A commentary vpon the Epistles of Saint Paul to Philemon, and to the Hebrewes together with a compendious explication of the second and third Epistles of Saint Iohn. By VVilliam Iones of East Bergholt in Suffolke, Dr. in Divinity, and sometimes one of the fellowes of the foundation of Emmanuel Colledge in Cambridge.

VERSE 12.

THis he proved out of the Psalme 22.22.

Many things in that Psalme are in the New Testament applyed to CHRIST, as Verse 1. Verse 16. Verse 18.

The Prophet speaketh this of himselfe: that when GOD had delivered him from his enemies, he would declare his name to the peo∣ple which were his brethren, though GOD had exalted him above them. But prophetically also he speaketh of the Messiah: after that CHRIST was delivered from Satans fury and the rage of his instruments, from the power of death and of the grave, hee would declare the name of GOD to his brethren. This he did, while he was alive, Ioh. 17.6. but especially after his resurrection, when hee sent his Apostles to preach the Gospell to all nations. CHRIST was not only the Author and matter of the Gospell: but he was also the proclaimer and Preacher of it: he declared it in his owne life time by himselfe; after his Ascension, by his Apostles.

The name, that is the power, mercie, and goodnesse of God.

By brethren here are understood, not the Apostles or faithfull onely, though they in more speciall manner bee the brethren of CHRIST, Matth. 12.49. Ioh. 20.17. but all men generally: for CHRIST and all men came of one, which is Adam, and were made by one God, Mal. 2.10. CHRIST will not declare his name in a corner, but in the middest of the Church. In the middest of the Church among the rest of my brethren as fellow singers. Christ did sing with his Disciples after the supper, he prayed, worshipped, and sung as we doe.

CHRIST hath many Brethren.

• 1. All men in respect of our humane nature, which Christ as∣sumed to himselfe, are his brethren: hee a man, as all are.
• ...

• 2. In regard of Country and lineall descent the Iewes are his brethren, of whom Christ came according to the flesh, Rom. 9.5. Deut. 18.18.
• 3. In respect of consanguinity; the kinsfolke of CHRIST in the Scripture are called his brethren, Iames the brother of the Lord, that is, the kinsman of the Lord.
• 4. In respect of the Ministery; the Preachers of the Word are CHRIST his brethren: for hee was a Minister and Preacher of the Gospell as we are; although in gifts and graces he excelled us all, as the Sunne doth the Starres. But more neerely and properly, the faithfull are his brethren, being made the Sonnes of GOD by faith in CHRIST IESUS. I goe to my God and your God, to my Father and your Father, Ioh. 20.17.

1. As CHRIST is not ashamed to call us brethren; so let us doe nothing so neere as wee can, that may shame this our Brother.

Is it not a shame that the Kings brother should bee a common drunkard, whoremaster, or such like? Doth not the King take himselfe disgraced by it? And shall wee that are Brethren to the King of Kings, take such courses, as that great ignominie should redound to CHRIST by it? As hee is not ashamed to call us brethren, so let us doe nothing that may pull a shame on him and his Gospell.

2. Can a brother that is a wealthie man, of faire revenewes, and ample possessions, see any of his brethren goe a begging? will hee not rather receive him to his owne house, and set him at his table? CHRIST which is the Lord of heaven and earth, is our brother: therefore let us feare no want, so long as wee feare him. This may be a comfort to us in all our calamities; that CHRIST and we are brethren.