Read Scripture In A Year: October 30

Passage 1: 2 Chronicles 28

(2Ch 28:1) Ahaz was twentie yeere old when he began to reigne, and reigned sixteene yeere in Ierusalem, and did not vprightly in the sight of the Lord, like Dauid his father.

(2Ch 28:2) But he walked in the wayes of ye Kings of Israel, and made euen molten images for Baalim.

(Notes Reference) For (a) he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for (b) Baalim.

(a) He was an idolater like them.

(b) As the idolaters have certain chief idols, who are as patrons (as were these Baalim) so have they others who are inferior and represent the great idols.

(2Ch 28:3) Moreouer he burnt incense in the valley of Ben-hinnom, and burnt his sonnes with fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.

(2Ch 28:4) He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the hie places, and on hilles, and vnder euery greene tree.

(2Ch 28:5) Wherefore the Lord his God deliuered him into the hand of the King of the Aramites, and they smote him, and tooke of his, many prisoners, and brought them to Damascus: and he was also deliuered into the hande of the King of Israel, which smote him with a great slaughter.

(2Ch 28:6) For Pekah the sonne of Remaliah slewe in Iudah sixe score thousand in one day, all valiant men, because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers.

(Notes Reference) For (c) Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, [which were] all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers.

(2Ch 28:7) And Zichri a mighty man of Ephraim slew Maaseiah the Kings sonne, and Azrikam the gouernour of the house, and Elkanah the second after the King.

(2Ch 28:8) And the children of Israel tooke prisoners of their brethren, two hudreth thousand of women, sonnes and daughters, and caried away much spoyle of them, and brought the spoyle to Samaria.

(Notes Reference) And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren (d) two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.

(d) Thus by the just judgment of God, Israel destroyed Judah.

(2Ch 28:9) But there was a Prophet of the Lordes, (whose name was Oded) and he went out before the hoste that came to Samaria, and said vnto them, Behold, because the Lord God of your fathers is wroth with Iudah, he hath deliuered them into your hand, and ye haue slaine them in a rage, that reacheth vp to heauen.

(Notes Reference) But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name [was] Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, (e) because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage [that] reacheth up unto heaven.

(e) For they thought they had overcome them by their own valiantness, and did not consider that God had delivered them into their hands, because Judah had offended him.

(2Ch 28:10) And nowe ye purpose to keepe vnder the children of Iudah and Ierusalem, as seruants and handmaides vnto you: but are not you such, that sinnes are with you before the Lord your God?

(Notes Reference) And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: [but are there] not with you, even with you, (f) sins against the LORD your God?

(f) May not God also punish you for your sins as he has done these men for theirs, seeing that yours are greater?

(2Ch 28:11) Nowe therefore heare me, and deliuer the captiues againe, which ye haue taken prisoners of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the Lord is toward you.

(2Ch 28:12) Wherefore certaine of the chiefe of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the sonne of Iehohanan, Berechiah the sonne of Meshillemoth, and Iehizkiah the sonne of Shallum, and Amasa the sonne of Hadlai, stood vp against them that came from the warre,

(Notes Reference) Then certain of the heads of the children of (g) Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war,

(g) Which tribe was now greatest and had most authority.

(2Ch 28:13) And said vnto them, Bring not in the captiues hither: for this shalbe a sinne vpon vs against the Lord: ye entende to adde more to our sinnes and to our trespasse, though our trespasse be great, and the fierce wrath of God is against Israel.

(Notes Reference) And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for whereas we have (h) offended against the LORD [already], ye intend to add [more] to our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass is great, and [there is] fierce wrath against Israel.

(h) God will not allow this sin which we commit against him, to go unpunished.

(2Ch 28:14) So the armie left the captiues and the spoyle before the princes and all the Congregation.

(2Ch 28:15) And the men that were named by name, rose vp and tooke the prisoners, and with the spoyle clothed all that were naked among them, and arayed them, and shod them, and gaue them meate, and gaue them drinke, and anoynted them, and caryed all that were feeble of them vpon asses, and brought them to Iericho the citie of Palme trees to their brethren: so they returned to Samaria.

(Notes Reference) And the men which were (i) expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and (k) anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their (l) brethren: then they returned to Samaria.

(i) Whose name were rehearsed before, (2Ch 28:12).

(k) Either for their wounds or weariness.

(l) To them of the tribe of Judah.

(2Ch 28:16) At that time did King Ahaz sende vnto the Kings of Asshur, to helpe him.

(Notes Reference) At that time did king Ahaz send unto the (m) kings of Assyria to help him.

(m) To Tiglath Pileser and those kings who were under his dominion, (2Ki 16:7).

(2Ch 28:17) (For the Edomites came moreouer, and slew of Iudah, and caryed away captiues.

(2Ch 28:18) The Philistims also inuaded the cities in the low countrey, and toward the South of Iudah, and tooke Bethshemesh, and Aialon, and Gederoth and Shocho, with the villages thereof, and Timnah, with her villages, and Gimzo, with her villages, and they dwelt there.

(2Ch 28:19) For the Lord had humbled Iudah, because of Ahaz King of Israel: for he had brought vengeance vpon Iudah, and had grieuously transgressed against the Lord)

(Notes Reference) For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of (n) Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD.

(n) He means Judah, because Ahaz forsook the Lord and

sought help from the infidels. See 2Ch 15:17 for when Judah was called Israel.

(2Ch 28:20) And Tilgath Pilneeser king of Asshur came vnto him, who troubled him and did not strengthen him.

(2Ch 28:21) For Ahaz tooke a portion out of the house of the Lord and out of the Kings house and of the Princes, and gaue vnto the king of Asshur: yet it helped him not.

(2Ch 28:22) And in ye time of his tribulation did he yet trespasse more against ye Lord, (this is King Ahaz)

(2Ch 28:23) For he sacrificed vnto the gods of Damascus, which plagued him, and he sayd, Because the gods of the Kings of Aram helped them, I wil sacrifice vnto them, and they will helpe me: yet they were his ruine, and of all Israel.

(Notes Reference) For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which (o) smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, [therefore] will I sacrifice to them, that they may (p) help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.

(o) As he falsely supposed.

(p) Thus the wicked measure God's favour by prosperity and adversity: for if idolaters prosper, they make their idols gods, not considering that God often punishes them whom he loves and gives his enemies good success for a time whom afterward he will destroy.

(2Ch 28:24) And Ahaz gathered the vessels of ye house of God, and brake the vessels of the house of God, and shut vp the doores of the house of the Lord, and made him altars in euery corner of Ierusalem.

(2Ch 28:25) And in euery citie of Iudah hee made hie places, to burne incense vnto other gods, and prouoked to anger the Lord God of his fathers.

(2Ch 28:26) Concerning the rest of his actes, and all his wayes first and last, beholde, they are written in the booke of the Kings of Iudah, and Israel.

(2Ch 28:27) And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the citie of Ierusalem, but brought him not vnto the sepulchres of the Kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his sonne reigned in his stead.

(Notes Reference) And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, [even] in Jerusalem: but they brought him not into the (q) sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.

(q) They did not bury him in the city of David, where the sepulchres of the kings were.

Passage 2: Daniel 8

(Dan 8:1) In the thirde yeere of the reigne of King Belshazzar, a vision appeared vnto mee, euen vnto me Daniel, after that which appeared vnto mee at the first.

(Notes Reference) In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, [even unto] me Daniel, (a) after that which appeared unto me at the first.

(a) After the general vision, he comes to certain particular visions with regard to the destruction of the monarchy of the Persians, and Macedonians: for the ruin of the Babylonians was at hand, and also he had sufficiently spoken of it.

(Dan 8:2) And I saw in a vision, and when I sawe it, I was in the palace of Shushan, which is in the prouince of Elam, and in a vision me thought I was by the riuer of Vlai.

(Notes Reference) And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I [was] at Shushan [in] the palace, which [is] in the province (b) of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.

(b) That is, of Persia.

(Dan 8:3) Then I looked vp and sawe, and beholde, there stoode before the riuer a ramme, which had two hornes: and these two hornes were hie: but one was hier then another, and the hyest came vp last.

(Notes Reference) Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a (c) ram which had [two] horns: and the [two] horns [were] high; but one [was] (d) higher than the other, and the higher came up last.

(d) Meaning Cyrus, who after grew greater in power than Darius his uncle and father-in-law.

(Dan 8:4) I sawe the ramme pusshing against ye West, and against the North, and against the South: so that no beastes might stande before him, nor could deliuer out of his hand, but he did what he listed, and became great.

(Notes Reference) I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no (e) beasts might stand before him, neither [was there any] that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.

(e) That is, no kings or nations.

(Dan 8:5) And as I considered, beholde, a goate came from the West ouer the whole earth, and touched not the grounde: and this goate had an horne that appeared betweene his eyes.

(Notes Reference) And as I was considering, behold, (f) an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat [had] a notable (g) horn between his eyes.

(f) Meaning Alexander that came from Greece with great speed and warlike undertaking.

(g) Even though he came in the name of all Greece, yet he bore the title and dignity of the general captain, so that the strength was attributed to him, which is meant by this horn.

(Dan 8:6) And he came vnto the ramme that had the two hornes, whome I had seene standing by the riuer, and ranne vnto him in his fierce rage.

(Dan 8:7) And I saw him come vnto the ramme, and being moued against him, he smote the ramme, and brake his two hornes: and there was no power in the ramme to stand against him, but he cast him downe to the grounde, and stamped vpon him, and there was none that coulde deliuer the ramme out of his power.

(Notes Reference) And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and (h) smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.

(h) Alexander overcame Darius in two different battles, and so had the two kingdoms of the Medes and Persians.

(Dan 8:8) Therefore the goate waxed exceeding great, and when he was at the strongest, his great horne was broken: and for it came vp foure that appeared toward the foure windes of ye heauen.

(Notes Reference) Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great (i) horn was broken; and for it came up four (k) notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.

(i) Alexander's great power was broken: for when he had overcome all the East, he thought to return towards Greece to subdue those that had rebelled, and so died along the way.

(k) That is, who were famous: for almost in the space of fifteen years there were fifteen different successors before this monarchy was divided to these four, of which Cassander had Macedonia, Seleucus had Syria, Antigonus had Asia the less, and Ptolemeus had Egypt.

(Dan 8:9) And out of one of them came foorth a litle horne, which waxed very great toward the South, and toward the East, and towarde the pleasant land.

(Notes Reference) And out of one of them came forth a (l) little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the (m) south, and toward the (n) east, and toward the (o) pleasant [land].

(l) Which was Antiochus Epiphanes, who was of a servile and flattering nature, and also there were others between him and the kingdom: and therefore he is here called the little horn, because neither princely conditions, nor any other thing was in him, why he should obtain this kingdom.

(m) That is, towards Egypt.

(n) By which he means Ptolemais.

(o) That is, Judea.

(Dan 8:10) Yea, it grewe vp vnto the hoste of heauen, and it cast downe some of the hoste, and of the starres to the ground, and trode vpon them,

(Notes Reference) And it waxed great, [even] to the (p) host of heaven; and it cast down [some] of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.

(p) Antiochus raged against the elect of God, and tread his precious stars underfoot, who are so called because they are separated from the world.

(Dan 8:11) And extolled himselfe against the prince of the hoste from whome the dayly sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his Sanctuarie was cast downe.

(Notes Reference) Yea, he magnified [himself] even to the (q) prince of the host, and by him the (r) daily [sacrifice] was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.

(q) That is, God, who governs and maintains his Church.

(r) He laboured to abolish all religion, and therefore cast God's service out of his temple, which God had chosen as a little corner from all the rest of the world to have his name there truly called upon.

(Dan 8:12) And a time shall be giuen him ouer the dayly sacrifice for the iniquitie: and it shall cast downe the trueth to the ground, and thus shall it doe, and prosper.

(Notes Reference) And (s) an host was given [him] against the daily [sacrifice] by reason of transgression, and it (t) cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.

(s) He shows that their sins are the cause of these horrible afflictions: and yet comforts them, in that he appoints this tyrant for a time, whom he would not allow to utterly abolish his religion.

(t) This horn will abolish for a time the true doctrine, and so corrupt God's service.

(Dan 8:13) Then I heard one of the Saints speaking, and one of the Saints spake vnto a certaine one, saying, Howe long shall endure the vision of the dayly sacrifice, and the iniquitie of the desolation to treade both the Sanctuarie and the armie vnder foote?

(Notes Reference) Then I heard one (u) saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain [saint] which spake, How long [shall be] the vision [concerning] the daily [sacrifice], and the transgression of (x) desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the (y) host to be trodden under foot?

(u) Meaning that he heard one of the angels asking this question of Christ, whom he called a certain one, or a secret one, or a marvellous one.

(x) That is, the Jews' sins, which were the cause of its destruction.

(y) That is, which suppresses God's religion and his people.

(Dan 8:14) And he answered me, Vnto the euening and the morning, two thousand and three hundreth: then shall the Sanctuarie be clensed.

(Notes Reference) And (z) he said unto me, Unto (a) two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.

(z) Christ answered me for the comfort of the Church.

(a) That is, until so many natural days have passed, which make six years, and three and a half months: for the temple was profaned this long under Antiochus.

(Dan 8:15) Nowe when I Daniel had seene the vision, and sought for the meaning, beholde, there stoode before me like the similitude of a man.

(Notes Reference) And it came to pass, when I, [even] I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me (b) as the appearance of a man.

(b) Who was Christ who in this manner declared himself to the old fathers, how he would be God manifest in flesh.

(Dan 8:16) And I heard a mans voyce betweene the bankes of Vlai, which called, and sayde, Gabriel, make this man to vnderstand the vision.

(Notes Reference) And I heard a man's voice between [the banks of] Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, (c) make this [man] to understand the vision.

(Dan 8:17) So he came where I stood: and when hee came, I was afraide, and fell vpon my face: but he sayd vnto me, Vnderstand, O sonne of man: for in the last time shalbe the vision.

(Notes Reference) So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for (d) at the time of the end [shall be] the vision.

(d) The effect of this vision will not yet appear, until a long time after.

(Dan 8:18) Nowe as he was speaking vnto me, I being a sleepe fell on my face to the ground: but he touched me, and set me vp in my place.

(Dan 8:19) And he sayde, Beholde, I will shewe thee what shalbe in the last wrath: for in the end of the time appointed it shall come.

(Notes Reference) And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last (e) end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end [shall be].

(e) Meaning that great rage which Antiochus would show against the Church.

(Dan 8:20) The ramme which thou sawest hauing two hornes, are the Kings of the Medes and Persians.

(Dan 8:21) And the goate is the King of Grecia, and the great horne that is betweene his eyes, is the first King.

(Dan 8:22) And that that is broken, and foure stoode vp for it, are foure kingdomes, which shall stand vp of that nation, but not in his strength.

(Notes Reference) Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up (f) out of the nation, but not (g) in his power.

(f) That is, out of Greece.

(g) They will not have similar power as Alexander had.

(Dan 8:23) And in the end of their kingdome, when the rebellious shalbe consumed, a King of fierce countenance, and vnderstanding darke sentences, shall stand vp.

(Notes Reference) And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of (h) fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

(h) Noting that this Antiochus was impudent and cruel, and also crafty so that he could not be deceived.

(Dan 8:24) And his power shalbe mightie, but not in his strength: and hee shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mightie, and the holy people.

(Notes Reference) And his power shall be mighty, but not (i) by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the (k) mighty and the holy people.

(i) That is, not like Alexander's strength.

(k) Both the Gentiles that dwelt around him, and also the Jews.

(Dan 8:25) And through his policie also, hee shall cause craft to prosper in his hand, and he shall extoll himselfe in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: hee shall also stande vp against the prince of princes, but he shalbe broken downe without hand.

(Notes Reference) And through his (l) policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify [himself] in his heart, and by (m) peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the (n) Prince of princes; but he shall be broken (o) without hand.

(l) Whatever he goes about by his craft, he will bring it to pass.

(m) That is, under pretence of peace, or as it were in sport.

(n) Meaning, against God.

(o) For God would destroy him with a notable plague, and so comfort his Church.

(Dan 8:26) And the vision of the euening and the morning, which is declared, is true: therefore seale thou vp the vision, for it shall be after many dayes.

(Notes Reference) And the vision of the (p) evening and the morning which was told [is] true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it [shall be] for many days.

(p) Read (Dan 8:14).

(Dan 8:27) And I Daniel was striken and sicke certaine dayes: but when I rose vp, I did the Kings busines, and I was astonished at the vision, but none vnderstood it.

(Notes Reference) And I Daniel fainted, and was sick (q) [certain] days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood [it].

(q) Because of fear and astonishment.

Passage 3: Acts 8

(Act 8:1) And Saul consented to his death, and at that time, there was a great persecution against the Church which was at Hierusalem, and they were all scattered abroad thorowe the regions of Iudea and of Samaria, except the Apostles.

(Notes Reference) And (1) Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

(1) Christ uses the rage of his enemies in the spreading forth and enlarging of his kingdom.

(Act 8:2) Then certaine men fearing God, caried Steuen amongs them, to be buried, and made great lamentation for him.

(Notes Reference) (2) And devout men (a) carried Stephen [to his burial], and made great lamentation over him.

(2) The godly mourn for Steven after his death, and bury him, showing in this an example of singular faith and charity: but no man prays to him.

(a) Amongst all the duties of charity which the godly perform, there is no mention made of enshrining relics.

(Act 8:3) But Saul made hauocke of the Church, and entred into euery house, and drewe out both men and women, and put them into prison.

(Notes Reference) (3) As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed [them] to prison.

(3) The dispersion or scattering abroad of the faithful is the gathering together of churches.

(Act 8:4) Therefore they that were scattered abroad, went to and from preaching the worde.

(Act 8:5) Then came Philip into the citie of Samaria, and preached Christ vnto them.

(Notes Reference) (4) Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

(4) Philip, who was before a deacon in Jerusalem, is made an evangelist by God in an extraordinary way.

(Act 8:6) And the people gaue heed vnto those things which Philippe spake, with one accorde, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

(Act 8:7) For vncleane spirits crying with a loud voyce, came out of many that were possessed of them: and many taken with palsies, and that halted, were healed.

(Act 8:8) And there was great ioy in that citie.

(Act 8:9) And there was before in the citie a certaine man called Simon, which vsed witchcraft, and bewitched the people of Samaria, saying that he himselfe was some great man.

(Notes Reference) (5) But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used (b) sorcery, and (c) bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

(5) Christ overcomes Satan as often as he desires, and carries him about as it were in triumph, in the sight of those whom Satan deceived and bewitched.

(b) The word which is used in this place was at first used of good things, and is borrowed from the language of the Persians, who call their wise men by that name; but afterwards it was used of evil things.

(Act 8:10) To whome they gaue heede from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is that great power of God.

(Act 8:11) And they gaue heed vnto him, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

(Act 8:12) But assoone as they beleeued Philip, which preached the thinges that concerned the kingdome of God, and the Name of Iesus Christ, they were baptized both men and women.

(Act 8:13) Then Simon himselfe beleeued also and was baptized, and continued with Philippe, and wondred, when he sawe the signes and great miracles which were done.

(Notes Reference) (6) Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

(6) The wicked and the highly reprobate are often forced to taste the good gift of God, but they immediately spit it out again.

(Act 8:14) Nowe when the Apostles, which were at Hierusalem, heard say, that Samaria had receiued the worde of God, they sent vnto them Peter and Iohn.

(Notes Reference) (7) Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

(7) Peter, not chief but as an ambassador sent from the whole company of the apostles, and John his companion, according to the authority which was committed unto them, strengthen, encourage, and build up the churches of Samaria, whose foundation had been laid before by Philip.

(Act 8:15) Which whe they were come downe, prayed for them, that they might receiue the holy Ghost.

(Notes Reference) Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the (d) Holy Ghost:

(d) Those excellent gifts which are necessary, especially for those that were to be appointed rulers and governors of the Church.

(Act 8:16) (For as yet, hee was fallen downe on none of them, but they were baptized onely in the Name of the Lord Iesus.)

(Act 8:17) Then layd they their handes on them, and they receiued the holy Ghost.

(Act 8:18) And when Simon sawe, that through laying on of the Apostles hands the holy Ghost was giuen, he offred them money,

(Notes Reference) (8) And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

(8) Covetousness and the seeking of glory at length remove the hypocrites from their dens.

(Act 8:19) Saying, Giue mee also this power, that on whomsoeuer I lay the handes, he may receiue the holy Ghost.

(Act 8:20) Then saide Peter vnto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou thinkest that the gift of God may be obteined with money.

(Notes Reference) (9) But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

(9) They are the successors of Simon Magus, and not Simon Peter, who either buy or sell holy things.

(Act 8:21) Thou hast neither part nor fellowship in this businesse: for thine heart is not right in the sight of God.

(Notes Reference) Thou hast neither part nor lot in this (e) matter: for thy heart is not (f) right in the sight of God.

(e) In this doctrine which I preach.

(f) Is not upright indeed and without the concealing of hypocritical motives.

(Act 8:22) Repent therefore of this thy wickednes, and pray God, that if it be possible, the thought of thine heart may be forgiuen thee.

(Notes Reference) (10) Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

(10) We must hope well even for the vilest sinners, as long as and as much as we can.

(Act 8:23) For I see that thou art in the gall of bitternes, and in the bonde of iniquitie.

(Notes Reference) For I perceive that thou art in the (g) gall of bitterness, and [in] the (h) bond of iniquity.

(g) He calls the inward malice of the heart and the venomous and demonic wickedness with which the magician was wholly filled with the gall of bitterness: and he is said to be in the gall, as though he were wholly overwhelmed with gall, and buried in it.

(h) Entangled in the bonds of iniquity.

(Act 8:24) Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye haue spoken, come vpon me.

(Act 8:25) So they, when they had testified and preached the worde of the Lord, returned to Hierusalem, and preached the Gospel in many townes of the Samaritans.

(Act 8:26) Then the Angel of the Lord spake vnto Philip, saying, Arise, and goe towarde the South vnto the way that goeth downe from Hierusalem vnto Gaza, which is waste.

(Notes Reference) (11) And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

(11) Christ, who calls freely whom he wishes, now uses Philip, who was not thinking about any such thing, to unexpectedly instruct and baptize the eunuch, and by this means extends the limits of his kingdom even into Ethiopia.

(Act 8:27) And hee arose and went on: and beholde, a certaine Eunuche of Ethiopia, Candaces the Queene of the Ethiopians chiefe Gouernour, who had the rule of all her treasure, and came to Hierusalem to worship:

(Notes Reference) And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch (i) of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

(i) A man of great wealth and authority with Candace. Now this word "Candace" is a common name of all the Queens of Ethiopia.

(Act 8:28) And as he returned sitting in his charet, he read Esaias the Prophet.

(Act 8:29) Then the Spirit said vnto Philip, Goe neere and ioyne thy selfe to yonder charet.

(Act 8:30) And Philip ranne thither, and heard him reade the Prophet Esaias, and said, But vnderstandest thou what thou readest?

(Act 8:31) And he saide, Howe can I, except I had a guide? And he desired Philip, that he would come vp and sit with him.

(Notes Reference) And he said, How can I, except some man should (k) guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

(k) To show me the way to understand it.

(Act 8:32) Nowe the place of the Scripture which he read, was this, Hee was lead as a sheepe to the slaughter: and like a lambe domme before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth.

(Notes Reference) (12) The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

(12) Those things which seem to come most by chance or fortune (as men term it) are governed by the secret providence of God.

(Act 8:33) In his humilitie his iudgement hath bene exalted: but who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

(Notes Reference) In his (l) humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his (m) generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

(l) The Hebrew text reads it in this way, "out of a narrow strait, and out of judgment was he taken": and by the "narrow strait" he means the grave and the very bonds of death, and by "judgment" he means the punishment which was laid upon him, and the miserable state which Christ took upon himself for our sakes, in bearing his Father's wrath.

(m) How long he will endure: for Christ, having once risen from the dead, dies no more; (Rom 6:9).

(Act 8:34) Then the Eunuche answered Philippe, and saide, I pray thee of whome speaketh the Prophet this? of himselfe, or of some other man?

(Act 8:35) Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, and preached vnto him Iesus.

(Act 8:36) And as they went on their way, they came vnto a certaine water, and the Eunuche said, See, here is water: what doeth let me to be baptized?

(Act 8:37) And Philippe said vnto him, If thou beleeuest with all thine heart, thou mayest. Then he answered, and saide, I beleeue that that Iesus Christ is that Sonne of God.

(Notes Reference) (13) And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, (n) I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

(13) Profession of faith is required of those being baptized, and therefore it is evident that we are not first ingrafted into Christ when we are baptized, but are already ingrafted, and then are baptized. (Ed.)

(n) The sum of the confession which is necessary for baptism.

(Act 8:38) Then he commanded the charet to stand stil: and they went downe both into the water, both Philip and the Eunuche, and he baptized him.

(Act 8:39) And assoone as they were come vp out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the Eunuche sawe him no more: so he went on his way reioycing.

(Act 8:40) But Philippe was found at Azotus, and he walked to and from preaching in all the cities, till he came to Cesarea.