Read Scripture In A Year: October 26

Passage 1: 2 Chronicles 23

(2Ch 23:1) And in the seuenth yeere Iehoiada waxed bolde, and tooke the captaines of hundreths, to wit, Azariah the sonne of Ieroham, and Ishmael the sonne of Iehohanan, and Azariah the sonne of Obed, and Maasiah the sonne of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the sonne of Zichri in couenant with him.

(Notes Reference) And (a) in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him.

(a) Of the reign of Athaliah or after the death of Ahaziah.

(2Ch 23:2) And they went about in Iudah, and gathered the Leuites out of all the cities of Iudah, and the chiefe fathers of Israel: and they came to Ierusale.

(Notes Reference) And they went about in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the (b) chief of the fathers of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.

(b) Meaning of Judah and Benjamin. To see why they are

called Israel, See 2Ch 15:17

(2Ch 23:3) And al the Congregation made a couenant with the King in the house of God: and he sayde vnto them, Behold, the Kings sonne must reigne, as the Lord hath sayd of the sonnes of Dauid.

(2Ch 23:4) This is it that ye shall do, The third part of you that come on the Sabbath of the Priests, and the Leuites, shalbe porters of the doores.

(2Ch 23:5) And another third part towarde the Kings house, and another thirde part at the gate of the foundation, and al the people shalbe in the courts of the house of the Lord.

(Notes Reference) And a third part [shall be] at the king's house; and a third part at the gate of the (c) foundation: and all the people [shall be] in the courts of the house of the LORD.

(2Ch 23:6) But let none come into the house of the Lord, saue the Priests, and the Leuites that minister: they shall go in, for they are holy: but all the people shall keepe the watch of the Lord.

(2Ch 23:7) And the Leuites shall compasse the King rounde about, and euery man with his weapon in his hand, and he that entreth into the house, shall be slaine, and be you with the King, when he commeth in, and when he goeth out.

(Notes Reference) And the Levites shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand; and whosoever [else] cometh (d) into the house, he shall be put to death: but be ye with the king when he cometh in, and when he goeth out.

(d) Meaning to make any tumult, or to hinder their enterprise.

(2Ch 23:8) So the Leuites and all Iudah did according to all things that Iehoiada the Priest had commanded, and tooke euery man his men that came on the Sabbath, with them that went out on the Sabbath: for Iehoiada the Priest did not discharge the courses.

(Notes Reference) So the Levites and all Judah did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest had commanded, and took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that (e) were to go [out] on the sabbath: for Jehoiada the priest dismissed not the courses.

(e) Who had finished their course on the Sabbath and so the other part entered to keep their turn.

(2Ch 23:9) And Iehoiada the Priest deliuered to the captaines of hundreths speares, and shieldes, and bucklers which had bene King Dauids, and were in the house of God.

(2Ch 23:10) And he caused all the people to stand (euery man with his weapon in his hande) from the right side of the house, to ye left side of the house by the altar and by the house round about ye king.

(Notes Reference) And he set all the people, every man having his weapon in his hand, from the right side of the temple to the left side of the temple, along by the altar and the (f) temple, by the king round about.

(f) Meaning the most holy place where the ark stood.

(2Ch 23:11) Then they brought out the Kings sonne, and put vpon him the crowne and gaue him the testimonie, and made him King. And Iehoiada and his sonnes anoynted him, and sayd, God saue the King.

(Notes Reference) Then they brought out the king's son, and put upon him the crown, and [gave him] the (g) testimony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, God save the king.

(g) That is, the book of the law or as some read they put on him his royal apparel.

(2Ch 23:12) But when Athaliah heard the noyse of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of the Lord.

(2Ch 23:13) And when she looked, beholde, the King stoode by his pillar at the entring in, and the princes and the trumpets by the King, and all the people of the land reioyced, and blew the trumpets, and the singers were with instruments of musike, and they that could sing prayse: then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, treason.

(Notes Reference) And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, (h) Treason, Treason.

(h) Declaring her vile impudency who having unjustly and by murder usurped the crown would still have defeated the true possessor and therefore called true obedience treason.

(2Ch 23:14) Then Iehoiada the Priest brought out the captaines of hundreths that were gouernours of the hoste, and said vnto them, Haue her foorth of the ranges, and he that followeth her, let him dye by the sword: for the Priest had said, Slay her not in the house of the Lord.

(Notes Reference) Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds that were set over the host, and said unto them, Have her forth of the ranges: and whoso (i) followeth her, let him be slain with the sword. For the priest said, Slay her not in the house of the LORD.

(i) To join with her party and to maintain her authority.

(2Ch 23:15) So they layde hands on her: and when she was come to the entring of the horsegate by the Kings house, they slew her there.

(2Ch 23:16) And Iehoiada made a couenant betweene him, and all the people, and the King, that they would be the Lords people.

(Notes Reference) And Jehoiada made a (k) covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD'S people.

(k) That they would only serve him and renounce all idolatry.

(2Ch 23:17) And all the people went to the house of Baal, and destroyed, and brake his altars and his images, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.

(Notes Reference) Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and (l) brake it down, and brake his altars and his images in pieces, and slew (m) Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.

(l) According to their covenant made to the Lord.

(m) As the Lord commanded in his law both for the person and also the city, (Deu 13:9, Deu 13:15).

(2Ch 23:18) And Iehoiada appointed officers for the house of the Lord, vnder the handes of the Priestes and Leuites, whome Dauid had distributed for the house of the Lord, to offer burnt offrings vnto the Lord, as it is written in the Law of Moses, with reioycing and singing by the appoyntment of Dauid.

(2Ch 23:19) And he set porters by the gates of ye house of the Lord, that none that was vncleane in any thing, should enter in.

(2Ch 23:20) And he tooke the captaines of hundreths, and the noble men, and the gouernours of the people, and all the people of the land, and he caused the King to come downe out of the house of the Lord, and they went thorowe the hie gate of the Kings house, and set the King vpon the throne of the kingdome.

(Notes Reference) And he took the captains of hundreds, and the nobles, and the governors of the people, and all the people of the land, and brought down the king from the house of the LORD: and they came through the (n) high gate into the king's house, and set the king upon the throne of the kingdom.

(n) Which was the principal gate that the king might be seen by all the people.

(2Ch 23:21) Then all the people of the land reioyced, and the citie was quiet, after that they had slaine Athaliah with the sword.

(Notes Reference) And all the people of the land rejoiced: and the city was quiet, (o) after that they had slain Athaliah with the sword.

(o) For where a tyrant and an idolater reigns there can be no peace for the plagues of God are always among such people.

Passage 2: Daniel 4

(Dan 4:1) (3:31) Nebuchad-nezzar King vnto all people, nations and languages, that dwell in all the world, Peace be multiplied vnto you:

(Notes Reference) Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the (o) earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

(o) Meaning, as far as his dominion extended.

(Dan 4:2) (3:31) I thought it good to declare the signes and wonders, that the hie God hath wrought toward me.

(Dan 4:3) (3:31) How great are his signes, and how mightie are his wonders! his kingdome is an euerlasting kingdome, and his dominion is from generation to generation.

(Notes Reference) How great [are] his signs! and how mighty [are] his wonders! (p) his kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion [is] from generation to generation.

(p) See Dan 2:44

(Dan 4:4) (4:1) I Nebuchad-nezzar being at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace,

(Notes Reference) I Nebuchadnezzar was at (a) rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:

(a) There was no trouble that might cause me to dream, and therefore it came only from God.

(Dan 4:5) (4:2) Saw a dreame, which made me afraide, and the thoughtes vpon my bed, and the visions of mine head troubled me.

(Notes Reference) I saw a (b) dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

(b) This was another dream besides that which he saw of the four empires, for Daniel both declared what that dream was, and what it meant, and here he expounds this dream.

(Dan 4:6) (4:3) Therefore made I a decree, that they should bring all the wise men of Babel before mee, that they might declare vnto me the interpretation of the dreame.

(Dan 4:7) (4:4) So came the inchanters, the astrologians, the Caldeans and the sothsayers, to whom I tolde the dreame, but they could not shew me the interpretation thereof,

(Notes Reference) Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but (c) they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.

(c) In that he sent abroad to others, whose ignorance in times past he had experienced, and left Daniel who was ever ready at hand, it declares the nature of the ungodly, who never seek for the servants of God unless they absolutely have to, and then they flatter to a great extent.

(Dan 4:8) (4:5) Till at the last Daniel came before mee, (whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, which hath the spirite of the holy gods in him) and before him I tolde the dreame, saying,

(Notes Reference) But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name [was] (d) Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, [saying],

(d) This no doubt was a great grief to Daniel not only to have his name changed, but to be called by the name of a vile idol, which thing Nebuchadnezzar did to make him forget the true religion of God.

(Dan 4:9) (4:6) O Belteshazzar, chiefe of the enchanters, because I know, that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell mee the visions of my dreame, that I haue seene and the interpretation thereof.

(Notes Reference) O Belteshazzar, (e) master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods [is] in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.

(e) Which also was a great grief to the Prophet, to be numbered among the sorcerers and men whose practices were wicked and contrary to God's word.

(Dan 4:10) (4:7) Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed. And beholde, I sawe a tree in the middes of the earth and the height thereof was great:

(Notes Reference) Thus [were] the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a (f) tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof [was] great.

(f) By the tree is signified the dignity of a king whom God ordains to be a defence for every type of man, and whose state is profitable for mankind.

(Dan 4:11) (4:8) A great tree and strong, and the height thereof reached vnto heauen, and the sight thereof to the endes of all the earth.

(Dan 4:12) (4:9) The boughes thereof were faire and the fruite thereof much, and in it was meate for all: it made a shadow vnder it for the beastes of the fielde, and the foules of the heauen dwelt in the boughes thereof, and all flesh fedde of it.

(Dan 4:13) (4:10) I sawe in the visions of mine head vpon my bed, and beholde, a watchman and an holy one came downe from heauen,

(Notes Reference) I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a (g) watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;

(g) Meaning the angel of God, who neither eats nor sleeps, but is always ready to do God's will, and is not infected with man's corruption, but is always holy. And in that he commands to cut down this tree, he knew that it would not be cut down by man, but by God.

(Dan 4:14) (4:11) And cried aloude, and said thus, Hew downe the tree, and breake off his branches: shake off his leaues, and scatter his fruite, that the beastes may flee from vnder it, and the foules from his branches.

(Dan 4:15) (4:12) Neuerthelesse leaue the stumpe of his rootes in the earth, and with a band of yron and brasse binde it among the grasse of the fielde, and let it be wet with the dewe of heauen, and let his portion be with the beastes among the grasse of the fielde.

(Dan 4:16) (4:13) Let his heart be changed from mans nature, and let a beasts heart be giuen vnto him, and let seuen times be passed ouer him.

(Notes Reference) (h) Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.

(h) By this he means that Nebuchadnezzar would not only for a time lose his kingdom, but be like a beast.

(Dan 4:17) (4:14) The sentence is according to the decree of the watchmen, and according to the word of the holy ones: the demaunde was answered, to the intent that liuing men may knowe, that the most High hath power ouer the kingdome of men, and giueth it to whomsoeuer he will, and appointeth ouer it the most abiect among men.

(Notes Reference) (i) This matter [is] by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

(i) God has decreed this judgment and the whole army of heaven has as it were joined in being a part of it, just as they also desire the execution of his decree against all those that lift up themselves against God.

(Dan 4:18) (4:15) This is the dreame, that I King Nebuchad-nezzar haue seene: therefore thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof: for all the wisemen of my kingdome are not able to shewe mee the interpretation: but thou art able, for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.

(Dan 4:19) (4:16) Then Daniel (whose name was Belteshazzar) held his peace by the space of one houre, and his thoughts troubled him, and the King spake and said, Belteshazzar, let neither the dreame, nor the interpretation thereof trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and saide, My lord, the dreame be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.

(Notes Reference) Then Daniel, whose name [was] Belteshazzar, was (k) astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream [be] to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.

(k) He was troubled because of the great judgment of God, which he saw ordained against the king. And so the Prophets on the one hand used to make known God's judgments for the zeal they had for his glory, and on the other hand had compassion upon man. And they also considered that they would be subject to God's judgments, if he did not regard them with pity.

(Dan 4:20) (4:17) The tree that thou sawest, which was great and mightie, whose height reached vnto the heauen, and the sight thereof through all the world,

(Dan 4:21) (4:18) Whose leaues were faire and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meate for all, vnder the which the beastes of the fielde dwelt, and vpon whose branches the foules of the heauen did sit,

(Dan 4:22) (4:19) It is thou, O King, that art great and mightie: for thy greatnesse is growen, and reacheth vnto heauen, and thy dominion to the endes of the earth.

(Dan 4:23) (4:20) Where as the King sawe a watchman, and an holy one, that came downe from heauen, and said, Hew downe the tree and destroy it, yet leaue the stumpe of the rootes thereof in the earth, and with a bande of yron and brasse binde it among the grasse of the fielde, and let it be wette with the dewe of heauen, and let his portion be with the beastes of the fielde, till seuen times passe ouer him,

(Notes Reference) And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and [let] his portion [be] with the beasts of the field, (l) till seven times pass over him;

(l) By which he means a long space, as seven years. Some interpret seven months, and others seven weeks, but it seems he means seven years.

(Dan 4:24) (4:21) This is the interpretation, O King, and it is the decree of the most High, which is come vpon my lord the King,

(Dan 4:25) (4:22) That they shall driue thee from men, and thy dwelling shalbe with the beasts of the fielde: they shall make thee to eate grasse as the oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dewe of heauen: and seuen times shall passe ouer thee, till thou knowe, that the most High beareth rule ouer the kingdome of men, and giueth it to whom so euer he will.

(Notes Reference) That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as (m) oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that (n) the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

(m) Not that his shape or form was changed into a beast, but that he was either stricken mad, and so avoided man's company, or was cast out because of his tyranny, and so wandered among the beasts, and ate herbs and grass.

(n) Daniel shows the reason why God punished him in this way.

(Dan 4:26) (4:23) Where as they sayd, that one should leaue the stumpe of the tree rootes, thy kingdome shall remaine vnto thee: after that, thou shalt knowe, that the heauens haue the rule.

(Dan 4:27) (4:24) Wherefore, O King, let my counsell be acceptable vnto thee, and breake off thy sinnes by righteousnes, and thine iniquities by mercy toward the poore: lo, let there be an healing of thine errour.

(Notes Reference) Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and (o) break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a (p) lengthening of thy tranquillity.

(o) Cease from provoking God to anger any longer by your sins, that he may reduce the severity of his punishment, if you show by your upright life that you have true faith and repentance.

(p) Allow the errors of your former life to be made up for.

(Dan 4:28) (4:25) All these things shall come vpon the King Nebuchad-nezzar.

(Dan 4:29) (4:26) At the end of twelue moneths, he walked in the royall palace of Babel.

(Notes Reference) At the end of twelve (q) months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.

(q) After Daniel had declared this vision: and this pride of his declares that it is not in man to convert to God, unless his Spirit moves him, seeing that these terrible threatenings could not move him to repent.

(Dan 4:30) (4:27) And the King spake and sayde, Is not this great Babel, that I haue built for the house of the kingdome by the might of my power, and for the honour of my maiestie?

(Dan 4:31) (4:28) While the worde was in the Kings mouth, a voyce came downe from heauen, saying, O King Nebuchad-nezzar, to thee be it spoken, Thy kingdome is departed from thee,

(Dan 4:32) (4:29) And they shall driue thee from men, and thy dwelling shalbe with the beastes of the fielde: they shall make thee to eate grasse, as the oxen, and seuen times shall passe ouer thee, vntill thou knowest, that the most High beareth rule ouer the kingdome of men, and giueth it vnto whomsoeuer he will.

(Dan 4:33) (4:30) The very same houre was this thing fulfilled vpon Nebuchad-nezzar, and hee was driuen from men, and did eate grasse as the oxen, and his body was wet with the dewe of heauen, till his heares were growen as eagles feathers, and his nailes like birds clawes.

(Dan 4:34) (4:31) And at the ende of these dayes I Nebuchad-nezzar lift vp mine eyes vnto heauen, and mine vnderstanding was restored vnto me, and I gaue thankes vnto the most High, and I praysed and honoured him that liueth for euer, whose power is an euerlasting power, and his kingdome is from generation to generation.

(Notes Reference) And at the end of the (r) days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation:

(r) When the term of these seven years was accomplished.

(Dan 4:35) (4:32) And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and according to his will he worketh in the armie of heauen, and in the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, nor say vnto him, What doest thou?

(Notes Reference) And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his (s) will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

(s) He confesses God's will to be the rule of all justice, and a most perfect law, by which he governs both man and angels and devils, so that none ought to murmur or ask a reason for his doings, but only to stand content with them and give him the glory.

(Dan 4:36) (4:33) At the same time was mine vnderstanding restored vnto me, and I returned to the honour of my kingdome: my glory and my beautie was restored vnto me, and my counsellours and my princes sought vnto me, and I was established in my kingdome, and my glory was augmented toward me.

(Notes Reference) At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and (t) my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.

(t) By whom it seems that he had been put from his kingdom before.

(Dan 4:37) (4:34) Now therefore I Nebuchad-nezzar prayse and extoll and magnifie the King of heauen, whose workes are all trueth, and his wayes iudgement, and those that walke in pride, he is able to abase.

(Notes Reference) Now I Nebuchadnezzar (u) praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works [are] truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

(u) He not only praises God for his deliverance, but also confesses his fault, so that God alone may have the glory, and man the shame, and so that God may be exalted and man cast down.

Passage 3: Acts 2

(Act 2:1) And when the day of Pentecost was come, they were al with one accord in one place.

(Notes Reference) And (1) when the day of Pentecost was (a) fully come, they were (b) all with one accord in one place.

(1) The Apostles being gathered together on a most solemn feast day in one place, that it might evidently appear to all the world that they all had one office, one Spirit, and one faith, are by a double sign from heaven authorised, and anointed with all the most excellent gifts of the Holy Spirit, and especially with an extraordinary and necessary gift of tongues.

(a) Literally, "was fulfilled": that is, was begun, as in (Luk 2:21). For the Hebrews say that a day or a year is fulfilled or ended when the former days or years are ended, and the other has begun; (Jer 25:12): "And it will come to pass that when seventy years are fulfilled, I will visit, etc." For the Lord did not bring his people home after the seventieth year was ended, but in the seventieth year: Now the day of Pentecost was the fiftieth day after the feast of the Passover.

(b) The twelve apostles, who were to be the patriarchs as it were of the Church.

(Act 2:2) And suddenly there came a sounde from heauen, as of a russhing and mightie winde, and it filled all the house where they sate.

(Act 2:3) And there appeared vnto them clouen tongues, like fire, and it sate vpon eche of them.

(Act 2:4) And they were all filled with the holy Ghost, and began to speake with other tongues, as the Spirit gaue them vtterance.

(Notes Reference) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with (c) other tongues, as the (d) Spirit gave them utterance.

(c) He calls them "other tongues" which were not the same as the apostles commonly used, and Mark calls them "new tongues".

(d) By this we understand that the apostles were not speaking one language and then another by chance at random, or as eccentric men used to do, but that they kept in mind the languages of their hearers: and to be short, that they only spoke as the Holy Spirit directed them to speak.

(Act 2:5) And there were dwelling at Hierusalem Iewes, men that feared God, of euery nation vnder heauen.

(Act 2:6) Nowe when this was noised, the multitude came together and were astonied, because that euery man heard them speake his owne language.

(Act 2:7) And they wondered al, and marueiled, saying among themselues, Beholde, are not all these which speake, of Galile?

(Act 2:8) How then heare we euery man our owne language, wherein we were borne?

(Notes Reference) (e) And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

(e) Not that they spoke one language, and different languages were heard, but the apostles spoke with different languages: for otherwise the miracle would have been in the hearers, whereas it is really in the speakers; Nazianzen in his oration of Whitsunday.

(Act 2:9) Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, and of Iudea, and of Cappadocia, of Pontus, and Asia,

(Act 2:10) And of Phrygia, and Pamphylia, of Egypt, and of the partes of Libya, which is beside Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, and Iewes, and Proselytes,

(Notes Reference) Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, (f) Jews and proselytes,

(f) By Jews he means those that were both Jews by birth and Jews by profession of religion, though they were born in other places: and these latter ones were proselytes, who were born Gentiles, and embraced the Jewish religion.

(Act 2:11) Creetes, and Arabians: wee hearde them speake in our owne tongues the wonderful works of God.

(Act 2:12) They were all then amased, and douted, saying one to another, What may this be?

(Notes Reference) (2) And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

(2) God's word pierces some in such a way that it drives them to seek out the truth, and it so chokes others that it forces them to be witnesses of their own impudency.

(Act 2:13) And others mocked, and saide, They are full of newe wine.

(Notes Reference) Others (g) mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

(g) The word which he uses here signifies a kind of mocking which is reproachful and insolent: and by this reproachful mocking we see that no matter how great and excellent the miracle, the wickedness of man still dares to speak evil against it.

(Act 2:14) But Peter standing with ye Eleuen, lift vp his voice, and said vnto them, Ye men of Iudea, and ye all that inhabite Hierusalem, be this knowen vnto you, and hearken vnto my woordes.

(Notes Reference) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, (h) lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all [ye] that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

(h) The holiness of Peter is to be marked, in which the grace of the Holy Spirit is to be seen, even from the very beginning.

(Act 2:15) For these are not drunken, as yee suppose, since it is but the third houre of the day.

(Notes Reference) For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is [but] the (i) third hour of the day.

(i) After the sunrise, which may be about seven or eight o'clock to us.

(Act 2:16) But this is that, which was spoken by the Prophet Ioel,

(Notes Reference) But this is that which was spoken by the (k) prophet Joel;

(k) There is nothing that can dissolve questions and doubt except testimony taken out of the Prophets: for men's reasonings may be overturned, but God's voice cannot be overturned.

(Act 2:17) And it shalbe in the last daies, saith God, I wil powre out of my Spirite vpon al flesh, and your sonnes, and your daughters shall prophecie, and your yong men shall see visions, and your old men shall dreame dreames.

(Notes Reference) (3) And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon (l) all (m) flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

(3) Peter setting forth the truth of God against the false accusations of men, shows in himself and in his companions that the prophecy of Joel concerning the full giving of the Holy Spirit in the latter days has been fulfilled: and this grace is also offered to the whole Church, to the certain and undoubted destruction of those who condemn it.

(l) All without exception, both upon the Jews and Gentiles.

(m) That is, men.

(Act 2:18) And on my seruauntes, and on mine handmaides I will powre out of my Spirite in those daies, and they shall prophecie.

(Act 2:19) And I wil shew wonders in heauen aboue, and tokens in the earth beneath, blood, and fire, and the vapour of smoke.

(Act 2:20) The Sunne shalbe turned into darkenesse, and the moone into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come.

(Act 2:21) And it shalbe, that whosoeuer shall call on the Name of the Lord, shalbe saued.

(Notes Reference) (4) And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall (n) call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

(4) The most important use of all the gifts of the Holy Spirit is to bring men to salvation by faith.

(n) These words "call on" signify in Holy Scriptures and earnest praying and craving for help from God's hand.

(Act 2:22) Yee men of Israel, heare these woordes, JESUS of Nazareth, a man approued of God among you with great workes, and wonders, and signes, which God did by him in the middes of you, as yee your selues also knowe:

(Notes Reference) (5) Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man (o) approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

(5) Christ, being innocent, was by God's providence crucified by wicked men.

(o) Who is by those works which God did by him so manifestly approved and admitted of, that no man can deny him.

(Act 2:23) Him, I say, being deliuered by the determinate counsell, and foreknowledge of God, after you had taken, with wicked handes you haue crucified and slaine.

(Notes Reference) Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and (p) foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked (q) hands have crucified and (r) slain:

(p) God's everlasting foreknowledge, which can neither be separated from his determinate counsel, as the Epicureans say, neither yet be the cause of evil: for God in his everlasting and unchangeable counsel appointed the wicked act of Judas to an excellent end: and God does that well which the instrument does wickedly.

(q) God's counsel does not excuse the Jews, whose hands were wicked.

(r) The fact is said to be theirs by whose counsel and urging on it is done.

(Act 2:24) Whome God hath raised vp, and loosed the sorrowes of death, because it was vnpossible that he should be holden of it.

(Notes Reference) (6) Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the (s) pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

(6) As David foretold, Christ did not only rise again, but also was void of all decay in the grave.

(s) The death that was full of sorrow both of body and mind: therefore when death appeared conqueror and victor over those sorrows, Christ is rightly said to have overcome those sorrows of death when, as being dead, he overcame death, to live forever with his Father.

(Act 2:25) For Dauid sayeth concerning him, I beheld the Lord alwaies before me: for hee is at my right hand, that I should not be shaken.

(Act 2:26) Therefore did mine heart reioyce, and my tongue was glad, and moreouer also my flesh shall rest in hope,

(Act 2:27) Because thou wilt not leaue my soule in graue, neither wilt suffer thine Holy one to see corruption.

(Notes Reference) Because thou wilt not (t) leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

(t) You will not allow me to remain in the grave.

(Act 2:28) Thou hast shewed me the waies of life, and shalt make me full of ioy with thy countenance.

(Notes Reference) Thou hast (u) made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

(u) You have opened to me the way of true life.

(Act 2:29) Men and brethren, I may boldly speake vnto you of the Patriarke Dauid, that hee is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre remaineth with vs vnto this day.

(Act 2:30) Therefore, seeing hee was a Prophet, and knewe that God had sworne with an othe to him, that of the fruite of his loynes hee woulde raise vp Christ concerning the flesh, to set him vpon his throne,

(Notes Reference) Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had (x) sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

(x) Had sworn solemnly.

(Act 2:31) Hee knowing this before, spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soule shoulde not bee left in graue, neither his flesh shoulde see corruption.

(Act 2:32) This Iesus hath God raised vp, whereof we all are witnesses.

(Notes Reference) (7) This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

(7) Peter witnesses that Jesus Christ is the appointed everlasting King, which he manifestly proves by the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the testimony of David.

(Act 2:33) Since then that he by the right hande of God hath bene exalted, and hath receiued of his Father the promise of the holy Ghost, hee hath shed foorth this which yee nowe see and heare.

(Notes Reference) Therefore being by the (y) right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

(y) Might and power of God.

(Act 2:34) For Dauid is not ascended into heauen, but he sayth, The Lord sayd to my Lord, Sit at my right hande,

(Act 2:35) Vntill I make thine enemies thy footestoole.

(Act 2:36) Therefore, let all the house of Israel know for a suretie, that God hath made him both Lord, and Christ, this Iesus, I say, whome yee haue crucified.

(Notes Reference) Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath (z) made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

(z) Christ is said to be "made" because he was advanced to that dignity, and therefore it is not spoken with reference to his nature, but with reference to his position and high dignity.

(Act 2:37) Now when they heard it, they were pricked in their heartes, and said vnto Peter and the other Apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we doe?

(Act 2:38) Then Peter said vnto them, Amend your liues, and bee baptized euery one of you in the Name of Iesus Christ for the remission of sinnes: and ye shall receiue the gift of the holy Ghost.

(Notes Reference) (8) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

(8) Repentance and remission of sins in Christ are two principles of the Gospel and therefore of our salvation: and they are obtained by the promises apprehended by faith, and are ratified by us in baptism; and with our salvation comes the power of the Holy Spirit (Ed.).

(Act 2:39) For the promise is made vnto you, and to your children, and to all that are a farre off, euen as many as the Lord our God shall call.

(Notes Reference) For the (a) promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.

(a) The word that is used here shows us that it was a free gift.

(Act 2:40) And with many other words he besought and exhorted them, saying, Saue your selues from this froward generation.

(Notes Reference) (9) And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

(9) He is truly joined to the Church who separates himself from the wicked.

(Act 2:41) Then they that gladly receiued his word, were baptized: and the same day there were added to the Church about three thousand soules.

(Notes Reference) (10) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.

(10) A notable example of the power of the Holy Spirit: but such are not baptized until they make confession of their faith. (Ed.)

(Act 2:42) And they continued in the Apostles doctrine, and fellowship, and breaking of bread, and prayers.

(Notes Reference) (11) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and (b) fellowship, and in (c) breaking of bread, and in prayers.

(11) The marks of the true Church are the doctrine of the apostles, the duties of charity, the pure and simple administration of the ordinances, and the true invocation used by all of the faithful.

(b) Sharing of goods, and all other duties of charity, as is shown afterwards.

(c) The Jews used thin loaves, and therefore they broke them rather than cut them: so by breaking of bread they meant living together, and the banquets which they used to keep. And when they kept their love feasts, they used to celebrate the Lord's supper, which even in those days began to be corrupted, and Paul corrects this in (1Co. 11:17-34).

(Act 2:43) And feare came vpon euery soule: and many wonders and signes were done by ye Apostles.

(Notes Reference) (12) And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

(12) As often as the Lord thinks it to be expedient, he bridles the rage of strangers, so that the Church may be planted and have some refreshing.

(Act 2:44) And all that beleeued, were in one place, and had all things common.

(Notes Reference) (13) And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

(13) Charity makes all things common with regard to their use, according as necessity requires.

(Act 2:45) And they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all me, as euery one had need.

(Act 2:46) And they continued dayly with one accord in the Temple, and breaking bread at home, did eate their meate together with gladnesse and singlenesse of heart,

(Notes Reference) (14) And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

(14) The faithful came together at the beginning with tremendous results, not only for the hearing of the word, but also to eat.

(Act 2:47) Praysing God, and had fauour with all the people: and the Lord added to the Church from day to day, such as should be saued.