Read Scripture In A Year: October 27

Passage 1: 2 Chronicles 24

(2Ch 24:1) Ioash was seuen yere olde, when he began to reigne, and he reigned fourty yeere in Ierusalem: and his mothers name was Zibiah of Beer-sheba.

(2Ch 24:2) And Ioash did vprightly in the sight of the Lord, all the dayes of Iehoiada the Priest.

(Notes Reference) And Joash did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD all the days of (a) Jehoiada the priest.

(a) Who was a faithful counsellor and governed him by the word of God.

(2Ch 24:3) And Iehoiada tooke him two wiues, and he begate sonnes and daughters.

(2Ch 24:4) And afterward it came into Ioash mind, to renew the house of the Lord.

(2Ch 24:5) And he assembled the Priests and the Leuites, and said to them, Goe out vnto the cities of Iudah, and gather of all Israel money to repaire the house of your God, from yeere to yeere, and haste the thing: but the Leuites hasted not.

(Notes Reference) And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all (b) Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened [it] not.

(b) He does not mean the ten tribes but only the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin.

(2Ch 24:6) Therefore the King called Iehoiada, the chiefe, and said vnto him, Why hast thou not required of the Leuites to bring in out of Iudah and Ierusalem the taxe of Moses the seruant of the Lord, and of the Congregation of Israel, for the Tabernacle of the testimonie?

(Notes Reference) And the king called for Jehoiada the (c) chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the collection, [according to the commandment] of Moses the servant of the LORD, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?

(2Ch 24:7) For wicked Athaliah, and her children brake vp the house of God: and all the things that were dedicate for the house of the Lord, did they bestowe vpon Baalim.

(Notes Reference) For the sons of Athaliah, that (d) wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD did they bestow upon Baalim.

(d) The scriptures call her wicked because she was a cruel murderer and a blasphemous idolater.

(2Ch 24:8) Therefore the King commanded, and they made a chest, and set it at the gate of the house of the Lord without.

(2Ch 24:9) And they made proclamation thorow Iudah and Ierusalem, to bring vnto the Lord the taxe of Moses the seruant of God, layde vpon Israel in the wildernesse.

(2Ch 24:10) And all the princes and all the people reioyced, and brought in, and cast into the chest, vntill they had finished.

(2Ch 24:11) And when it was time, they brought the chest vnto the Kings officer by the hand of the Leuites: and when they saw that there was much siluer, then the Kings Scribe (and one appoynted by the hie Priest) came and emptied the chest, and tooke it, and caried it to his place againe: thus they did day by day, and gathered siluer in abundance.

(Notes Reference) Now it came to pass, that at what time (e) the chest was brought unto the king's office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that [there was] much money, the king's scribe and the high priest's officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.

(e) Such as were faithful men whom the king had appointed for that matter.

(2Ch 24:12) And the King and Iehoiada gaue it to such as did the labour and worke in the house of the Lord, and hyred masons and carpenters to repayre the house of the Lord: they gaue it also to workers of yron and brasse, to repayre the house of the Lord.

(Notes Reference) And the king and (f) Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the LORD, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the LORD.

(f) Signifying that this was done by advise and counsel and not by any one man's desire.

(2Ch 24:13) So the workemen wrought, and the worke amended through their hands: and they restored the house of God to his state, and strengthened it.

(2Ch 24:14) And when they had finished it, they brought the rest of the siluer before the King and Iehoiada, and he made thereof vessels for the house of the Lord, euen vessels to minister, both morters and incense cuppes, and vessels of golde, and of siluer: and they offred burnt offrings in the house of the Lord continually all the dayes of Iehoiada.

(Notes Reference) And when they had finished [it], they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, whereof were made (g) vessels for the house of the LORD, [even] vessels to minister, and to offer [withal], and spoons, and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the LORD continually all the days of Jehoiada.

(g) For the wicked kings, his predecessors and Athaliah had destroyed the vessels of the temple, or turned them to the use of their idols.

(2Ch 24:15) But Iehoiada waxed olde, and was ful of dayes and dyed. An hundreth and thirtie yeere olde was he when he dyed.

(2Ch 24:16) And they buried him in the citie of Dauid with the kings, because he had done good in Israel, and toward God and his house.

(Notes Reference) And they buried him in the city of David among the (h) kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.

(h) Signifying that they could not honour him too much, who had so excellently served in the work of the Lord, and in the affairs of the commonwealth.

(2Ch 24:17) And after the death of Iehoiada, came the princes of Iudah, and did reuerence to the King, and the King hearkened vnto them.

(Notes Reference) Now after the death of Jehoiada came the (i) princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.

(i) Who were liars and knew now that the king was destitute of him who watched over him as a father, and therefore brought him to most vile idolatry.

(2Ch 24:18) And they left the house of the Lord God of their fathers, and serued groues and idoles: and wrath came vpon Iudah and Ierusalem, because of this their trespasse.

(2Ch 24:19) And God sent Prophets amog the, to bring them againe vnto the Lord: and they made protestation among them, but they would not heare.

(Notes Reference) Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they (k) testified against them: but they would not give ear.

(k) They took heaven and earth and all creatures to witness that unless they returned to the Lord, he would most grievously punish their infidelity and rebellion, (Neh 9:26).

(2Ch 24:20) And the Spirit of God came vpon Zechariah the sonne of Iehoiada the Priest, which stoode aboue the people, and sayde vnto them, Thus sayth God, Why transgresse ye the commandements of the Lord? surely ye shall not prosper: because ye haue forsaken the Lord, he also hath forsaken you.

(Notes Reference) And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood (l) above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you.

(l) In a place above the people, to the intent that he might be heard.

(2Ch 24:21) Then they conspired against him and stoned him with stones at the commandement of the King, in the court of the house of the Lord.

(Notes Reference) And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the (m) commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.

(m) There is no rage so cruel and beastly as of them whose hearts God has hardened, and who delight more in superstition and idolatry than in the true service of God and pure simplicity of his word.

(2Ch 24:22) Thus Ioash the King remembred not the kindnesse which Iehoiada his father had done to him, but slewe his sonne. And when he dyed, he sayd, The Lord looke vpon it, and require it.

(Notes Reference) Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The LORD (n) look upon [it], and require [it].

(n) Avenge my death and require my blood at your hands: or he speaks this by prophecy because he knew that God would do it. This Zachariah is also called the son of Barachias, (Mat 23:35) because his progenitors were Iddo, Berachiah, Jehoiada.

(2Ch 24:23) And when the yeere was out, the host of Aram came vp against him, and they came against Iudah and Ierusalem, and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people, and sent all the spoyle of them vnto the King of Damascus.

(2Ch 24:24) Though the armie of Aram came with a small company of men, yet the Lord deliuered a very great armie into their hand, because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers: and they gaue sentence against Ioash.

(Notes Reference) For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the LORD delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers. So they (o) executed judgment against Joash.

(o) That is, reproved and checked him, and handled him rigorously.

(2Ch 24:25) And when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great diseases) his owne seruants conspired against him for the blood of the children of Iehoiada the Priest, and slewe him on his bed, and he dyed, and they buryed him in the citie of Dauid: but they buryed him not in the sepulchres of the Kings.

(Notes Reference) And when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great diseases,) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the (p) sons of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died: and they buried him in the city of David, but they buried him not in the sepulchres of the kings.

(p) Meaning Zachariah, who was one of Jehoiada's sons and a prophet of the Lord.

(2Ch 24:26) And these are they that conspired against him, Zabad the sonne of Shimrath an Ammonitesse, and Iehozabad the sonne of Shimrith a Moabitesse.

(2Ch 24:27) But his sonnes, and the summe of the taxe gathered by him, and the foundation of the house of God, behold, they are written in the storie of the booke of the Kings. And Amaziah his sonne reigned in his steade.

(Notes Reference) Now [concerning] his sons, and the greatness of the burdens [laid] upon him, and the (r) repairing of the house of God, behold, they [are] written in the story of the book of the kings. And Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.

(r) Or, foundation.

Passage 2: Daniel 5

(Dan 5:1) King Belshazzar made a great feast to a thousand of his princes, and dranke wine before the thousand.

(Notes Reference) (a) Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine (b) before the thousand.

(a) Daniel recites this history of King Belshazzar, Evilmerodach's son, to show God's judgments against the wicked for the deliverance of his Church, and how the prophecy of Jeremiah was true, that they would be delivered after seventy years.

(b) The kings of the east part then used to commonly sit alone, and disdained that any should sit in their company: and now to show his power, and how little he thought of his enemy, which then besieged Babylon, made a solemn banquet, and used excess in their company, which is meant here by drinking wine: thus the wicked are very lax in morals and negligent, when their destruction is at hand.

(Dan 5:2) And Belshazzar whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring him the golden and siluer vessels, which his father Nebuchad-nezzar had brought from the Temple in Ierusalem, that the King and his princes, his wiues, and his concubines might drinke therein.

(Notes Reference) Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his (c) father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which [was] in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.

(Dan 5:3) Then were brought the golden vessels, that were taken out of the Temple of the Lords house at Ierusalem, and the King and his princes, his wiues and his concubines dranke in them.

(Dan 5:4) They drunke wine and praysed the gods of golde, and of siluer, of brasse, of yron, of wood and of stone.

(Notes Reference) They drank wine, and praised the (d) gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

(d) In contempt of the true God they praise their idols, not that they thought that the gold or silver were gods, but that there was a certain strength and power in them to do them good, which is also the opinion of all idolaters.

(Dan 5:5) At the same houre appeared fingers of a mans hand, which wrote ouer against the candlesticke vpon the plaister of the wall of ye Kings palace, and the King sawe the palme of the hand that wrote.

(Notes Reference) In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over (e) against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.

(e) That it might the better be seen.

(Dan 5:6) Then the Kings countenance was changed, and his thoughtes troubled him, so that the ioynts of his loynes were loosed, and his knees smote one against the other.

(Notes Reference) Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his (f) knees smote one against another.

(f) So he that before condemned God, was moved by this sight to tremble for fear of God's judgments.

(Dan 5:7) Wherefore the King cryed loude, that they should bring the astrologians, the Caldeans and the soothsayers. And the King spake, and sayd to the wise men of Babel, Whosoeuer can reade this writing, and declare me the interpretation thereof, shalbe clothed with purple, and shall haue a chaine of golde about his necke, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdome.

(Notes Reference) The king cried aloud to bring in (g) the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. [And] the king spake, and said to the wise [men] of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.

(g) Thus the wicked in their troubles seek many means, which draw them from God, because they do not seek for him who is the only comfort in all afflictions.

(Dan 5:8) Then came all the Kings wise men, but they could neither reade the writing, nor shewe the King the interpretation.

(Dan 5:9) Then was King Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his princes were astonied.

(Dan 5:10) Now the Queene by reason of the talke of the King, and his princes came into the banket house, and the Queene spake, and sayd, O King, liue for euer: let not thy thoughtes trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed.

(Notes Reference) [Now] the (h) queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: [and] the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:

(h) That is, his grandmother, Nebuchadnezzar's wife, who because of her age was not at the feast before, but came there when she heard of this strange news.

(Dan 5:11) There is a man in thy kingdome, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods, and in the dayes of thy father light and vnderstanding and wisdome like the wisdome of the gods, was found in him: whom the King Nebuchad-nezzar thy father, the King, I say, thy father, made chiefe of the enchanters, astrologians, Caldeans, and soothsayers,

(Notes Reference) There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, [I say], thy father, made master of the (i) magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, [and] soothsayers;

(i) Read (Dan 4:6); and this declares that both this name was odious to him, and also he did not use these vile practises, because he was not among them when all were called.

(Dan 5:12) Because a more excellent spirit, and knowledge, and vnderstanding (for hee did expound dreames, and declare hard sentences, and dissolued doubtes) were founde in him, euen in Daniel, whome the King named Belteshazzar: nowe let Daniel be called, and hee will declare the interpretation.

(Dan 5:13) Then was Daniel brought before the King, and the King spake and sayd vnto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captiuitie of Iudah, whom my father the King brought out of Iewrie?

(Dan 5:14) Now I haue heard of thee, that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and that light and vnderstanding and excellent wisdome is found in thee.

(Notes Reference) I have even heard of thee, that (k) the spirit of the gods [is] in thee, and [that] light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.

(k) For the idolaters thought that the angels had power as God, and therefore held them in the same estimation that they held God, thinking that the spirit of prophecy and understanding came from them.

(Dan 5:15) Now therefore, wisemen and astrologians haue bene brought before me, that they should reade this writing, and shewe me the interpretation thereof: but they could not declare the interpretation of the thing.

(Dan 5:16) Then heard I of thee, that thou couldest shewe interpretations, and dissolue doutes: nowe if thou canst reade the writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with purple, and shalt haue a chaine of golde about thy necke, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdome.

(Dan 5:17) Then Daniel answered, and sayd before the King, Keepe thy rewards to thy selfe, and giue thy giftes to another: yet I will reade the writing vnto the King, and shew him the interpretation.

(Dan 5:18) O King, heare thou, The most high God gaue vnto Nebuchad-nezzar thy father a kingdome, and maiestie, and honour and glory.

(Notes Reference) O thou king, the most high God gave (l) Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:

(l) Before he read the writing, he declares to the king his great ingratitude toward God, who could not be moved to give him the glory, considering God's wonderful work toward his grandfather, and so shows that he does not sin from ignorance but from malice.

(Dan 5:19) And for the maiestie that he gaue him, all people, nations, and languages trembled, and feared before him: he put to death whom he would: he smote whome he would: whome he would he set vp, and whome he would he put downe.

(Dan 5:20) But when his heart was puft vp, and his minde hardened in pride, hee was deposed from his kingly throne, and they tooke his honour from him.

(Dan 5:21) And hee was driuen from the sonnes of men, and his heart was made like the beastes, and his dwelling was with the wilde asses: they fed him with grasse like oxen, and his body was wet with the dewe of the heauen, till he knewe, that the most high God bare rule ouer the kingdome of men, and that he appointeth ouer it, whomsoeuer he pleaseth.

(Dan 5:22) And thou his sonne, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all these things,

(Dan 5:23) But hast lift thy selfe vp against the Lord of heauen, and they haue brought the vessels of his House before thee, and thou and thy princes, thy wiues and thy concubines haue drunke wine in them, and thou hast praysed the gods of siluer and golde, of brasse, yron, wood and stone, which neither see, neither heare, nor vnderstand: and the God in whose hand thy breath is and all thy wayes, him hast thou not glorified.

(Dan 5:24) Then was the palme of the hand sent from him, and hath written this writing.

(Notes Reference) (m) Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.

(m) After God had for such a long time deferred his anger, and patiently waited for your repentance.

(Dan 5:25) And this is the writing that he hath written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL UPHARSIN.

(Notes Reference) And this [is] the writing that was written, (n) MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

(n) This word is written twice because of the certainty of the thing, showing that God had most surely decided: it signifies also that God has appointed a term for all kingdoms, and that a miserable end will come on all that raise themselves against him.

(Dan 5:26) This is the interpretation of the thing, MENE, God hath nombred thy kingdome, and hath finished it.

(Dan 5:27) TEKEL, thou art wayed in the balance, and art found too light.

(Dan 5:28) PERES, thy kingdome is deuided, and giuen to the Medes and Persians.

(Dan 5:29) Then at the commandement of Belshazzar they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chaine of golde about his necke, and made a proclamation concerning him that he should be the third ruler in the kingdome.

(Dan 5:30) The same night was Belshazzar the King of the Caldeans slaine.

(Dan 5:31) And Darius of the Medes tooke the kingdome, being threescore and two yeere olde.

(Notes Reference) And Darius (o) the Median took the kingdom, [being] about threescore and two years old.

(o) Cyrus his son-in-law gave him this title of honour, even though Cyrus in effect had the dominion.

Passage 3: Acts 3-4

(Act 3:1) Nowe Peter and Iohn went vp together into the Temple, at the ninth houre of prayer.

(Notes Reference) Now (1) Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, [being] the ninth [hour].

(1) Christ, in healing a man that was born lame and well known to all men, both in a famous place and at a popular time, by the hands of his apostles partly strengthens and encourages those who believed, and partly also calls others to believe.

(Act 3:2) And a certaine man which was a creeple from his mothers wombe, was caried, whom they layde dayly at the gate of the Temple called Beautifull, to aske almes of them that entred into ye Temple.

(Act 3:3) Who seeing Peter and Iohn, that they would enter into the Temple, desired to receiue an almes.

(Act 3:4) And Peter earnestly beholding him with Iohn, said, Looke on vs.

(Act 3:5) And hee gaue heede vnto them, trusting to receiue some thing of them.

(Notes Reference) And he (a) gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

(a) Both with heart and eyes.

(Act 3:6) Then said Peter, Siluer and gold haue I none, but such as I haue, that giue I thee: In the Name of Iesus Christ of Nazareth, rise vp and walke.

(Act 3:7) And hee tooke him by the right hand, and lift him vp, and immediately his feete and ankle bones receiued strength.

(Act 3:8) And he leaped vp, stoode, and walked, and entred with them into the Temple, walking and leaping, and praysing God.

(Act 3:9) And all the people sawe him walke, and praysing God.

(Act 3:10) And they knewe him, that it was he which sate for the almes at the Beautifull gate of the Temple: and they were amased, and sore astonied at that, which was come vnto him.

(Act 3:11) And as the creeple which was healed, held Peter and Iohn, all the people ranne amased vnto them in the porch which is called Salomons.

(Notes Reference) And as the lame man which was healed (b) held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

(b) Either because he loved them who had healed him, or because he feared that if he let them go out of his sight that he would become lame again.

(Act 3:12) So when Peter saw it, he answered vnto the people, Ye me of Israel, why marueile ye at this? or why looke ye so stedfastly on vs, as though by our owne power or godlines, we had made this man go?

(Notes Reference) (2) And when Peter saw [it], he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

(2) Miracles are appointed to convince the unbelievers, and therefore they wickedly abuse the miracles who, standing amazed, either at the miracles themselves or at the instruments and means which is pleases God to use, take an occasion to establish idolatry and superstition by that which God has provided for the knowledge of his true worship, that is, Christianity.

(Act 3:13) The God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Iacob, the God of our fathers hath glorified his Sonne Iesus, whom ye betrayed, and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had iudged him to be deliuered.

(Act 3:14) But ye denied the Holy one and the Iust, and desired a murtherer to be giuen you,

(Act 3:15) And killed the Lord of life, whome God hath raised from the dead, whereof we are witnesses.

(Notes Reference) And killed the Prince (c) of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

(Act 3:16) And his Name hath made this man sound, whom ye see, and know, through faith in his Name: and the faith which is by him, hath giuen to him this perfite health of his whole body in the presence of you all.

(Notes Reference) And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: (d) yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

(d) Because he believed on him who was raised from the dead, whose name he heard about from us.

(Act 3:17) And now brethren, I know that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your gouernours.

(Notes Reference) (3) And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did [it], as [did] also your rulers.

(3) It is best of all to receive Christ as soon as he is offered to us: but those who have neglected so great a benefit through man's weakness, yet have repentance as a means. As for the shame of the cross, we have to set against that the decree and purpose of God for Christ, foretold by the Prophets, how that first of all he would be crucified here upon the earth, and then he would appear from heaven the judge and restorer of all things, that all believers might be saved, and all unbelievers utterly perish.

(Act 3:18) But those thinges which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his Prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath thus fulfilled.

(Notes Reference) But those things, which God before had shewed (e) by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

(e) Though there were many Prophets, yet he speaks only of one mouth, to show us the consent and agreement of the Prophets.

(Act 3:19) Amend your liues therefore, and turne, that your sinnes may be put away, whe the time of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

(Act 3:20) And he shall sende Iesus Christ, which before was preached vnto you,

(Act 3:21) Whome the heauen must containe vntill the time that all thinges be restored, which God had spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets since the world began.

(Notes Reference) (f) Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

(f) Or, be taken up into heaven.

(Act 3:22) For Moses said vnto the Fathers, The Lord your God shall raise vp vnto you a Prophet, euen of your brethren, like vnto me: ye shall heare him in all things, whatsoeuer he shall say vnto you.

(Notes Reference) For Moses truly said unto the fathers, (g) A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

(g) This promise referred to an excellent and singular Prophet.

(Act 3:23) For it shalbe that euery person which shall not heare that Prophet, shall be destroyed out of the people.

(Act 3:24) Also all the Prophets from Samuel, and thencefoorth as many as haue spoken, haue likewise foretolde of these dayes.

(Notes Reference) Yea, and all the prophets (h) from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

(h) At which time the kingdom of Israel was established.

(Act 3:25) Ye are the children of the Prophets, and of the couenant, which God hath made vnto our fathers, saying to Abraham, Euen in thy seede shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

(Notes Reference) (4) Ye are the (i) children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

(4) The Jews that believed are the first begotten in the kingdom of God.

(i) For whom the Prophets were especially appointed.

(Act 3:26) First vnto you hath God raysed vp his Sonne Iesus, and him hee hath sent to blesse you, in turning euery one of you from your iniquities.

(Notes Reference) Unto you first God, having (k) raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

(k) Given to the world, or raised from the dead, and advanced to his kingdom.

(Act 4:1) And as they spake vnto the people, the Priestes and the Captaine of the Temple, and the Sadduces came vpon them,

(Notes Reference) And (1) as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the (a) captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

(1) There are none more commonly diligent or bold enemies of the Church than those who profess themselves to be the chief builders of it, but the more they rage, the more steadfastly the faithful servants of God continue.

(a) The Jews had certain troops for the guard and safety of the temple and holy things (see (Mat 26:47)). These garrisons had a captain, such as Eleazarus Ananias, the high Priest's son in the time of the war that was in Judea, being a very impudent and proud young man; Josephus, lib. 2, of the taking of Judea.

(Act 4:2) Taking it grieuously that they taught the people, and preached in Iesus Name the resurrection from the dead.

(Act 4:3) And they layde handes on them, and put them in holde, vntill the next day: for it was now euentide.

(Act 4:4) Howbeit, many of them which heard the word, beleeued, and the number of the men was about fiue thousand.

(Notes Reference) Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the (b) number of the men was about five thousand.

(b) While they thought to diminish the number, they actually increased it.

(Act 4:5) And it came to passe on the morow, that their rulers, and Elders, and Scribes, were gathered together at Hierusalem,

(Notes Reference) And it came to pass on the morrow, that their (c) rulers, and elders, and scribes,

(Act 4:6) And Annas the chiefe Priest, and Caiaphas, and Iohn, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the hie Priestes.

(Notes Reference) And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the (d) kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

(d) From whom the high Priests were usually chosen and made. At this time the former high Priest was stepping down, and a new high Priest was being appointed.

(Act 4:7) And whe they had set them before them, they asked, By what power, or in what Name haue ye done this?

(Notes Reference) (2) And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what (e) name, have ye done this?

(2) Against those who brag of a succession of persons, without a succession of doctrine, and by that means beat down the true ministers of the word, as much as they are able.

(e) By what authority.

(Act 4:8) Then Peter ful of the holy Ghost, said vnto them, Ye rulers of the people, and Elders of Israel,

(Act 4:9) For as much as we this day are examined of the good deede done to the impotent man, to wit, by what meanes he is made whole,

(Notes Reference) (3) If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

(3) The wolves who come after true pastors plead their own cause and not God's, neither the cause of the Church.

(Act 4:10) Be it knowen vnto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye haue crucified, whome God raised againe from the dead, euen by him doth this man stand here before you, whole.

(Notes Reference) (4) Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

(4) He is indeed a true shepherd that teaches his sheep to rest upon Christ alone as upon one that is not dead, but has conquered death, and has all rule in his own hands.

(Act 4:11) This is the stone cast aside of you builders which is become the head of the corner.

(Act 4:12) Neither is there saluation in any other: for among men there is giuen none other Name vnder heauen, whereby we must be saued.

(Notes Reference) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other (f) name (g) under heaven (h) given among men, whereby we must be saved.

(f) There is no other man, or no other power and authority at all; and this kind of speech was common among the Jews, and arose from this, that when we are in danger we call upon those at whose hands we look for help.

(g) Anywhere: and this shows us the largeness of Christ's kingdom.

(h) Of God.

(Act 4:13) Now when they sawe the boldnes of Peter and Iohn, and vnderstoode that they were vnlearned men and without knowledge, they marueiled, and knew them, that they had bin with Iesus:

(Notes Reference) (5) Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and (i) ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

(5) The good liberty and boldness of the servants of God does yet this much good, that those who lay hidden under a mask of zeal at length betray themselves to indeed be wicked men.

(i) The word used here is "idiot", which signifies a private man when it is used in reference to a magistrate: but with reference to sciences and studies, it signifies one that is unlearned, and with regard to honour and estimation, it implies one of base degree, and of no estimation.

(Act 4:14) And beholding also the man which was healed standing with them, they had nothing to say against it.

(Act 4:15) Then they commanded them to goe aside out of the Council, and conferred among themselues,

(Notes Reference) But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they (k) conferred among themselves,

(k) Laid their heads together.

(Act 4:16) Saying, What shall we doe to these men? for surely a manifest signe is done by them, and it is openly knowen to all them that dwell in Hierusalem: and we cannot denie it.

(Notes Reference) (6) Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them [is] manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny [it].

(6) He that flatters himself in ignorance, at length comes to do open wickedness, and that against his own conscience.

(Act 4:17) But that it be noysed no farther among the people, let vs threaten and charge them, that they speake hencefoorth to no man in this Name.

(Act 4:18) So they called them, and commanded them, that in no wise they should speake or teach in the Name of Iesus.

(Act 4:19) But Peter and Iohn answered vnto them, and said, Whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather then God, iudge ye.

(Notes Reference) (7) But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

(7) We must obey men to whom we are subject, but especially and before all things we must obey God.

(Act 4:20) For we cannot but speake the things which we haue seene and heard.

(Act 4:21) So they threatened them, and let them goe, and found nothing how to punish them, because of the people: for all men praised God for that which was done.

(Notes Reference) (8) So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all [men] glorified God for that which was done.

(8) The wicked are so far off from doing what they wish, that God uses them contrary to their desires to set forth his glory, which he gives them permission to do.

(Act 4:22) For the man was aboue fourtie yeeres olde, on whome this miracle of healing was shewed.

(Act 4:23) Then assoone as they were let goe, they came to their fellowes, and shewed all that the hie Priestes and Elders had said vnto them.

(Notes Reference) (9) And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

(9) The apostles share their troubles with the congregation.

(Act 4:24) And when they heard it, they lift vp their voyces to God with one accord, and said, O Lord, thou art the God which hast made the heaue, and the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them,

(Notes Reference) (10) And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou [art] God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

(10) We should neither be afraid of the threats of our enemies, neither yet foolishly condemn their rage and madness against us: but we have to set against their force and malice an earnest thinking upon the power and good will of God (both which we manifestly behold in Christ) and so flee to the aid and assistance of our Father.

(Act 4:25) Which by the mouth of thy seruant Dauid hast saide, Why did the Gentiles rage, and the people imagine vaine things?

(Act 4:26) The Kings of the earth assembled, and the rulers came together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

(Act 4:27) For doutlesse, against thine holy Sonne Iesus, whome thou haddest anoynted, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel gathered themselues together,

(Notes Reference) For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the (l) people of Israel, were gathered together,

(l) Although the people of Israel were but one people, yet the plural number is used here, not so much for the twelve tribes, every one of which counted as a people, but because of the great multitude of them, as though many nations had assembled themselves together, as in (Jdg 5:14).

(Act 4:28) To doe whatsoeuer thine hand, and thy counsell had determined before to be done.

(Notes Reference) For to (m) do whatsoever (n) thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

(m) The wicked execute God's counsel, even though they think nothing of it, but they are not therefore without fault.

(n) You had determined by your absolute authority and power.

(Act 4:29) And nowe, O Lord, beholde their threatnings, and graunt vnto thy seruants with all boldnesse to speake thy word,

(Act 4:30) So that thou stretch forth thine hand, that healing, and signes, and wonders may be done by the Name of thine holy Sonne Iesus.

(Act 4:31) And when as they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God boldely.

(Notes Reference) (11) And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

(11) God witnesses to his Church by a visible sign that it is he that will establish it, by shaking the powers both of heaven and of earth.

(Act 4:32) And the multitude of them that beleeued, were of one heart, and of one soule: neither any of them said, that any thing of that which he possessed, was his owne, but they had all thinges common.

(Notes Reference) (12) And the multitude of them that believed were of (o) one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

(12) An example of the true Church, in which there is equal consent both in doctrine and in charity toward one another: and the pastors deliver true doctrine both sincerely and constantly.

(o) They agreed in counsel, will, and all plans.

(Act 4:33) And with great power gaue the Apostles witnes of the resurrection of the Lord Iesus: and great grace was vpon them all.

(Act 4:34) Neither was there any among them, that lacked: for as many as were possessours of landes or houses, solde them, and brought the price of the things that were solde,

(Notes Reference) (13) Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

(13) True charity helps the need of the poor with its own loss, but in such a way that all things are done well and orderly.

(Act 4:35) And layde it downe at the Apostles feete, and it was distributed vnto euery man, according as he had neede.

(Act 4:36) Also Ioses which was called of the Apostles, Barnabas (that is by interpretation the sonne of consolation) being a Leuite, and of the countrey of Cyprus,

(Act 4:37) Where as he had land, solde it, and brought the money, and laid it downe at the Apostles feete.