although my reputation is abused by calumniatours, who are enemies of the Gospel, and cannot bear my preaching concerning the Grace of Christ, and free∣dome from the Covenant of Works, and Levitical Ce∣remonies, yet I am conscious to my self that I have due∣ly discharged my office, and of my innocent conversa∣tion, that I deserve ill of none, But hee speaks here most modestly concerning himself, lest hee should give any occasion of cavilling.
Rather] Reas. 2. Because if yee shall pray for mee, it will come to pass, that sooner than yee expect, and my prosperous condition may seem to permit, I may be restored to your Churches, from which I am detained longer than I would, being much hindered by divers im∣pediments.
Vers. 19. But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may bee restored to you the sooner.
20. Now the God of Peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Iesus, that great Shepheard of the Sheep, through the blood of the everlasting Covenant,
21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Iesus Christ, to whom bee glory for e∣ver and ever. Amen.
Artic. 2. Wherein premising the Arguments of his confidence that hee should be heard, the Apostle praies for the Hebrews, that God would fully sanctifie them, i. e. joyn them together, perfect, compose them as mem∣bers of one body, and make them compleat in every good work to do his will. Whereby hee intimates, that wee are unfit for every good work, Because, wee, as mem∣bers out of joynt, can neither do that which is our duty to do, nor concur with others to do or promote any good, until God draw us near unto himself, and joyns himself to us, unless hee moves our will, and incites us to will good; working in us both to will and to do, or to per∣form that, which hee himself commands to be done by his preceptive will: Which the Apostle more fully ex∣plains by adding the manner whereby God perfects them, Working (saith hee) in you that which is well pleasing in his sight through Iesus Christ, i. e. working efficaciously in you by his Grace, and through you, works that are pleasing to himself, and working every good work where∣by yee may please him: under which good necessarily are contained the principles of good actions, and name∣ly the very assent of the will, and its co-working. And hee adds through Iesus. (1) Because all those good works are purchased for us by the desert of Christs death. (2) They are derived to us through him as through a chanel. (3) Those good works are effected by him. (4) They are purged by him, and made acceptable: Therefore glory is attributed to God and Christ for ever, Amen. Hee useth four Arguments of his confidence in praying, vers. 20.
The God of Peace] Argum. 1. With relation to the peace of the Church, God is the God of Peace: There∣fore yee must confidently ask of God, that hee give you to endeavour after Peace amongst your selves, and to∣wards God in following after holines••.
Who hath brought again] Argum. 2. God hath brought again Christ from the dead: Therefore hee both can and will perfect you his sheep, and members of his body, in every good work, for which Christ is both dead and risen.
The great Shepheard] Argum. 3. Christ is that good Shepheard, and chief Pastor of his Sheep: Therefore it is to be expected from him, that hee sanctifie and fully perfect you his Sheep.
Through the blood] Argum. 4. The everlasting Cove∣nant is made touching the Redemption of the sheep, i. e. touching the perfecting of their holiness and salvation, and that is established by the blood of Christ: There∣fore yee shall be perfected in every good work by the Co∣venant.
Vers. 22. And I beseech you, Brethren, suffer the word of Exhortation, for I have written a Letter unto you in few words.
Artic. 3. In which hee praies for the Hebrews, that they not onely take in good part whatsoever may seem sharp in this hortatory Epistle, but also that they suffer and take well the word of Exhortation, wherein their ordinary Pastors were more especially to bring and ap∣ply those things to them.
For in few] The Reason of this Petition is, Because those things were more briefly written by the Apostle, without any allay, which might mollifie his reproofs, and they want explication, larger handling, a more ample and quick application from their ordinary Pastors.
Vers. 23. Know yee, that our Brother Timothy is set at liberty, with whom if hee come shortly, I will see you.
Artic. 4. Is joyful news of the setting Timothy at liber∣ty, being his daily companion, which hee knew was ac∣ceptable, for whom when they had heard that hee was in bonds, they grieved, and knowing that hee is at liberty, they may be refreshed. For the same end hee hopes that hee with Timothy shall come unto them.
Vers. 24. Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the Saints. They of Italy salute you.
Artic. 5. Wherein are contained salutations: For first hee sends salutation to all the Pastors, and Gover∣nours of the Churches in Iudea: As also to other Be∣leevers, that they may know hee loves them all alike. In the third place hee salutes in the name of the Saints all the beleeving Hebrews in Italy.
Vers. 25. Grace be with you all. Amen.
Artic. 6. Wherein Paul after his accustomed seal, 2 Thes. 2.17. concludes the Epistle, wishing Grace to all, i. e. all saving gifts, or whatsoever was necessarily requi∣site to their perfection, from the fountain of Gods free goodness.
As for the subscription, after the Epistle, there is no credit to be given to it: For it is manifest out of this Chapter, vers. 23. that Timothy was absent when this E∣pistle was writ: Therefore the subscription seems to be added from some unskilful Scribe. And therefore wee omit them all.