---

Passage 1: 2 Chronicles 25

(2Ch 25:1) Amaziah was fiue and twentie yere old when he began to reigne, and he reigned nine and twentie yeere in Ierusalem: and his mothers name was Iehoaddan, of Ierusalem.

(2Ch 25:2) And he did vprightly in the eyes of the Lord, but not with a perfite heart.

(Notes Reference) And he did [that which was] (a) right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.

(a) Meaning, in respect to his predecessors, though he had his imperfections.

(2Ch 25:3) And when the kingdome was established vnto him, he slewe his seruants, that had slaine the King his father.

(2Ch 25:4) But he slewe not their children, but did as it is written in the Lawe, and in the booke of Moses, where the Lord commanded, saying, The fathers shall not dye for the children, neyther shall the children die for the fathers, but euery man shall dye for his owne sinne.

(Notes Reference) But he slew not their children, but [did] as [it is] written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the (b) children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.

(b) That is, for the fault the child is punished for unless he is guilty of the same.

(2Ch 25:5) And Amaziah assembled Iudah, and made them captaines ouer thousandes, and captaines ouer hundreths, according to the houses of their fathers, thorowout all Iudah and Beniamin: and he nombred them from twentie yeere olde and aboue, and founde among them three hundreth thousand chosen men, to goe foorth to the warre, and to handle speare and shield.

(Notes Reference) Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and made them captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, according to the houses of [their] fathers, throughout all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from (c) twenty years old and above, and found them three hundred thousand choice [men, able] to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield.

(c) So many as were able to bear weapons and go to war.

(2Ch 25:6) He hyred also an hundreth thousand valiant men out of Israel for an hundreth talents of siluer.

(Notes Reference) He hired also an hundred thousand mighty men of valour (d) out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver.

(d) That is, out of the ten tribes who had separated themselves before both from God and their true king.

(2Ch 25:7) But a man of God came to him, saying, O King, let not the armie of Israel goe with thee: for the Lord is not with Israel, neither with all the house of Ephraim.

(Notes Reference) But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD [is] not (e) with Israel, [to wit, with] all the children of Ephraim.

(e) Therefore to think to have help from them, whom the Lord does not favour, is to cast off the help of the Lord.

(2Ch 25:8) If not, goe thou on, doe it, make thy selfe strong to the battel, but God shall make thee fall before the enemie: for God hath power to helpe, and to cast downe.

(Notes Reference) But (f) if thou wilt go, do [it], be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.

(f) If you will not give credit to my words.

(2Ch 25:9) And Amaziah sayde to the man of God, What shall we doe then for the hundreth talents, which I haue giuen to the hoste of Israel? Then the man of God answered, The Lord is able to giue thee more then this.

(Notes Reference) And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The LORD is able to (g) give thee much more than this.

(g) He shows that if we depend only on God, we will not need to be troubled by these worldly things, for he will give at all times that which will be necessary if we obey his word.

(2Ch 25:10) So Amaziah separated them, to wit, the armie that was come to him out of Ephraim, to returne to their place: wherefore their wrath was kindled greatly against Iudah, and they returned to their places with great anger.

(2Ch 25:11) Then Amaziah was encouraged, and led forth his people, and went to the salt valley, and smote of the children of Seir, ten thousand.

(Notes Reference) And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of (h) Seir ten thousand.

(h) For the Idumeans whom David had brought to subjection rebelled under Jehoram Jehoshaphat's son.

(2Ch 25:12) And other ten thousand did the children of Iudah take aliue, and caryed them to the top of a rocke, and cast them downe from the top of the rocke, and they all burst to pieces.

(Notes Reference) And [other] ten thousand [left] alive did the children of Judah carry away captive, and brought them unto the top of the (i) rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces.

(i) In (2Ki 14:7) this rock is called the city Sela.

(2Ch 25:13) But the men of the armie, which Amaziah sent away, that they should not goe with his people to battell, fell vpon the cities of Iudah from Samaria vnto Beth-horon, and smote three thousand of them, and tooke much spoyle.

(Notes Reference) But the soldiers of the (k) army which Amaziah sent back, that they should not go with him to battle, fell upon the cities of Judah, from Samaria even unto Bethhoron, and smote three thousand of them, and took much spoil.

(k) That is, the 100,000 of Israel.

(2Ch 25:14) Now after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them vp to be his gods, and worshipped them, and burned incense vnto them.

(Notes Reference) Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up [to be] his gods, and (l) bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them.

(l) That where he should have praised God for his benefits and great victory, he fell from God and most vilely dishonoured him.

(2Ch 25:15) Wherefore the Lord was wroth with Amaziah, and sent vnto him a Prophet, which sayd vnto him, Why hast thou sought the gods of the people, which were not able to deliuer their owne people out of thine hand?

(Notes Reference) Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not (m) deliver their own people out of thine hand?

(m) He proves that whatever cannot save himself nor his worshipper is no god but an idol.

(2Ch 25:16) And as he talked with him, he said vnto him, Haue they made thee the Kings counseler? cease thou: why should they smite thee? And the Prophet ceased, but said, I knowe that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not obeyed my counsell.

(Notes Reference) And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that (n) [the king] said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be (o) smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.

(n) Meaning the king.

(o) So hard it is, for the carnal man to be admonished for his fault, that he condemns, mocks and threatens him who warns him: yea, imprisons him and puts him to death, (2Ch 16:10, 2Ch 18:26, 2Ch 24:21).

(2Ch 25:17) Then Amaziah King of Iudah tooke counsell, and sent to Ioash the sonne of Iehoahaz, the sonne of Iehu King of Israel, saying, Come, let vs see one another in the face.

(Notes Reference) Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, (p) let us see one another in the face.

(p) That is, let us try the matter hand to hand: for he was offended, that the army of the Israelites whom he had in wages and dismissed by the counsel of the prophet, had destroyed certain of the cities of Judah.

(2Ch 25:18) But Ioash King of Israel sent to Amaziah King of Iudah, saying, The thistle that is in Lebanon, sent to the cedar that is in Lebanon, saying, Giue thy daughter to my sonne to wife: and the wilde beast that was in Lebanon went and trode downe the thistle.

(2Ch 25:19) Thou thinkest: lo, thou hast smitten Edom, and thine heart lifteth thee vp to bragge: abide now at home: why doest thou prouoke to thine hurt, that thou shouldest fall, and Iudah with thee?

(2Ch 25:20) But Amaziah would not heare: for it was of God, that he might deliuer them into his had, because they had sought the gods of Edom.

(Notes Reference) But Amaziah would not hear; for (q) it [came] of God, that he might deliver them into the hand [of their enemies], because they sought after the gods of Edom.

(q) Thus God often plagues by those means on which men must rely, to teach them to seek help only from him, and to show his judgments, he moves their hearts to follow that which will lead to their destruction.

(2Ch 25:21) So Ioash the King of Israel went vp: and he, and Amaziah King of Iudah saw one another in the face at Bethshemesh, which is in Iudah.

(2Ch 25:22) And Iudah was put to the worse before Israel, and they fled euery man to his tents.

(2Ch 25:23) But Ioash the King of Israel tooke Amaziah King of Iudah, the sonne of Ioash, the sonne of Iehoahaz in Bethshemesh, and brought him to Ierusalem, and brake downe the wall of Ierusalem, from the gate of Ephraim vnto the corner gate, foure hundreth cubites.

(2Ch 25:24) And he tooke all the gold and the siluer, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God with Obed Edom, and in the treasures of the Kings house, and the children that were in hostage, and returned to Samaria.

(Notes Reference) And [he took] all the gold and the silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God with (r) Obededom, and the treasures of the king's house, the hostages also, and returned to Samaria.

(r) Meaning, the successors of Obededom: for the house bore the name of the chief father.

(2Ch 25:25) And Amaziah the sonne of Ioash King of Iudah liued after the death of Ioash sonne of Iehoahaz King of Israel, fifteene yeere.

(2Ch 25:26) Concerning the rest of the actes of Amaziah first and last, are they not written in the booke of the Kings of Iudah and Israel?

(2Ch 25:27) Nowe after the time that Amaziah did turne away from ye Lord, they wrought treason against him in Ierusalem: and when he was fled to Lachish, they sent to Lachish after him, and slewe him there.

(2Ch 25:28) And they brought him vpon horses, and buried him with his fathers in the citie of Iudah.

---

Passage 2: Daniel 6

(Dan 6:1) It pleased Darius to set ouer the kingdome an hundreth and twentie gouernours, which should be ouer the whole kingdome,

(Notes Reference) It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom (a) an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

(a) Read (Est 1:1).

(Dan 6:2) And ouer these, three rulers (of whome Daniel was one) that the gouernours might giue accompts vnto them, and the King should haue no domage.

(Dan 6:3) Now this Daniel was preferred aboue the rulers and gouernours, because the spirit was excellent in him, and the King thought to set him ouer the whole realme.

(Notes Reference) Then this Daniel (b) was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit [was] in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

(b) This heathen king preferred Daniel a stranger to all his nobles and those he was familiar with, because the graces of God were more excellent in him than in others.

(Dan 6:4) Wherefore the rulers and gouernours sought an occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdome: but they could finde none occasion nor fault: for he was so faithfull that there was no blame nor fault found in him.

(Notes Reference) Then the presidents and princes (c) sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he [was] faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

(c) Thus the wicked cannot abide the graces of God in others, but seek by every occasion to deface them: therefore against such assaults there is no better remedy than to walk upright in the fear of God, and to have a good conscience.

(Dan 6:5) Then sayd these men, We shall not finde an occasion against this Daniel, except we finde it against him concerning the Law of his God.

(Dan 6:6) Therefore the rulers and these gouernours went together to the King, and sayde thus vnto him, King Darius, liue for euer.

(Dan 6:7) All the rulers of thy kingdome, the officers and gouernours, the counsellers, and dukes haue consulted together to make a decree for the King and to establish a statute, that whosoeuer shall aske a petition of any god or man for thirtie dayes saue of thee, O King, he shalbe cast into the denne of lyons.

(Dan 6:8) Nowe, O King, confirme the decree, and seale the writing, that it be not changed according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

(Dan 6:9) Wherefore King Darius sealed the writing and the decree.

(Notes Reference) Wherefore king Darius (d) signed the writing and the decree.

(d) In this is condemned the wickedness of the king, who would be set up as a god, and did not care what wicked laws he approved for the maintenance of it.

(Dan 6:10) Now when Daniel vnderstood that he had sealed the writing, hee went into his house, and his window being open in his chamber toward Ierusalem, he kneeled vpon his knees three times a day, and prayed and praysed his God, as he did aforetime.

(Notes Reference) Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his (e) windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

(e) Because he would not by his silence show that he consented to this wicked decree, he set open his windows toward Jerusalem when he prayed: both to stir up himself with the remembrance of God's promises to his people, when they should pray toward that temple, and also that others might see that he would neither consent in heart nor deed for these few days to anything that was contrary to God's glory.

(Dan 6:11) Then these men assembled, and founde Daniel praying, and making supplication vnto his God.

(Dan 6:12) So they came and, spake vnto the King concerning the Kings decree, Hast thou not sealed the decree, that euery man that shall make a request to any god or man within thirtie dayes, saue to thee, O King, shall be cast into the denne of lyons? The King answered, and sayd, The thing is true, according to the Lawe of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

(Dan 6:13) Then answered they, and sayd vnto the King, This Daniel which is of the children of the captiuitie of Iudah, regardeth not thee, O King, nor the decree, that thou hast sealed, but maketh his petition three times a day.

(Dan 6:14) When the King heard these wordes, hee was sore displeased with himselfe, and set his heart on Daniel, to deliuer him: and he laboured till the sunne went downe, to deliuer him.

(Dan 6:15) Then these men assembled vnto the King, and sayde vnto ye King, Vnderstand, O King, that the lawe of the Medes and Persians is, that no decree nor statute which the King confirmeth, may be altered.

(Notes Reference) Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians [is], That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be (f) changed.

(f) Thus the wicked maintain evil laws by constancy and authority, which is often either weakness, or stubbornness, and the innocent as a result perish by them: and these governors neither ought to fear, nor be ashamed to break such laws.

(Dan 6:16) Then the King commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the denne of lyons: now the King spake, and said vnto Daniel, Thy God, whome thou alway seruest, euen he will deliuer thee.

(Dan 6:17) And a stone was brought, and layed vpon the mouth of the denne, and the King sealed it with his owne signet, and with the signet of his princes, that the purpose might not be changed, concerning Daniel.

(Dan 6:18) Then the King went vnto his palace, and remained fasting, neither were the instruments of musike brought before him, and his sleepe went from him.

(Dan 6:19) Then the King arose early in the morning, and went in all haste vnto the denne of lyons.

(Dan 6:20) And when he came to the denne, he cryed with a lamentable voyce vnto Daniel: and the King spake, and saide to Daniel, O Daniel, the seruant of ye liuing God, is not thy God (whom thou alway seruest) able to deliuer thee from the lyons?

(Notes Reference) And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: [and] the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, (g) able to deliver thee from the lions?

(g) This declares that Darius was not touched with the true knowledge of God, because he doubted of his power.

(Dan 6:21) Then saide Daniel vnto the King, O King, liue for euer.

(Dan 6:22) My God hath sent his Angel and hath shut the lyons mouthes, that they haue not hurt mee: for my iustice was founde out before him: and vnto thee, O King, I haue done no hurt.

(Notes Reference) My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him (h) innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done (i) no hurt.

(h) My just cause and uprightness in this thing in which I was charged, is approved by God.

(i) For he disobeyed the kings's wicked commandment in order to obey God, and so he did no injury to the king, who ought to command nothing by which God would be dishonoured.

(Dan 6:23) Then was the King exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel out of the denne: so Daniel was brought out of the denne, and no maner of hurt was found vpon him, because he beleeued in his God.

(Notes Reference) Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he (k) believed in his God.

(k) Because he committed himself wholly to God whose cause he defended, he was assured that nothing but good could come to him: and in this we see the power of faith, as in (Heb 11:33).

(Dan 6:24) And by the commandement of the King these me which had accused Daniel, were brought, and were cast into the denne of lions, euen they, their children, and their wiues: and the lyons had the mastry of them, and brake all their bones a pieces, or euer they came at the groud of the denne.

(Notes Reference) And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they (l) cast [them] into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

(l) This is a terrible example against all the wicked who do against their conscience make cruel laws to destroy the children of God, and also admonishes princes how to punish such when their wickedness is come to light: though not in every point, or with similar circumstances, but yet to execute true justice upon them.

(Dan 6:25) Afterwarde King Darius wrote, Vnto all people, nations and languages, that dwel in all the world: Peace be multiplied vnto you.

(Dan 6:26) I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdome, men tremble and feare before the God of Daniel: for he is the liuing God, and remayneth for euer: and his kingdome shall not perish, and his dominion shalbe euerlasting.

(Notes Reference) I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear (m) before the God of Daniel: for he [is] the (n) living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion [shall be even] unto the end.

(m) This does not prove that Darius worshipped God properly, or was converted: for then he would have destroyed all superstition and idolatry, and not only given God the chief place, but also have set him up, and caused him to be honoured according to his word. But this was a specific confession of God's power, unto which he was compelled by this wonderful miracle.

(n) Who not only has life in himself, but is the only fountain of life, and quickens all things, so that without him there is no life.

(Dan 6:27) Hee rescueth and deliuereth, and hee worketh signes and wonders in heauen and in earth, who hath deliuered Daniel from the power of the lyons.

(Dan 6:28) So this Daniel prospered in the reigne of Darius and in the reigne of Cyrus of Persia.

---

Passage 3: Acts 5-6

(Act 5:1) But a certaine man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, solde a possession,

(Notes Reference) But (1) a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

(1) Luke shows by contrary examples how great a sin hypocrisy is, especially in those who under a false pretence and cloak of zeal seem to shine and be of great importance in the Church.

(Act 5:2) And kept away part of the price, his wife also being of counsell, and brought a certaine part, and layde it downe at the Apostles feete.

(Notes Reference) And (a) kept back [part] of the price, his wife also being privy [to it], and brought a certain part, and laid [it] at the apostles' feet.

(a) Craftily took away.

(Act 5:3) Then saide Peter, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart, that thou shouldest lye vnto the holy Ghost, and keepe away part of the price of this possession?

(Notes Reference) But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan (b) filled thine heart (c) to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back [part] of the price of the land?

(b) Fully possessed.

(c) For when they had appointed that farm or possession for the Church, they were foolish to keep away a part of the price, as though they were dealing with men, and not with God, and therefore he says afterwards that they tempted God.

(Act 5:4) Whiles it remained, appertained it not vnto thee? and after it was solde, was it not in thine owne power? howe is it that thou hast conceiued this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lyed vnto men, but vnto God.

(Notes Reference) Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou (d) conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

(d) By this is meant an advised and purposeful deceit, and the fault of the man in listening to the devil's suggestions.

(Act 5:5) Now when Ananias heard these wordes, he fell downe, and gaue vp the ghost. Then great feare came on all them that heard these things.

(Act 5:6) And the yong men rose vp, and tooke him vp, and caried him out, and buried him.

(Act 5:7) And it came to passe about the space of three houres after, that his wife came in, ignorant of that which was done.

(Act 5:8) And Peter sayd vnto her, Tell me, solde ye the land for so much? And she sayd, Yea, for so much.

(Act 5:9) Then Peter sayde vnto her, Why haue ye agreed together, to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? beholde, the feete of them which haue buried thine husband, are at the doore, and shall carie thee out.

(Notes Reference) Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to (e) tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband [are] at the (f) door, and shall carry thee out.

(e) Look how often men do things with an evil conscience; and so they pronounce sentence against themselves, and as much as in them lies, they provoke God to anger, as they do this on purpose, in order to test whether he is just and almighty or not.

(f) Are at hand.

(Act 5:10) Then she fell downe straightway at his feete, and yeelded vp the ghost: and the yong men came in, and found her dead, and caried her out, and buried her by her husband.

(Act 5:11) And great feare came on all the Church, and on as many as heard these things.

(Notes Reference) (2) And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

(2) The Lord by his marvellous power bridles some so that they may not hurt the Church: others he keeps in awe and fear of him: and others he draws unto himself.

(Act 5:12) Thus by the hands of the Apostles were many signes and wonders shewed among the people (and they were all with one accorde in Salomons porche.

(Act 5:13) And of the other durst no man ioyne him selfe to them: neuerthelesse the people magnified them.

(Notes Reference) And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people (g) magnified them.

(g) Highly praised them.

(Act 5:14) Also the number of them that beleeued in the Lord, both of men and women, grewe more and more)

(Act 5:15) In so much that they brought the sicke into the streetes, and layd them on beds and couches, that at the least way the shadowe of Peter, when he came by, might shadow some of them.

(Act 5:16) There came also a multitude out of the cities round about vnto Hierusalem, bringing sicke folkes, and them which were vexed with vncleane spirits, who were all healed.

(Act 5:17) Then the chiefe Priest rose vp, and all they that were with him (which was the sect of the Sadduces) and were full of indignation,

(Notes Reference) (3) Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the (h) sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

(3) The more that the Church increases, the more the rage os Satan increases, and therefore they proceed from threats to imprisonment.

(h) The word which is used here is "heresy", which signifies a choice, and so is taken for a right form of learning, or faction, or study and course of life, which the Latins call a sect: at first this word was used indifferently, but at length it came to be used only in reference to evil, whereupon came the name of "heretic" which is taken for one that goes astray from sound and wholesome doctrine in such a way that he thinks lightly of the judgment of God and his Church, and continues in his opinion, and breaks the peace of the Church.

(Act 5:18) And laide hands on the Apostles, and put them in the common prison.

(Act 5:19) But the Angel of the Lord, by night opened the prison doores, and brought them forth, and sayd,

(Notes Reference) (4) But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

(4) Angels are made servants of the servants of God.

(Act 5:20) Go your way, and stand in the Temple, and speake to the people, all the wordes of this life.

(Notes Reference) (5) Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the (i) words of this life.

(5) God therefore delivers his own, so that they may more vigorously provoke his enemies.

(i) Words by which the way unto life is shown.

(Act 5:21) So when they heard it, they entred into the Temple early in the morning, and taught. And the chiefe Priest came, and they that were with him, and called the Councill together, and all the Elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison, to cause them to be brought.

(Notes Reference) (6) And when they heard [that], they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

(6) God mocks his enemies attempts from above.

(Act 5:22) But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and tolde it,

(Act 5:23) Saying, Certainely we founde the prison shut as sure as was possible, and the keepers standing without, before the doores: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

(Act 5:24) Then when the chiefe Priest, and the captaine of the Temple, and the hie Priestes heard these things, they doubted of them, whereunto this would growe.

(Act 5:25) Then came one and shewed them, saying, Beholde, the men that ye put in prison, are standing in the Temple, and teach the people.

(Notes Reference) (7) Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

(7) The more openly that Christ's power shows itself, the more the madness of his enemies who conspire against him increases.

(Act 5:26) Then went the captaine with the officers, and brought them without violence (for they feared the people, lest they should haue bene stoned)

(Notes Reference) (8) Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

(8) Tyrants who do not fear God are forced to fear his servants.

(Act 5:27) And when they had brought them, they set them before the Councill, and the chiefe Priest asked them,

(Act 5:28) Saying, Did not we straightly commaund you, that ye should not teach in this Name? and behold, ye haue filled Hierusale with your doctrine, and ye would bring this mans blood vpon vs.

(Notes Reference) (9) Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend (k) to bring this man's blood upon us.

(9) It is the characteristic of tyrants to set down their own commandments as right and proper, be they ever so wicked.

(k) Make us guilty of murdering that man whom yet they will not condescend to name.

(Act 5:29) Then Peter and the Apostles answered, and sayd, We ought rather to obey God then men.

(Notes Reference) (10) Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

(10) We should obey man only in so far that in obeying him we also obey God.

(Act 5:30) The God of our fathers hath raised vp Iesus, whom ye slewe, and hanged on a tree.

(Notes Reference) (11) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

(11) Christ is appointed and indeed declared Prince and preserver of his Church, in spite of his enemies.

(Act 5:31) Him hath God lift vp with his right hand, to be a Prince and a Sauiour, to giue repentance to Israel, and forgiuenes of sinnes.

(Act 5:32) And we are his witnesses concerning these things which we say: yea, and the holy Ghost, whome God hath giuen to them that obey him.

(Notes Reference) (12) And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

(12) It is not sufficient for us that there is a proper goal, but we must also according to our calling go forward until we come to it.

(Act 5:33) Now when they heard it, they brast for anger, and consulted to slay them.

(Notes Reference) When they heard [that], they (l) were cut [to the heart], and took counsel to slay them.

(l) This shows that they were in a most vehement rage, and tremendously disquieted in mind, for it is a borrowed kind of speech taken from those who are harshly cut in pieces with a saw.

(Act 5:34) Then stoode there vp in the Councill a certaine Pharise named Gamaliel, a doctour of the Lawe, honoured of all the people, and commanded to put the Apostles forth a litle space,

(Notes Reference) (13) Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

(13) Christ finds defenders of his cause, even in the very company of his enemies, as often as he thinks necessary.

(Act 5:35) And sayd vnto them, Men of Israel, take heede to your selues, what ye intende to doe touching these men.

(Act 5:36) For before these times, rose vp Theudas boasting himselfe, to whom resorted a number of men, about a foure hundreth, who was slaine: and they all which obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

(Notes Reference) (14) For before these days rose up Theudas, (m) boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

(14) In matters of religion we must take good heed that we attempt nothing under a pretence of zeal to which we have not been called.

(m) To be of same fame.

(Act 5:37) After this man, arose vp Iudas of Galile, in the dayes of the tribute, and drewe away much people after him: hee also perished, and all that obeyed him, were scattered abroad.

(Act 5:38) And nowe I say vnto you, Refraine your selues from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsell, or this worke be of men, it will come to nought:

(Notes Reference) And now I say unto you, (n) Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of (o) men, it will come to nought:

(n) He dissuades his fellows from murdering the apostles, neither does he think it good to refer the matter to the Roman magistrate, for the Jews could endure nothing worse than to have the tyranny of the Romans confirmed.

(o) If it is counterfeit and devised.

(Act 5:39) But if it be of God, ye can not destroy it, lest ye be found euen fighters against God.

(Act 5:40) And to him they agreed, and called the Apostles: and when they had beaten them, they commanded that they should not speake in the Name of Iesus, and let them goe.

(Act 5:41) So they departed from the Councill, reioycing, that they were counted worthy to suffer rebuke for his Name.

(Notes Reference) (15) And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

(15) The apostles, accustomed to suffer and bear words, are eventually accustomed to bearing stripes, and yet in such a way that by means of them they become stronger.

(Act 5:42) And dayly in the Temple, and from house to house they ceased not to teach, and preach Iesus Christ.

(Notes Reference) And daily in the (p) temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

(p) Both publicly and privately.

(Act 6:1) And in those dayes, as the nomber of ye disciples grewe, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians towards ye Hebrewes, because their widowes were neglected in the dayly ministring.

(Notes Reference) And (1) in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the (a) Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the (b) daily ministration.

(1) When Satan has assailed the Church on the outside, and with little result and in vain, he assails it on the inside, with civil dissension and strife between themselves: but the apostles take occasion by this to set order in the Church.

(a) From among their own members, who became religious Jews from among the Greeks.

(b) In the bestowing of alms according to their need.

(Act 6:2) Then the twelue called the multitude of the disciples together, and sayd, It is not meete that we should leaue the worde of God to serue the tables.

(Notes Reference) (2) Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not (c) reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve (d) tables.

(2) The office of preaching the word, and dispensing the goods of the Church, are different from one another, and not rashly to be joined together, as the apostles institute here. And the deacons must seek the consent of the Church more than the apostles.

(c) It is such a matter that we may in no way accept it.

(d) Banquets: though by the name of tables other offices are also meant, which are added to it, such as those which pertain to the care of the poor.

(Act 6:3) Wherefore brethren, looke ye out among you seuen men of honest report, and full of the holy Ghost, and of wisedome, which we may appoint to this busines.

(Notes Reference) (3) Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

(3) In choosing deacons (and much more in choosing ministers) there must be an examination of both their learning and their manners of life.

(Act 6:4) And we will giue our selues continually to prayer, and to the ministration of the worde.

(Act 6:5) And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Steuen a man full of fayth and of the holy Ghost, and Philippe, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a Proselyte of Antiochia,

(Act 6:6) Which they set before the Apostles: and they prayed, and layed their hands on them.

(Notes Reference) (4) Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they (e) laid [their] hands on them.

(4) The ancient Church, with the laying on of hands, as it were consecrated to the Lord those who were lawfully elected.

(e) This ceremony of the laying on of hands came from the Jews, who used this ceremony both in public affairs, and in the offering of sacrifices, and also in private prayers and blessings, as appears in (Gen 48:13-22); and the Church also observed this ceremony, as is evident from (1Ti 5:22; Act 8:17). However, there is no mention made here either of cream, or shaving, or razing, or crossing, etc.

(Act 6:7) And the worde of God increased, and the nomber of the disciples was multipled in Hierusalem greatly, and a great company of the Priests were obedient to the faith.

(Notes Reference) (5) And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the (f) faith.

(5) A happy result of temptation.

(f) This is the figure of speech metonymy, meaning by "faith" the doctrine of the Gospel which brings about faith.

(Act 6:8) Now Steuen full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

(Notes Reference) (6) And Stephen, full of faith and (g) power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

(6) God trains his Church first with evil words and slanders, then with imprisonments, afterwards with scourgings, and by these means prepares it in such a way that at length he causes it to meet in combat with Satan and the world, even to bloodshed and death.

(g) Excellent and singular gifts.

(Act 6:9) Then there arose certaine of the Synagogue, which are called Libertines, and Cyrenians, and of Alexandria, and of them of Cilicia, and of Asia, and disputed with Steuen.

(Notes Reference) (7) Then there arose certain of the (h) synagogue, which is called [the synagogue] of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

(7) Schools and universities in ancient times were addicted to false pastors, and were the instruments of Satan to spread abroad and defend false doctrines.

(h) Of the people and the school, as it were.

(Act 6:10) But they were not able to resist the wisdome, and the Spirit by the which he spake.

(Notes Reference) (8) And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

(8) False teachers, because they will not be overcome, flee from disputations and resort to manifest and open slandering and false accusations.

(Act 6:11) Then they suborned men, which saide, We haue heard him speake blasphemous wordes against Moses, and God.

(Act 6:12) Thus they mooued the people and the Elders, and the Scribes: and running vpon him, caught him, and brought him to the Councill,

(Notes Reference) (9) And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon [him], and caught him, and brought [him] to the council,

(9) The first bloody persecution of the Church of Christ, began and sprang from a council of priests, by the suggestion of the university teachers.

(Act 6:13) And set forth false witnesses, which sayd, This man ceasseth not to speake blasphemous wordes against this holy place, and the Law.

(Notes Reference) (10) And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

(10) An example of frivolous objectors or false accusers, who gather false conclusions from things that are well uttered and spoken.

(Act 6:14) For we haue heard him say, that this Iesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the ordinances, which Moses gaue vs.

(Act 6:15) And as all that sate in the Councill, looked stedfastly on him, they saw his face as it had bene the face of an Angel.

(Notes Reference) And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, (i) saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

(i) By this it appears that Steven had an excellent and wholesome countenance, having a quiet and settled mind, a good conscience, and certain conviction that his cause was just: for seeing as he was to speak before the people, God beautified his countenance, so that by the very beholding of him the Jews' minds might be penetrated and amazed.