Linguistic DNA - Concept Modelling Demonstrator

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
church_n	antioch_n	apostle_n	elder_n	2,819	5	9.5165	4	false

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A17642	The commentaries of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the Actes of the Apostles, faithfully translated out of Latine into English for the great profite of our countrie-men, by Christopher Fetherstone student in diuinitie; Commentarii in Acta Apostolorum. English	Calvin, Jean, 1509-1564.; Fetherston, Christopher.	1585 (1585)	STC 4398; ESTC S107377	721,474	648

toung shall know that that last member When he is read euery Sabboth day in the Synagogues was by mee changed not without cause for auoiding of doubtfulnes 22 Then it seemed good to the apostles Elders with the whole church to send chosen men of them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas Iudas sirnamed Barsabas and Silas chief men among the brethren 23 Sending letters by their hands after this forme The Apostles and Elders and Brethren to those brethren which are at Antioch in Syria and Cilicia which are of the Gentiles greeting 24 Because we haue heard that certaine which went out from vs haue troubled you with wordes subuerting your soules commanding you to be circumcised and to keep the law to whom we gaue no commandement 25 It seemed good to vs being gathered together with one mind to sende chosen men to you with our beloued Barnabas and Paul 26 Men which haue veÌ„tured their soules for the name of our Lord Iesus Christ 27 Therfore we haue sent Iudas Silas who shall also tell you the same things by worde of mouth 28 For it seemed good to the holy ghost and vs to lay no greater burthen vppon you then these necessarie things 29 That ye abstaine from those things which are sacrificed to Images and from blood from that which is strangled and from fornication from which things if you shall keep your selues yee shal do wel Fare ye well 22 It pleased the Apostles That tempest was made calme not without the singular grace of god so that after the matter was throughly discussed they did all agree togeather in sounde doctrine Also the modestie of the common people is gathered by this because after that they had referred the matter to the iudgement of the apostles the rest of teachers they do now also subscribe to their decree on the other side the apostles did shew some token of their equitie in that they set downe nothing concerning the common cause of al the godly without admitting the people For assuredly this tyrannie did spring froÌ„ the pride of the pastours that those things which appertain vnto the common state of the whol church are subiect the people being excluded to the wil I wil not say lust of a few We know what a hard matter it is to suppresse the slanders of the wicked to satisfie most men who are churlish and froward to keep vnder the light vnskilful to wipe away errors conceiued to heal vp hatred to appease coÌ„teÌ„tions to abolish fals reports PeradueÌ„ture the enemies of Paul Barnabas might haue said that they had gotten letters by fair and flattering speeches they might haue inuented som new cauill the rude and weake might by and by haue beene troubled But when chiefe men come with the letters that they may grauely dispute the whole matter in presence all sinister suspition is taken away 24 Certain which went out froÌ„ vs. We see that there was no respect of persons among these holy men which doth alwayes corrupt sound right iudgements They confes that there wer knaues of their own coÌ„pany yet they do no whit flatter theÌ„ or through corrupt fauour incline to couer their error yea rather in condemning them freely they spare not euen theÌ„selues And first they pluck froÌ„ their faces that visure which they had abused to deceiue withal They boasted that they were priuie to the meaning of the apostles the apostles reproue them condemn them of for lying in that false pretence when they vtterly denie that they did coÌ„mand any such thing againe they accuse them far more sharply that they trobled the church subuerted souls For by this means thei bring them in contempt detestation with the godly because they caÌ„not be admitted but to their destruction But false teachers are said to subuert soules because the truth of god doth edifie or build them vp and so this speech containeth a general doctrine vnlesse we will willingly haue our soules drawen headlong froÌ„ being any longer temples of the holy ghost vnlesse we desire their ruine we must beware of those which go about to lead vs away from the pure gospel That which they say touching the keeping of the law doth only appertain vnto ceremonies thogh we must alwaies remember that they did so intreat of ceremonies that both the saluation and also the righteousnes of men did therein consist For the false apostles did command that they should bee kept as if righteousnes came by the law and saluation did depend vpon workes 25 With our beloued Barnabas Paul They set these praises against the slanders wherwith the false apostles had assayed to bring Paul Barnabas out of credit And first to the end they may remooue the opinion of disagreement which had possessed the minds of many they testifie their consent secondly they commend Paul Barnabas for their feruentnes in zeale most manlike courage that they wer not afraid to venture or lay down their soules for Christs sake And this is an excellent vertue in a minister of the gospel which deserueth no smal praise if he shal not only be stout and couragious to execute the office of teaching but also be readie to enter danger which is offered in defence of his doctrine As the Lorde doth thus trie the faith and constancie of those which bee his so he doth as it were make them noble with the ensignes of vertue that they may excell in his church Therefore Paule holdeth foorth the marks of Christ which he did bear in his body as a buckler to driue back those knaues which did troble his doctrin Gal. 6.17 And thogh it do not so fal out with most stout and couragious teachers preachers of the gospel that they striue for the Gospel vntill they come in danger of life because the matter doth not so require yet is this no let but that Christe may purchase authoritie for his martyrs so often as he bringeth them into worthie renowmed coÌ„flicts Neuertheles let eueÌ„ those who are not inforced to enter cumbat by any necessity be redy to shead their blood if god see it good at any time that it should be so But the apostles commende the fortitude of Paul Barnabas only in a good cause because if it wer sufficient to enter dangers manfully the martyrs of Christe shoulde nothing differ from troublesome frensie men from cutters and roysters Therefore Paul and Barnabas are commended not because they laid open themselues simply to dangers but because they refuse not to die for Christes sake Peraduenture also the apostles meant to nip those knaues by the way who hauing neuer suffered any thing for Christes sake came out of their roust and dainties to trouble the churches which cost the couragious souldiars of Christ deerely 28 It seemed good to the holy ghost and to vs. Whereas the Apostles and Elders match ioyn themselues with the holy ghost they attribute nothing to

we must wrastle with sorrow and care that we hold on couragiously to suffer the crosse and that we beare the same when it is laid vpon vs. That they were counted worthie This might seeme at the first blush absurde in that Luke placeth honour in reproch but the disagreement which is betweene God and the worlde causeth this that that which is counted amongst men most reprochfull excelleth in dignirie and glory in the sight of God his angles We know that the kind of death which Christ suffered was of all other most shamefull and yet did he triumph most noblie vpon the crosse so when we are made like vnto him we may worthily boast that it is a point of singular excellencie that we suffer rebuke in the sight of the worlde Galat. 6.17 Thus doeth Paul boast of the markes of Christ For wee must heere respect the cause which doeth associat vs vnto Christ who doth not onely swallow vp the shame of the world with his glorie but doth also turne reproches slaunders and mockes of the worlde into great honour Wherefore it is no maruell that there bee so fewe found which are stronge stout to beare the crosse because we are almost all drowned ouerwhelmed with the sense of the flesh and there is scarse one amongst an hundreth which considereth that the reproch of Christ doth farre excell all the triumphes of the worlde which is the onely matter of comfort Wherefore we must vse the greater diligence in thinking vpon this sentence that we are at this day made partakers of the suffrings of Christ that we may be partakers of his glorie 42 They ceased not Constancie did also accompany their ioy For how is it that we are discouraged with persecution saue onely because none lifteth vp himselfe vnto Christ that he may in minde lay hold vpon the fruite of victorie and so be pricked forward vnto patience But that man which thinketh with himselfe that hee is happie when hee suffereth for Christs sake shall neuer faint though hee must suffer harde conflictes Therefore the Apostles are after a sort armed with stripes so that they valiantly make haste vnto death Therefore woe be to our daintinesse who hauing suffered a litle persecution do by and by resigne vp the light to â—nother as if we were now old worne souldiers CHAP. VI. 1 ANd in those dayes when the number of the disciples grewe there arose a murmuring of the Greekes against the Hebrewes because their widowes were despised in the daily ministerie 2 Therefore when the twelue had called vnto them the multitude of the disciples they said â€ or It is not good It doth not please that we should serue tables hauing left the word of God 3 Therefore brethren looke out seuen men of you of knowne honestic full of the holy Ghost and of wisedome whom we will appoint ouer this businesse 4 And wee will giue our selues vnto prayer and to the ministration of the word 5 The speech pleased the whole multitude and they chose Stephen a man full of faith and the holye Ghost and Philip and Prochorus and Timon and Parmenas and Nicolas a Proselyte of Antioch 6 These did they set before the Apostles and when they had praied they laide their hands vpon them 1 Luke declareth here vpon what occasion and to what ende and also with what rite Deacons were first made He saith When there arose a murmuring amongst the Disciples it was appeased by this remedie as it is said in the common prouerbe Good lawes haue taken their beginning of euill manners And it may seeme to be a straunge thing seeing that this is a function so excellent and so necessarie in the Church why it came not into the Apostles mindes at the first before there was any such occasion ministred to appoint Deacons and why the Spirite of God did not giue them such counsell which they take nowe being as it were enforced thereunto But that which happened was both better then and is also more profitable for vs at this day to bee vnto vs an example If the Apostles had spoken of chusing Deacons before any necessitie did require the same they should not haue had the people so ready they should haue seemed to auoid labour and trouble many would not haue offered so liberally into the hands of other men Therefore it was requisite that the faithfull shoulde bee conuict by experience that they might choose Deacons willingly whom they saw they could not want and that through their owne fault We learne in this historie that the Church cannot bee so framed by and by but that there remaine somewhat to he amended neither can so great a building bee so finished in one day that there may not something be added to make the same perfect Furthermore we learne that there is no ordinance of God so holie and laudable which is not either corrupt or made vnprofitable through the faulte of men Wee woonder that thinges are neuer so well ordered in the worlde but that there is alwayes some euill mixed with the good but it is the wickednesse and corruption of our nature which causeth this That was indeede a godly order whereof Luke made mention before when the goods of all men being consecrated to God were distributed to euery man as hee had neede when as the Apostles being as it were the stewardes of God and the poore had the chiefe gouernement of the almes But shortly after there ariseth a murmuring which trobleth this order Here appereth that corruption of meÌ„ wherof I haue spoken which doeth not suffer vs to vse our good things Wee must also marke the subtiltie of Satan who to the end he may take from vs the vse of the giftes of God goeth about this continually that it may not remaine pure and sounde but that being mixed with other discommodities it may first be suspected secondly loathed and lastly quite taken away But the Apostles haue taught vs by their example that we must not yeelde vnto such engines and policies of Satan For they do not thinke it meete being offended with the murmuring to take away that ministery which they know pleaseth God but rather inuent a remedy whereby the offence may be taken away and that may bee retained which is Gods Thus must we doe For what offences soeuer Satan raise we must take good heede that he take not from vs those ordinances which are otherwise wholesome The number encreasing We ought to wish for nothing more then that God woulde encrease his Church and gather togither many on euerie side vnto his people but the corruption of our nature hindereth vs from hauing any thing good or happie in all pointes For there arise many discommodities also euen of the encreasings of the Church For it is a harde matter to keepe many hypocrites from creeping into the multitude whose wickednesse is not by and by discouered vntill such time as they haue infected some part of the flocke with their

be preferred before him Therfore we see how forgetting himselfe he respecteth nothing but that Christ may be chiefe how hee setteth before his eyes the edifying of the church alone how he is content with the prosperous successe of the Gospel Therefore Barnabas is no whit afraid least Paul doe any whit debase him by his comming so hee glorifie Christ 26 He addeth afterward that such a holy concord was blessed from heauen for this was no small honour that the holy name of christians beganne there for all the whole worlde Though the Apostles had been long time at Ierusalem yet god had not vouchsafed to bestowe vpon his church which was there this excellent title of his sonne whether it were because at Antioch much people was growne together into one bodie as well of Iewes as of Gentiles or whether it were because the churche might bee better ordered in time of peace or because they were more bolde to confesse their faith There were in very deed christians both at Ierusalem and also in Samaria before that time and we know that Ierusalem was the first fountaine from which christianitie did flowe And what is it els to be a disciple of Christe but to be a christian But when they began plainely to bee called that which they were the vse of the name serued greatly to set foorth the glory of Christe because by this meanes they referred all their religion vnto Christe alone This was therefore a most excellent worship for the citie of Antioch that Christ brought foorth his name thence like a standerd whereby it might bee made knowen to all the worlde that there was some people whose Captaine was Christ and which did glory in his name But and if Rome had such a colour of pride who were able to suffer the proud boastings of the Pope and his adherents They woulde then not without cause thunder out that Rome is the mother and head of al churches but it is wel that seeing they challenge to themselues whatsoeuer when they come to the matter they are found altogether vaine yea Antioch it selfe doth plainlie proue that the estate of one place is not continuall Admit we graunt the Romanes these plausible titles We haue been somtimes shall they yet be so bold as to take one halfe of that which belongeth to Antioch And is the dignitie of Antioch the greater nowe because the Christians had their name thence Yea it is rather a manifest mirrour of the horrible vengeance of God For seeing there is nothing to be seen there but euill fauoured wastinesse it remaineth that wee learne to humble our selues vnder the mightie hand of God and that wee knowe that vnthankeful men haue not so much libertie graunted them that they may freely mocke God 27 In those dayes came prophets from Ierusalem to Antioch 28 And one of them named Agabus arose and signified by the Spirit that there should be a great famine throughout the whole worlde which happened vnder Claudius Caesar 29 And as euery one of the disciples was able they decreed euerie man to sende succour to the brethren which dwelt in Iudea 30 Which thing they did sending it vnto the Elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul 27 Luke commendeth in this place the faith of the men of Antioch by the frute because they indeuoured to relieue the pouertie of that church from whence they receiued the gospel with their abundance that did they vnrequested Such earnest care for the brethren doth sufficieÌ„tly declare how seriously they worshipped Christ the head of al. Luke doth signifie that the fame of that church was spread abroade when hee faith that there came excellent men thither from Ierusalem But for as much as the word Prophet is taken diuers waies in the new testament as we may learne by the former Epistle to the Corinthians those are called prophets in this place who were indued with the gift of prophesiyng as the foure daughters of Philip shall haue the same title giuen them hereafter And forasmuch as the foretelling of the famine is attributed to Agabus alone we may hereby gather that this was graunted to euery one by a certaine measure to know things to come 28 He signified by the Spirit Luke doth plainely expresse that the Spirite of God was the authour of this prophesie that wee may knowe that it was not a coniecture taken by the starres or some other naturall causes again that Agabus did not play the Philosopher after the maner of men but he vttered that which God had appointed by the secrete inspiration of the Spirit Barrennesse may indeed be somtimes fortold by the disposition of the starres but there is no certaintie in such foretellinges both because of the opposite concourses and also especially because god doth gouerne earthly things at his pleasure farre otherwise than can be gathered by the starres that he may lead men away from the peruerse beholding of starres And although these foretellings haue their degree yet the prophesies of the Spirit doe far exced them But it seemeth that the foretelling of the famine was vnluckie and not to be wished for for to what end was it for meÌ„ to be made miserable before their time by hauing the vnhappy euent fortold I answer that there be many causes for which it is expedient that men should be warned before in time wheÌ„ the iudgements of God hang ouer their heads punishmentes due to their sins I omit others which are vsuall in the prophetes bicause they haue a space grauÌ„ted wherin to repeÌ„t that they may preuent gods iudgement who haue prouoked his wrath against theÌ„selues bicause the faithfull are instruct in time to arme themselues with patieÌ„ce because the obstinate wickednesse of wicked men is conuict because both good and euill learne that miseries doe not come by chaunce but that they are punishments wherewith God doth punishe the sinnes of the world because those are awaked out of their sleepe and sluggishnesse by this meanes who tooke great delight in their vices The profit of this present prophesie appeareth by the text because the men of Antioch were thereby pricked forwarde to releeue their brethren which were in miserie Which happened vnder Claudius Suetonius also maketh mention of this famine who saieth that there were crustes or shardes throwen at Claudius his head in the middest of the market and that he was so sore afraid of stoning that he had a singular care afterward during his whole life to make prouision for victuall And Iosephus in his fifteenth booke of antiquitie saith that Iudea was sore oppressed with scarcitie by reason of continuall drought 29 But here ariseth a question seeing that the miserie was common to all why ought they rather to haue succoured one people then all the rest I answere that for as much as Iudea was impouerished with great destructions of warres and other miseries the men of Antioch were not without cause more mooued with the miseries of the brethren whiche were

least iot of gods glory Whereas he saith that he was deliuered out of the hand of Herod he amplifieth the goodnes and benefit of god by the power of his enimy To the same end tendeth that which he addeth of the Iewes For the greater the number of the enimies was the more excellent was the grace of God toward his seruant for it is a great matter that God alone being fauorable the deadly hatred of al the whol world should come to nought 12 And considering he came into the house of Mary the mother of Iohn whose syrname was Marke where many were gathered and praying 13 And when Peter had knocked at the entry doore a maid came out to harken named Rhode 14 And when she knew Peters voice she opened not the doore for ioy but running in she told that Peter stood without 15 But they said to her Thou art mad But she affirmed more vehemently that is was so But they said it is his Angel 16 But Peter continued knocking When they had opened they saw him and they were astonied 17 But after that he had beckned to them with the hand that they should hold their peace he told them how God had brought him out of prison And he said Tel Iames and the brethren these things And he departed thence and went into an other place 18 After that it was day there was no smal adoe amongst the soldiars what was become of Peter 19 And when Herod had sought him and could not finde him so soone as he knew the matter he commanded the keepers to be carried away 12 Into the house of Mary It appeareth that shee was a matron of rare godlinesse whose house was as it were a certaine temple of God where the brethren did vse to meet togither And Luke saith that there were Many assembled there because seing they could not all meet togither in one place without feare of some tumult they came togither in diuerse places of the citie in companies as they could conueniently For doubtlesse there were other companies gathered togither elsewhere because it is not to be thought that at such time as many of the faithful did giue themselues to praier the Apostles were not in like sort occupied one house could not hold so many And we must alwayes marke the circumstance of time because eueÌ„ in the heat of the enimies cruelty the godly were notwithstaÌ„ding assembled togither For if at any time this exercise be profitable then is it most necessary when hard conflicts approch 15 When he did knocke at the gate Whereas they thinke that the maide is madde which telleth them that Peter was come we gather by this that they did not hope or looke for Peters deliuerance and yet wee will not say that they prayed without faith because they looked for some other successe to witte that Peter being armed with power from heauen shoulde bee readie whether it were by life or death to glorifie God that the flocke being terrified with the violent inuasion of woolues might not be scattered abroad that those that were weake might not faint that the Lord would put away that whirle winde of persecution But in that the Lorde graunteth them more than they hoped for he surpasseth their desires with his infinit goodnes And now that which was done seemeth to them incredible that they may bee the more prouoked to praise his power Matth. 18.10 It is his Angell They call him his Angel who was by God appointed to bee his keeper and the minister of his safetie In which sense Christ saith that the Angels of little ones do alwayes see the face of his father And what do they gather hence commonly That euery particular man hath a particular Angel which taketh charge of him but it is too weak For the scripture doeth sometimes testifie that there is one Angel giuen to a great people Exod. 14.10 2. Kings 6.17 Dan. 10.5.12 Psalm 91.11 Psalm 34.8 and to one man onely a great hoast For Elizeus his seruant had his eies opened so that hee sawe in the aire charriots of fire which were appointed to defend the prophet And in Daniel there is but one Angel of the Persians and one of the Grecians named Neither doeth the Scripture promise to euery man a certaine and peculiar Angel but rather that the Lorde hath charged his Angels to keepe all the faithfull also that they pitch their tents about the godly Therefore that vaine surmise which is common touching the two Angels of euerie man is prophane Let this bee sufficient for vs that the whole hoast of heauen doth watch for the safetie of the Church and that as necessity of time requireth sometimes one Angel sometimes moe doe defende vs with their aide Assuredly this is vnestimable goodnes of God in that he saieth that the Angels who are the beames of his brightnesse are our ministers 17 Tel Iames and the Brethren By Brethren I vnderstand not euery one that was of the Church but the Apostles and elders For though it were requisite that the myracle should be made knowne to all yet will Peter worthily for honors sake haue his fellowes in office to be certified thereof Ecclesiastical writers after Eusebius report that this Iames was one of the disciples but forasmuch as Paul reckoneth him in the number of the three pillars of the Church I doe not thinke that a disciple was aduanced to that dignities and the Apostles set aside Wherefore I doe rather coniecture that this was Iames the son of Alphee whose holinesse was such that it caused the Iewes to wonder at it And there be two reasons for which Peter would haue this ioyfull message brought vnto the brethren to wit that he might ridde them of that care which did vexe them secondly that they might be incouraged with such an example of Gods goodnesse to be the more bold Whereas he passeth into another place I thinke it was done for this cause because forasmuch as the house was well knowne and famous because many of the brethren resorted thither hee might lye hidde elsewhere with lesse daunger Therefore hee sought a place which was not so much suspected of the enimie and that that hee might not onely saue himselfe but also his hostis and others 18 When it was day Luke returneth nowe vnto Herod and the soldiars and he saith that there was no small adoe amongst them For they could not suspect that Peter was taken from them by violence or that he was escaped by some subtill shift Herod examineth the matter afterward as a iudge but when as he perceiued that the soldiars were in no fault he himself is also inforced to be a witnesse of the deliuerance wrought by God Whereas he commandeth them to be carried out of his sight or to be carried to prison we may thereby gather that their faithfulnesse and diligence were approued and seene for if there had beene any suspition of negligence there was punishment prepared for them but

kingdome of heauen For wee gather by this that the miseries of the godly are more happie then be all the doting dainties and delights of the world Therfore let vs remember first that rhis condition is set downe for vs that wee suffer many tribulations yet let vs also remember to adde this to mittigate the bitternes thereof that by them we be brought vnto the kingdome of God Furthermore their babling is friuolous who gather hereby that patience is a work which deserueth eternal saluatioÌ„ seing that the cause of saluation is not in this place handled but after what sort God vseth to handle his in this world and the comfort is added not to extoll the dignitie and merite of workes but onely to encourage the godly that they faint not vnder the burthen of the crosse All mankind as we haue saide before as well one as other is subiect to manie miseries But the afflictions of the reprobate are nothing else to them but the verie entrie of hell but these turne to the saints to an happie and ioyfull end and for them they fall out well and so consequently they bee helpes for saluation because they take part with Christ We must note that Paule and Barnabas being not content with the plurall number doe plainely set downe Many tribulations least any man after he hath suffered one or two or a few doe at length sinke downe Therefore let the faithfull thinke that they must passe through continuall miseries that done let them prepare themselues not for one kind of persecution onely but for diuerse kindes For though God handle some men more courtiously and gently yet doth he pamper none of his so daintily that he is free from all tribulations 23 And when by voices they had ordained them Elders through all Churches hauing prayed with fasting they commended them to the Lorde in whom they had beleeued 24 And passing ouer through Pisidia they came to Pamphilia 25 And when they had spoken the worde at Perga they went downe to Attalia 26 And thence they sailed to Antioch from whence they were commended to the grace of God vnto the worke which they had fulfilled 27 And when they were come when the Church was gathered togither they shewed what great things God had done by them and that he had opened to the Gentiles the doore of faith 28 And they were there no small time with the disciples 23 When they had ordained Elders By this it appeareth sufficiently that it is not ynough if men haue bin once taught the doctrine of godlinesse and to haue the summe of faith vnlesse they go forward continually Therefore Christ did not onely send his Apostles to preach the gospel but he commanded also that there should be Pastours appointed that the preaching of the Gospel might be perpetuall and in daily vse Paul and Barnabas do marke that this order was set downe by Christ when they assigned Pastours to euerie Church least after their departure doctrine should cease and be whisht Furthermore this place teacheth that the Church cannot want an ordinarie ministerie neither can any be counted christians before God but those who during their whol life are willing to learne I take it that those are called Elders in this place who had the office of teaching inioyned them For it appeareth by Paul that some were onely Censors of manners and such as had authoritie to punish enormities Now forasmuch as Luke saith that they were set ouer euery Church 1. Tim. 5.17 the difference betweene their office and the office of the Apostles is gathered hence For the Apostles had no certaine place of abode but they went too and fro to founde newe Churches But Pastours were set and appointed euerie man to his owne Church and were as it were placed to watch ouer their Congregations Had ordained by Election The Greeke worde Cheirotonein doth signifie to decree or ordaine a thing by lifting vp the hands as they vse to doe in the assemblies of the people Notwithstanding the Ecclesiasticall writers doe often vse the word cheirotonia in an other sense to wit for their solemne rite of ordaining which is called in scripture Laying on of hands Furthermore by this manner of speech is verie excellently expressed the right way to ordaine Pastours Paule and Barnabas are saide to choose Elders Doe they this alone by their priuate office nay rather they suffer the matter to be decided by the consent of them all therefore in ordaining Pastours the people had their free election But least there should any tumult arise Paul and Barnabas sit as chiefe moderatours Thus must the decree of the Councell of Loadicia bee vnderstood which forbiddeth that the people haue libertie graunted them to Elect. They hauing prayed with fasting They had a double end and reason of their praier the first that God would direct them with the spirit of wisdome and discretion to choose the best and most meete men For they knewe that they were not furnished with so great wisedome but they might bee deceiued neither did they so much trust to their diligence but that they knew that the principall point did consist in the blessing of god as we see mens iudgements erre daily where the heauenly gouernment is not and that all their labor is nothing worth where the hande of God is not These be the true signes and tokens of the godly to call vpon the Spirit of God that he may gouern their counsels And if so be it this rule be to be obserued in all businesses so often as the gouernement of the Church is in hand which dependeth wholy vpon his will and pleasure we must beware that we attempt nothing vnlesse we haue him for our guide and gouernour And the second end of their prayer was that God would furnish with necessary giftes those Pastours which were chosen For it is a harder matter to fulfill such a function faithfullie as a man ought than that mans strength is sufficient for it Therefore they craue Gods help euen in this part also hauing Paul and Barnabas for their authors They fast likewise that euen that may be a helpe to stir vp the feruentnes of their praiers For we know how great our coldnes is otherwise Not because it is alwaies necessarie that we should pray fasting seing that god doth inuite eueÌ„ those who are ful to giue thanks but when we are vrged by any necessitie to pray more feruently than we vse commonly to doe this is a verie profitable prouokement And now we haue alreadie declared what a weightie matter the choosing of Pastours is wherein the soundnesse of the Churche is handled Wherefore no maruell if Luke write that they vsed extraordinary prayers And it is profitable for vs to marke this vse and other of fasting least we imagine with the Papists that it is a meritorious worke or least wee place the worship of God in it seing it is of it selfe nothing neither is it of any importance with God saue onely

in as much as it is referred vnto another end They committed theÌ„selues to the Lord. We gather hereby first what great care Paul and Barnabas had for the saluation of those who by their industrie were turned vnto the Lord. For they testifie that in this infirmity of the flesh men be subiect to more dangers then that their faith can continue stedfast through his owne strength Therefore this is the only refuge and aid if the Lord keepe them continually whom he hath once receiued And when Luke saith that they were commended to God in whom they beleeued there commeth no small confidence hence vnto vs because he assigneth this office to God as proper to him to saue and defend all those who by true faith haue embraced his word 24 Passing through Pisidia We haue alreadie said that Paul and Barnabas came to Antioch of Pisidia being now about to returne to Antioch of Syria whence they were sent away they go through Pamphilia which is the midle region toward the mount Taurus And Perga Attalia are Cities lying neere togither And whereas Luke saith that they preach the word in the one only wee may thereby guesse that they had not opportunitie offered them euery where to teach which they were wont to neglect or let passe no where 26 When they had bin commended Luke might haue said that they were ordained there to bee the Apostles of the Gentiles but by a circuit of words he doth more plainly expresse that they were neither sent away of men neither did they attempt any thing trusting to their owne strength but that their whol iorney togither with the successe was committed to God the authour thereof Therefore their preaching was no mans worke but a worke of the grace of God And the word Grace is referred as well vnto the power and efficacie of the Spirit as also vnto all the rest of the signes of fauour because all those giftes bee free which God bestoweth vpon his seruants And the sentence may be thus resolued that they praied God that he would shew forth his grace to further the labours of his seruants 27 After they had called the Church togither As those who returne from an embassage vse to giue an account of their Actes so Paule and Barnabas declare to the Church al the sum of their voyage that it may thereby appeare what good successe they had how faithfully they behaued themselues in their office and also that they may exhort the faithful to giue thaÌ„ks to god as the thing it self gaue theÌ„ large matter therfore Luk saith not that they did extol the things which they theÌ„selues had done but whatsoeuer things the Lord had done by them It is word for word With them but according to the phrase of the Hebrew tongue it is all one as if it had beene saide In them or By them or Toward them or simply To them in the Datiue case Therefore Luke doeth not say sun autois but meta autoon which I say for this cause least any vnskilfull man ascribe some part of the praise to Paul and Barnabas as if they had bin partners with God in the worke whereas he doth rather make him the onely author of all those famous factes which they had done Luke addeth immediatly after that the Lord had opened the doore of faith to the Gentiles For though they were sent vnto the Gentiles yet the strangenesse of the matter causeth them to woonder not a little not only the sodaine change did make the Iews astonied but also because it was to them as it were a monster that vnclean meÌ„ such as were strangers from the kingdome of God should be mixed with the holy seede of Abraham that they might both togither make one the same Church of God they are now taught by the euent it selfe that it was not for nothing that there were Apostles sent to them Moreouer it is saide that the doore of faith was set open to the Gentiles not onely because the Gospel was preached to them with the externall voice but because being illuminate by the Spirit of God they were called effectuallie vnto the faith The kingdome of heauen is in deed set open to vs by the externall preaching of the Gospel but no man entreth in saue he to whom God reacheth out his hand no man draweth neere vnlesse he be drawn inwardly by the Spirit Therefore Paul and Barnabas showe and proue by the effect that their calling was approued and ratified by God because the faith of the Gentiles was as it were a seale ingrauen by the hand of God Rom. 16.15 2. Cor. 3.7 ro establish the same as Paul saith CHAP. XV. 1 AND certaine which came down from Iudea did teach the brethren that vnlesse they should be circumcised according to the manner of Moses they could not be saued 2 And when there arose sedition and disputing not a little to Paul and Barnabas against them they appointed that Paul and Barnabas and certaine other of them shoulde goe vp to the Apostles and Elders to Ierusalem about this question 3 And when they were sent by the Church they passed through Phenice and Samaria declaring the conuersion of the Gentiles and they brought great ioy to all the brethren 4 And when they were come to Ierusalem they were receiued of the Church and of the Apostles and Elders and they shewed what things so euer God had done with them 5 And there arose certaine of the sect of the Pharisees which beleeued saying that it was needfull that they should bee circumcised and to declare that the Law of Moses must be kept 1 When Paul and Barnabas had endured many cumbates against the professed enimies of the Gospel Luke doth nowe begin to declare that they were tried by domesticall warre So that it was meete that their doctrine and ministerie should be proued by all meanes to the end it might the better appeare that they were furnished by God and armed against all the assaults of the worlde and Satan For that was no small confirmation for their doctrine in that being shaken and battered with so manie ingines it stood neuerthelesse neither could the course thereof be broken off by so many hinderances Therefore to this ende doeth Paul boast that he suffered fights without and terrors within 2. Cor. 7.5 This historie is most worthie the noting For though we do all naturallie abhor the crosse and all manner persecution yet ciuill domestical discord is more daungerous least happily they discourage vs. When tyrants bend their force and run violently vpon men flesh in deed is afraid al those who are not indued with the spirite of fortitude doe tremble with all their heart but then their consciences are not properly touched with any temptation For this is knowne to be as it were the fatall estate of the Church But when it falleth out so that the brethren go togither by the eares and that the Church is on an vprore

Therefore let vs learne to ioyne togither these two vertues which the Spirit of God commendeth in Paul When he is drawne into the field by the wicked he is not afraid boldly to offer himself but when he doth meekely admit the remedie which was offered hee declareth plainly what small desire he had to fight For otherwise hee might haue boasted that he did not passe for the Apostles so haue stood stoutly in that but the desire of peace did not suffer him to refuse their iudgment Moreouer ignorant and weak men should haue conceiued a sinister opinion if they should haue seene two men only seperated from al the seruants of Christ And godly teachers must in no case neglect this way to cherish faith that they may shew that they agree with the church Paul in deed did not depend vpon the becke of the Apostles that he woulde change his opinion if he should haue found them contrary to him who would not haue giuen place euen to the very Angels Gal. 1.8 as hee boasteth in first Chapt. to the Galathians But least the wicked should slanderously report that he was a man that stoode too much in his owne conceit and which was too proud which did please himself with an vnseemly contempt of all men he offered to giue an account of his doctrine as it became him as it was profitable for the Church Secondly he presented himselfe before the Apostles with sure hope of victorie because he knew full well what would be their iudgement seing they were guided by the same spirit wherewith he was gouerned Notwithstanding it may be demanded for what purpose the men of Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas vnto the rest of the Apostles For if they did so greatly reuerence them that they stood in doubt vntil they had giuen iudgement on this side or that their faith was hitherto vaine and altogither none But the answer is easie Seing they knew that all the Apostles were sent by Christ alone with the same commandements and that they had the same Spirite giuen them they were fully perswaded of the end successe and vndoubtedly this counsel proceeded from honest stout men who were not ignorant that the knaues did falsely pretend the names of Iames Peter Wherfore they sought nothing else but that the Apostles might further a good matter with their consent To the same end were all holy Synods assembled since the beginning that graue men and such as were wel exercised in the worde of God might decide controuersies not after their owne pleasure but according to the authority of God This is worth the noting least the papists pearce any man with their loud outcries who to the end they may ouerthrow Christ and his Gospel and put out all the light of godlines thrust vpon vs Councels as if euery definition determination of men wer to be counted an heauenly oracle But if the holy fathers had their fitting at this day they would cry with one mouth that there was nothing more vnlawful for them neither did they meane any thing lesse than to set downe or deliuer any thing without hauing the word of Christ for their guid who was their onely teacher euen as he is ours I omit this that the Papists leane onely vnto vntimely Councels which breath out nothing but grosse ignorance and Barbarisme But euen the best most choise must be reckened in that number that they may be subiect to the worde of God There is a greeuous complaint of Gregorie Nazianzene extant that there was neuer any Councell which had a good ende What excellencie so euer did florish and was in force in the Church it cannot bee denyed but that it began to decay an hundred yeeres after Therefore if that holy man were nowe liuing how stoutlie woulde hee reiect the toyes of the Papistes who without all shame most impudently bring in the iuglings of visures in steede of lawfull Councels and that to that ende that the worde of God may packe so soone as a few bald and foolish men haue set downe whatsoeuer pleased them 3 Being brought on the way by the Church Where as by the common consent of the Church there were ioined to Paul and Barnabas companions who might for dueties sake conduct them we may therby gather that all the godly were on their side that they did neuer otherwise thinke but that the cause was theirs as well as the Apostles Wherefore they determined the iourney of Paul and Barnabas with like minds as they tooke it in hande to wit that they might tame and put to silence those troublesome spirites who did falsely make boast of the Apostles Whereas he saith shortly after that they certified the brethren in their voyage of the wonderful conuersion of the Gentiles it is a testimony token that they came not to Ierusalem fraught with feare but that they did euen without feare stoutly professe that which they had taught before Therefore they come not to plead their cause before their iudges but that they may with common consent and iudgement on both sides approue that which was commanded by God touching the abolishing of ceremonies For though they did not despise the iugement of the Apostles yet because they knew that it was not lawfull for them neither for the Apostles to decree otherwise concerning the cause it did not become them to stand as men whose matter is handled at the bar thence commeth the boldnes of reioycing To this end tendeth the ioy of the godly wherby they subscribe both to the doctrine of Paul also the calling of the Gentiles 4 They were receiued of the Church By this word Church he meaneth the multitude it selfe and the whole bodie that done he assigneth a peculiar place to the Apostles and Elders by whom Paul and Barnabas were specially receiued Furthermore because the Apostles had no certaine place of abode at Ierusalem but went euer now and then somtimes to one place and somtimes to another whither soeuer occasion did call them that Church had Elders to whom the ordinarie gouernement of the Church was committed Chr. 14.23 and what the one function differeth from the other we haue before declared And hereby it appeareth what brotherly curtesie there was in the Apostles and Elders because they doe not onely courteously receiue Paul and Barnabas but so soone as they heare what successe they had with their paines they tooke they magnifie the grace of God Luke repeateth againe that forme of speech which we had before in the chapter next going before when he saith that they declared whatsoeuer things God had done with them Wherin we must remember that which I said before that God is not made a fellow labourer but all the whole praise of the worke is ascribed to him Therefore it is saide that hee did that with Paul and Barnabas which hee did by them as he is said to deale mercifully with vs when he helpeth our miseries 5

Certaine of the sect of the Pharisees It is not without cause that Luke expresseth what kinde of men they were which went about to trouble or hinder Paul euen at Ierusalem also And it is to bee thought that the euill flowed from that fountaine and that Luke doeth nowe more plainely expresse that there brake out nowe also fannes out of that verie same fect from whence the authours of that wicked dissention came For though they had giuen Christ their names yet there remained reliques of their former nature We knowe howe proude the Pharisees were howe hautie howe loftie their lookes were all which they woulde haue forgotten if they had truely put on Christ like as there remained no phariseisme in Paul but a great part had gotten the habite of stubbernnesse by long custome which they could not shake off so easily by and by Forasmuch as there reigned most of all among them hypocrisie they were too much addicted to external rites which are couerings for vices They were likewise puffed vp with pride so that they did tyrannously couet to make all other men subiect to their decrees It is wel knowne how sore sicke the munks are of both diseases Wherby it commeth to passe that nothing is more cruel than they to oppresse the Church nothing is more wicked or froward then they to despise the word of god Moreouer we see many of them which came out of those dennes which haue cast from them their cowle and yet ã€ˆâ—Šã€‰ they neuer forget those conditions which they learned there 6 And the Apostles and Elders came togither that they might looke to this busines 7 And after there had beene great disputing Peter arose and saide to them Men and brethren yee know how that of old time God did choose in vs that by my mouth the Gentiles should heare the word of the Gospel and beleeue 8 And God who is knower of the hearts bare witnesse to them giuing them his holy Spirit as to vs. 9 And he put no difference betweene them and vs after that by faith he had purified their hearts 10 Therefore why do ye now tempt God to lay a yoke vpon the necks of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to beare 11 But we beleeue that we haue saluation through the grace of our Lorde Iesus Christ euen as they 6 The Apostles and Elders met togither Luke saith not that al the whole Church was gathered togither but those who did excell in doctrine and iudgement and those who according to their office were competent iudges in this matter It may bee in deede that the disputation was had in presense of the people But least any man should thinke that the common people were suffered hande ouer heade to handle the matter Luke doth plainely make mention of the Apostles and Elders as it was more meete that they should heare the matter and to decide it But let vs know that here is prescribed by God a forme and an order in assembling synods when there ariseth any controuersie which cannot otherwise be decided For seing that many did daily gainstand Paul this disputation alone by reason whereof there was great ruine like to ensue and which was alreadie come to hot cumbates did enforce him to go to Ierusalem 7 And when there had bin great disputation Though there were choise made of graue men such as were publike teachers of the Church yet could not they agree by and by Whereby appeareth howe the Lord did exercise his Church euen then by the infirmitie of men that it might learne to bee wise with humilitie Moreouer he suffered euen in that companie and assemblie wherein hee was chiefe the principall point of Christian doctrine to bee diuersly tossed and handled least wee should wonder if at any time it so fall out that men who are otherwise learned and godly doe through vnskilfulnesse fall into an errour For some were not so quicke witted that they could throughly see into the greatnes of the matter So that when they iudge that the law ought to bee kept being vnaduisedly carried away with the zeale of the law they see not into how deepe a laberinth they throw the consciences of other men and their owne also They thought that Circumcision was an eternal vnuiolable token of Gods couenant the same opinion had they of all the whole Lawe Wherefore Peter standeth chiefely vppon this to shewe the state of the question which the most of them knewe not And his oration hath two members For first he proueth by the autority of god that the gentiles must not be enforced to keep the law secondly he teacheth that all mans saluation is ouerthrowne if the conscience be once caught in this snare Therefore the former part wherein he declareth that he was sent of God to teach the Gentiles and that the holy Spirite came downe vpon them tendeth to this end that men did not vnaduisedly disanull the ceremonies of the Law but that God is the author of that disanulling And so soone as the authoritie of God is brought foorth all doubting is taken away because this is all our wisedome to stay our selues vpon the authority gouernment and commandement of God and to make more account of his becke and pleasure then of all reasons Now it is meete that we ponder the words of Peter whereby he proueth that this was granted to the gentiles by God to be free from the yoke of the Law You know He calleth them to beare witnesse and vnto them hee appealeth least any man should thinke that he is about to speake of some darke and doubtfull thing The historie was well knowne to them all That which remained he sheweth that they were blind euen in most cleare light because they do not rightly consider marke the worke of God yea because they had not long agoe learned that which was openly shewed He calleth the beginning of the preaching of the Gospel Old dayes or the old time as if he should say Long agoe as it were since the first beginning of the Church after that Christ began to gather to himselfe any people God did choose in vs. The word Choose doth signifie to apoint or decree Though Peter doth comprehend as wel the free Election of God as the choise whereby God did adopt the Gentiles to be his people Therefore he chose that is as it were making choise that he might shew a token of his free election in the gentiles he would that by my mouth they should heare the doctrin of the gospel These words In vs do import as much as in our sight or we being witnesses or among vs. For his meaning is that he declareth nothing but that which they knew full well to wit which was done before their eies The phrase is common ynough both among the Grecians also among the Hebritians vnlesse we had leffer resolue it as some other do He hath chosen me out of this company And beleeue This was a

applying a remedie doth forthwith rid the minds of his of all perturbation 10 He lay downe vpon him We know that the Apostles in working miracles did sometimes vse certaine externall rites whereby they might giue the glorie to God the authour And nowe whereas Paul doeth stretch himselfe vppon the young man I thinke it was done to no other end saue onely that he might more stirre vp himselfe vnto prayer It is all one as if he should mixe himselfe with the dead man And peraduenture this was done for the imitation of Elizeus of whom the sacred historie doth report the same thing Yet the vehemencie of his affection did more moue him that the emulation of the Prophet For that stretching of himselfe vpon him doeth more prouoke him to craue his life with all his heart at the handes of the Lorde So when he embraceth the bodie of the dead man by this gesture he declared that hee offered it to God to be quickned and out of the text wee may gather that hee did not depart from imbracing it vntill he knew that the life was restored againe Bee yee not troubled We must note that Paul tooke great care principally for this cause least that sorowfull euent should shake the faith of the godlie and should trouble their mindes Neuerthelesse the Lorde did as it were seale vp establishe that last Sermon which Paul made at Troas when he sayeth that his soule is in him hee doeth not denie that he was dead because by this meanes he should extinguish the glorie of the myracle but the meaning of these wordes is that his life was restored through the grace of God I doe not restraine that which followeth to wit that they wer greatly comforted vnto the ioy which they had by reason of the young man which was restored to life but I do also comprehend the confirmation of faith seeing God gaue them such an excellent testimony of his loue 13 When wee had taken shippe It is vncertain why Paul did choose rather to goe by lande whether it were because sayling might be to him troublesome or that as he did passe by hee might visite the brethren I think that hee did then eschew the seas for his healthes sake And his curtesie is greately to bee commended in that he spared hys companions For to what ende did hee suffer them to departe saue onelie that hee might ease them of the trouble So that we see that they did striue among them selues in curtesie and good turnes They were ready and willing to doe their duetie but Paul was so farre from requiring thinges streitly at their handes that of his owne accord and curteously he did remit those dueties which they were readie to doe yea setting aside his own coÌ„modity he coÌ„maÌ„ded them to do that which was for their comfort It is well knowen that the citie Asson is by the describers of countries attributed to Troas The same as Plinie doeth witnesse was called Appolonia They say that it was a free Citie of the Aetolianes 14 And when we were come togither at Asson hauing receiued him we came to Mitylenes 15 And sailing thence the day following we came ouer against Chios and on the morrow we arriued at Samos and hauing tarried at Trogyllium we came to Miletum 16 For Paul purposed to saile beyond Ephesus least he should spend the time in Asia For he made hast if it were possible for him to keepe the day of Pentecost at Ierusalem 17 And hauing sent messengers from miletum to Ephesus he called the Elders of the Church 18 Who when they were come to him he said vnto them Yee know from the first day wherein I entred into Asia how I haue bin with you at all seasons 19 Seruing the Lord with all humilitie of minde with many teares temptations which hapned to me by the laying in wait of the Iewes 20 So that I haue kept nothing back which might bee for your profite but did shew to you and teach you publikely and through euery house 21 Testifiyng both to the Iewes and Grecians the repentance which is towarde God and the faith which is toward our Lord Iesus Christ 16 For Paul purposed It is not to be douted but that he had great weightie causes to make hast not that he made so great account of the day but because strangers did theÌ„ vse to come together to IerusaleÌ„ out of al quarters Forasmuch as he did hope that he might doe som good in such a great assembly he would not foreslow the opportunitie Therfore let vs know that the worship of the law was not the cause that he made so great hast but he set before his eyes the edifying of the church partly that he might shew to the faithfull that the kingdome of Christ was enlarged partly that if there were any as yet strangers from Christ hee might gaine them partly that he might stoppe the mouthes of the wicked NotwithstaÌ„ding we must note that he did in the meane season prouide for other churches For in seÌ„ding for the elders of Ephesus to Miletum he sheweth that he did not neglect Asia And whereas they come together when they be called it is not only a token of concord but also of modestie For they were manie yet doeth it not irke them to obeye one Apostle of Christe whome they knewe to bee indued with singular giftes Moreouer it appereth more plainely by the text that those are called elders not which were gray headed but such as were rulers of the Church And it is an vsual thing almost in all tongues that those be called elders fathers who are appointed to gouern others though their age be not alwaies according 18 Yee knowe Paul in this sermon standeth principally vpon this that he may exhort those pastours of Ephesus by his owne example to doe their duetie faithfully For that is the true kinde of censure and by this meanes is authority purchased to doctrine wheÌ„ the teacher prescribeth nothing which he himselfe hath not done in deed before And it was no vnseemly thing for Paul to speake of his vertues There is nothing lesse tollerable in the seruauntes of Christ then ambyrion and vanity but for as much as all men know full well what modestie and humility was in the holie man hee needed not to feare least he shoulde incurre the suspition of vayne boasting especially seeing that beyng inforced by necessitie he did declare his faithfulnesse and diligence that other might take example thereby He doth in deede greatly extoll his labours patience fortitude and other vertues but to what ende Surely not that he may purchase commendation at the hands of his auditory but that this holy exhortation may pearce more deeply and may sticke fast in their myndes He did also shoote at another marke that his integritie and vprightnesse in dealing might serue afterward to commende his doctrine And he citeth eie witnesses least he seem to speake of things vnknowen I call those

call backe Paul from danger they did rather care for the common safetie of the church then euery man for his owne life For after they had taken the repulse they doe not refuse to take part with him in the same daunger and yet this was a plausible excuse that they were bouÌ„d by no law to be halled to suffer death through one mans stubbornnes And this is truely to bring our affections in subiection to God when we are terrified with no feare but euery one of vs indeuoureth so much as he is able to further that which we know doth please him Also it appeareth more plainly what great ferueÌ„tnes of godlines was in the rest who of their owne accord accompanie him bring him an host whereas notwithstanding they might well haue feared manie discommodities 17 They receiued vs gladly Luke reciteth this therefore that hee may set foorth the equity of the brethren who did not credit rumors false reportes Though many enuious and wicked men did daily one after another endeuour to bring Paul in contempt yet because Iames and hys fellowes in office were well perswaded of his vprightnesse they were not estranged from him Therefore they receiue him now curteously brotherly as a seruaunt of Christe and declare that hee is welcome This moderation must wee obserue diligently that we bee not too hastye to beleeue wicked reports efpecially when those who haue giuen some testimony of their honesty whoÌ„ we haue tried to serue God faithfully are burdened with crimes vnknown to vs or els doubtful because Satan knoweth that nothing is more fit to lay waste the kingdoÌ„ of Christ then discord disagreemeÌ„t amoÌ„g the faithful he ceasseth not to spread abrode false speeches which may cause one to suspect another Therefore we must shut our eares against false reportes that wee may beleeue nothing concerning the faithfull ministers of the word but that which we know to be true 18 All the Elders were present We may gather that out of this place which we had already in the fifteenth chapter So often as any weighty busines was to be handeled the Elders were wont to come togither to the end the coÌ„sultatioÌ„ might be more quiet without the multitude We shal see anon that the people were likewise admitted in their order yet after that the elders had had their secret coÌ„sultation among theÌ„selues 19 And now Paul sheweth his modesty when he doth not make him self the Author of those things which he had done but giuing the praise to God doth cal himself onlie the minister whose industry God had vsed As we must graunt that whatsoeuer thing is excellent and woorthy praise it is not done by our owne power but for as much as GOD doth woorke in vs especially touching the edifying of the church Again it appeareth how farre off the elders were from enuy when they glorifie God for the ioyful successe But because mention is made of no other Apostle besides Iames we may coniect that they were gone into diuers places to spread abroade and preach the Gospel as their calling did require For the Lord had not appointed them to stay stil at Ierusalem but after they had made a beginning there he commandeth them to goe into Iudea and other partes of the world Moreouer the errour of those men who thinke that Iames was one of the disciples whoÌ„ Paul numbreth among the three pillers of the church is refuted before in the fifteenth chapter And thogh the same commandement was giuen to him which was giuen to the rest of his fellowes in office yet I do not doubt but that they did so diuide them selues that Iames stood stil at Ierusalem whither many strangers were woont daily to resort For that was all one as if he had preached the Gospel farre and wide in strange places Thou seest brother how many thousands This Oration or speeche hath two members For first the Elders say that so many of the Iewes as were conuerted seing they be earnest folowers of the law are euil affected towarde Paul because they thinke that hee indeuoureth wyth might and mayne to abolishe the lawe Secondly they exhort hym that making a solemne vowe he purge himselfe that he may not be had in suspition anie longer They obiect to Paul the multitude of beleeuers that he may the more willingly yeeld to them For if they had byn a few stubborne fellowes he would not haue bin so muche moued But now he may not neglect both much people and the whole bodie of the Church Vndoubtedly that zeale of the law which was in them was corrupt and assuredly eueÌ„ the very elders declare sufficieÌ„tly that they like it not For thogh they do not condemn it openly neither sharply complaine of the same yet bicause they separat theÌ„selues from their affectioÌ„ they secretly confesse that they erre If it had been a zeale according to knowledge it ought to haue begun at them but they contend not for the law it self neither do they pretend the due reuerence therof neither do they subscribe to those who are earnest followers of it Therefore they both signifie that they are of another mind and also that they doe not allow the superstition of the people Notwithstanding it is obiected that they saie that Paul was burdened with a false report or slaunder Againe when they require at his hands satisfaction they seem to nourish that zeale I answere that though that were a true report in some respect wherewith the Iewes were offended yet was it mixed with a slaunder Paul did so teach the abrogating of the law that notwithstanding by this meanes the authority therof did not only continue sound and perfect but it was more holie For as we said in the 7. chapter the ceremonies should be vayne vnlesse the effect thereof had beene shewed in Christ Therefore those who say that they were abolished by the coÌ„ming of Christ are so farre from being blasphemous against the lawe that they rather confirme the trueth thereof We must consider two thinges in ceremonies the trueth whereto is annexed the efficacie secondly the externall vse Furthermore the abrogating of the external vse which Christ brought dependeth herevpon in that he is the sound body that nothing was shadowed in times past which is not fulfilled in him This diffreth much from the falling away from the law to shew the true ende thereof that the figures may haue an end and that the spirituall trueth thereof may alwaies be in force Wherefore we see that they were malitious and vniust interpreters who laid Apostacie to Paul his charge though he dyd call awaie the faithfull from the externall woorshippe of the Lawe And whereas they command Paul to make a vowe to that ende that he may proue himselfe to be a keeper of the lawe it tendeth to no other ende sauing that he may testifie that he doth not detest the Lawe like a wicked Apostata who did himselfe shake off the Lordes yoke and moue

of the apostles is set forth vnto vs for an example least being ouercome either with any perils or threatnings or terrors we leape back from that profession of faith which the Lord requireth at our hands And moreouer let vs coÌ„fort our selues with this that wee need not to doubt but that the Lord wil giue prosperous successe wheÌ„ we haue done our duty faithfully 1 And as they spake Hereby it appeareth how watchful the wicked be because they are alwaies ready at an inch to stop the mouth of the seruants of Christ And vndoutedly they came together as it were to queÌ„ch some great fire Which thing Luke signifieth when as hee saith that the ruler or captain of the temple came also and hee addeth moreouer that they tooke it greeuously that the apostles did teach Therfore they came not vpon theÌ„ by chaunce but of set purpose that according to their authoritie they might restrain the apostles put them to silence And yet they haue some shew of law equitie For if any man did rashly intrude himself it was the office of the high priest to represse him also in like sort to keep the people in the obedience of the law the prophets to preuent all new doctrines Therfore when they heare vnknowen men such as had no publik authority preaching vnto the people in the teÌ„ple they seeme according as their office did require they were commanded by God to adresse themselues to remedie this And surely at the first blush it seemeth that there was nothing in this action worthie of reprehension but the end doth at length declare that their counsell was wicked their affection vngodly Againe it was an hard matter for the Apostles to escape infamie and reproch because they being priuate despised persons did take vpon theÌ„ publike authority To wit because when things are out of order many things must be assaied contrary to the coÌ„mon custome especially when we are to auouch defend religion the worship of God the ringleaders theÌ„selues do stop alwayes doe abuse that office against God which was committed vnto them by god The faithfull chaÌ„pions of Christe must swallow vp passe through this ignominy in poperie For a thousand sommers will go ouer their heads before any reformation or amendment will wex ripe amongst them for the better Therfor Luke standeth vpon this point when as he saith that they were greeued because the resurrectioÌ„ was preached in the name of Christ For hereupon it foloweth that they did hate the doctrine before they knew the same He expresseth the Saduces by name as those which were more couragious in this cause For they were almost a part of the Priests but because the question is about the resurrection they set them selues against the apostles more thaÌ„ the rest Furthermore this was most monstrous confusion amongest the Iewes in that this sect which was so profane was of such authority For what godlines could remaine wheÌ„ as the immortalitie of the soul was couÌ„ted as a fable that freely But meÌ„ must needs run headloÌ„g after this sort wheÌ„ they haue once suffred pure doctrin to fal to the ground amongst theÌ„ Wherfore we must so much the more diligently beware of euerie wicked turning a side least suche a step downe follow immediately Some men thinke that the ruler of the temple was chosen from among the priestes but I doe rather thinke that he was some chiefe captaine of the Roman armie For it was a place which was fortified both naturally and artificially Again Herod had builded a tower there which was called Antonia So that it is to be thought that he had placed there a band of souldiers and that the Romaine Captaine had the gouernment of the Temple least it should be a place of refuge for the Iewes if they had stirred vppe any tumult which wee may likewise gather out of Iosephus And this agreeth very wel that the enemies of Christ did craue the help of the secular power vnder colour of appeasing some tumult In the meane season they seeke fauour at the handes of the Romanes as if they were carefull to maintaine the right of their empire 4 And many of them which heard The Apostles are put in prison but the force of their preaching is spread farre and wide and the course therof is at libertie Of which thing Paule boasteth very much that the worde of God is not bound with him And here we see that Satan the wicked haue libertie graunted them to rage against the childreÌ„ of God yet caÌ„ they not maugre their heads preuaile but that god doth further and promote the kingdome of his sonne Christ doth gather togeather his sheepe and that a few men vnarmed furnished with no garrisons do shew foorth more power in their voice alone than al the whole world by raging against theÌ„ This is in deed no common work of God that one sermon brought foorth such plentifull frute but this is the more to be wondered at that the faithfull are not terrified with the present daunger and discouraged from taking vp the crosse of Christe together with the faith For this was a hard beginning for nouices Christ did more euideÌ„tlie declare by this efficacie and force of doctrine that he was aliue than if he should haue offered his bodie to be handeled with hand and to be seen with the eyes And wheras it is said that the number of those which beleeued did growe to be about fiue thousand I do not vnderstand it of those which were newly added but of the whole church 5 And it came to passe that the next day their rulers and elders Scribes werâ— gathered together at Ierusalem 6 And Annas the highest priest and Caiphas and Iohn and Alexander and so many as were of the kinred of the priestes 7 And when they had set them before them they asked them In what power or in what name haue ye done that 8 Then Peter being filled with the holy Ghost said vnto them Yee rulers of the people and elders of Israel 9 If we be iudged this day for healing the man which was lame by what meanâ— he is made whole 10 Be it knowen vnto you all and to all the people of Israel that in the name of Iesus Christ of Nazareth whom ye haue crucified whom God hath raised vppe from the dead this man standeth before you whole 11 This is the stone which was refused of you the builders it is placed in the head of the corner 12 Neither is there saluation in any other Neither is there any other name giuen vnder heauen vnto men wherein we must be saued 5 It is a thing worthie to be noted in this place that the wicked do omit no subtiltie that they may blot out the Gospell and the name of Christ yet do they not obtain that which they hoped for because god doth make their counsels frustrate For they make an assemblie wherein

by God to be witnesses they may not giue back but they must publish that which he hath commaunded And also the spirit They confirm their calling by the effect For this was as a seale to approue their doctrine seeing that God gaue the holie Spirit to those which beleeued For as much as it appeared manifestly by this that hee allowed the faith of the Gospel and it was acceptable to him In that they say to those which obey him I referre it vnto Christ as if they shuld haue said Those which beleeue in Christ are plentifully rewarded for their obedieÌ„ce Therfore god wil haue Christ obeied wherfore eueÌ„ our ministerie doth please him in that thing Yet here may a questioÌ„ be moued seing that we haue faith by the reuelatioÌ„ of the spirit how is it said in this place that the same is giueÌ„ after faith I answer that the gift of tongues of prophesie of interpretation of healing and suche like are spoken of in this place wherwith god did beautifie his Church As Paul saith wher he asketh the GalathiaÌ„s Whether they receiued the Spirit by the law or by the hearing of faith Therfore the illumination of the spirit goth before faith bicause it is the cause therof Gal. 3.2 Mat. 13.12 but there folow other graces afterward that we may go forward according to that To him that hath shal be giueÌ„ And if we will be enriched euer now then with new giftes of the Spirite let vs holde out vnto God the lappe of faith But the reward wherwith our want of faith is rewarded at this day is farre vnlike for the most part beeing destitute of the Spirite of God doth neither see nor vnderstand any thing 33 They were cut insunder The Priestes ought to haue beene thorowly moued though they had had harts of yron but they burst WheÌ„ce we gather that no reasons can preuaile with the reprobate to bring theÌ„ vnto the obedience of Christe For vnlesse God speake within the outward doctrine shall be able to doe nothing els but to beat the eares The Apostles were able so to ouercome their enemies that they shoulde not haue hadde one worde to say but their furie was so vntamed and vnbrideled that they do rather goe madde Yet wee must therewithall note the force of the worde because although the reprobate are not thereby changed that they may become better yet it pearceth into their harts so that it vrgeth their consciences For thence springeth their furie because they saw themselues vrged by their iudge They woulde gladly mocke all the Gospell as they attempt whatsoeuer they canne that they may count it as nothing but there is in the same a certaine hidden maiestie which driueth away mightilie all their delicacie And chieflie when they are cited by the sounde of the trumpet to appeare before the iudgement seat of GOD then appeareth their madnesse and rage 34 And a certaine Pharisee named Gamaliel a doctor of the lawe pretious to all the people rising in the councell commaunded the Apostles to be carried out a little space 35 Then he said vnto them Men of Israel take heed to your selues what yee intend to do touching these men 36 For before these dayes there arose one Theudas saying that he was som great man to whom consented a number of men about foure hundreth who perished they were all scattered abroad which hadde obeied him and were brought to nought 37 After him arose one Iudas of Galile in the dayes of the tribute and led away much people after him and he likewise perished and al which had obeyed him were scattered abroad 38 Now therfore I say vnto you Abstain from these men and let them alone For if this counsell or this worke be of men it shall come to nought 39 But if it be of god you cannot destroy it least at any time ye be found to fight with God 34 Luke sheweth nowe after what manner God brought to nought that furie of the wicked They were purposed to put the Apostles to death Gamaliel standeth vp amidst theÌ„ to break off that mad consultation Furthermore hee noteth the circumstaunces to the ende wee may knowe how it could be that one man could preuaile so much against so many Hee saieth hee was a Pharisee which sect was in great estimation as we knowe Hee saieth that hee was in price or honoured amongest the people And they feared the people Heereby it commeth to passe that they are the more afraide to doe anye thinge contrary to his minde So God doeth oftentimes set suddain terrors against his enemies when they looke not for them to staye their violence Furthermore Gamaliel commaundeth the Apostles to goe aside least they should be the more imboldned by his words For we must not think that he spake thus because he did allowe the doctrine of the Gospel or that he meant to defende the same but because he saw all the rest enflamed with furie hee being a man moderate and courteous doeth with sober speech temper that excesse But if we consider all things well this iudgement and opinion is vnmeete for a wise man I knowe that many count it as an Oracle but it appeareth sufficiently heereby that they iudge amisse because by this meanes men should abstain from al punishments neither were any wicked fact any longer to be corrected Yea all helpes of life were to be refused which we cannot prolong one moment Both things are true that no indeuours of men can destroy that which is of God and that that which is of men is not so stronge that it can stande But he gathereth amisse hence that men must sit still and say nothing in the meane season We must rather marke what God commaundeth vs to doe and he will haue vs to restraine wickednes To this ende hath he appointed Magistrates and armed them with the sword To this end hath he set Elders ouer his Church to bring the froward in order and that they may not suffer sinne licentiously to rage without punishment Therefore it is gathered amisse that wee must refraine from punishing because God is sufficient of himselfe to take away euils Although his whole counsell is such Gamaliel willeth the Scribes and Elders to take heed that they make not open warre against God And he speaketh as it were touching a doubtfull matter Whereby it appeareth that he hath no certaintie from the foundation when as he doubteth in the qualitie of the cause neither dare set downe whether it be good or euil but doth onely commaund to deferre it for a time vntill the cause appeare more plainely In summe Gamaliel fetteth an euill consequent from true grounds because he applieth that amisse vnto the externall office and manner of doing which ought to serue for faith onely On the other side let this bee our Logike That which is of God must needes stande though all the whole world say nay therefore faith must stand without all feare against all the assaults of

that God may reconcile men to himselfe being renued by his Spirite The worde Repentaunce alone is expressed in this place but when he addeth vnto life it appeareth plainly that it is not separated from faith Therefore whosoeuer will rightly profit in the gospel let him put off the old man and thinke vpon newnesse of life that done let him know for a certaintie that he is not called in vain vnto repentance Ephe. 4.22 but that there is saluation prepared for him in Christ So shall it come to passe that the hope assurance of saluation shall rest vpoÌ„ the free mercie of god alone that the forgiuenes of sins shall notwithstanding be no cause of sluggish securitie This member to giue repentance may be expouÌ„ded two maner of wayes either that God graunted to the Gentiles place for repentaunce when as hee would haue his gospel preached to them or that he circumcised their heartes by his Spirite as Moses saith and made them fleshy harts of stonie hearts as saith Ezechiel For it is a worke proper to God alone to fashion Deut. 30.6 Eze. 11.9 and to beget men againe that they may begin to bee new creatures and it agreeth better with this second sense it is not so much racked and it agreeth better with the phrase of scripture 19 Those therfore which were dispersed by reason of the tribulation which happened about Steeuen went into Phenicia and Cyprus and Antioch speaking the word to none saue only to the Iewes 20 And there were certain of them men of Cyprus and Cyrena who entering into Antioch spake with the Grecians preaching the Lord Iesus 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them Therfore a great number when they beleeued were turned vnto the Lord. 22 And the tidings of them came vnto the eares of the church which was at Ierusalem and they sent Barnabas that he might goe to Antioch 23 Who when he was come and had seen the grace of god he reioyced and did exhort all that with purpose of heart they would continue cleeuing to the Lord. 24 Because he was a good man and full of the holy ghost and faith And there was a great multitude added vnto the Lord. 19 Those which were scattered abroad Luke returneth now vnto the former historie vnto that which folowed in the same For he had said before that after that Steeuen was slain the crueltie of the wicked increased many fled hither thither for feare so that the Apostles were almost left alone at IerusaleÌ„ wheÌ„as the church was thus torn in peeces feare did cause those which were fled to keep silence or els contempt of strangers He declareth that that euent did folow which no man woulde haue hoped for for as the seed is sowen that it may bring foorth frute so it came to passe through their flight scattering abroad that the gospel was spred abroad in nations which were farre of which was included before within the walles of one citie as in a barne In like sort it came to passe that the name of Christ passing ouer mountains seas did flow euen vnto the farthest parts of the world And by this meanes according to the prophesie of Esay the consumption did abound in righteousnes If so many godly meÌ„ had not been expelled out of Ierusalem Cyprus had heard nothing Phenicia had heard nothing of Christ yea Italy Spain which wer farther off had heard nothing But the Lord brought to passe that of many torne meÌ„bers did arise mo bodies For how came it to passe that there were churches gathered at Rome at Puteolum saue onely because a few exiled men such as fled away had hrought the Gospell thither with them And as God did at that time make the indeuours of Satan frustrate after a wonderfull sort so we need not doubt but that euen at this day he will make to himself triumphes of the crosse and persecution that the church may better grow together though it be scattered abroad Phenicia ioyneth to Syria is nigh to Galilee Antioch is a most famous citie of Syria at which part it is ioyned to Cilicia Speaking to none Peraduenture they were letted not only with fear of persecutioÌ„ that they durst not speake to the Gentiles but also with that foolish religion Mar. 16.15 in that they thought that the childrens bread was throwen to the dogs wheras notwithstanding Christ had commanded that the gospel should be preached to all the world after his resurrection 20 Luke doth at length declare that certain of theÌ„ brought this treasure euen vnto the Gentiles And Luke calleth these Grecians not ellenes but ellenistai Therfore some say that those came of the Iewes yet did they inhabit Grecia which I do not allow For seing the Iewes whom he meÌ„tioned a little before wer partly of Cyprus they must needs be reckoned in that nuÌ„ber because the Iewes count Cyprus a part of Grecia But Luke distinguisheth theÌ„ froÌ„ those whom he calleth afterward ellenistas Furthermore forasmuch as hee had saide that the worde was preached at the beginning only to the Iewes he ment those who being banished out of their owne countrie did liue in Cyprus Phenicia correcting as it were this exception he saith that some of them did teach the Grecians This contrarietie doth cause me to expound it of the Gentiles For Luke his meaning is that a few did more freely preach the Gospell because the calling of the Gentiles was not vnknowen to theÌ„ But the constancie of them all deserueth no small prayse because being deliuered as it were out of the midst of death they are not afraid to do their dutie toward God euen with danger whence we gather to what end how far foorth christians may flie persecution to wit that they may spende the residue of their life in spreading abroad the glory of God If any man demaund how it came to passe that strangers lately comming and such as might haue bin suspected among all the Iewes hated of them because they were banished out of Ierusalem were so bold I answeare that this came to passe through the singular motion of God that they consulted together sodainly according to the occasion offered them For this deliberation is not of flesh and blood 21 The hand of the Lord was Luke proueth by the successe that the gospel was offered vnto the Gentiles also by the brethren of Cyprus Cyrenea not rashly nor vnaduisedly because their labour was frutefull and profitable But such increase should neuer haue folowed vnlesse god had commaunded fauoured Therfore it followeth that it pleased god that the Gententiles should be called The hand as it is wel knoweÌ„ doth signifie power strength Therfore this is Luke his meaning that god did testifie by his present aid that the Gentiles were called together with the Iewes through his directioÌ„ to be made partakers of the grace of Christ And this blessing of God serued not

a little to confirme the minds of all men This place did also teach vs that what paines soeuer the ministers of God take in teaching it shal be all vaine and voide vnlesse God blesse their labours from heauen 1. Cor. 3. For we may plant and water as Paule teacheth but the encrease commeth from God alone in whose hande the hearts of men are that he may bend and frame the same at his pleasure Therefore as often as we are to intreate of faith let vs alwayes remember this speech that God wrought by his ministers and that hee made their doctrine effectuall by his hand that is by the secrete inspiration of the Spirite Therefore let the minister attempt nothing trusting to his owne wit and industrie but let him commit his labour to the Lord vpon whose grace the whole successe dependeth and where doctrine shall worke effectually let those which shal beleeue thank god for their faith Furthermore we must note that which Luke saith that many were turned vnto god by faith because he doth very well expresse the force and nature of faith that it is not idle and cold but such as restoreth meÌ„ who were before turned away from god vnto his gouernment and bindeth them vnto his righteousnesse 22 And the tidinges If this report had been brought before Peter did excuse himselfe those good men should haue been reproued of manye whose ministerie notwithstanding god had sealed with the grace of his Spirit but that superstition was now wiped away out of their minds forasmuch as god had by euident signes declared that no nation ought to be counted profane Therefore they contend no longer neither doe they count it a point of rashnesse that som durst preach Christ vnto the gentiles but by sending helpe they testifie that they allowe that which they had done Furthermore this was the cause why they sent Barnabas The Apostles did at that time beare all the burden of the kingdome of Christ therefore it was their dutie to frame and set in order churches euerie where to keepe all the faithfull wheresoeuer dispearsed in the pure consent of faithe to appoint ministers and pastours wheresoeuer there was any number of the faithfull The craftie wilinesse of Satan is well knowen so soone as he seeth a gate set open for the gospel he indeuoureth by al meanes to corrupt that which is sincere whereby it came to passe that diuers heresies brake out togeather with Christes doctrine Therefore the greater giftes euery Churche hath the more careful ã€ˆâ€¦ã€‰ it to be least Satan mixe or trouble any thing amongst the ig ã€ˆâ€¦ã€‰ and those who are not as yet established in the right faith be ã€ˆâ€¦ã€‰ the â€¦ est matter in the worlde to corrupt corne in the blade ã€ˆâ€¦ã€‰ â€¦ abas was sent to bring them farther forwarde in the ã€ˆâ€¦ã€‰ set things in some certaine order to giue the building which was ã€ˆâ€¦ã€‰ some forme that there might be a lawfull state of the church 23 When he ã€ˆâ€¦ã€‰ the grace of God By these wordes Luke teacheth first that the goâ—pel which they had receiued was true secondly that Barnabas souâ—â—t nothing els but the glorie of Christ For when he saith that he saw the grace of â—od that he exhorted them to goe forward hereby we gather that they were wel taught And the ioy is a testimonie of sincere godlines Ambicion is euermore enuious malicious so that we see many seeke for prayse by reprouing other men because they are more desirous of their owne glory then of the glory of Christ But the faithfull seruants of Christ must reioice as did Barnabas when they see the gospel encrease by whomsoeuer God shall make his name knowen And assuredly those which help one another so that they acknowledge that all the effect which springeth thence is the worke of God wil neuer enuie one another neither will they seeke to carpe one another but will with one mouth and minde prayse the power of God Againe this is worth the noting that Luke doth artribute the faith of the men of Antioch and whatsoeuer was worthie praise there to the grace of God He might haue reckoned vp all those vertues which might make for the commendation of men but hee comprehendeth what excellencie soeuer was in that church vnder this word grace Lastly we must note Barnabas his exhortatioÌ„ We haue alreadie said that Barnabas did subscribe to the former doctrine which they had embraced but least doctrine fal away it is most requisite that it be throughly imprinted in the minds of the faithfull by continuall exhortations For seeing that we haue to encouÌ„ter coÌ„tinually with so many such strong aduersaries our mindes are so slipperie vnlesse euerie man arme himselfe diligently it wil by by fall away which thing infinite numbers doe shew to be true by their falling away Whereas he setteth downe this manner of perseuerance that they continue with purpose of hearte wee are hereby taught that faith hath taken deepe roote then when it hath a place in the hearte Wherefore it is no maruell if scarce one of tenne of those who professe faith doe stand vnto the end seing that verie few know what the affection and purpose of heart meaneth 24 For he was a good man Barnabas is commended with the commendation of the holy Ghost yet we must knowe that there was respect had not so much of him as of vs. For all those are condemned of vngodlinesse and malice who enuie other mens labours and are grieued when they see the same haue good successe Also wee must note the Epithites vsed in the description of a good man full of the holy Ghost full of faith For after that hee had said that hee was an vpright and good man he sheweth from what fountaine this goodnesse did flowe that abandoning the affections of the flesh hee did with all his heart imbrace godlines hauing the spirit to be his guide But why doth he separate faith from the Spirite whose gift it is I aunswere that it is not named seuerallie as if it were a diuers thing but it is rather set foorth as a principal token whereby it might appeare that Barnabas was full of the holy ghost There was a great multitude added Though the number of the godlie was alredie great yet Luke saith that it increased by Barnabas his comming Thus doth the building of the church go forward when one doth helpe another with mutuall consent and one doeth gently allowe that which another hath begun 25 And Barnabas went to Tarsus to seeke Saul 26 And when he had found him he brought him to Antioch And it hapned that they liued a whole yeere in the church did teach a great multitude so that at Antioch the disciples were first called christians 25 Barnabas his simplicitie is commended to vs nowe the seconde time that whereas he might haue borne the chiefest swinge at Antioch yet went he into Cilicia that he might fet Paull thence who hee knewe should

the cause why he doeth not let them go free was partly rage mixed with tyrannous crueltie and partly shamefastnesse Though some expound it otherwise that he commanded that they should be punished forthwith And whether being angrie he deliuered them to the hangman or he was content to punish them with perpetuall imprisonment it is assuredly an excellent example of blindnes that whereas he ought to perceiue the power of God yea though his eyes were shut yet doth he not bend neither doth he waxe more meeke but proceedeth to resist God of obstinate malice thus doth Satan depriue the wicked of vnderstanding that in seing they see not and the Lord by smiting them with this horrible amasednesse doeth iustly reuenge himselfe and his Church And descending from Iudea to Caesarea he staied there 20 And Herod was offended with those of Tyre and Sidon But they came vnto him with one consent and perswading Blastus the chamberlaine to the King they required peace because their countrie was nourished by the Kings countrie 21 And vpon a day appointed Herod arayed himselfe in royall apparel and sitting vpon his throne he made an oration vnto them 22 And the people cried it is the voice of God and not of man 23 And streightway the Angel of the Lord smote him because he gaue not the glorie to God and being eaten of wormes he died 24 Furthermore the word of God did encrease and multiply 25 And Barnabas and Paul returned from Ierusalem to Antioch hauing finished their office taking Iohn with them which was called Marke 20 A worthy historie which doth not onely shew as it were in a glasse what end is prepared for the enimies of the Church but also how greatly God hateth pride The scripture saieth that God resisteth the proud God himselfe did shew a liuely image thereof in the person of Herod 1. Pet. 5.5 And assuredly men cannot extoll themselues higher than becommeth them but they shall make warre with God who to the end he may surpasse all commaundeth all flesh to keepe silence And if God did so sharply punish pride in a king whom prosperitie did puffe vp what shal become of those of the commoÌ„ sort who are ridiculously puffed vp without cause Furthermore we must note the course of the historie that all things go wel with Herod after that he had miserably vexed the church he enforced the nations round about him being tamed with hunger to come to craue pardon vppon their knees as if God had rewarded him well for his wicked furie This was no smal trial for the godly who might haue thought thus with themselues that God cared not for them and they were afraid least with Herods power his tyranny crueltie should encrease But the Lord had another purpose for he set the oppressor of his Church on high that he might haue the greater fall Therefore that shadowish felicitie wherein he delighted too much was vnto him a certaine fatting against the day of slaughter In like sort when at this day we see the bloody enimies of the Church carried vp vpon the wings of fortune into heauen Pro. 16.18 12. there is no cause why we should be discoraged but let vs rather cal to minde that saying of Salomon Pride goeth before calamitie and the heart is lifted vp before a fall Herod was displeased Luke vseth the compound participle Thumomachon which signifieth priuie grudging or hatred Therefore Herod did not make open war against those cities but such was his displeasure that he assaied to subdue them by pollicie as it were by vnderminding them by litle and litle It is a rare matter saith Demosthenes for free cities to agree with Monarches Moreouer Herod was naturally cruel bold of vnsatiable couetousnesse and it is not to be doubted but that Tyrus and Sidon were as it were certaine barres or railes to stay his furie as they were welthy cities vnaccustomed to beare the yoke Also the remembrance of their old glory might haue incouraged them forasmuch as pride commeth commonly of wealth it is no maruell if these two cities were proud Isai 23.8 Iob. 12. the one whereof Isaias calleth Queene of the seas whose marchants he said were kings and her chapmen Dukes Also he saieth elsewhere that Sidon was become proud by reason of her wealth And although they had sundrie times bin brought almost to vtter ruine yet the commodiousnes of their situation did shortly restore them to their wonted state Hereby it came to passe that they could more hardly digest Agrippa of late a base fellow a man of no estimation one who had bin let out of prison especially seing that he behaued himselfe so cruelly toward his own subiects was troblesome and iniurious to his neighbors Forasmuch as their countrie was nourished It had not bin good for him to haue assailed the men of Tyre and Sidon with open warre therefore he giueth commandement that there should no corne nor victuall be caried out of his realme By this meanes did he without any army besiege them by little and little For the borders of both cities were strait and their ground barren whereas there was a great people to be fed Therefore after that they were tamed with hunger they humblie craue peace and that not free for assuredly they had some lawes giuen them and it is to be thought that this Blastus mentioned by Luke was not with bare words perswaded but with rewards woone to intreat the peace I know not why Erasmus did thinke it good to translate this place otherwise than the words import 21 Vpon an appointed day Luke saith that the men of Tyrus and Sidon had peace granted them because this was the occasion of the kings oration without doubt that he might make them his vnderlings hereafter The same history is extant in Iosephus in his nineteenth booke of Antiquities saue only that he calleth him euery where Agrippa whom Luke calleth Herod It is to be thought that Agrippa was his proper name that he was called by none other name so long as he was a priuate man but after that he was aduanced to be a king he tooke to himself princely dignitie according to the name of his grandfather Iosephus Luke agree togither wonderfully in the thing it self and in all circumstances First they agree concerning the place Iosephus saith that his garment was imbroidered with gold on which when the sunne beames light it did glister again that this was the cause which moued the courteours to call him a God that he was sodainly wounded also that there was seene an Owle sitting vppon a cord ouer his head which cord did prognosticate his ruine And he is so far from doubting that his sacrilegious pride was punished with this kind of punishment that he saith that he confessed the same openly amidst his cruel torments Behold me whom you call a God I am enforced to finish my life most miserablie There is no mention made there of

the peace made with those of Tyrus Sidon but that he made and set forth plaies in honour of Cesar But it may be that the solemnitie of the plaies was appointed in respect of the peace concluded which we know was a solemne thing 23 Forthwith he smote him As before the Angel was a minister of gods grace in the deliuery of Peter so now he taketh vengeance vpon Herod And God doth sometimes vse the ministery of Angels in heauen in punishing but somtimes he maketh the diuels as hangmen 1. Sam. 16.14 Iob. 1.11 2.7 Exo. 12.29 by whose hand he executeth his iudgements And this doth he as wel toward his faithful seruants as toward the reprobate Saul was troubled and vexed by satan but the same did also befal holy Iob. In the Psalm the punishments wherewith God doth chasten the wicked are attributed to the euil Angels yet we see how the Angel which had the gouernment of the safetie of the Church smiteth the Egyptians in the first begotten although the scripture calleth the wicked spirits Gods spirits because they are obedient to his commandemeÌ„t though ful sore against their wil. But wher the epithite Euil is not added as in this place we must vnderstand the angel which doth willingly obey God and yet the shape of the Owle whereof Iosephus maketh mention did rather serue to figure the diuel than an heauenly Angel Furthermore I dare not affirme for a suretie what maner disease that was The word which Luke vseth doth signifie that he was eaten vp of wormes Many coniect that it was a lousie disease This is certaine that euen when he was yet aliue he was corrupt with stinke rottennes so that he was as it were a liuing carcase So that he was not onely vexed with cruel torments but also made a laughing stocke to all men of al men reuiled For God intended to make choise of a kind of punishment wherwith he might oppres the cruelty of a proud man with extrem ignominy If he had bin ouercom of som great valiant army had bin brought to pouerty the iudgment of god had not bin so marked and this had bin an honest and princely chastisement but forasmuch as he abhorreth lice and wormes and this filthines commeth out of his body Exo. 8.17.24 which doth kill him by eating him vp he is handled according to his deserts In like sort Pharao forasmuch as he did so oft exalt himself against God with vntamed pride he was not orderly assailed by some prince that did border vpon him but Locusts and caterpillars were gods warriars to make warre against him for the more proudly a man exalteth himself the more doth he deserue to be cast downe of God into the lowest hell with shame and reproch This is the reason why he set this feigned God Herod to be eaten vp of wormes which he was at length enforced to grant when he said Behold me whom ye saluted as a God I die myserablie Such a manifest example of horrible vengance in a kings person ought to terrifie vs not a little from presuming to take to our selues more than we ought and that we doe not suffer our selues to be made drunke with the false commendation and flattery of men as with deadly poison Because he gaue not the glorie to God He is condemned of sacrilege not only because he suffered himself to be called god but because forgetting himselfe he tooke to himselfe the honor due to God We do not reade that the king of Babilon was thus extolled and yet the Prophet vpbraideth to him that he went about to make himself equal with God Therfore this sacrilege is a common fault in all proud men Isai 14 13.14 because by taking to themselues more than they ought they darken the glory of God and so like gyants so much as euer they are able they indeuor to pluck God out of his seat Howsoeuer they do not vsurpe the title of God neither openly boast with their mouth that they are gods yet because they take to themselues that which is proper to God they desire to be and to be accounted gods hauing brought him vnder Furthermore the Prophet pointeth out the beginning of this euill in one word when he bringeth in Nabucadonezer speaking on this wise Isai 14. I will go vp Wherefore there is but one remedie if euery one keepe himselfe in that degree wherein he is placed Let those who are base and castawayes not desire to climbe higher let kings and those who are aboue others remember that they are mortall and let them modestly submit their highnes to God And we must note that it is not ynough if men giue to God onely halfe the honor which is due to him who chalengeth all that wholly which is his owne if they submit themselues but in part whom he will haue to be throughly humbled Now forasmuch as the Scripture dispoileth vs quite of all praise of wisedome vertue and righteousnes there is no one of vs that can take to himselfe the least iot of glory without sacrilegious robbing of God And it is a wonder that seing the Scripture pronounceth that all those make as it were open war against God which exalt themselues and we do all grant that that cannot be done without our ouerthrow the greatest part of men runneth notwithstanding headlong with furious boldnesse vnto their owne destruction For there is scarce one of an hundred who being mindfull of his condition doth leaue to God his glory vndiminished 24 And the word of God When the tyrant was once taken out of the way the Church was sodainly deliuered as it were out of the iawes of the wolfe Psa 44.23 Therefore though the faithfull be accounted as sheepe appointed to be slaine yet the Church doth alwayes ouerliue her enimies and though the word of God seeme oftentimes to be oppressed with the wicked tyranny of men yet it getteth vp the head againe by and by Rom. 8.36 For Luke determined not only to report what hapned after that Herod was dead but also by this example to encourage vs that we may be assured that God will do that in all ages which he then did to the end the gospel may at length breake through all impediments of the enimies and that the more the church is minished it may the more encrease through the heauenly blessing 25 And Barnabas and Paul The ministerie which Luke saith Barnabas and Paul did finish must be referred vnto the almes whereof mention was made before For after that Agabus the Prophet had foretold the famine and barrennesse the brethren gathered money at Antioch whereby they might relieue the necessitie of the Church which was at Ierusalem the carrying of this mony was committed to Barnabas and Paul Now Luke saith that they returned to Antioch that he may passe ouer vnto a new historie He addeth that they tooke with them Iohn whose syrname was Marke whose mother was

honorablie commended before that he might keepe them company who was afterward as we shal see a cause of griuous and dangerous discord betweene them CHAP. XIII 1 ANd there were in the Church which was at Antioch certaine Prophets and teachers Barnabas and Simeon called Niger Lucyus of Cyren and Manaim who had bin brought vp with Herod and Saul 2 And as they ministed vnto the Lord and fasted the holy Ghost said Seperate to me Banabas and Saul vnto the worke whereto I haue called them 3 Then after they had fasted and praied and laid the hands vpon them they let them goe 1 Here followeth an historie not onely worthy to be remembred but also very profitable to be knowne how Paul was appointed the teacher of the Gentiles for his calling was as it were a key whereby God opened to vs the kingdome of heauen We know that the couenant of eternall life was properly concluded with the Iewes Ephe. 2.12 so that we had nothing to do with Gods inheritance forasmuch as we were strangers and the wall of seperation was put betweene which did distinguish those of the houshold from strangers Therefore it had profited vs nothing that Christ brought saluation vnto the world vnlesse the disagreement being taken away there had bin some entrance made for vs into the Church The Apostles had alreadie receiued commandement Mar. 16.15 touching the preaching of the Gospel throughout the whole world but they had kept themselues vntil this time within the borders of Iudea When Peter was sent to Cornelius it was a thing so new and strange that it was almost counted a monster secondly that might seeme to be a priuiledge granted to a few men extraordinarily but now forasmuch as God doth plainely and openly appoint Paul and Barnabas to be Apostles of the Gentiles by this meanes he maketh them equall with the Iewes that the Gospel may begin to be common as wel to the one as to the other And now the wal of seperation is taken away that both those who were farre off and those which were nigh hand may be reconciled to God and that being gathered vnder one head they may grow togither to be one bodie Therefore Paul his calling ought to be of no lesse weight amongst vs Genes 22.17 than if God should crie from heauen in the hearing of all men That the saluation promised in times past to Abraham and to the seede of Abraham doth no lesse appertaine vnto vs at this day than if we had come out of the loynes of Abraham For this cause is it that Paul laboureth so much in defense and auouching of his calling that the Gentiles may assuredly perswade themselues that the doctrin of the gospel was not brought to them by chance Gala. 15. 2.8 neither by mans rashnesse but first by the wonderfull counsell of God secondly by expresse commandement whiles that he made that knowne to men which he had decreed with himselfe Ephe. 4.11 1. Cor. 12.28 There were in the Church I haue declared in the fourth to the Ephesians and in the twelfe of the former to the Corinthians what difference there is at least in my iudgement betweene Doctors and Prophets It may be that they are in this place Synonyma or that they signifie both one thing so that this is Lukes meaning that there were manie men in that Church endewed with singuler grace of the Spirite to teach Surely I cannot see how it can hange togither to vnderstand by Prophets those which were endewed with the gift of foretelling things but I thinke rather that it signifieth excellent interpreters of scripture And such had the office to teach exhort as Paul doth testifie in the fourteenth of the former to the Corinthians 1. Cor. 14.27 We must mark Luke his drift Paul and Barnabas were ministers of the church of Antioch God calleth them thence now vnto another place Least any man shuld think that that Church was destitute of good fit ministers so that God did prouide for other Churches with the losse of it Luke preuenteth this saith that there was such store there that though it did helpe others yet did there remaine sufficient for the vse thereof whereby appeareth how plentifully God had powred out his grace vpon the church whence riuers as it were might be deducted caried into diuers places So euen in our time God doeth so enrich certaine Churches more than other that they be seminaries to spread abroad the doctrine of the Gospel It must needs be that Manaim who was brought vp with Herod came of some noble family And this doeth Luke recite of purpose that he may set forth to vs his godlines who despising worldly pompe had coupled himself to the simple despysed flock of Christ He might in deed haue bin a principall courteour if he had bin ruled by ambition but that he may wholly addict himselfe to Christ he refuseth not to change those smokes of honor with reproch and ignominy For if we consider in what state the church stoode then he could not giue his name to the Gospel vnlesse he should make himself subiect to common infamy Therfore the Lord meant to teach vs by his example to despise the world that those may learne with a valiant and lofty mind to despise the world who cannot otherwise be true christians vnles they cast away those things which are precious to the flesh as hurtful lets and hindrances 2 And they ministred to the Lord. The word which Luke vseth doth not onely signifie to be occupied about holy things but also some times to beare publike offices And because the holy rites of the Gentiles did for the most part consist vpon burnt offerings and sacrifices it is oftentimes takeÌ„ for to offer sacrifice which sense did wel like the Papists that they might proue that the Apostles did vse some sacrifice But admit it were so yet do they foolishly pretend for defense of their Masse that the Teachers of Antioch did sacrifice First forasmuch as the word is of the plurall number it followeth that euery one of them did say Masse But letting toies passe I say we must consider what maner of sacrifice Christ commended to his Church The Papists feigne that the office of Priesthood is inioyned them to sacrifice Christ and by sacrificing him to redeeme peace with God There is so little mention made hereof in scripture that the sonne of god doth rather chalenge this honor to himselfe alone Wherfore Christs Church hath another Priesthood to wit that euery man may offer himselfe and his to God and that the publike ministers may sacrifice to God soules with the spirituall sword of the Gospel as Paul teacheth Rom. 15.16 Moreouer the prayers of all the godly are the spiritual calues of the lippes wherewith God is well pleased when they are offered vp vpon the holy Altar that is in Christs name Osee 14.3 Hebru 13.15 in the thirteenth to the Hebrewes Therefore

when Luke saith that the Prophetes and teachers ministred to God when the Spirite spake to them I vnderstand nothing else but that they were in the publike action He addeth fasting that we may know that their minds were then free from al impediments that nothing might hinder them from giuing atteÌ„dance to prophecying But the question is whether they keept a coÌ„mon fast or Luke doth only signifie that they were fasting theÌ„ vntil that time This is without question that these circumstances were expressed that Paul his calling may cary the more credit amongst vs. Seperate to me God commandeth that Paul and Barnabas be sent by the consent of the Church thither whither he had appointed them to be sent Whereby we gather that there is no lawfull election of Pastors saue only wherein God is chiefe For whereas he hath commanded that the Church should elect pastors Bishops he hath not therefore granted men so much libertie but that he will beare the chiefest sway as the chiefe gouernour The ordinarie election of Pastours differeth from this appointing of Paul Barnabas because it was requisite that they shuld be appointed by the heauenly Oracle to be the Apostles of the Gentiles which is not necessarie to be done daily in ordaining Pastours But they agree in this that as God did testifie that Paul and Barnabas were already appointed by his decree to preach the gospel so none may be called vnto the office of teaching saue onely those whom God hath already chosen to himselfe after a sort Furthermore there is no neede that the Spirite should cry to vs out of heauen that he is called of God about whom we are because we receiue those as it were from hand to hand as they say whom God hath furnished with necessarie gifts forasmuch as they are framed and made fit by his hand But whereas Luke saith in this place that Paul was appointed by the voyces and consents of the Church it doth seeme not to agree with Pauls own words Galat. 1.1 where he doth denie that he was called of men or by men I answere that he was made an Apostle long before and that by no voices of men before such time as he was sent vnto the Gentiles and he had now already executed the office of an Apostle many yeeres when he was called to go to the Gentiles by a new oracle Wherefore that he may haue God for the author of his apostleship it is not without cause that he excludeth meÌ„ And he doth not now command that he be ordained by the church therefore that his calling may depend vpon men but God publisheth that his decree which was as yet knowne to a few and that with a publike commandement and he commandeth that it be sealed with the solemne subscription of the Church Ephe. 2.14 Therefore this is the meaning of the words That this is the time wherein Paul must preach the Gospel among the Gentiles and the wall being pulled downe he must gather a Church of the Gentiles who were before strangers from the kingdome of God For although god had vsed him hitherto at Antioch elswhere this was now added as a peculiar thing that god did intend to adopt the Gentiles into the same inheritance of life with the Iewes But and if he were thus created a teacher of the Church from the beginning he shuld not then haue bin called at that time by men For seing the Lord doth pronounce that he had called him what doth he leaue for the Church saue onely that they subscribe obediently For mens iudgement is not here put in as in a doubtful matter neither haue their voices consents any freedome But we must marke what I haue already said that Paul Barnabas are not now onely appointed teachers but they haue an extraordinary office inioyned theÌ„ that they may begin to bring the grace of God commonly vnto the Gentiles And that doe the words import when it is said Seperate to the work For vndoubtedly he speaketh of a new worke which had heretofore not bin vsed But how is Barnabas in this place appointed to be Pauls companion and fellow in office who as far as we can read did neuer execute the office of teaching yea who did alwayes giue Paul leaue to teach without saying any thing himselfe I answere that he had occasions ynough offered him to speake in Paul his absence so that they had both of them ynough to do For one could not alwayes be present in all places It is not to be doubted but that he did faithfully discharge that duty which God had inioyned him and that he was no dumbe looker on And why should we wonder that Luke doth not set downe his sermons in plaine words seing that he scarce repeateth one of a thousand of Pauls The Spirit said Whatsoeuer Macedonius and his sect obiect that they may turne their backs yet we haue a more plaine and sound testimony of the diuine essense of the spirit in this place than that they can escape it and make it frustrate There is nothing more proper to god than with his power and commandement to gouerne the Church alone But the Spirit chalengeth this right when he commandeth that Paul Barnabas be seperated to him and testifieth that they were called by his beck Assuredly we must needs confesse that the bodie of the Church is lame and without a head vnlesse we confesse that it is God who ordereth the same at his pleasure who setteth teachers ouer it who gouerneth the proceedings and order thereof We shall haue afterward Chapter 20. in Pauls sermon that all Bishops are placed by the holy Ghost which gouerne the Church Act. 20.28 But no man is to be counted a lawfull Pastour of the Church as the same Paul witnesseth saue he which is called of God Neither doth God point out false Prophets by any other marke saue onely by this that he hath not sent them Therefore we gather that the holy Ghost is God in deede whose authoritie is sufficient to choose Pastours and who hath the chiefe rule in choosing them Which is likewise confirmed out of the words of Esay Isai 48. And nowe beholde the Lord hath sent me and his Spirite Furthermore we must note out of these words that he is a person truely subsisting in God For if we admit Sabellius his inuention that the worde Spirite importeth no person but that it is a bare adiunct that shal be a foolish and absurd speech that the holy Ghost hath said Isaias also should foolishly ascribe to him the sending of a Prophet 3 When they had fasted and praied That they may obey the Oracle they do not onely send Paul and Barnabas away but also with a solemn rite they appoint them to be the Apostles of the Gentiles It is without question that this was a publike fast Luke said before that they were fasting forasmuch as they were busied in their ministerie it might be that

Cilicia establishing the Churches 36 Let vs visit our brethren In this historie we must first note how carefull Paul was for the Churches which he had ordained Hee laboureth in deed at Antiochia profitablie but because hee remembred that hee was an Apostle ordained of God and not the pastour of one particular place hee keepeth the course of his calling Secondly as it did not become him to be tied to one place so he thinketh with himselfe that he was bound to all whom he begat in the Lord therefore he will not suffer them to want his helpe Moreouer the worke that was begunne in those places could not be neglected but it woulde shortly after decay Yet it is to be thought that Paul stayed stil in the Church of Antiochia vntill he saw the estate thereof well ordered and concord established For we knowe and trie what great force principall Churches haue to keepe other lesser Churches in order If there arise any tumult in an obscure streete or if there fal out any offence the rumour goeth not so far neither are the neighbours so much mooued But if any place be excellent it cannot quaile without great ruine or at least but that the lesser buildings shal be therewith sore shaken both far and wide Therefore Paul in staying a time at Antioch did prouide for other Churches and so we must no lesse looke vnto his wisdome than his diligence in this example because oftentimes the immoderate heat of the Pastours in going about matters doeth no lesse hurt than their sluggishnes How they doe Paul knewe that amidst so great lightnesse and inconstancie of men and as their nature is inclined to vice if there be any thing well ordered among them it doeth seldome continue stable for any long time and especially that Churches doe easily decay or growe out of kind vnlesse they be looked too continually There ought nothing vnder heauen to bee more firme than the spirituall building of faith whose stabilitie is grounded in the very heauen yet there be but fewe in whose mindes the worde of the Lorde doth throughly take liuely roote therefore firmnes is rare in men Againe euen those who haue their anchor firmely fixed in the trueth of God doe not cease notwithstanding to be subiect to diuerse tossings wherby though their faith be not ouerturned yet hath it neede of strengthning that it may be vnderpropped and stayed Moreouer we see how sathan doeth assault and with what subtile shiftes hee goeth about priuily to pull downe sometimes whole Churches sometimes euery one of the faithfull particularly Therefore it is not without cause that Paul is so carefull for his scholars least they behaue themselues otherwise then is to be wished and therefore is hee desirous in time to preuent if there be any inconuenience risen which cannot be vntill he haue taken view 37 And Barnabas gaue counsell Luke doth here set downe that doleful disagreement which ought to make all the godly afraid for iust causes The societie of Paul and Barnabas was consecrated by the heauenly oracle They had long time laboured being of one mind vnder this yoke whereunto the Lord had tied them they had by many eâ—â—eriences tried the excellent fauour of God Yea that wonderful successe mentioned heretofore by Luke was a manifest blessing of God Though they had bin almost drowned so often in so many tempestes of persecution and were set vpon so sore by infinite enimies though domesticall sedition were euery where kindled against them yet they were so farre from being pulled in sunder that their agreement was then most of al tried But now for a light matter and which might easily haue bin ended they breake that holy bond of Gods calling This could not fall out without great perturbance to al the godly Seing that the heat of the contention was so great and vehement in these holy men who had long time accustomed themselues to suffer all things what shall befall vs whose affections being not as yet so brought to obey God do oftentimes rage without modestie Seing that a light occasion did seperate them who had long time amidst so great trials retained vnity holily how easily may satan cause those to be diuided who haue either none or at least a colde desire to foster peace What great pride was it for Barnabas who had no more honorable thing than to be Paul his companion that he might behaue himselfe like a sonne toward his father so stubbernely to refuse his counsell Peraduenture also some might thinke that Paul was not very courteous in that hee did not forgiue a faithfull helper this fault Therefore we be admonished by this example that vnlesse the seruants of Christ take great heed there be many chinkes through which Satan will creepe in to disturbe that concorde which is among them But nowe we must examine the cause it selfe For some there bee who lay the blame of the disagreement vppon Paule and at the first hearing the reasons which they bring seeme probable Iohn Marke is reiected because he withdrew himselfe from Pauls companie but hee fell not away from Christ A yong man being as yet vnacquainted with bearing the crosse returned home from his iorney He was somewhat to be born with for his age being a freshwater soldiar he fainted in troubles euen at the first dash he was not therefore about to bee a slothfull soldiar during his whole life Now forasmuch as his returning to Paul is an excellent testimony of repentance it seemeth to be a point of discourtesie to reiect him For those must bee handled more courteously who punish theÌ„selues for their owne offences of their own accord There were also other causes which ought to haue made Paul more courteous The house of Iohn Mark was a famous Inne Sup. 12.12 his mother had intertained the faithful in most greeuous persecution when Herod al the people were in a rage they were wont to haue their secreat meetings there as Luke reported before Surely he ought to haue borne with such a holy couragious woman least immoderate rigor should alienate her she was desirous to haue her son addicted to preach the gospel now what a great griefe might it haue bin to her that his pains industry should be refused for one light fault now wheras Iohn Mark doth not only bewayle his fault but in very deed amend the same Barnabas hath a faire colour why he should pardon him Yet we may gather out of the text that the Church did allow Pauls counsel For Barnabas departeth and with his companion hee saileth into Cyprus There is no mention made of the brethren as if he had departed priuily without taking his leaue But the Brethren commend Paul in their prayers to the grace of God whereby appeareth thar the Church stoode on his side Secondly whereas God showeth forth the power of his Spirit in blessing Paul doth blesse his labours with happy successe of his grace leaueth Barnabas as it were

the flocke The holie Ghost hath made you ouerseers By the verie woorde he putteth them in minde that they be placed as it were in a watche tower that they may watch for the common safetie of all men But Paul standeth principally vpon this that they were not appointed by men but the charge of the Church was committed vnto them by God For which cause they must be the more diligeÌ„t and careful because they must giue a straite account before that high seat of iudgement For the more excellent the dignitie of that Lord maister whom we serue is the more reuerence doe we giue him naturally and the reuerence it selfe doth sharpen our studie and diligence Moreouer though the Lord would haue ministers of the word choseÌ„ from â—he beginning by the voyces of men yet doth he alwaies challeÌ„ge the gouernment of the church to himselfe not onely to the end we may acknowledge him to be the only gouernour thereof but also know that the vncoÌ„parable treasure of saluatioÌ„ doth come from him alone For he is robbed of his glorie if we thinke that the gospel is brought vnto vs either by chance or by the wil of meÌ„ or their industry But this doth Paul attribute peculiarly to the spirit by whoÌ„ God doth gouern his church who is to euery man a secret witnes of his calling in his owne conscience Concerning the word Ouerseer or Bishop wee must briefly note this that Paul calleth al the elders of Ephesus by this name as wel one as other Whence we gather that according to the vse of the scripture Bishops differ nothing froÌ„ Elders But that it came to passe through vice corruption that those who were chief in euery citie began to be called Bishops I cal it corruption not because it is euil that some one man should be chiefe in euery colledge or company but because this boldnes is intollerable when men by wresting the names of the scripture vnto their custome doubt not to change the tongue of the holy ghost To gouerne the Church The Greeke worde Poiemainein doth signifie to feede But by a fitte similitude it is translated vnto euerie kinde of gouernment And wee haue saide that this is the thirde argument drawen from the excellencie of the function as the same Paul telleth Timotheus elswhere that he take heed see how he ought to behaue him selfe in the house of God which is the church of the liuing God the pillar ground of trueth As if he should say that there is no time to be idle in such a weightie calling that those are lesse excusable whoÌ„ God hath made stewards of his family the higher that degree of honor is vnlesse they be correspondent to so great dignity that is vnles they do their duty diligently Now if Bishops or ouerseers be made by the holy ghost to the end they may feede the church the Hierarchy of papistry is ridiculous wherin bishops being proud of their painted sheath vain title do not so much as once meddle with the function of teaching no not for fashions sake Which he hath purchased The 4. reasoÌ„ wherby Paul doth carefully pricke forward the pastors to do their duty diligeÌ„tly bicause the lord hath giueÌ„ no smal pledge of his loue toward the church in shedding his own blood for it Wherby it appeareth how precious it is to him surely ther is nothing which ought more vehemeÌ„tly to vrge pastors to do their duty ioifully then if they consider that the price of the blood of Christ is committed to theÌ„ For herevpoÌ„ it foloweth that vnles they take pains faithfully in the church the lost soules are not only imputed to theÌ„ but they be also guilty of sacriledge bicause they haue profaned the holy blood of the sonne of God haue made the redeÌ„ption gotteÌ„ by him to bee of none effect so much as in them lieth And this is a most cruel offence if through our sluggishnes the death of Christ do not only become vile or base but the fruit therof be also abolished perish and it is said that god hath purchased the church to the end we may know that he wold haue it remaine wholly to himself because it is meet right that he possesse those whoÌ„ he hath redeemed Notwithstanding we must also remember that all mankind are the bondslaues of Satan vntil Christ set vs free from his tyranny gathering vs into the inheritance of his father But because the speech which Paul vseth seemeth to be somewhat hard we must see in what sense he saieth that God purchased the Church with his bloode For nothing is more absurd than to faigne or imagine God to be mortall or to haue a bodie But in this speech he commendeth the vnitie of person in Christ for because there be distinct natures in Christ the scripture doth sometimes recite that apart by it self which is proper to either But when it setteth god before vs made manifest in the flesh it doth not seperate the human nature from the godhead Notwithstanding because againe two natures are so vnited in Christ that they make one person that is vnproperlie translated somtimes vnto the one which doth truly and in deed belong to the other as in this place Paul doth attribute blood to God because the man Iesus Christ who shed his blood for vs was also God This manner of speaking is called of the olde writers communicatio idiomatum because the property of the one nature is applied to the other And I said that by this means is manifestly expressed one person of Christ least we imagine him to be double which Nestorius did in times past attempt and yet for all this we must not imagine a confusion of the two natures which Eutiches went about to bring in or which the Spanish dogge Seruetus hath at this time inuented who maketh the godhead of Christ nothing else but a forme or image of the humain nature which he dreameth to haue alwayes shined in God 29 For I know Paul doth now exhort the Ephesians to watch diligenly by the necessity which is a most sharp pricke For he saith that grieuous wolues are readie to inuade the sheepefold This is a thing alwayes incident to the Church to be hated of wolues Wherefore there is no time to sleepe But the moe and the more hurtfull those be who breake in the more watchful must the Pastors be For God doth somtimes release som part of trouble that the flocke may be fed quietly and peaceably and as when the weather is faire cleare the sheepe are fed more safely in the fields and there is more danger when the aire is cloudy darke so the Church of God hath somtimes some faire weather granted to it after that commeth a troublesome time which is more fit for the subtiltie of the wolues Therefore Paul doth meane that it standeth them vpon to be more watchful than they haue bin hitherto because greater dangers hang ouer their

of the Counsel of Laodicia touching the Election of Pastours 14. 23. A liuely patterne of a lawful Councel 15. 12. How vnhappily doubtful Counsels fal out 5. 4. What a vertue Curtesie is 23. 19. Too much credulity is to be fled 21. 17. Peter healeth the Creeple 3. 7. Crispus the ruler of the Synagogue was conuerted to the faith 18. 7. Curiosity ingrafted in men 1. 7. Curiosity springeth from idlenes and distrust 1. 8. Curiosity of the Apostles 1. 7. Curiosity ought to be auoided 1 7. 20. 10. 41. 17. 21. 30. and 19. 19. D How the Daies were diuided by the men of old into certain houres 2. 14. 3. 1. and 10. 3. and 12. 14. The great Day of the Lord compreheÌ„deth the whole kingdom of Christ 2. 18. To whom the Day of the Lord is ioyful and to be wished for 3. 20. Dauid a figure of Christ 1. 18 and 4. 11. 25. 13. 22. 33. The temporall and fraile kingdome of Dauid 2. 35. Why the Day of iudgement is called the time of refreshing 3. 20. The Day of the Saboattis for the Sabaoth 19. 12. The Deaconshippe subiect to sinister murmurings 6. 3. To what ende the Deacons were ordayned 6. 1. 3. How Deacons ought to be choseÌ„ 6. 3. Deacons are subiect to the Elders 11. 30. What manner Deacons were in Popery 6. 2. Feare of Death falleth euen vpon the Saints 9. 13. How farre foorth we must bewaile the Dead 8. 2. Why they did in times past washe the bodies of the Dead 9. 37. Decrees of the Apostles 16. 4. Demas a trecherous reuolt 8. 13. Demetrius the Authour of sedition against Paul 19. 23. Demosthenes his place 12. 20. Deniall of Christ howe daungerous 36. 10. Deniall of our selues is commanded 7. 3. and 14. 16. and 20. 28. Deniall of our selues followeth true faith 8. 18. Whence the deniall of the prouidence and of the free election of God doeth come 20. 26. The deuotion or vowe of those who had conspired to kill Paul 23. 12. Dexterity is the gift of God 7. 10. The inuention of the image of Diana 10. 35. Dionysius Areopagita 17. 34. The disciples for the faithful 6. 2. The office of the disciples 21. 3. Discipline is necessary in the churche 3. 1. Discord must be fled 15. 2. How hurtfull inwarde dscord is to the church 15. 1. Discord betweene Paul and Barnabas 15. 37. Discorde ariseth for the most parte of ambition 23. 9. The true way of disputation 17. 2. Howe the Diuell is the father of lyes 16. 16. The diuels are enforced to yeeld to the maiesty of the gospel 8. 7. The popish diuinity is an horrible Labyrinth 16. 31. The popysh dyuines were ouerthrowen with the onely voyce of the Martyrs 6. 9. Doctrine is as it were the soule of the church 2. 42. Doctrine without zeale is vnprofitable 18. 25. How the Iewes did handle doctrine in Paules time 13. 15. The doctryne of the Gospel is no new doctryne 3. 21. The authority immortality of fouÌ„d doctrine 7. 38. The sum of the doctrine of the apostles 8. 25. The sorowes of death 2. 24. Donatists were heretikes 10. 15. Dorcas which was also called Tabita 9. 36. The difference betweene Dreames visions 18. 9. What a filthy vice DruÌ„kennes is 2. 14 Drusilla the wyfe of Felix and daughter of Agrippa the elder 24. 25. The men of the East are enclyned to lust 15. 19. E Ecclesiasticall assemblyes are profitable 3. 1. and 5. 12. VVhat a hard matter the Edyfiyng of the church is 18. 11. VVherein the edifying of the churche consisteth 20. 21. We must study to edifie 10. 24. 11. 24. 25. and 13. 15. and 15. 28. 16. 5. 20. 20 The Egyptians woorshipped an Oxe 7. 41. VVhat Elders there were in the Apostles tyme. 11. 30. and 20. 16. A vessel of Election put for an excellent minister 9. 15. Election is the cause of al good things 13. 17. Election goeth before faith 13. 48. There was a double Election of the children of Abraham 13. 33. Whence the denyall of free Election commeth 20. 26. The Elect alone do truely beleeue 13. 48. 16. 14. and 28. 25. 26. The difference between the Elect and the reprobate the faithfull and the vnfaithful the godly and the vngodly 3. 20. and 5. 11. and 9. 5. 6. 29. 12. 13. and 14. 22. and 17. 32. and 16. 16. 30. 33. Eloquence is the gyft of God 24. 1. VVee must not despise all Eloquence 18. 24. How farre Eloquence doth profite the Gospel Ibid. The Encratite heretikes 10. 15. Eneas his faith 9. 34. Ennius his place 9. 37. Enuy is condemned 11. 23. 24. The bookes which were openly burnt at Ephesus 19. 19. Epicures make semblaunce of faith 8. 15. Epicures dotings 17. 18. The difference betweene the Epicures and Sadduces 23. 8. The Errour of those which hold that the baptisme of Iohn and the baptisme of Christ were diuers 1. 5. The errour of the Iewes touching the kingdom of the Messias 1. 8. Stubbornnesse accompanieth Errour 11. 2. Errours once conceyued are not easily plucked out of mens mynds 10. 45. The old Errors are retayned in Popery the names alone being changed 28. 11. The sect of the Essenes 26. 4. The Euangelistes were in the middest between the Apostles and Doctors 21. 8. Ennica the mother of Timothie 16. 3. How the Eunuches faith was perfect 8. 37. The notable modesty of the Eunuches 8. 31. Eusebius his place 12. 17. and 15. 13. Eutiches an heretike 30. 28. Eutichus was raised from death when Paul praied 20. 10. An Example of dying godlily and holily in the death of Stephen 7. 59. Exhortations are very necessary 11. 23. 14. 20. and 19. 8. The popish Exorcists 19. 13. F True Faith 10. 43. and 11. 21. 16. 31. 33. Faith put for the woorde of God and the profession of Christianity 6. 7. Faith is the gift of God 15. 9. 16. 14. Faith commeth by hearing 8. 6. and 10. 5. and 14. 9. 17. Faith is the soule of the Church 23. 6. Faith is the sole foundation of godlynesse 24. 14. 25. 19. True faith doth wholly addict vs to God 10. 33. Faith is grounded in the woorde of God 13. 9. Faith alone doth iustifie 13. 39. Faith leaneth to the resurrection of Christ 1. 3. Faith dependeth vpon the election of God 13. 48. How faith doth purifie the heart 15. 9. Faith must not bee separate from the knowledge of Christ 10. 4. The Faith of the men of Antioche 11. 17. The intangled Faith of the Papistes 16. 31. The certainty of Faith 1. 4. The confirmation of faith is necessary 8. 25. and 17. 11. The externall confession of Faith is necessary 8. 36. The fruite of faith 8. 39. The foundation of the true Faith 24. 14. The encrease of Faith 8. 37. and 10. 48. The righteousnes of Faith 13. 38 The nature of Faith 27. 25. The obedience of Faith 10. 20. The office of Faith 15. 9.

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