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Passage 1: 2 Chronicles 26-27

(2Ch 26:1) Then all the people of Iudah tooke Vzziah, which was sixteene yeere olde, and made him King in the steade of his father Amaziah.

(Notes Reference) Then all the people of Judah took (a) Uzziah, who [was] sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah.

(a) Called also Azariah.

(2Ch 26:2) He buylt Eloth, and restored it to Iudah after that the King slept with his fathers.

(Notes Reference) He built (b) Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.

(b) He fortified it and made it strong: this city was also called Elath and Elanon near the Red sea.

(2Ch 26:3) Sixteene yeere olde was Vzziah, when he began to reigne, and he reigned two and fiftie yere in Ierusalem, and his mothers name was Iecoliah of Ierusalem.

(2Ch 26:4) And hee did vprightly in the sight of the Lord, according to al that his father Amaziah did.

(2Ch 26:5) And he sought God in the dayes of Zechariah (which vnderstoode the visions of God) and when as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.

(Notes Reference) And he sought God in the days of (c) Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as (d) he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.

(c) This was not the Zechariah that was the son of Jehoiada, but some other prophet of that name.

(d) For God never forsakes any who seek him, and therefore man is the cause of his own destruction.

(2Ch 26:6) For he went forth and fought against the Philistims and brake downe the wall of Gath, and the wall of Iabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities in Ashdod, and among the Philistims.

(2Ch 26:7) And God helped him against ye Philistims, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gur-baal and Hammeunim.

(2Ch 26:8) And the Ammonites gaue gifts to Vzziah, and his name spred to the entring in of Egypt: for he did most valiantly.

(Notes Reference) And the Ammonites gave (e) gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad [even] to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened [himself] exceedingly.

(e) That is, they paid tribute in a sign of subjection.

(2Ch 26:9) Moreouer Uzziah buylt towres in Ierusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning, and made them strong.

(Notes Reference) Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the (f) turning [of the wall], and fortified them.

(f) Where the wall or tower turns.

(2Ch 26:10) And he built towres in the wildernesse, and digged many cisternes: for he had much cattell both in the valleyes and playnes, plowmen, and dressers of vines in the mountaines, and in Carmel: for he loued husbandrie.

(Notes Reference) Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen [also], and vine dressers in the mountains, and in (g) Carmel: for he loved husbandry.

(g) That is, in mount Carmel, or as the word signifies in the fruitful field, it is also taken for a green ear of corn when it is full, (Lev 2:14).

(2Ch 26:11) Vzziah had also an hoste of fighting men that went out to warre by bandes, according to the count of their nomber vnder the hande of Ieiel the Scribe, and Maaseiah the ruler, and vnder the hand of Hananiah, one of the Kings captaines.

(2Ch 26:12) The whole nomber of the chiefe of the families of the valiant men were two thousande and sixe hundreth.

(Notes Reference) The whole (h) number of the chief of the fathers of the mighty men of valour [were] two thousand and six hundred.

(h) Of the chief officers of the king's house, or of the captains and sergeants for war.

(2Ch 26:13) And vnder their hande was the armie for warre, three hundreth and seuen thousand, and fiue hundreth that fought valiantly to helpe the King against the enemie.

(2Ch 26:14) And Vzziah prepared them throughout all the hoste, shieldes, and speares, and helmets, and brigandines, and bowes, and stones to sling.

(2Ch 26:15) He made also very artificial engins in Ierusalem, to be vpon the towres and vpon the corners, to shoote arrowes and great stones: and his name spred farre abroade, because God did helpe him marueilously, till he was mightie.

(2Ch 26:16) But when he was strong, his heart was lift vp to his destruction: for he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the Temple of the Lord to burne incense vpon the altar of incense.

(Notes Reference) But when he was strong, his heart (i) was lifted up to [his] destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

(i) Thus prosperity causes men to trust in themselves and by forgetting him who is the author of it, procure their own punishment.

(2Ch 26:17) And Azariah the Priest went in after him, and with him foure score Priests of the Lord, valiant men.

(2Ch 26:18) And they withstoode Vzziah the King, and said vnto him, It perteineth not to thee, Vzziah, to burne incense vnto the Lord, but to the Priests the sonnes of Aaron, that are consecrated for to offer incense: goe forth of the Sanctuarie: for thou hast transgressed, and thou shalt haue none honour of the Lord God.

(Notes Reference) And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, [It appertaineth] not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: (k) go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither [shall it be] for thine honour from the LORD God.

(k) Though his zeal seemed to be good and also his intention, yet because they were not governed by the word of God, he did wickedly and was therefore both justly resisted and also punished.

(2Ch 26:19) Then Vzziah was wroth, and had incense in his hand to burne it: and while he was wroth with the Priestes, the leprosie rose vp in his forehead before the Priestes in the house of the Lord beside the incense altar.

(2Ch 26:20) And when Azariah the chiefe Priest with al the Priestes looked vpon him, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they caused him hastily to depart thence: and he was euen compelled to go out, because the Lord had smitten him.

(2Ch 26:21) And Vzziah the king was a leper vnto the day of his death, and dwelt as a leper in an house apart, because he was cut off from the house of ye Lord: and Iotham his sonne ruled ouer the Kings house, and iudged the people of the land.

(Notes Reference) And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a (l) several house, [being] a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son [was] over the king's house, judging the people of the land.

(l) According to the commandment of the Lord, (Lev 13:46).

(2Ch 26:22) Concerning the rest of the acts of Vzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the Prophet the sonne of Amoz write.

(2Ch 26:23) So Vzziah slept with his fathers, and they buryed him with his fathers in the fielde of the burial, which perteined to the kings: for they said, He is a leper. And Iotham his sonne reigned in his steade.

(Notes Reference) So Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which [belonged] to the kings; for they said, He (m) [is] a leper: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

(m) Therefore was buried apart in the same field but not in the same sepulchre with his predecessors.

(2Ch 27:1) Iotham was fiue and twentie yere olde when he began to reigne, and reigned sixteene yeere in Ierusalem, and his mothers name was Ierushah the daughter of Zadok.

(2Ch 27:2) And hee did vprightly in the sight of the Lord according to all that his father Vzziah did, saue that hee entred not into the Temple of the Lord, and the people did yet corrupt their wayes.

(Notes Reference) And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the (a) temple of the LORD. And the people did yet (b) corruptly.

(a) That is, to offer incense against the word of God, which is spoken of in the commendation of Jotham.

(b) They were not completely purged from idolatry.

(2Ch 27:3) He buylt the hie gate of the house of the Lord, and he buylt very much on the wall of the castle.

(Notes Reference) He built the high (c) gate of the house of the LORD, and on the wall of Ophel he built much.

(c) Which was 60 cubits high and was for the height called Ophel: it was at the east gate and mention is made of it in (2Ch 3:4).

(2Ch 27:4) Moreouer hee buylt cities in the mountaines of Iudah, and in the forests he buylt palaces and towres.

(2Ch 27:5) And he fought with the King of the children of Ammon, and preuailed against them. And the children of Ammon gaue him the same yere an hundreth talents of siluer, and ten thousande measures of wheate, and ten thousand of barley: this did the children of Ammon giue him both in the second yeere and the third.

(2Ch 27:6) So Iotham became mightie because hee directed his way before the Lord his God.

(Notes Reference) So Jotham became mighty, (d) because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God.

(d) He shows that all prosperity comes from God, who never fails when we put our trust in him.

(2Ch 27:7) Concerning the rest of the acts of Iotham, and all his warres and his wayes, loe, they are written in the booke of the Kings of Israel, and Iudah.

(2Ch 27:8) He was fiue and twentie yeere olde when he began to reigne, and reigned sixteene yeere in Ierusalem.

(2Ch 27:9) And Iotham slept with his fathers, and they buryed him in the citie of Dauid: and Ahaz his sonne reigned in his stead.

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Passage 2: Daniel 7

(Dan 7:1) In the first yeere of Belshazzar King of Babel, Daniel sawe a dreame, and there were visions in his head, vpon his bed: then he wrote the dreame, and declared the summe of the matter.

(Notes Reference) In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: (a) then he wrote the dream, [and] told the sum of the matters.

(a) Whereas the people of Israel looked for a continual peace, after the seventy years which Jeremiah had declared, he shows that this rest will not be a deliverance from all troubles, but a beginning. And therefore he encourages them to look for a continual affliction until the Messiah is uttered and revealed, by whom they would have a spiritual deliverance, and all the promises would be fulfilled. And they would have a certain experience of this in the destruction of the Babylonian kingdom.

(Dan 7:2) Daniel spake and saide, I sawe in my vision by night, and behold, the foure windes of the heauen stroue vpon the great sea:

(Notes Reference) Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon (b) the great sea.

(b) Which signified that there wold be horrible troubles and afflictions in the world in all corners of the world, and at various times.

(Dan 7:3) And foure great beastes came vp from the sea one diuers from another.

(Dan 7:4) The first was as a lyon, and had eagles wings: I beheld, til the wings thereof were pluckt of, and it was lifted vp from the earth, and set vpon his feete as a man, and a mans heart was giuen him.

(Notes Reference) The first [was] like a (c) lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.

(c) Meaning the Assyrian and Chaldean empire, which was most strong and fierce in power, and most soon to come to their authority, as though they had wings to fly: yet their wings were pulled off by the Persians, and they went on their feet, and were made like other men, which is meant here by man's heart.

(Dan 7:5) And beholde, another beast which was the second, was like a beare and stood vpon the one side: and hee had three ribbes in his mouth betweene his teeth, and they saide thus vnto him, Arise and deuoure much flesh.

(Notes Reference) And behold another beast, a second, like to a (d) bear, and it raised up itself on (e) one side, and [it had] three ribs in the (f) mouth of it between the teeth of it: (g) and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.

(d) Meaning the Persians who were barbarous and cruel.

(e) They were small in the beginning, and were shut up in the mountains, and had no strength.

(f) That is, destroyed many kingdoms and whose hunger could not be satisfied.

(g) That is, the angels by God's commandment, who by this means punished the ingratitude of the world.

(Dan 7:6) After this I behelde, and loe, there was an other like a leopard, which had vpon his backe foure wings of a foule: the beast had also foure heads, and dominion was giuen him.

(Notes Reference) After this I beheld, and lo another, like a (h) leopard, which had upon the back of it (i) four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and (k) dominion was given to it.

(h) Meaning Alexander the king of Macedonia.

(i) That is, his four chief captains, which had the empire among them after his death. Selencus had Asia the great, Antigonus the less, Cassander and after him Antipater was king of Macedonia, and Ptolemeus had Egypt.

(k) It was not of himself nor of his own power that he gained all these countries: for his army contained only thirty thousand men, and he overcame in one battle Darius, who had one million, when he was so heavy with sleep that his eyes were hardly open, as the stories report: therefore this power was given to him from God.

(Dan 7:7) After this I saw in the visions by night, and beholde, the fourth beast was fearefull and terrible and very strong. It had great yron teeth: it deuoured and brake in pieces and stamped the residue vnder his feete: and it was vnlike to the beasts that were before it: for it had ten hornes.

(Notes Reference) After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a (l) fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great (m) iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped (n) the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had (o) ten horns.

(l) That is, the Roman empire which was a monster, and could not be compared to any beast, because there was no beast that was even comparable.

(m) Signifying the tyranny and greediness of the Romans.

(n) That which the Romans could not quietly enjoy in other countries, they would give it to other kings and rulers, so that whenever they wanted to, they might take it again: which liberality is here called the stamping of the rest under the feet.

(o) That is, various and different provinces which were governed by the deputies and proconsuls: and each one of these might be compared to a king.

(Dan 7:8) As I considered the hornes, beholde, there came vp among them another litle horne, before whome there were three of the first hornes pluckt away: and behold, in this horne were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking presumptuous things.

(Notes Reference) I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little (p) horn, before whom there were (q) three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn [were] (r) eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

(p) Which is meant of Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero, etc., who were as kings in effect, but because they could not rule, except by the consent of the senate, their power is compared to a little horn. For Muhammad did not come from the Roman Empire, and the pope has no vocation of government: therefore this cannot be applied to them, and also in this prophecy the Prophet's purpose is chiefly to comfort the Jews until the revelation of Christ. Some take it for the whole body of antichrist.

(q) Meaning a certain portion of the ten horns: that is, a part from the whole estate was taken away. For Augustus took from the senate the liberty of choosing the deputies to send into the provinces, and took the governing of certain countries to himself.

(r) These Roman emperors at the first used a certain humanity and gentleness, and were content that others, as the consuls, and senate, should bear the names of dignity, so that they might have the profit. And therefore in election and counsels they would behave themselves according as did other senators: yet against their enemies and those that would resist them, they were fierce and cruel, which is here meant by the proud mouth.

(Dan 7:9) I behelde, till the thrones were set vp, and the Ancient of dayes did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the heare of his head like the pure wooll: his throne was like the fierie flame, and his wheeles as burning fire.

(Notes Reference) I beheld till the (s) thrones were cast down, and the (t) Ancient of days did sit, whose garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire.

(s) Meaning, the places where God and his angels would come to judge these monarchies, which judgment would begin at the first coming of Christ.

(t) That is, God who was before all times, and is here described in a way such that man's nature is able to comprehend some portion of his glory.

(Dan 7:10) A fierie streame yssued, and came foorth from before him: thousand thousandes ministred vnto him, and tenne thousand thousands stoode before him: the iudgement was set, and the bookes opened.

(Notes Reference) A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand (u) times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the (x) books were opened.

(u) That is, an infinite number of angels, who were ready to execute his commandment.

(x) This is meant of the first coming of Christ, when the will of God was plainly revealed by his Gospel.

(Dan 7:11) Then I behelde, because of the voyce of the presumptuous wordes, which the horne spake: I behelde, euen till the beast was slaine, and his body destroyed, and giuen to the burning fire.

(Notes Reference) I beheld then (y) because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld [even] till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.

(y) Meaning that he was astonished when he saw these emperors in such dignity and pride, so suddenly destroyed at the coming of Christ, when this fourth monarchy was subject to men of other nations.

(Dan 7:12) As concerning the other beastes, they had taken away their dominion: yet their liues were prolonged for a certaine time and season.

(Notes Reference) As (z) concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.

(z) As the three former monarchies had an end at the time that God appointed, even though they flourished for a time, so will this fourth have an end, and they that patiently wait for God's appointment, will enjoy the promises.

(Dan 7:13) As I behelde in visions by night, behold, one like the sonne of man came in the cloudes of heauen, and approched vnto the Ancient of dayes, and they brought him before him.

(Notes Reference) I saw in the night visions, and, behold, (a) [one] like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and (b) came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

(a) Which is meant of Christ, who had not yet taken upon him man's nature, neither was he yet the son of David according to the flesh, as he was afterward: but he appeared then in a figure, and that in the clouds, that is, being separated from the common sort of men by manifest signs of his divinity.

(b) That is, when he ascended into the heavens, and his divine majesty appeared, and all power was given to him, in respect that he was our mediator.

(Dan 7:14) And he gaue him dominion, and honour, and a kingdome, that all people, nations and languages should serue him: his dominion is an euerlasting dominion, which shall neuer bee taken away: and his kingdome shall neuer be destroyed.

(Notes Reference) And there was given him (c) dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

(c) This is meant of the beginning of Christ's kingdom, when God the Father gave unto him all dominion, as the the Mediator, with the intent that he would continually govern his Church which is here on earth, until the time that he brought them to eternal life.

(Dan 7:15) I Daniel was troubled in my spirit, in the middes of my body, and the visions of mine head made me afraide.

(Notes Reference) I Daniel was (d) grieved in my spirit in the midst of [my] body, and the visions of my head troubled me.

(d) Because of the strangeness of the vision.

(Dan 7:16) Therefore I came vnto one of them that stoode by, and asked him the trueth of all this: so he tolde me, and shewed me the interpretation of these things.

(Notes Reference) I came near unto (e) one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.

(e) Meaning one of the angels, as in See Dan 7:10

(Dan 7:17) These great beastes which are foure, are foure Kings, which shall arise out of the earth,

(Dan 7:18) And they shall take the kingdome of the Saintes of the most High, and possesse the kingdome for euer, euen for euer and euer.

(Notes Reference) But the saints of the (f) most High shall take the (g) kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.

(f) That is, of the most high things, because God has chosen them out of this world, that they should look up to the heavens, upon which all their hope depends.

(g) Because Abraham was appointed heir of all the world, (Rom 4:13), and in him all the faithful, therefore the kingdom of him is theirs by right, which these four beasts or tyrants would invade, and usurp until the world were restored by Christ. And this was to strengthen and encourage those that were in troubles, that their afflictions would eventually have an end.

(Dan 7:19) After this, I woulde knowe the trueth of the fourth beast, which was so vnlike to all the others, very fearefull, whose teeth were of yron, and his nailes of brasse: which deuoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue vnder his feete.

(Notes Reference) Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was (h) diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth [were of] iron, and his nails [of] brass; [which] devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the (i) residue with his feet;

(h) For the other three monarchies were governed by a king, and the Roman empire by consuls: the Romans changed their governors yearly, and the other monarchies retained them for term of life: also the Romans were the strongest of all the others, and were never at peace among themselves.

(i) Read (Dan 7:7).

(Dan 7:20) Also to know of the tenne hornes that were in his head, and of the other which came vp, before whome three fell, and of the horne that had eyes, and of the mouth that spake presumptuous thinges, whose looke was more stoute then his fellowes.

(Notes Reference) And of the ten horns that [were] in his head, and [of] the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even [of] that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose (k) look [was] more stout than his fellows.

(k) This is meant of the fourth beast, which was more terrible than the others.

(Dan 7:21) I beheld, and the same horne made battel against the Saintes, yea, and preuailed against them,

(Notes Reference) I beheld, and the same (l) horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;

(l) Meaning the Roman emperors, who were most cruel against the Church of God, both of the Jews and of the Gentiles.

(Dan 7:22) Vntill the Ancient of dayes came, and iudgement was giuen to the Saintes of the most High: and the time approched, that the Saintes possessed the kingdome.

(Notes Reference) Until (m) the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

(m) Until God showed his power in the person of Christ, and by the preaching of the Gospel gave unto his own some rest, and so obtained a famous name in the world, and were called the Church of God, or the kingdom of God.

(Dan 7:23) Then he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdome in the earth, which shall be vnlike to all the kingdomes, and shall deuoure the whole earth, and shall treade it downe and breake it in pieces.

(Dan 7:24) And the ten hornes out of this kingdome are tenne Kings that shall rise: and an other shall rise after them, and he shall be vnlike to the first, and he shall subdue three Kings,

(Notes Reference) And the ten horns out of this kingdom [are] ten kings [that] shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue (n) three kings.

(n) See Dan 7:8

(Dan 7:25) And shall speake wordes against the most High, and shall consume the Saintes of the most High, and thinke that he may change times and lawes, and they shalbe giuen into his hand, vntill a time, and times and the deuiding of time.

(Notes Reference) And he shall speak [great] words against (o) the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to (p) change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a (q) time and times and the dividing of time.

(o) That is, will make wicked decrees and proclamations against God's word, and send throughout all their dominion, to destroy all that did profess it.

(p) These emperors will not consider that they have their power from God, but think it is in their own power to change God's laws and man's, and as it were the order of nature, as appears by Octavius, Tiberius, Calligula, Nero, Domitianus, etc.

(q) God will allow them to rage in this way against his saints for a long time, the time and times, but at length he will soften these troubles, and shorten the time for his elect's sake, (Mat 24:22), which is here meant by the dividing of time.

(Dan 7:26) But the iudgement shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it vnto the ende.

(Notes Reference) But the (r) judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy [it] unto the end.

(r) God by his power will restore things that were out of order, and destroy this little horn in such a way that it will never rise up again.

(Dan 7:27) And the kingdome, and dominion, and the greatnesse of the kingdome vnder the whole heauen shalbe giue to the holy people of the most High, whose kingdome is an euerlasting kingdome and all powers shall serue and obey him.

(Notes Reference) And the (s) kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and all (t) dominions shall serve and obey him.

(s) He shows why the beast would be destroyed, that is, so that his Church might have rest and quietness, which though they do not fully enjoy here, yet they have it in hope, and by the preaching of the Gospel enjoy the beginning of it, which is meant by these words, "under the whole heaven". And therefore he speaks here of the beginning of Christ's kingdom in this world, which kingdom the faithful have by the participation that they have with Christ their head.

(t) That is, some of every type that rule.

(Dan 7:28) Euen this is the ende of the matter, I Daniel had many cogitations which troubled mee, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in mine heart.

(Notes Reference) Hitherto [is] the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my (u) cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.

(u) Even though he had many motions in his heart which moved him to and fro to seek out this matter curiously, yet he was content with that which God revealed, and kept it in memory, and wrote it for the use of the Church.

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Passage 3: Acts 7

(Act 7:1) Then sayd the chiefe Priest, Are these things so?

(Notes Reference) Then (1) said the high priest, Are these things so?

(1) Steven is allowed to plead his cause, but for this reason and purpose, that under a disguise and pretence of the Law he might be condemned.

(Act 7:2) And he sayd, Ye men, brethren and Fathers, hearken. That God of glory appeared vnto our father Abraham, while he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

(Notes Reference) (2) And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of (a) glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in (b) Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

(2) Steven witnesses to the Jews that he acknowledges the true fathers, and the only true God, and more than this shows this that these are more ancient than the temple and all the temple service appointed by the Law, and therefore they ought to lay another foundation of true religion, that is to say, the free covenant that God made with the fathers.

(a) The mighty God full of glory and majesty.

(b) When he says afterwards in (Act 7:4) that Abraham came out of Chaldea, it is evident that Mesopotamia contained Chaldea which was near to it, and bordered upon it; and so writes Plinius, book 6, chap. 27.

(Act 7:3) And said vnto him, Come out of thy countrey, and from thy kindred, and come into the land, which I shall shewe thee.

(Act 7:4) Then came he out of the land of the Chaldeans, and dwelt in Charran. And after that his father was dead, God brought him from thence into this land, wherein ye now dwell,

(Act 7:5) And hee gaue him none inheritance in it, no, not the bredth of a foote: yet he promised that he would giue it to him for a possession, and to his seede after him, when as yet hee had no childe.

(Notes Reference) And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not [so much as] to (c) set his foot on: yet he (d) promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when [as yet] he had no child.

(c) Not enough ground to even set his foot upon.

(d) The promise of the possession was certain, and belonged to Abraham, though it was his posterity that enjoyed it a great while after his death: and this is the figure of speech synecdoche.

(Act 7:6) But God spake thus, that his seede should be a soiourner in a strange land: and that they should keepe it in bondage, and entreate it euill foure hundreth yeeres.

(Notes Reference) And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat [them] evil (e) four hundred years.

(e) Four hundred years are counted from the beginning of Abraham's progeny, which was at the birth of Isaac: and four hundred and thirty years which are spoken of by Paul in (Gal 3:17), from the time that Abraham and his father departed together out of Ur of the Chaldeans.

(Act 7:7) But the nation to whome they shall be in bondage, will I iudge, sayth God: and after that, they shall come forth and serue me in this place.

(Act 7:8) Hee gaue him also the couenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begate Isaac, and circumcised him the eight day: and Isaac begate Iacob, and Iacob the twelue Patriarkes.

(Act 7:9) And the Patriarkes moued with enuie, solde Ioseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

(Notes Reference) (3) And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was (f) with him,

(3) Steven diligently recounts the horrible misdeeds of some of the fathers, to teach the Jews that they ought not rashly to rest in the authority or examples of the fathers.

(f) By these words are meant the peculiar favour that God shows men: for he seems to be away from those whom he does not help: and on the other hand, he is with those whom he delivers out of troubles, no matter how great the troubles may be.

(Act 7:10) And deliuered him out of all his afflictions, and gaue him fauour and wisdome in the sight of Pharao King of Egypt, who made him gouernour ouer Egypt, and ouer his whole house.

(Notes Reference) And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him (g) favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

(g) Gave him favour in Pharaoh's sight because of his wisdom.

(Act 7:11) Then came there a famine ouer all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction, that our fathers found no sustenance.

(Act 7:12) But when Iacob heard that there was corne in Egypt, he sent our fathers first:

(Act 7:13) And at the second time, Ioseph was knowen of his brethren, and Iosephs kindred was made knowen vnto Pharao.

(Act 7:14) Then sent Ioseph and caused his father to be brought, and all his kindred, euen threescore and fifteene soules.

(Act 7:15) So Iacob went downe into Egypt, and he dyed, and our fathers,

(Act 7:16) And were remoued into Sychem, and were put in the sepulchre, that Abraham had bought for money of the sonnes of Emor, sonne of Sychem.

(Notes Reference) And were (h) carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor [the father] of Sychem.

(h) The patriarchs who were the sons of Jacob, though only Joseph is mentioned; (Jos 24:32).

(Act 7:17) But when the time of the promise drewe neere, which God had sworne to Abraham, the people grewe and multiplied in Egypt,

(Act 7:18) Till another King arose, which knewe not Ioseph.

(Act 7:19) The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and euill entreated our fathers, and made them to cast out their yong children, that they should not remaine aliue.

(Notes Reference) The same (i) dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

(i) He devised a subtle plan against our stock, in that he commanded all the males to be cast out.

(Act 7:20) The same time was Moses borne, and was acceptable vnto God, which was nourished vp in his fathers house three moneths.

(Notes Reference) In which time Moses was born, and was (k) exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:

(k) This child was born through God's merciful goodness and favour, to be of a lovely and fair countenance.

(Act 7:21) And when he was cast out, Pharaohs daughter tooke him vp, and nourished him for her owne sonne.

(Act 7:22) And Moses was learned in all the wisdome of the Egyptians, and was mightie in wordes and in deedes.

(Act 7:23) Nowe when he was full fourtie yeere olde, it came into his heart to visite his brethren, the children of Israel.

(Act 7:24) And whe he saw one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and auenged his quarell that had the harme done to him, and smote the Egyptian.

(Act 7:25) For hee supposed his brethren would haue vnderstand, that God by his hande should giue them deliuerance: but they vnderstoode it not.

(Act 7:26) And the next day, he shewed himselfe vnto them as they stroue, and woulde haue set them at one againe, saying, Syrs, ye are brethren: why doe ye wrong one to another?

(Act 7:27) But he that did his neighbour wrong, thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a prince, and a iudge ouer vs?

(Act 7:28) Wilt thou kill mee, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?

(Act 7:29) Then fled Moses at that saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begate two sonnes.

(Act 7:30) And when fourtie yeres were expired, there appeared to him in the wildernes of mout Sina, an Angel of the Lord in a flame of fire, in a bush.

(Notes Reference) And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an (l) angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.

(l) Now, he calls the Son of God an angel, for he is the angel of great counsel, and therefore immediately after he describes him as saying to Moses, "I am the God of thy fathers, etc."

(Act 7:31) And when Moses sawe it, hee wondred at the sight: and as he drew neere to consider it, the voyce of the Lord came vnto him, saying,

(Act 7:32) I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Iacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold it.

(Act 7:33) Then the Lord said to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feete: for the place where thou standest, is holy ground.

(Act 7:34) I haue seene, I haue seene the affliction of my people, which is in Egypt, and I haue heard their groning, and am come downe to deliuer them: and nowe come, and I will sende thee into Egypt.

(Act 7:35) This Moses whome they forsooke, saying, Who made thee a prince and a iudge? the same God sent for a prince, and a deliuerer by the hand of the Angel, which appeared to him in the bush.

(Notes Reference) This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send [to be] a ruler and a deliverer by the (m) hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.

(m) By the power.

(Act 7:36) Hee brought them out, doing wonders, and miracles in the land of Egypt, and in the red sea, and in the wildernes fourtie yeeres.

(Act 7:37) This is that Moses, which saide vnto the children of Israel, A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise vp vnto you, euen of your brethren, like vnto me: him shall ye heare.

(Notes Reference) (4) This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.

(4) He acknowledges Moses as the Lawgiver, but in such a way that he proves by his own witness that the Law had respect to a more perfect thing, that is to say, to the prophetical office which accompanied Christ, the head of all Prophets.

(Act 7:38) This is he that was in the Congregation, in the wildernes with the Angell, which spake to him in mount Sina, and with our fathers, who receiued the liuely oracles to giue vnto vs.

(Act 7:39) To whom our fathers would not obey, but refused, and in their hearts turned backe againe into Egypt:

(Act 7:40) Saying vnto Aaron, Make vs gods that may goe before vs: for we knowe not what is become of this Moses that brought vs out of the land of Egypt.

(Act 7:41) And they made a calfe in those dayes, and offered sacrifice vnto the idole, and reioyced in the workes of their owne handes.

(Notes Reference) And they made a (n) calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

(n) This was the superstition of the Egyptian's idolatry: for they worshipped Apis, a strange and marvellous looking calf, and made beautiful images of cows.

(Act 7:42) Then God turned himselfe away, and gaue them vp to serue the host of heauen, as it is written in the booke of the Prophets, O house of Israel, haue ye offred to me slaine beasts and sacrifices by the space of fourtie yeres in the wildernes?

(Notes Reference) Then God turned, and (o) gave them up to worship the (p) host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices [by the space of] forty years in the wilderness?

(o) Being destitute and void of his Spirit, he gave them up to Satan, and wicked lusts, to worship stars.

(p) By "the host of heaven" here he does not mean the angels, but the moon, and sun, and other stars.

(Act 7:43) And ye tooke vp the tabernacle of Moloch, and the starre of your god Remphan, figures, which ye made to worship them: therefore I will carie you away beyond Babylon.

(Notes Reference) Yea, ye (q) took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

(q) You took it upon your shoulders and carried it.

(Act 7:44) Our fathers had the tabernacle of witnes, in the wildernes, as hee had appointed, speaking vnto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seene.

(Notes Reference) (5) Our fathers had the tabernacle of (r) witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.

(5) Moses indeed erected a tabernacle, but that was to call them back to the one whom he had seen on the mountain.

(r) That is, of the covenant.

(Act 7:45) Which tabernacle also our fathers receiued, and brought in with Iesus into the possession of the Gentiles, which God draue out before our fathers, vnto the dayes of Dauid:

(Notes Reference) Which also our fathers that came after (s) brought in with Jesus into the (t) possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out (u) before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;

(s) Delivered from hand to hand.

(t) This is said using the figure of speech metonymy, and refers to the countries which the Gentiles possessed.

(u) God drove them out that they should yield up the possession of those countries to our fathers when they entered into the land.

(Act 7:46) Who found fauour before God, and desired that hee might finde a tabernacle for the God of Iacob.

(Act 7:47) But Salomon built him an house.

(Notes Reference) (6) But Solomon built him an house.

(6) Solomon built a temple according to God's commandment, but not under any condition that the majesty of God should be enclosed within it.

(Act 7:48) Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with handes, as saith the Prophet,

(Act 7:49) Heauen is my throne, and earth is my footestoole: what house wil ye build for me, saith the Lord? or what place is it that I should rest in?

(Act 7:50) Hath not mine hand made all these things?

(Act 7:51) Ye stiffenecked and of vncircumcised heartes and eares, ye haue alwayes resisted the holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do you.

(Notes Reference) (7) Ye stiffnecked and (x) uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.

(7) Steven, moved with the zeal of God, at length judges his own judges.

(x) They are of uncircumcised hearts who still lie drowned in the sins of nature, and are stuck fast in them: for otherwise all the Jews were circumcised with regard to the flesh, and therefore there are two kinds of circumcision; (Rom 2:28-29).

(Act 7:52) Which of the Prophets haue not your fathers persecuted? and they haue slaine them, which shewed before of the comming of that Iust, of whome ye are now the betrayers and murtherers,

(Act 7:53) Which haue receiued the Lawe by the ordinance of Angels, and haue not kept it.

(Notes Reference) Who have received the law by the (y) disposition of angels, and have not kept [it].

(y) By the ministry of angels.

(Act 7:54) But when they heard these thinges, their heartes brast for anger, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.

(Notes Reference) (8) When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with [their] teeth.

(8) The more Satan is pressed, the more he breaks out into an open rage.

(Act 7:55) But he being full of the holy Ghost, looked stedfastly into heauen, and sawe the glory of God, and Iesus standing at the right hand of God,

(Notes Reference) (9) But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus (z) standing on the right hand of God,

(9) The nearer that martyrs approach to death, the nearer that they rise up, even into heaven, as they behold Christ.

(z) Ready to affirm him in the confession of the truth, and to receive him unto himself.

(Act 7:56) And said, Beholde, I see the heauens open, and the Sonne of man standing at the right hand of God.

(Act 7:57) Then they gaue a shoute with a loude voyce, and stopped their eares, and ranne vpon him violently all at once,

(Notes Reference) (10) Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and (a) ran upon him with one accord,

(10) The zeal of hypocrites and superstitious people eventually breaks out into a most open madness.

(a) This was done in a rage and fury, for at that time the Jews could put no man to death by law, as they confessed before Pilate saying that it was no lawful for them to put any man to death, and therefore it is reported by Josephus that Ananus, a Sadducee, slew James the brother of the Lord, and for so doing was accused before Albinus, the president of the country; lib. 20.

(Act 7:58) And cast him out of the citie, and stoned him: and the witnesses layd downe their clothes at a yong mans feete, named Saul.

(Notes Reference) And cast [him] out of the city, and stoned [him]: and the (b) witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

(b) It was appointed by the Law that the witnesses should cast the first stones; (Deu 17:7).

(Act 7:59) And they stoned Steuen, who called on God, and said, Lord Iesus, receiue my spirit.

(Act 7:60) And he kneeled downe, and cried with a loude voyce, Lord, laye not this sinne to their charge. And when he had thus spoken, he slept.

(Notes Reference) (11) And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, (c) lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he (d) fell asleep.

(11) Faith and charity never forsake the true servants of God, even to the last breath.

(c) The word which he uses here refers to a type of imputing or laying to one's charge that remains firm and steady forever, never to be remitted.

(d) See (1Th 4:13).