Read Scripture In A Year: November 5

(2Ch 34:1) Iosiah was eight yeere olde when hee began to reigne, and he reigned in Ierusalem one and thirtie yeere.

(2Ch 34:2) And he did vprightly in the sight of ye Lord, and walked in the wayes of Dauid his father, and bowed neither to the right hand nor to the left.

(Notes Reference) And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of (a) David his father, and declined [neither] to the right hand, nor to the left.

(a) He followed David in all points that he followed the Lord.

(2Ch 34:3) And in the eight yeere of his reigne (when he was yet a childe) he began to seeke after the God of Dauid his father: and in the twelft yeere he began to purge Iudah, and Ierusalem from the hie places, and the groues, and the carued images, and molten images:

(Notes Reference) For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet (b) young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.

(b) When he was but sixteen years old he showed himself zealous of God's glory, and at twenty years old he abolished idolatry and restored the true religion.

(2Ch 34:4) And they brake downe in his sight the altars of Baalim, and hee caused to cut downe the images that were on hie vpon them: he brake also the groues, and the carued images, and the molten images, and stampt them to pouder, and strowed it vpon the graues of them that had sacrificed vnto them.

(Notes Reference) And they brake down (c) the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that [were] on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust [of them], and strowed [it] upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them.

(2Ch 34:5) Also he burnt the bones of the Priests vpon their altars, and purged Iudah and Ierusalem.

(Notes Reference) And he burnt the (d) bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.

(d) Read (2Ki 23:16).

(2Ch 34:6) And in the cities of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and Simeon, euen vnto Naphtali, with their maules they brake all round about.

(2Ch 34:7) And when he had destroyed the altars and the groues, and had broken and stamped to pouder the images, and had cut downe all the idoles throughout all the land of Israel, hee returned to Ierusalem.

(Notes Reference) And when he had (d) broken down the altars and the groves, and had beaten the graven images into powder, and cut down all the idols throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem.

(d) This great zeal of this godly king the Holy Spirit sets forth as an example and pattern to other kings and rulers, to teach them what God requires of them.

(2Ch 34:8) Then in the eightenth yere of his reigne, when hee had purged the lande and the Temple, he sent Shaphan the sonne of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the gouernour of the citie, and Ioah the sonne of Ioahaz the recorder, to repaire the house of the Lord his God.

(2Ch 34:9) And when they came to Hilkiah the hie Priest, they deliuered ye money that was brought into the house of God, which the Leuites that kept the doore, had gathered at the hand of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and of all the residue of Israel, and of all Iudah and Beniamin, and of the inhabitantes of Ierusalem.

(2Ch 34:10) And they put it in the hands of them that should doe the worke and had the ouersight in the house of the Lord: and they gaue it to the workemen that wrought in the house of ye Lord, to repaire and amend the house.

(Notes Reference) (e) And they put [it] in the hand of the workmen that had the oversight of the house of the LORD, and they gave it to the workmen that wrought in the house of the LORD, to repair and amend the house:

(e) Meaning Shaphan, etc.

(2Ch 34:11) Euen to the workemen and to the builders gaue they it, to bye hewed stone and timber for couples and for beames of the houses, which the Kings of Iudah had destroyed.

(Notes Reference) Even to the artificers and builders gave they [it], to buy hewn stone, and timber for couplings, and to floor the (f) houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed.

(f) For there were many portions and pieces annexed to the temple.

(2Ch 34:12) And the men did the worke faithfully, and the ouerseers of them were Iahath and Obadiah the Leuites, of the children of Merari, and Zechariah, and Meshullam, of the children of the Kohathites to set it forward: and of the Leuites all that could skill of instruments of musike.

(Notes Reference) And the men did the work (g) faithfully: and the overseers of them [were] Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to set [it] forward; and [other of] the Levites, all that could skill of instruments of musick.

(g) Meaning that they were in such credit for their fidelity that they made no accounts of that which they received, (2Ki 22:7, 2Ki 22:9).

(2Ch 34:13) And they were ouer the bearers of burdens, and them that set forwarde all the workemen in euery worke: and of the Leuites were scribes, and officers and porters.

(2Ch 34:14) And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the Priest found the booke of the Lawe of the Lord giuen by the hand of Moses.

(Notes Reference) And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found a (h) book of the law of the LORD [given] by Moses.

(h) Read (2Ki 22:8).

(2Ch 34:15) Therefore Hilkiah answered and sayde to Shaphan the chaceler, I haue found the booke of the Law in the house of the Lord: and Hilkiah gaue the booke to Shaphan.

(2Ch 34:16) And Shaphan caried the booke to the King, and brought the King worde againe, saying, All that is committed to the hand of thy seruants, that do they.

(Notes Reference) And Shaphan carried the book to (i) the king, and brought the king word back again, saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they do [it].

(i) For the king was commanded to continually have a copy of this book and to read in it day and night, (Deu 17:18).

(2Ch 34:17) For they haue gathered the money that was found in the house of the Lord, and haue deliuered it into the handes of the ouerseers, and to the handes of the workemen.

(2Ch 34:18) Also Shaphan ye chanceler declared to the King, saying, Hilkiah the Priest hath giuen mee a booke, and Shaphan read it before the King.

(2Ch 34:19) And when the King had heard the wordes of the Lawe, he tare his clothes.

(Notes Reference) And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he (k) rent his clothes.

(k) For sorrow that the word of God had been so long suppressed and the people kept in ignorance, considering also the curses contained in it against the transgressors.

(2Ch 34:20) And the King commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the sonne of Shaphan, and Abdon the sonne of Micah, and Shaphan the chanceler, and Asaiah the Kings seruant, saying,

(2Ch 34:21) Goe and enquire of the Lord for me, and for the rest in Israel and Iudah, concerning the wordes of this booke that is founde: for great is the wrath of the Lord that is fallen vpon vs, because our fathers haue not kept the worde of the Lord, to doe after all that is written in this booke.

(Notes Reference) Go, enquire of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great [is] the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our (l) fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book.

(l) Thus the godly not only lament their own sins, but also that their fathers and predecessors have offended God.

(2Ch 34:22) Then Hilkiah and they that the King had appoynted, went to Huldah the Prophetesse ye wife of Shallum, the sonne of Tokhath, the sonne of Hasrah keeper of the wardrobe (and she dwelt in Ierusalem within the colledge) and they communed hereof with her.

(Notes Reference) And Hilkiah, and [they] that the king [had appointed], went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the (m) wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the (n) college:) and they spake to her to that [effect].

(m) Meaning, either of the priests apparel or the kings.

(n) Read (2Ki 22:15).

(2Ch 34:23) And shee answered them, Thus sayth the Lord God of Israel, Tell yee the man that sent you to me,

(Notes Reference) And she answered them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell ye (o) the man that sent you to me,

(o) That is, to the king.

(2Ch 34:24) Thus saith the Lord, Beholde, I will bring euill vpon this place, and vpon the inhabitantes thereof, euen all the curses, that are written in the booke which they haue read before the King of Iudah:

(2Ch 34:25) Because they haue forsaken me, and burnt incense vnto other gods, to anger mee with al the workes of their hands, therefore shall my wrath fall vpon this place, and shall not be quenched.

(Notes Reference) Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their (p) hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.

(p) This she speaks in contempt of the idolaters, who contrary to reason and nature call a god that which they have made and framed with their own hands.

(2Ch 34:26) But to the King of Iudah, who sent you to enquire of the Lord, so shall ye say vnto him, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The words which thou hast heard, shall come to passe.

(2Ch 34:27) But because thine heart did melt, and thou didest humble thy selfe before God, when thou heardest his wordes against this place and against the inhabitantes thereof, and humbledst thy selfe before mee and tarest thy clothes, and weptest before mee, I haue also heard it, sayth the Lord.

(Notes Reference) Because thine heart was (q) tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard [thee] also, saith the LORD.

(q) This declares the end of God's threatenings, to call his to repentance, and to assure the unrepentant of their destruction.

(2Ch 34:28) Beholde, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt bee put in thy graue in peace, and thine eyes shall not see all the euill, which I will bring vpon this place, and vpon the inhabitants of the same. Thus they brought ye King word againe.

(Notes Reference) Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this (r) place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again.

(r) It may appear that very few were touched with true repentance, seeing that God spared them for a time only for the king's sake.

(2Ch 34:29) Then the King sent and gathered all the Elders of Iudah and Ierusalem.

(2Ch 34:30) And the King went vp into the house of the Lord, and all the men of Iudah, and the inhabitants of Ierusalem, and the Priests and the Leuites, and all the people from the greatest to the smallest, and hee read in their eares all the wordes of the booke of the couenant that was found in the house of the Lord.

(Notes Reference) And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and (s) small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the LORD.

(s) Though neither young nor old could be exempted from the curses contained in it, if they did transgress, he knew it pertained to all and was his duty to see it read to all sorts, that everyone might learn to avoid those punishments by serving God correctly.

(2Ch 34:31) And the King stood by his pillar, and made a couenant before the Lord, to walke after the Lord, and to keepe his commandements, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soule, and that he would accomplish the wordes of the couenant written in the same booke.

(2Ch 34:32) And he caused all that were found in Ierusalem, and Beniamin to stande to it: and the inhabitants of Ierusalem did according to the couenant of God, euen the God of their fathers.

(2Ch 34:33) So Iosiah tooke away al the abominations out of all the countreis that perteined to the children of Israel, and compelled all that were found in Israel, to serue the Lord their God: so all his dayes they turned not backe from the Lord God of their fathers.

(Notes Reference) And Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that [pertained] to the children of Israel, and made all (t) that were present in Israel to serve, [even] to serve the LORD their God. [And] all his days they departed not from following the LORD, the God of their fathers.

(t) Because he had charge over all, and must answer for everyone that perished: he thought it his duty to see that all should make profession to receive the word of God.

Passage 2: Hosea 2

(Hos 2:1) Say vnto your brethren, Ammi, and to your sisters, Ruhamah,

(Notes Reference) Say ye unto your (a) brethren, Ammi; and to your sisters, Ruhamah.

(a) Seeing that I have promised you deliverance, it remains that you encourage one another to embrace this promise, considering that you are my people on whom I will have mercy.

(Hos 2:2) Plead with your mother: plead with her: for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband: but let her take away her fornications out of her sight, and her adulteries from betweene her breasts.

(Notes Reference) Plead with your (b) mother, plead: for she [is] not my wife, neither [am] I her husband: let her therefore put away her whoredoms out of her sight, and her adulteries (c) from between her breasts;

(b) God shows that the fault was not in him, that he forsook them, but in their Synagogue, and their idolatries; (Isa 50:1).

(Hos 2:3) Lest I strippe her naked, and set her as in the day that shee was borne, and make her as a wildernes, and leaue her like a drie land, and slaie her for thirst.

(Notes Reference) Lest I strip her naked, and (d) set her as in the day that she was (e) born, and make her as a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst.

(d) For even though his people were as a harlot for their idolatries, yet he had left them with their dress and dowry and certain signs of his favour, but if they continued still, he would utterly destroy them.

(e) When I brought her out of Egypt. See Eze 16:4

(Hos 2:4) And I wil haue no pitie vpon her children: for they be the children of fornications.

(Notes Reference) And I will not have mercy upon her children; for they [be] the (f) children of whoredoms.

(f) That is bastards, and begotten in adultery.

(Hos 2:5) For their mother hath plaied the harlot: she that conceiued them, hath done shamefully: for shee said, I will goe after my louers that giue me my bread and my water, my wooll and my flaxe, mine oyle and my drinke.

(Notes Reference) For their mother hath played the harlot: she that conceived them hath done shamefully: for she said, I will go after my (g) lovers, that give [me] my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink.

(g) Meaning the idol which they served, and by whom they thought they had wealth and abundance.

(Hos 2:6) Therefore beholde, I will stoope thy way with thornes, and make an hedge, that shee shall not finde her pathes.

(Notes Reference) Therefore, behold, I will hedge up (h) thy way with thorns, and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths.

(h) I will punish you so that you may then test whether your idols can help you, and bring you into such straightness that you will have no lust to play the harlot.

(Hos 2:7) Though shee follow after her louers, yet shall shee not come at them: though shee seeke them, yet shall shee not finde them: then shall she say, I will goe and returne to my first husband: for at that time was I better then nowe.

(Notes Reference) And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them; and she shall seek them, but shall not find [them]: then shall she say, (i) I will go and return to my first husband; for then [was it] better with me than now.

(i) This he speaks of the faithful, who are truly converted, and also shows the use and profit of God's punishments.

(Hos 2:8) Nowe she did not knowe that I gaue her corne, and wine, and oyle, and multiplied her siluer and golde, which they bestowed vpon Baal.

(Notes Reference) For she did not know that I (k) gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, [which] they prepared for Baal.

(k) This declares that idolaters defraud God of his honour, when they attribute his benefits to their idols.

(Hos 2:9) Therefore wil I returne, and take away my corne in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recouer my wool and my flaxe lent, to couer her shame.

(Notes Reference) Therefore will I return, and take away (l) my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recover my wool and my flax [given] to cover her nakedness.

(l) Signifying that God will take away his benefits, when man by his ingratitude abuses them.

(Hos 2:10) And now will I discouer her lewdnes in the sight of her louers, and no man shall deliuer her out of mine hand.

(Notes Reference) And now will I discover her (m) lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and none shall deliver her out of mine hand.

(m) That is, all her service, ceremonies, and inventions by which she worshipped her idols.

(Hos 2:11) I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast daies, her newe moones, and her Sabbathes, and all her solemne feasts.

(Hos 2:12) And I wil destroy her vines and her figtrees, whereof she hath said, These are my rewards that my louers haue giuen mee: and I will make them as a forest, and the wilde beasts shall eate them.

(Hos 2:13) And I wil visit vpon her the daies of Baalim, wherein shee burnt incense to them: and shee decked her selfe with her earings and her iewels, and shee folowed her louers, and forgate me, saith the Lord.

(Notes Reference) And I will visit upon her the days of (n) Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her (o) earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.

(n) I will punish her for her idolatry.

(o) By showing how harlots trim themselves to please others, he declares how superstitious idolaters set a great part of their religion in adorning themselves on their holy days.

(Hos 2:14) Therefore beholde, I will allure her, and bring her into the wildernesse, and speake friendly vnto her.

(Notes Reference) Therefore, behold, I will (p) allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.

(p) By my benefits in offering her grace and mercy, even in that place where she will think herself destitute of all help and comfort.

(Hos 2:15) And I will giue her her vineyardes from thence, and the valley of Achor for the doore of hope, and shee shall sing there as in the daies of her youth, and as in the daies when shee came vp out of the land of Egypt.

(Notes Reference) And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley (q) of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall (r) sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

(q) Which was a plentiful valley, and in which they had great comfort when they came out of the wilderness, as in (Jos 7:26), and is called the door of hope, because it was a departing from death and an entry into life.

(r) She will then praise God as she did when she was delivered out of Egypt.

(Hos 2:16) And at that day, sayeth the Lord, thou shalt call me Ishi, and shalt call me no more Baali.

(Notes Reference) And it shall be at that day, saith the LORD, [that] thou shalt call me (s) Ishi; and shalt call me no more (t) Baali.

(s) That is, my husband, knowing that I am united to you by a covenant which could not be violated.

(t) That is, my master: which name was applied to their idols.

(Hos 2:17) For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall be no more remembred by their names.

(Notes Reference) For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their (u) name.

(u) No idolatry will come into their mouth at all, but they will fear me purely according to my word.

(Hos 2:18) And in that day wil I make a couenant for them, with the wilde beasts, and with the foules of the heauen, and with that that creepeth vpon the earth: and I will breake the bowe, and the sworde and the battell out of the earth, and will make them to sleepe safely.

(Notes Reference) And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the (x) beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and [with] the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.

(x) Meaning that he will so bless them that all creatures will favour them.

(Hos 2:19) And I wil marry thee vnto me for euer: yea, I will marry thee vnto me in righteousnes, and in iudgement, and in mercy and in compassion.

(Hos 2:20) I will euen marry thee vnto me in faithfulnes, and thou shalt knowe the Lord.

(Notes Reference) I will even betroth thee unto me in (y) faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.

(y) With a covenant that will never be broken.

(Hos 2:21) And in that day I wil heare, saith the Lord, I will euen heare the heauens, and they shall heare the earth,

(Notes Reference) And it shall come to pass in that day, I will hear, saith the LORD, I will hear (z) the heavens, and they shall hear the earth;

(z) Then will the heaven desire rain for the earth, which will bring forth things for the use of man.

(Hos 2:22) And the earth shall heare the corne, and the wine, and the oyle, and they shall heare Izreel.

(Hos 2:23) And I will sowe her vnto me in the earth, and I will haue mercie vpon her, that was not pitied, and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people. And they shall say, Thou art my God.

Passage 3: Acts 16-17

(Act 16:1) Then came he to Derbe and to Lystra: and beholde, a certaine disciple was there named Timotheus, a womans sonne, which was a Iewesse and beleeued, but his father was a Grecian,

(Notes Reference) Then (1) came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a (a) Jewess, and believed; but his father [was] a Greek:

(1) Paul himself does not receive Timothy into the ministry without sufficient testimony, and permission of the brethren.

(a) Paul, in his second epistle to Timothy, commends the godliness of Timothy's mother and grandmother.

(Act 16:2) Of whom the brethren which were at Lystra and Iconium, reported well.

(Notes Reference) Which was (b) well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

(b) Both for his godliness and honesty.

(Act 16:3) Therefore Paul would that he should go forth with him, and tooke and circumcised him, because of ye Iewes, which were in those quarters: for they knewe all, that his father was a Grecian.

(Notes Reference) (2) Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

(2) Timothy is circumcised, not simply for any necessity, but in respect of the time only, in order to win the Jews.

(Act 16:4) And as they went through the cities, they deliuered them the decrees to keepe, ordeined of the Apostles and Elders, which were at Hierusalem.

(Notes Reference) (3) And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the (c) decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

(3) Charity is to be observed in things indifferent so that regard is had both of the weak, and of the peace of the Church.

(Act 16:5) And so were the Churches stablished in the faith, and encreased in number daily.

(Act 16:6) Nowe when they had gone throughout Phrygia, and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden of the holy Ghost to preache the worde in Asia.

(Notes Reference) (4) Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were (d) forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

(4) God appoints certain and determinate times to open and set forth his truth, so that both the election and the calling may proceed of grace.

(d) He does not show why they were forbidden, but only that they were forbidden, teaching us to obey and not to enquire.

(Act 16:7) Then came they to Mysia, and sought to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

(Act 16:8) Therefore they passed through Mysia, and came downe to Troas,

(Act 16:9) Where a vision appeared to Paul in the night. There stoode a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come into Macedonia, and helpe vs.

(Notes Reference) (5) And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

(5) They are the ministers of the Gospel by whom he helps those who are likely to perish.

(Act 16:10) And after he had seene the vision, immediatly we prepared to goe into Macedonia, being assured that the Lord had called vs to preache the Gospel vnto them.

(Notes Reference) (6) And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

(6) The Saints did not easily believe every vision.

(Act 16:11) Then went we forth from Troas, and with a straight course came to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis,

(Act 16:12) And from thence to Philippi, which is the chiefe citie in ye partes of Macedonia, and whose inhabitants came from Rome to dwell there, and we were in that citie abiding certaine dayes.

(Act 16:13) And on the Sabbath day, we went out of the citie, besides a Riuer, where they were wont to pray: and we sate downe, and spake vnto the women, which were come together.

(Notes Reference) (7) And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where (e) prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted [thither].

(7) God begins his kingdom in Macedonia by the conversion of a woman, and so shows that there is no exception of persons in the Gospel.

(e) Where they customarily assembled themselves.

(Act 16:14) And a certaine woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the citie of the Thyatirians, which worshipped God, heard vs: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended vnto the things, which Paul spake.

(Notes Reference) (8) And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

(8) The Lord opens the heart to hear the word which is preached.

(Act 16:15) And when she was baptized, and her houshold, she besought vs, saying, If ye haue iudged me to be faithfull to ye Lord, come into mine house, and abide there: and she constrained vs.

(Notes Reference) (9) And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought [us], saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide [there]. And she constrained us.

(9) An example of a godly housewife.

(Act 16:16) And it came to passe that as we went to prayer, a certaine maide hauing a spirit of diuination, mette vs, which gate her masters much vantage with diuining.

(Notes Reference) (10) And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of (f) divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:

(10) Satan transforms himself into an angel of light, and covets to enter by undermining, but Paul openly stops him, and casts him out.

(f) This is a sure sign of the god Apollo, who would give answers to those that asked him.

(Act 16:17) She followed Paul and vs, and cryed, saying, These men are the seruants of the most high God, which shewe vnto you the way of saluation.

(Act 16:18) And this did she many dayes: but Paul being grieued, turned about, and said to the spirit, I commaund thee in the Name of Iesus Christ, that thou come out of her. And he came out the same houre.

(Notes Reference) And this did she (g) many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

(g) Paul made no haste to do this miracle, for he did all things only as he was led by the Spirit.

(Act 16:19) Nowe when her masters sawe that the hope of their gaine was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drewe them into the market place vnto the Magistrates,

(Notes Reference) (11) And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew [them] into the marketplace unto the rulers,

(11) Covetousness of evil gain and of profit is an occasion for persecuting the truth. In the meanwhile, God sparing Timothy, calls Paul and Silas as the stronger to battle.

(Act 16:20) And brought them to the gouernours, saying, These men which are Iewes, trouble our citie,

(Notes Reference) (12) And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

(12) Covetousness pretends a desire for common peace and godliness.

(Act 16:21) And preache ordinances, which are not lawfull for vs to receiue, neither to obserue, seeing we are Romanes.

(Notes Reference) (13) And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

(13) It is an argument of the devil to use the authority of ancestors, though not distinguishing exactly which ancestors.

(Act 16:22) The people also rose vp together against them, and the gouernours rent their clothes, and commanded them to be beaten with roddes.

(Notes Reference) (14) And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat [them].

(14) An example of evil magistrates, to obey the fury and rage of the people.

(Act 16:23) And when they had beaten them sore, they cast them into prison, commaunding the Iayler to keepe them surely.

(Act 16:24) Who hauing receiued such commandement, cast them into the inner prison, and made their feete fast in the stockes.

(Notes Reference) Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet (h) fast in the stocks.

(h) Because he wanted to be more sure that they did not escape, he set them fast in the stocks.

(Act 16:25) Nowe at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sung Psalmes vnto God: and the prisoners heard them.

(Notes Reference) (15) And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

(15) The prayers of the godly do shake both heaven and earth.

(Act 16:26) And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundation of the prison was shaken: and by and by all the doores opened, and euery mans bands were loosed.

(Act 16:27) Then the keeper of the prison waked out of his sleepe, and when he sawe the prison doores open, he drewe out his sword and would haue killed himselfe, supposing the prisoners had bin fled.

(Notes Reference) (16) And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

(16) The merciful Lord, as often as he desires, draws men to life even through the midst of death, and whereas they justly deserved great punishment, he shows them great mercy.

(Act 16:28) But Paul cryed with a loude voyce, saying, Doe thy selfe no harme: for we are all here.

(Notes Reference) (17) But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

(17) In means which are especially extraordinary, we should not move our foot forward, unless God goes before us.

(Act 16:29) Then he called for a light, and leaped in, and came trembling, and fell downe before Paul and Silas,

(Act 16:30) And brought them out, and said, Syrs, what must I doe to be saued?

(Act 16:31) And they saide, Beleeue in the Lord Iesus Christ, and thou shalt be saued, and thine houshold.

(Act 16:32) And they preached vnto him the worde of the Lord, and to all that were in the house.

(Act 16:33) Afterwarde he tooke them the same houre of the night, and washed their stripes, and was baptized with all that belonged vnto him, straigthway.

(Notes Reference) (18) And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed [their] stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

(18) God with the very same hand wounds and heals when it pleases him.

(Act 16:34) And when he had brought them into his house, he set meate before them, and reioyced that he with all his houshold beleeued in God.

(Act 16:35) And when it was day, the gouernours sent the sergeants, saying, Let those men goe.

(Notes Reference) (19) And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.

(19) Shame and confusion is in due time the reward of wicked and unjust magistrates.

(Act 16:36) Then the keeper of the prison tolde these woordes vnto Paul, saying, The gouerness haue sent to loose you: nowe therefore get you hence, and goe in peace.

(Act 16:37) Then sayde Paul vnto them, After that they haue beaten vs openly vncodemned, which are Romanes, they haue cast vs into prison, and nowe would they put vs out priuily? nay verely: but let them come and bring vs out.

(Notes Reference) (20) But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast [us] into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

(20) We must not render injury for injury, and yet nonetheless it is lawful for us to use such helps as God gives us, to bridle the outrageousness of the wicked, so that they do not hurt others in a similar way.

(Act 16:38) And the sergeants tolde these woordes vnto the gouernours, who feared whe they heard that they were Romanes.

(Notes Reference) (21) And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.

(21) The wicked are not moved with the fear of God, but with the fear of men: and by that means also God provides for his, when it is needed.

(Act 16:39) Then came they and praied them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the citie.

(Act 16:40) And they went out of the prison, and entred into the house of Lydia: and when they had seene the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

(Notes Reference) (22) And they went out of the prison, and entered into [the house of] Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

(22) We may avoid dangers in such a way that we never neglect our duty.

(Act 17:1) Nowe as they passed through Amphipolis, and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a Synagogue of the Iewes.

(Notes Reference) Now (1) when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:

(1) The casting out of Silas and Paul was the saving of many others.

(Act 17:2) And Paul, as his maner was, went in vnto them, and three Sabbath daies disputed with them by the Scriptures,

(Act 17:3) Opening, and alleadging that Christ must haue suffered, and risen againe from the dead: and this is Iesus Christ, whom, said he, I preach to you.

(Notes Reference) (2) Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

(2) Christ is therefore the mediator, because he was crucified and rose again: and he is certainly not to be rejected because the cross is shameful.

(Act 17:4) And some of them beleeued, and ioyned in companie with Paul and Silas: also of the Grecians that feared God a great multitude, and of the chiefe women not a fewe.

(Act 17:5) But the Iewes which beleeued not, mooued with enuie, tooke vnto them certaine vagabonds and wicked fellowes, and whe they had assembled the multitude, they made a tumult in the citie, and made assault against the house of Iason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

(Notes Reference) (3) But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain (a) lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

(3) Although the zeal of the unfaithful seems ever so virtuous, yet at length it is found to have neither truth nor fairness. Yet the wicked cannot do what they wish, for even among themselves God stirs up some, whose help he uses for the deliverance of his own.

(a) Certain companions which do nothing but walk the streets, wicked men, to be hired for every man's money to do any mischief, such as we commonly call the rabble and very cesspools and dunghill knaves of all towns and cities.

(Act 17:6) But when they found them not, they drew Iason and certaine brethren vnto the heads of the citie, crying, These are they which haue subuerted the state of the world, and here they are,

(Notes Reference) And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the (b) world upside down are come hither also;

(b) Into whatever country and place they come, they cause sedition and tumult.

(Act 17:7) Whom Iason hath receiued, and these all doe against the decrees of Cesar, saying that there is another King, one Iesus.

(Act 17:8) Then they troubled the people, and the heads of the citie, when they heard these things.

(Act 17:9) Notwithstanding when they had receiued sufficient assurance of Iason and of the other, they let them goe.

(Notes Reference) And when they had taken (c) security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

(Act 17:10) And the brethren immediatly sent away Paul and Silas by night vnto Berea, which when they were come thither, entred into ye Synagogue of the Iewes.

(Notes Reference) (4) And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming [thither] went into the synagogue of the Jews.

(4) That is indeed the wisdom of the Spirit which always sets the glory of God before itself as a mark with which it directs itself, and never wavers from it.

(Act 17:11) These were also more noble men then they which were at Thessalonica, which receiued the woorde with all readinesse, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

(Notes Reference) (5) These were more (d) noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

(5) The Lord sets out in one short period of time, and in one people, different examples of his unsearchable wisdom to cause them to fear him.

(d) He compares the Jews with the Jews.

(Act 17:12) Therefore many of them beleeued, and of honest women, which were Grecians, and men not a fewe.

(Act 17:13) But when the Iewes of Thessalonica knewe, that the woord of God was also preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and mooued the people.

(Notes Reference) (6) But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.

(6) Satan has his who are zealous for him, and those who one would least suspect.

(Act 17:14) But by and by the brethren sent away Paul to goe as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

(Notes Reference) (7) And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

(7) There is neither counsel, nor fury, nor madness against the Lord.

(Act 17:15) And they that did conduct Paul, brought him vnto Athens: and when they had receiued a commandement vnto Silas and Timotheus that they shoulde come to him at once, they departed.

(Notes Reference) (8) And they that conducted Paul (e) brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

(8) The sheep of Christ also watch their pastor's health and safety, but yet in the Lord.

(e) It is not for nothing that the Jews of Berea were so commended, for they brought Paul safe from Macedonia to Athens, and there is in between these two places all of Thessalia, and Boeotia, and Attica.

(Act 17:16) Nowe while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirite was stirred in him, when hee sawe the citie subiect to idolatrie.

(Notes Reference) (9) Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was (f) stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to (g) idolatry.

(9) In comparing the wisdom of God with man's wisdom, men scoff and mock at that which they do not understand: and God uses the curiosity of fools to gather together his elect.

(f) He could not forbear.

(g) Slavishly given to idolatry: Pausanias writes that there were more idols in Athens than in all Greece; yea they had altars dedicated to Shame, and Fame, and Lust, whom they made goddesses.

(Act 17:17) Therefore he disputed in the Synagogue with the Iewes, and with them that were religious, and in the market daily with whomesoeuer he met.

(Notes Reference) Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with (h) them that met with him.

(h) Whoever Paul met with that would allow him to talk with him, he reasoned with him, so thoroughly did he burn with the zeal of God's glory.

(Act 17:18) Then certaine Philosophers of the Epicures, and of the Stoickes, disputed with him, and some sayde, What will this babler say? Others sayde, He seemeth to be a setter forth of straunge gods (because hee preached vnto them Iesus, and the resurrection.)

(Notes Reference) (10) Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this (i) babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

(10) Two special sects of the philosophers set themselves against Christ: the Epicures, who mock and scoff at religion: and the Stoics, who decide religious matters according to their own thinking.

(i) Literally, "seed gatherer": a borrowed kind of speech taken from birds which spoil corn, and is applied to those who without any skill blurt out the knowledge which they have gotten by hearing this man and that man.

(Act 17:19) And they tooke him, and brought him into Mars streete, saying, May we not know, what this newe doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?

(Notes Reference) And they took him, and brought him unto (k) Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, [is]?

(k) This was a place called, as one would say, Mars hill, where the judges sat who were called Areopagita upon important matters, who in ancient time arraigned Socrates, and afterward condemned him of impiety.

(Act 17:20) For thou bringest certaine strange thinges vnto our eares: we woulde knowe therefore, what these things meane.

(Act 17:21) For all the Athenians, and strangers which dwelt there, gaue them selues to nothing els, but either to tell, or to heare some newes.

(Notes Reference) (11) (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

(11) The wisdom of man is vanity.

(Act 17:22) Then Paul stoode in the mids of Mars streete, and sayde, Yee men of Athens, I perceiue that in all things yee are too superstitious.

(Notes Reference) (12) Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, [Ye] men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too (l) superstitious.

(12) The idolaters themselves provide most strong and forcible arguments against their own superstition.

(l) To stand in too foolish and slavish a fear of your gods.

(Act 17:23) For as I passed by, and behelde your deuotions, I founde an altar wherein was written, VNTO THE VNKNOWEN GOD. Whom ye then ignorantly worship, him shewe I vnto you.

(Notes Reference) For as I passed by, and beheld your (m) devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE (n) UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

(m) Whatever men worship for religion's sake, that we call religion.

(n) Pausanias in his Atticis makes mention of the altar which the Athenians had dedicated to unknown gods: and Laertius in his Epimenides makes mention of an altar that had no name entitled upon it.

(Act 17:24) God that made the world, and all things that are therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaue and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands,

(Notes Reference) (13) God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

(13) It is a most foolish and vain thing to compare the Creator with the creature, to limit him within a place who can be comprehended in no place, and to think to allure him with gifts, from whom all men have received all things whatever they have: and these are the fountains of all idolatry.

(Act 17:25) Neither is worshipped with mens handes, as though he needed any thing, seeing hee giueth to all life and breath and all things,

(Act 17:26) And hath made of one blood all mankinde, to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath assigned the seasons which were ordeined before, and the boundes of their habitation,

(Notes Reference) (14) And hath made of (o) one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

(14) God is wonderful in all his works, but especially in the work of man: not that we should stand amazed at his works, but that we should lift our eyes to the workman.

(o) Of one stock and one beginning.

(Act 17:27) That they shoulde seeke the Lord, if so be they might haue groped after him, and founde him though doubtlesse he be not farre from euery one of vs.

(Notes Reference) That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might (p) feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

(p) For as blind men we could not seek out God except by groping, before the true light came and enlightened the world.

(Act 17:28) For in him we liue, and mooue, and haue our being, as also certaine of your owne Poets haue sayd, for we are also his generation.

(Act 17:29) Forasmuch then, as we are the generation of God, we ought not to thinke that ye Godhead is like vnto gold, or siluer, or stone grauen by arte and the inuention of man.

(Notes Reference) Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, (q) graven by art and man's device.

(q) Which things (gold, silver, and stones) are custom engraved as much as a man's mind can devise, for men will not worship those things as they are, unless by some art it has formed into an image of some sort.

(Act 17:30) And the time of this ignorance God regarded not: but nowe hee admonisheth all men euery where to repent,

(Notes Reference) (15) And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

(15) The oldness of the error does not excuse those that err, but it commends and sets forth the patience of God, who nonetheless will be a just judge to those who condemn him.

(Act 17:31) Because hee hath appoynted a day in the which he wil iudge the world in righteousnes, by that man whome hee hath appoynted, whereof he hath giuen an assurance to all men, in that hee hath raised him from the dead.

(Notes Reference) Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given (r) assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead.

(r) By declaring Christ to be the judge of the world through the resurrection from the dead.

(Act 17:32) Now when they heard of the resurrection from the dead, some mocked, and other sayde, We will heare thee againe of this thing.

(Notes Reference) (16) And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this [matter].

(16) Men, to show forth their vanity, are affected and moved differently by the very same Gospel, which nonetheless does not cease to be effectual in the elect.

(Act 17:33) And so Paul departed from among them.

(Act 17:34) Howbeit certaine men claue vnto Paul, and beleeued: among whome was also Denys Areopagita, and a woman named Damaris, and other with them.