CHAP. XII.

Now about that time Herod the King stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the Church. 2. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3. And be∣cause he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further, to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

1. Note, 1. Kings bear the Image of Gods Domi∣nion, and have their power from him, and not against him, and above all men are bound to serve him to the utmost. Therefore such Persecutors as Herod being the greatest Traytors against God, no doubt have an∣swerable punishment in Hell.

2. James that was one who sought to be Chief, was the Chief or first of all the Apostles in Martyrdom, and drank of Christs Cup and was Baptized with his Baptism. 3. To please wicked men this King murdered Saints and displeased God.

Page  [unnumbered]4. The Holy days of unleavened bread or Easter are celebrated with the Murder of Chrst first, and of James after. This the Hypocrites holyness.

4. And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of souldiers to keep him, intend∣ing after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

4, He set sixteen Soldiers to keep him, that after the Passover he might Sacrifice him to the People.

5. Peter therefore was kept in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him.

5. The Church for so great a Minister in so great danger, betook themselves to their great remedy, even constant importunate Prayer to God.

6. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two souldiers, bound with two chains; and the keepers before the door kept the pri∣son.

6. Just when the Tyrant intended hi Execution, &c.

Note, Chains and Keepers are nothing to God.

7. And behold, the Angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

7. Note, O how Powerful are Gods invisible Agents in Comparison of Mortal worms. 2. It was a gentle harmless stroak that the Angel gave him; and such are Gods awakning stroaks.

8. And the Angel said unto him, Gird thy self, and bind on thy sandals: And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy gar∣ment about thee, and follow me. 9. And he went out and followed him, and wist not that it was true which was done by the An∣gel: but thought he saw a vision.

8. Note. Implicite obedience by following Gods call even when we know not whither, is acceptable and safe.

10. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city, which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street, and forth∣with the Angel departed from him.

10. Note, 1. Nothing can hold those that God will de∣liver. 2. Angels are ministring Spirits for our good.

11. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his Angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

11. Note, We seldom understand what God is do∣ing for us in the beginning of our deliverances, as we do at last.

12. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the Mother of John, whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together, praying.

12. When he considered what God had done for him, he went to the house of Marks Mother, and there in the Night was a godly Conventicle of many Christians met to pray (no doubt in a special manner for his deliverance.) God sent him to them as answer to their Prayers.

13. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 14. And when she knew Peters voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

13. This poor Maid that shewed so much love to Peter by her joy, hath her name recorded in the Scrip∣ture.

15. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his An∣gel.

15. Note, The word [Mad] doth but express that they thought her grosly mistaken as Mad folk use to be; only speaking it in such course phrase as men use to speak to Servants. 2. Whether by his Angel they meant an Angel of God representing him, or only a humane Messenger sent by him is uncertain.

16. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. 17. But he bec∣kening unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

16, God having first sent him to them that were Pray∣ing for him in Answer to their Prayers, he first tells them to Gods Glory how he was delivered, and then sends the notice of it to James (Christs kinsman) and to the bre∣thren for their encouragement. Our mercies are not given us only for our selves.

18. Now as soon as it was day, there was Page  [unnumbered] no small stir among the souldiers, what was become of Peter. 19. And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he exa∣mined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judea to Cesarea, and there abode.

18. N. Whether it was Death or Imprisonment that the Soldiers were put to, is doubtful in the Greek Text: But it tells us that the Innocent may be a prey to Ty∣rants cruelty and injustice.

20. And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and having made Blastus the Kings Chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their countrey was nourished by the Kings Countrey.

21. And upon a set day, Herod arayed in royal apparel, sat upon his Throne, and made an oration unto them. 22. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a God, and not of a man. 23. And immediately the Angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the Ghost.

20, 21. Note, A lively instance of the case of world∣ly Tyrants. To day Countrys are crowching to them, and Flatterers applauding them, and the persecuted fearing them, and to morrow they are the stinking food of worms: As Gods to day, and as dung to mor∣row.

24. But the word of God grew and multi∣plied. 25. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministery, and took with them John whose surname was Mark.

24. Note. Both the deliverance of Peter, and the death of Herod furthered the success of the Gospel