Read Scripture In A Year: November 10

Passage 1: Ezra 5-6

(Ezr 5:1) Then Haggai a Prophet and Zechariah the sonne of Iddo a Prophet prophecied vnto the Iewes that were in Iudah, and Ierusalem, in the name of the God of Israel, euen vnto them.

(Ezr 5:2) Then Zerubbabel the sonne of Shealtiel, and Ieshua the sonne of Iozadak arose, and began to builde the house of God at Ierusalem, and with them were the Prophetes of God, which helped them.

(Notes Reference) Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which [is] at Jerusalem: and with them [were] the prophets of God (a) helping them.

(a) Who encouraged them to go forward, and cursed them because they were more careful to build their own houses, than zealous to build the temple of God.

(Ezr 5:3) At the same time came to them Tatnai, which was captaine beyonde the Riuer, and Shether-boznai and their companions, and sayd thus vnto them, Who hath giuen you commandement to buylde this house, and to lay the foundations of these walles?

(Ezr 5:4) Then sayde we vnto them after this maner, What are the names of the men that buylde this buylding?

(Notes Reference) (b) Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building?

(b) That is, the enemies asked this, as in (Ezr 5:10).

(Ezr 5:5) But the eye of their God was vpon the Elders of the Iewes, that they coulde not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they answered by letters thereunto.

(Notes Reference) But the (c) eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this [matter].

(Ezr 5:6) The copie of the letter, that Tatnai captaine beyond the Riuer, and Shether-boznai and his companions, Apharsechaie, (which were beyond the Riuer) sent vnto King Darius.

(Ezr 5:7) They sent a letter vnto him, wherein it was written thus, VNTO DARIVS the king, all peace.

(Ezr 5:8) Be it knowen vnto the King, that we went into the prouince of Iudea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and beames are layde in the walles, and this worke is wrought speedily, and prospereth in their hands.

(Ezr 5:9) Then asked we those Elders, and sayd vnto them thus, Who hath giuen you commandement to buylde this house, and to lay the foundation of these walles?

(Ezr 5:10) We asked their names also, that we might certifie thee, and that we might write the names of the men that were their rulers.

(Ezr 5:11) But they answered vs thus, and sayd, We are the seruants of the God of heauen and earth, and buylde the house that was buylt of olde and many yeeres ago, which a great King of Israel builded, and founded it.

(Notes Reference) And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a (d) great king of Israel builded and set up.

(d) That is, Solomon.

(Ezr 5:12) But after that our fathers had prouoked the God of heauen vnto wrath, he gaue them ouer into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar King of Babel the Caldean, and he destroyed this house, and caryed the people away captiue vnto Babel.

(Ezr 5:13) But in the first yere of Cyrus King of Babel, King Cyrus made a decree to buylde this house of God.

(Notes Reference) But in the (e) first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon [the same] king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God.

(e) Read (Ezr 1:1,2).

(Ezr 5:14) And the vessels of golde and siluer of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar tooke out of the Temple, that was in Ierusalem, and brought them into the Temple of Babel, those did Cyrus the king take out of the Temple of Babel, and they gaue them vnto one Sheshbazzar by his name, whome he had made captaine.

(Notes Reference) And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that [was] in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto [one], whose name [was] (f) Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;

(f) Read (Ezr 1:8).

(Ezr 5:15) And he sayde vnto him, Take these vessels and goe thy way, and put them in the Temple that is in Ierusalem, and let the house of God be buylt in his place.

(Ezr 5:16) Then came the same Sheshbazzar and layde the foundation of the house of God, which is in Ierusalem, and since that time euen vntill nowe, hath it bene in buylding, yet is it not finished.

(Ezr 5:17) Nowe therefore if it please the King, let there be searche made in the house of the Kings treasures, which is there in Babel, whether a decree hath bene made by King Cyrus, to build this house of God in Ierusalem, and let the King send his minde concerning this.

(Notes Reference) Now therefore, if [it seem] good to the king, let there be search made in the king's (g) treasure house, which [is] there at Babylon, whether it be [so], that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.

(g) Meaning in the library or places where lay the register or record of times.

(Ezr 6:1) Then King Darius gaue commandement, and they made search in the librarie of the treasures, which were there layd vp in Babel.

(Ezr 6:2) And there was founde in a coffer (in the palace that was in the prouince of the Medes) a volume, and therein was it thus written, as a memoriall,

(Notes Reference) And there was found at (a) Achmetha, in the palace that [is] in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein [was] a record thus written:

(a) In which were the acts of the kings of the Medes and Persians.

(Ezr 6:3) IN THE FIRST yeere of King Cyrus, King Cyrus made a decree for the house of God in Ierusalem, Let the house be buylt, euen the place where they offred sacrifices, and let the walles thereof be ioyned together: let the height thereof be three score cubites, and the breadth thereof three score cubites,

(Ezr 6:4) Three orders of great stones, and one order of timber, and let the expenses be giuen of the Kings house.

(Ezr 6:5) And also let them render the vessels of the house of God (of golde and siluer, which Nebuchadnezzar tooke out of the Temple, which was in Ierusalem, and brought vnto Babel) and let him goe vnto the Temple that is in Ierusalem to his place, and put them in the house of God.

(Notes Reference) And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which [is] at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and (b) brought again unto the temple which [is] at Jerusalem, [every one] to his place, and place [them] in the house of God.

(b) Meaning Zerubbabel to whom he gives charge.

(Ezr 6:6) Therefore Tatnai captaine beyond the Riuer, and Shethar Boznai, (and their companions Apharsecaie, which are beyonde the Riuer) be ye farre from thence.

(Notes Reference) Now [therefore], Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which [are] beyond the river, be ye far (c) from thence:

(Ezr 6:7) Suffer ye the worke of this house of God, that the captaine of the Iewes and the Elders of the Iewes may buylde this house of God in his place.

(Ezr 6:8) For I haue giuen a commandement what ye shall doe to the Elders of these Iewes, for the buylding of this house of God, that of the reuenues of the King, which is of the tribute beyonde the Riuer, there be incontinently expenses giuen vnto these men that they cease not.

(Notes Reference) Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, [even] of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be (d) not hindered.

(d) For lack of money.

(Ezr 6:9) And that which they shall haue neede of, let it be giuen vnto them day by day, whether it be yong bullockes, or rammes, or lambes for the burnt offrings of the God of heauen, wheate, salt, wine, and oyle, according to the appoyntment of the Priestes that are in Ierusalem, that there bee no fault,

(Ezr 6:10) That they may haue to offer sweete odours vnto the God of heauen, and praye for the Kings life, and for his sonnes.

(Ezr 6:11) And I haue made a decree, that whosoeuer shall alter this sentence, the wood shall be pulled downe from his house, and shall be set vp, and he shalbe hanged thereon, and his house shalbe made a dunghill for this.

(Ezr 6:12) And the God that hath caused his Name to dwell there, destroy all Kings and people that put to their hand to alter, and to destroy this house of God, which is in Ierusalem. I Darius haue made a decree, let it be done with speede.

(Notes Reference) And the God that hath caused his name (e) to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter [and] to destroy this house of God which [is] at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.

(e) Who has appointed that place to have his Name called on there.

(Ezr 6:13) Then Tatnai the captaine beyond the Riuer, and Shethar Boznai and their companions, according to that which Darius had sent, so they did speedily.

(Ezr 6:14) So the Elders of the Iewes builded, and they prospered by the prophecying of Haggai the Prophet, and Zechariah the sonne of Iddo, and they buylded and finished it, by the appoyntment of the God of Israel, and by the commandement of Cyrus and Darius, and Artahshashte king of Persia.

(Notes Reference) And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of (f) Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished [it], according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.

(f) Whom God stirs up to assure them that he would give their work good success.

(Ezr 6:15) And this house was finished the thirde day of the moneth Adar, which was the sixt yeere of the reigne of King Darius.

(Notes Reference) And this house was finished on the third day of the month (g) Adar, which was in (h) the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

(g) This is the twelfth month and contains part of February and part of March.

(h) The 42nd year after their first return.

(Ezr 6:16) And the children of Israel, the Priestes, and the Leuites, and the residue of the children of the captiuitie kept the dedication of this house of God with ioy,

(Ezr 6:17) And offred at the dedication of this house of God an hundreth bullockes, two hundreth rams, foure hundreth lambes, and twelue goates, for the sinne of all Israel, according to the nomber of the tribes of Israel.

(Ezr 6:18) And they set the Priests in their order, and the Leuites in their courses ouer the seruice of God in Ierusalem, as it is written in the booke of Moses.

(Ezr 6:19) And the childre of the captiuitie kept the Passeouer on ye fourtenth day of the first moneth.

(Ezr 6:20) (For the Priests and the Leuites were purified altogether) and they killed the Passeouer for all the children of the captiuitie, and for their brethren the Priests, and for themselues.

(Ezr 6:21) So the children of Israel which were come againe out of captiuitie, and all such as had separated themselues vnto them, from the filthines of the Heathen of the land, to seeke the Lord God of Israel, did eate,

(Notes Reference) And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had (i) separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat,

(i) Who were of the heathen and forsook their idolatry to worship the true God.

(Ezr 6:22) And they kept ye feast of vnleauened bread seuen dayes with ioy: for the Lord had made them glad, and turned the heart of the King of Asshur vnto them, to incourage them in the worke of the house of God, euen the God of Israel.

(Notes Reference) And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of (k) Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

(k) Meaning Darius who was king of the Medes, Persians and Assyrians.

Passage 2: Hosea 7

(Hos 7:1) When I woulde haue healed Israel, then the iniquitie of Ephraim was discouered, and the wickednesse of Samaria: for they haue dealt falsly: and the theefe commeth in, and the robber spoyleth without.

(Notes Reference) When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and (a) the thief cometh in, [and] the troop of robbers spoileth without.

(a) Meaning that there was no one type of vice among them, but that they were subject to all wickedness, both secret and open.

(Hos 7:2) And they consider not in their hearts, that I remember all their wickednes: now their owne inuentions haue beset them about: they are in my sight.

(Hos 7:3) They make the King glad with their wickednesse, and the princes with their lies.

(Notes Reference) They make the (b) king glad with their wickedness, and the princes with their lies.

(b) They esteem their wicked king Jeroboam above God, and seek how to flatter and please him.

(Hos 7:4) They are all adulterers, and as a very ouen heated by ye baker, which ceaseth from raysing vp, and from kneading ye dough vntill it be leauened.

(Notes Reference) They [are] all adulterers, as an (c) oven heated by the baker, [who] ceaseth from raising after he hath kneaded the dough, until it be leavened.

(Hos 7:5) This is the day of our King: the princes haue made him sicke with flagons of wine: he stretcheth out his hand to scorners.

(Notes Reference) In the (d) day of our king the princes have made [him] sick with bottles of wine; he stretched out his hand with scorners.

(d) They used all indulgence and excess in their feasts and solemnities, by which their king was overcome with being fed too much, and brought into diseases, and who delighted in flatteries.

(Hos 7:6) For they haue made ready their heart like an ouen whiles they lie in waite: their baker sleepeth all the night: in the morning it burneth as a flame of fire.

(Hos 7:7) They are all hote as an ouen, and haue deuoured their iudges: all their Kings are fallen: there is none among them that calleth vnto me.

(Notes Reference) They are all hot as an oven, and have (e) devoured their judges; all their kings are fallen: [there is] none among them that calleth unto me.

(e) By their doing God has deprived them of all good rulers.

(Hos 7:8) Ephraim hath mixt himselfe among the people. Ephraim is as a cake on the hearth not turned.

(Notes Reference) Ephraim, he hath (f) mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned.

(f) That is, he counterfeited the religion of the Gentiles, yet is but as a cake baked on the one side, and raw on the other, that is, neither thoroughly hot, nor thoroughly cold, but partly a Jew, and partly a Gentile.

(Hos 7:9) Strangers haue deuoured his strength, and he knoweth it not: yea, gray heares are here and there vpon him, yet he knoweth not.

(Notes Reference) Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth [it] not: yea, (g) gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not.

(g) Which are a token of his manifold afflictions.

(Hos 7:10) And the pride of Israel testifieth to his face, and they doe not returne to the Lord their God, nor seeke him for all this.

(Hos 7:11) Ephraim also is like a doue deceiued, without heart: they call to Egypt: they go to Asshur.

(Notes Reference) Ephraim also is like a silly dove without (h) heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.

(h) That is, without all judgment, as those that cannot tell whether it is better to cleave only to God, or to seek the help of man.

(Hos 7:12) But when they shall go, I will spred my net vpon them, and drawe them downe as the foules of the heauen: I will chastice them as their congregation hath heard.

(Notes Reference) When they shall go, I will spread my net upon them; I will bring them down as the fowls of the heaven; I will chastise them, as their (i) congregation hath heard.

(i) According to my curses made to the whole congregation of Israel.

(Hos 7:13) Wo vnto them: for they haue fled away from me: destruction shalbe vnto them, because they haue transgressed against me: though I haue redeemed them, yet they haue spoken lyes against me.

(Notes Reference) Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have (k) redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me.

(k) That is, at different times redeemed them, and delivered them from death.

(Hos 7:14) And they haue not cryed vnto me with their hearts, when they houled vpon their beds: they assembled themselues for corne, and wine, and they rebell against me.

(Notes Reference) And they have not cried unto me with their heart, (l) when they howled upon their beds: (m) they assemble themselves for corn and wine, [and] they rebel against me.

(l) When they were in affliction, and cried out in pain, they did not seek me for help.

(m) They only seek their own benefit and wealth, and care not for me their God.

(Hos 7:15) Though I haue boud and strengthened their arme, yet doe they imagine mischiefe against me.

(Hos 7:16) They returne, but not to the most high: they are like a deceitfull bowe: their princes shall fall by the sword, for the rage of their tongues: this shall be their derision in the land of Egypt.

(Notes Reference) They return, [but] not to the most High: they are like a deceitful bow: their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage (n) of their tongue: this [shall be] their derision in the land of Egypt.

(n) Because they boast of their own strength, and do not care what they speak against me and my servants; (Psa 73:9).

Passage 3: Acts 25-26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(e) Gorgeously, like a prince.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(b) That my parents were Pharisees.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(e) By extreme punishment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(f) To everyone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(k) Secretly and privately.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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