d) Being carried by the Spirit of prophecy so that he could see the river Tigris.

(Dan 10:5) And I lift vp mine eyes, and looked, and beholde, there was a man clothed in linnen, whose loynes were girded with fine golde of Vphaz.

(Notes Reference) Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man (e) clothed in linen, whose loins [were] girded with fine gold of Uphaz:

(e) This was the angel of God, who was sent to assure Daniel in this prophecy that follows.

(Dan 10:6) His body also was like the Chrysolite, and his face (to looke vpon) like the lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his armes and his feete were like in colour to polished brasse, and the voyce of his wordes was like the voyce of a multitude.

(Dan 10:7) And I Daniel alone sawe the vision: for the men that were with me, sawe not the vision: but a great feare fell vpon them, so that they fled away and hid themselues.

(Dan 10:8) Therefore I was left alone, and sawe this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my strength was turned in me into corruption, and I reteined no power.

(Notes Reference) Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for (f) my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

(f) So that because of fear he was like a dead man because of his deformity.

(Dan 10:9) Yet heard I the voyce of his wordes: and when I heard the voyce of his wordes, I slept on my face: and my face was toward the ground.

(Dan 10:10) And behold, an hand touched me, which set me vp vpon my knees and vpon the palmes of mine hands.

(Notes Reference) And, behold, an (g) hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and [upon] the palms of my hands.

(g) Which declares that when we are struck down with the majesty of God we cannot rise, unless he also lifts us up with his hand, which is his power.

(Dan 10:11) And he sayde vnto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloued, vnderstand the wordes that I speake vnto thee, and stand in thy place: for vnto thee am I nowe sent. And when hee had sayde this worde vnto me, I stood trembling.

(Dan 10:12) Then sayd he vnto me, Feare not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou diddest set thine heart to vnderstand, and to humble thy selfe before thy God, thy wordes were heard, and I am come for thy wordes.

(Dan 10:13) But the prince of the kingdome of Persia withstoode me one and twentie dayes: but loe, Michael one of the chiefe princes, came to helpe me, and I remained there by the Kings of Persia.

(Notes Reference) But the (h) prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, (i) Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

(h) Meaning Cambyses, who reigned in his father's absence, and did not only for this time hinder the building of the temple, but would have further raged, if God had not sent me to resist him: and therefore I have stayed for the profit of the Church.

(i) Even though God could by one angel destroy all the world, yet to assure his children of his love he sends forth double power, even Michael, that is, Christ Jesus the head of angels.

(Dan 10:14) Nowe I am come to shewe thee what shall come to thy people in the latter dayes: for yet the vision is for many dayes.

(Notes Reference) Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the (k) vision [is] for [many] days.

(k) For even though the Prophet Daniel would end and cease, yet his doctrine would continue until the coming of Christ, for the comfort of his Church.

(Dan 10:15) And when he spake these wordes vnto me, I set my face towarde the grounde, and helde my tongue.

(Dan 10:16) And beholde, one like the similitude of the sonnes of man touched my lippes: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said vnto him that stoode before me, O my Lord, by the vision my sorowes are returned vpon me, and I haue reteined no strength.

(Notes Reference) And, behold, (l) [one] like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, (m) by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.

(l) This was the same angel that spoke with him before in the appearance of a man.

(m) I was overcome with fear and sorrow, when I saw the vision.

(Dan 10:17) For howe can the seruant of this my Lord talke with my Lord being such one? for as for me, straight way there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.

(Dan 10:18) Then there came againe, and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,

(Dan 10:19) And said, O man, greatly beloued, feare not: peace be vnto thee: be strong and of good courage. And when he had spoken vnto me, I was strengthened, and saide, Let my Lord speake: for thou hast strengthened me.

(Notes Reference) And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: (n) peace [be] unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I (o) was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

(n) He declares by this that God would be merciful to the people of Israel.

(o) Which declares that when God smites his children down, he does not immediately lift them up at once (for now the Angel had touched him twice), but by little and little.

(Dan 10:20) Then saide he, Knowest thou wherefore I am come vnto thee? but nowe will I returne to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, loe, the prince of Grecia shall come.

(Notes Reference) Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the (p) prince of Grecia shall come.

(p) Meaning that he would not only himself bridle the rage of Cambyses, but also the other kings of Persia by Alexander the King of Macedonia.

(Dan 10:21) But I will shew thee that which is decreeed in the Scripture of trueth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

(Notes Reference) But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: (q) and [there is] none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

(q) For this angel was appointed for the defence of the Church under Christ, who is the head of it.

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Passage 3: Acts 10

(Act 10:1) Futhermore there was a certaine man in Cesarea called Cornelius, a captaine of the band called the Italian band,

(Notes Reference) There (1) was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian [band],

(1) Peter consecrates the first fruits of the Gentiles to God by the means of two miracles.

(Act 10:2) A deuoute man, and one that feared God with all his housholde, which gaue much almes to the people, and prayed God continually.

(Notes Reference) [A] (a) devout [man], and one that feared God with (b) all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

(a) So that he worshipped one God, and was not an idolater, and neither could he be void of faith in Christ, because he was a devout man: but as of yet he did not know that Christ had come.

(b) This is a commendable thing about the man, that he laboured to have all his household, and well-known friends, and acquaintances to be religious and godly.

(Act 10:3) He sawe in a vision euidently (about the ninth houre of the day) an Angel of God comming in to him, and saying vnto him, Cornelius.

(Act 10:4) But when hee looked on him, hee was afrayd, and sayd, What is it, Lord? and he sayd vnto him, Thy prayers and thine almes are come vp into remembrance before God.

(Notes Reference) And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, (c) What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are (d) come up for (e) a memorial before God.

(c) What do you want with me Lord? For he prepares himself to hear.

(d) This is a borrowed kind of speech which the Hebrews used very much, taken from sacrifices and applied to prayers: for it is said of whole burnt sacrifices that the smoke and smell of them goes up into God's nostrils, and so do our prayers, as a sweet smelling sacrifice which the Lord takes great pleasure in.

(e) That is, in as much that they will not allow God as it were to forget you: for so the Scripture often talks childish with us as nurses do with little children, when they prepare their tongues to speak.

(Act 10:5) Nowe therefore send men to Ioppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter.

(Act 10:6) Hee lodgeth with one Simon a Tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to doe.

(Act 10:7) And when the Angel which spake vnto Cornelius, was departed, he called two of his seruants, and a souldier that feared God, one of them that waited on him,

(Act 10:8) And tolde them all things, and sent them to Ioppa.

(Act 10:9) On the morow as they went on their iourney, and drew neere vnto the citie, Peter went vp vpon the house to pray, about the sixt houre.

(Act 10:10) Then waxed hee an hungred, and would haue eaten: but while they made some thing ready, he fell into a trance.

(Notes Reference) And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a (f) trance,

(f) For though Peter does not stand amazed as one that is tongue tied, but talks with God and is instructed in his mysteries, yet his mind was far from being as it normally was; shortly, however, it returned to its normal state.

(Act 10:11) And hee sawe heauen opened, and a certaine vessell come downe vnto him, as it had bene a great sheete, knit at the foure corners, and was let downe to the earth.

(Notes Reference) And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the (g) four corners, and let down to the earth:

(g) So that it seemed to be a square sheet.

(Act 10:12) Wherein were all maner of foure footed beastes of the earth, and wilde beastes and creeping things, and foules of the heauen.

(Notes Reference) Wherein were (h) all manner of (i) fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and (k) creeping things, and fowls of the air.

(h) Here is this word "all" which is general, plainly used for something indefinite and uncertain, that is to say, for some of all sorts, not for all of every sort.

(i) That is, such as were proper for men's use.

(k) To see what is meant by these creeping things see (Lev. 11:2-47).

(Act 10:13) And there came a voyce to him, Arise, Peter: kill, and eate.

(Act 10:14) But Peter sayd, Not so, Lord: for I haue neuer eaten any thing that is polluted, or vncleane.

(Notes Reference) (2) But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

(2) Peter learns daily in the knowledge of the benefit of Christ, yea, even after he had received the Holy Spirit.

(Act 10:15) And the voyce spake vnto him againe the second time, The things that God hath purified, pollute thou not.

(Notes Reference) And the voice [spake] unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, [that] (l) call not thou common.

(l) Do not consider them to be unprofitable.

(Act 10:16) This was so done thrise: and the vessell was drawen vp againe into heauen.

(Act 10:17) Nowe while Peter douted in himselfe what this vision which he had seene, meant, beholde, the men which were sent from Cornelius, had inquired for Simons house, and stoode at the gate,

(Act 10:18) And called, and asked, whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

(Act 10:19) And while Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit sayde vnto him, Beholde, three men seeke thee.

(Act 10:20) Arise therefore, and get thee downe, and goe with them, and doute nothing: For I haue sent them.

(Act 10:21) Then Peter went downe to the men, which were sent vnto him from Cornelius, and sayd, Beholde, I am he whome ye seeke: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

(Act 10:22) And they sayd, Cornelius the captaine, a iust man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Iewes, was warned from heauen by an holy Angel, to send for thee into his house, and to heare thy wordes.

(Act 10:23) Then called he them in, and lodged them, and the next day, Peter went foorth with them, and certaine brethren from Ioppa accompanied him.

(Act 10:24) And the day after, they entred into Cesarea. Nowe Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsemen, and special friends.

(Act 10:25) And it came to passe as Peter came in, that Cornelius met him, and fell downe at his feete, and worshipped him.

(Notes Reference) (3) And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped [him].

(3) Religious adoration of worship is proper only to God: but civil worship is given to the ministers of the word, although not without danger.

(Act 10:26) But Peter tooke him vp, saying, Stand vp: for euen I my selfe am a man.

(Act 10:27) And as he talked with him, he came in, and found many that were come together.

(Act 10:28) And he sayd vnto them, Ye know that it is an vnlawfull thing for a man that is a Iewe, to company, or come vnto one of another nation: but God hath shewed me, that I should not call any man polluted, or vncleane.

(Act 10:29) Therefore came I vnto you without saying nay, when I was sent for. I aske therefore, for what intent haue ye sent for me?

(Act 10:30) Then Cornelius sayd, Foure dayes agoe, about this houre, I fasted, and at the ninth houre I prayed in mine house, and beholde, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

(Notes Reference) And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until (m) this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

(m) He does not mean the very hour at the present time (as it was nine o'clock when he spoke to Peter), but the like, that is, about nine o'clock the other day.

(Act 10:31) And sayd, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine almes are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

(Notes Reference) (4) And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

(4) Cornelius' faith demonstrated itself by prayer and charity.

(Act 10:32) Send therefore to Ioppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter (he is lodged in the house of Simon a Tanner by the sea side) who when he commeth, shall speake vnto thee.

(Notes Reference) (5) Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of [one] Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

(5) As faith comes by hearing, so it is nourished and grows up by the same.

(Act 10:33) Then sent I for thee immediately, and thou hast well done to come. Nowe therefore are we all here present before God, to heare all things that are commanded thee of God.

(Act 10:34) Then Peter opened his mouth, and sayd, Of a trueth I perceiue, that God is no accepter of persons.

(Notes Reference) (6) Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that (n) God is no respecter of persons:

(6) Distinction of nations is taken away by the coming of Christ: and it is evidently seen by their faith and righteousness, which ones are agreeable to him and which ones he accepts. (n) That God does not judge according to the outward appearance.

(Act 10:35) But in euery nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousnesse, is accepted with him.

(Notes Reference) But in every nation he that (o) feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

(o) By the "fear of God" the Hebrews understood the whole service of God, by which we perceive that Cornelius was not void of faith, no more than they were who lived before Christ's time: and therefore they deal incorrectly who deduce meritorious works and free will from this passage.

(Act 10:36) Ye know the worde which God hath sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Iesus Christ, which is Lord of all:

(Notes Reference) The (p) word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

(p) God showed the Israelites that whoever lives godly is acceptable to God, no matter what nation he comes from, for he preached peace to men through Jesus Christ, who is Lord not only of one nation, that is, of the Jews, but of all.

(Act 10:37) Euen the worde which came through all Iudea, beginning in Galile, after the baptisme which Iohn preached.

(Notes Reference) (7) That word, [I say], ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

(7) The sum of the Gospel (which will be made manifest at the latter day, when Christ himself will sit as judge both of the living and the dead), is this, that Christ promised to the fathers and exhibited in his time with the mighty power of God (which was demonstrated by all means) and at length crucified to reconcile us to God, did rise again the third day, so that whoever believes in him should be saved through the remission of sins.

(Act 10:38) To wit, howe God anointed Iesus of Nazareth with the holy Ghost, and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the deuill: for God was with him.

(Notes Reference) How God (q) anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

(q) This manner of speaking is taken from an old custom of the Jews, who used to anoint their kings and priests, because of which it came to pass to call those anointed upon whom God bestowed gifts and virtues.

(Act 10:39) And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Iewes, and in Hierusalem, whom they slewe, hanging him on a tree.

(Act 10:40) Him God raysed vp the third day, and caused that he was shewed openly:

(Act 10:41) Not to all the people, but vnto the witnesses chosen before of God, euen to vs which did eate and drinke with him, after he arose from the dead.

(Notes Reference) Not to all the people, but unto witnesses (r) chosen before of God, [even] to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

(r) This choosing of the apostles is properly given to God: for though God is president in the lawful election of ministers, yet there is in this place a secret opposition and setting of God's choosing and men's voices against one another, for the apostles are appointed directly by God, and the Church ministers indirectly.

(Act 10:42) And he commanded vs to preach vnto the people, and to testifie, that it is he that is ordained of God a iudge of quicke and dead.

(Act 10:43) To him also giue all the Prophets witnesse, that through his Name all that beleeue in him, shall receiue remission of sinnes.

(Act 10:44) While Peter yet spake these wordes, the holy Ghost fell on al them which heard the word.

(Notes Reference) (8) While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

(8) The Spirit of God seals that in the heart of the hearers which the minister of the word speaks by the commandment of God, as is evident by the results.

(Act 10:45) So they of the circumcision which beleeued, were astonied, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was powred out the gift of the holy Ghost.

(Act 10:46) For they heard them speake with tongues, and magnifie God. Then answered Peter,

(Act 10:47) Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which haue receiued the holy Ghost, as well as we?

(Notes Reference) (9) Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

(9) Baptism does not sanctify or make those holy who receive it, but is an outward sign to the world of the profession of faith. (Ed.)

(Act 10:48) So he commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tary certaine dayes.