Pious annotations, upon the Holy Bible expounding the difficult places thereof learnedly, and plainly: vvith other things of great importance. By the reverend, learned and godly divine, Mr. Iohn Diodati, minister of the gospell; and now living in Geneva. It is ordered this 11. of Ianuury, 1642, by the committee of the House of Commons in Parliament, concerning printing, that this exposition of the book of the Old and new Testament, be printed by Nicholas Fussel, stationer. Iohn White.

❧ THE FIRST EPISTLE generall of S^t. PETER the Apostle.

ARGUMENT.

THis Epistle containeth three principall heads; the first is a large repre∣sentation which the Apostle makes to the Iews which were turned Chri∣stians, of the inestimable benefit of redemption and salvation, which having been destinated for them from everlasting, was acquired and accomplished by Christ, and communicated by the Gospell, and posses∣sed by them in the hope of everlasting life and glory. The second is, a strong perswasion to the fruits of faith and holinesse of life, as well in the generall calling of all beleevers, as in the particular callings of each person and condition. The third is, a lively exhortation to patience and constancy in afflictions and persecutions for the glorious cause of the faith, and of the Name of Christ.

CHAP. I.

Vers. 1. TO the] namely, to the Jews, dis∣persed out of their own countrey into those Provinces, and convert∣ed to the Christian faith.

V. 2. Elect] separated from the world by Gods effectuall calling, which is the execution of the eternall election. The foreknowledge] the Italian, preordination; the Greek, foreknowledge; that is to say, A decree made by Gods knowledge and judge∣ment, Rom. 8. 29. Through sanctification] sanctify∣ing you really by his Spirit, to whom it belongs to make Gods vocation firm and effectuall, 2 Thess. 2. 23. Unto obedience] that by faith making you obedient unto the Gospell, you may be partakers of the benefit of the Lords death for the remission of your sinnes. Or he declares the two ends of the beleevers vocation, which are the justification in the blood of Christ; and the new obedience through the sanctification of the Spirit.

V. 3. Unto a lively hope] namely, to conceive a lively, still growing, and operating hope of celesti∣all goods, by meanes of the spirituall regeneration, which is the true seed and pledge of eternall glory. By the resurrection] namely, by vertue of Christs resurrection, which is the fountain of regenerati∣on, Rom. 6. 5, 11. Coloss. 2. 12. and likewise the foundation of our future glory, 1 Cor. 15. 18, 20, 21. Ephes. 2. 6.

V. 4. To an inheritance] to gain us the right un∣to it, and make us capeable thereof, as being made the children of God. Incorruptible] by these titles he sheweth, How that as celestiall goods are ever∣lasting and without any impurity of sinne, belee∣vers ought likewise to be such by the gift of the ho∣ly Ghost, which causeth them to put off these two qualities, namely of sinne, and finally also the weak conditions of a sensuall life, see 1 Cor. 15. 50.

V. 5. By the power] by his power which onely works effectually in this defence, against all assaults and deceits of the enemies, John 10. 29. and is lent man by meanes of a true and lively faith. Are kept] that is to say, Preserved against all dangers of lo∣sing their salvation, John 17. 11, 12, 15. Jude 1. Un∣to salvation] namely, to be made possessours of the chief end and perfect fulnesse of it.

V. 6. Wherein] namely, in the certainty of this inviolable safegard of God, and in the earnest

which he hath given you of the promised salvati∣on by means of your regeneration. If need be] whereby the necessity of God will must impose upon you the Law of ••••voluntary obedience. Temp∣tations] that is to say, Trials and exercises of af∣flictions, Iames 1. 2.

V. 7. The triall] namely, your faith well tried and standing to any souch. Might be found] be∣fore God.

V. 9. Receiving] having even in this very world the first fruits of the fruition of salvation, af∣ter which undoubtedly shall follow the fulnesse thereof.

V. 10. Have enquired] by a fervent desire and expectation. That should come] the Italian, that is come; or that was received for you, or which was to be communicated unto you.

V. 11. Of Christ] which is that Spirit by which all the Prophets were inspired and have spoken, and which proceeds from the Father, and from the Son, and whose gifts, presence, and power, have at all times been dispensed by Christ head of the Church, and supreme Prophet of it, see Eccles. 12. 13. Acts 16. 17. 1 Peter 3. 19.

V. 12. That not] namely, that they foretold and preached the mysteries of the Gospell, the full ma∣nifestation and fruition of which should not hap∣pen in their times but in ours. With the holy Ghost] that is to say, Being inspired by it. Which things] that is to say, Which things are so admirable and excellent, that the full knowledge thereof is much desired, and is wonderous amiable even to the very Angels, who cannot be satisfied with the contem∣plation and the height thereof, with extreme won∣der and rejoycing.

V. 13. Wherefore] namely, seeing you are come to that holy and so much desired time, see Rom. 13. 11. 2 Cor. 6. 2. Gird up] being continually free from worldly cares and affections, and prepared for the race and voyage of the heavenly vocation; a terme taken from travellers of those dayes, in which they used to gird up their long garments, that they might be the more fitting and ready for travell: but particularly it is taken from the Israelites when they came out of Egypt, Exod. 12. 11.

V. 15. Hath called you] to unite you unto him, which cannot be done unlesse you be holy as he is, Psal. 5. 4.

V. 17. Of persons] namely, of their outward qualities of titles, shew, or condition, but looks onely to the reality of true holinesse and obedience. Of your journeying] namely this present life, which is an absence from our true heavenly countrey. In fear] with all reverence, care, and heavenly hu∣militie.

V. 18. That ye were not] and consequently that so great a gift requires an equall gratitude. From your vain] from your unfruitfull works of dark∣nesse, Ephes. 5. 11. and from all false doctrines and religions.

V. 19. As of a] namely, who is the substance and the truth of that figure of the Paschall Lamb, by whose blood the Israelites were delivered.

V. 20. For you] namely, for your salvation.

V. 21. By him] Christ manifesting the Father unto us by his word, and creating faith in us by his Spirit, and also he only having made him propitious unto us, that we might put all our confidence in him. That your] he saith so, because that by Christs exaltation, the Father sheweth that he is pleased with us, which would not be if Christ had remained dead, 1 Cor. 15. 14, 17. and also because that being fulfilled in the head, we are certain that it shal likewise be so with the members; and because that Christ ascended into Heaven, he makes intercession for his beleevers, to obtain all manner of grace and the holy Ghost for them, whereby faith is engen∣dred in them, and the conformity of the members with the head is brought forth.

V. 22. In obeying] namely, in beleeving the Gospell, or conforming your selves to the will of God by a sincere and filiall obedience. Through the Spirit] namely, by the power and grace of the ho∣ly Ghost, which may have a relation either to the foresaid obedience, or to the purification of the souls, because that both are the work of the holy Ghost. Of the brethren] which is the true end and naturall effect of the purification of the soul by faith, Ephes. 1. 4. 1 John 3. 18, 19.

V. 23. By the word] which is likened to the seed, made actuall and fruitfull by the addition of the holy Ghost. Which liveth] which is endowed with an effectuall and spirituall power, and is esta∣blished and lasteth for ever, whereby it is likewise apt to bring forth the spirituall and everlasting life in beleevers, opposite to the mortall and transitory life which they had from their parents by the cor∣porall generation, which is described afterwards.

CHAP. II.

Vers. 1. LAying aside] or casting away. Now this depends from that which is spo∣ken, Chap. 1. 23. for the regeneration which is spoken of there consists in renouncing of those and all other vices.

V. 2. As new born] that is to say, Being newly made Christians, imitate little children in desiring the souls pasture, which is Gods word, which as it is the seed to give the life of the Spirit, it is likewise the food to preserve and increase it. The sincere.] namely, the word of God, which is the most sin∣cere truth, apt to purge man from all the fore-said deceits: Or the Word of God not falsified

with erroneous doctrines, 2 Cor. 2. 7. & 4. 2.

V. 3. If so be] he speakes this to signifie that all our desire proceeds from the rellish which God hath already given us of his grace by faith: according to that, unto him who hath, is given, if so be he doe aske it, John 4. 10.

V. 4. To whom] that is to say, being united to the Lord Jesus, and made his members by a lively faith. A living stone] namely, as to the foundation of the Church, which hath an everlasting life, and lasting∣nesse in it, and is also soveraignly active by the com∣munication of a spirituall life and vertue to all such as are built upon him by faith, which is spo∣ken in comparison, or opposition to materiall foun∣dations, which though they be solid and sound, yet can they not communicate their qualities, to the stones which are laid above them.

V. 5. Lively stones] namely, participating of that foresaid life of Christ; and therefore opposite to the dead stones of the materiall Temple. Are built up] or, be ye built up. An holy Priesthood] that is to say, a multitude and company of Priests. By Jesus] whose perfect righteousnesse and inter∣cession gaineth all Gods grace to beleevers, and to their workes.

V. 6. Be confounded] that is to say, he shall not fall from his hopes, nor be deluded in his confidence.

V. 7. He is] the Italian, it is that precious thing; namely, that precious foundation whereof Isaiah speakes.

V. 8. Which stumble] namely, which striving a∣gainst the doctrine of the Gospell through incre∣dulity and rebellion, are causes of their owne ruine, and yet can no way stirre the Gospell. Wherunto] namely, into which ruine God hath from everla∣sting and immutably determined to let them fall through their owne fault, see 1 Thes. 5. 9. Jude 4.

V. 9. A royall] that is to say, a company of Priests who are likewise Kings, Exod. 19. 6. Priests to God-ward, to whom beleevers doe yeeld spirituall wor∣ship, v. 5. and Kings over the creatures, over which Christ their head hath given them the dominion, which they had lost in Adam, and hath made them fellows in the glory of his Kingdome, Matth. 19. 28. 1 Cor. 6. 2, 3. Revel. 1. 6. & 2. 26, 27. & 3. 21. & 5. 10. & 20. 6. A peculiar] which he hath pur∣chased with a price, and made his by a Soveraigne title, to hold them for his owne people.

V. 10. Not a people] namely, Gods people: for the ten Tribes to which the Apostle writes, were for∣merly fallen away from Gods covenant.

V. 11. Pilgrime••] namely, in this world, a place of travell for us, and not our owne native Coun∣trey: whereby the goods and delights thereof are not our owne proper goods, and the too much staying and fixing our selves upon them hindereth our endeavour, and care which we ought to take in this our voyage to Heaven.

V. 12. In the day] when it shall please God to draw neere unto them, communicating his know∣ledge and grace over them, see Luke 19. 44.

V. 13. To every] namely, to Princes, Magistrates, Governours, made by men: or amongst men, by the civill conversation and guide of humane society. For the Lords sake] who is the author of govern∣ments, and of all publique order, who commands obedience to Magistrates, and binds all mens con∣sciences thereunto, and therein is served and honou∣red, Rom. 13. 5. To the King] namely, to the Roman Emperour, sometimes called a King by forraigne Nations.

V. 16. As free] spiritually freed from the bon∣dage of sinne, the divell, and the world, and also from the servile pedagogie of the Law: which li∣berty many did abuse to the licentiousnesse of the flesh, and to the shaking off all kind of yoke of world∣ly dominion.

V. 18. To the froward] namely, to such as are rough and cruell.

V. 19. Thankworthy] the Italian, pleasing; namely, to God, who esteemes it an act of obedience done to him, and of humble patience under his hand. For conscience] that is to say, to obey him, according to the duty which his conscience tels him of, and bindes him to. Being enlightned by his word, and by his Spirit.

V. 20. Buffeted] the Italian, punished; some tran∣slations have it buffeted, which was an ignominious kind of punishment.

V. 21. Called] in that the end of Gods vocation and election is to be made conformable to Christ, as well in his sufferings, as in his glory, Rom. 8. 29.

V. 24. Bore our sinnes] to suffer the punishment of them, to cancell the bond, and annihilate the curse, Col. 2. 14. Heb. 9. 28. In his owne body. namely, in his humane nature. On the Tree] namely, upon the Crosse.

V. 25. And Bishop] namely, Christ, the Soveraigne Guardian, Rector, and spirituall Steward, which are the signications of the name of Bishop.

CHAP. III.

Vers. 1. O'Bey not] or beleeve not. Be won] that is to say, disposed and induced to thinke well of the Gospell, to desire the knowledge of it and be converted unto it, see Matth. 18. 15. 1 Cor. 9. 19, 20, 21, 22.

V. 2, With feare] that is to say, in holy modesty, reverence, and humility.

V. 4. The hidden man] namely, the whole state, the vertues and qualities of the soule regenerated by the Holy Ghost, the forme whereof doth not

appeare to the outward sences, but is inward, and knowne by God onely, see Psal. 45. 13. Is not cor∣ruptible] opposite to the corruptible ornaments of the body.

V. 6. Not afraid] growing confident in God, that following your vocation, he will preserve you from all trouble and danger which you might feare from your unbeleeving husbands.

V. 7. According to] the Italian, discreetly; or ac∣cording to knowledge, being the husband ought by right to be more understanding then the woman Or, according as you are enlightned in the will of God, by the Gospell. Honour] namely, a certaine respect, with a circumspectnesse to not offend, con∣temne, or reject them by reason of their naturall infirmities. The weaker vessell] the Scripture calls all men vessels, in regard of their body and calling, &c. 1 Thes. 4. 4. 2 Tim 2. 20. Heires together] namely, with the women, who in Christ are partakers of the same benefit of Gods grace, and of the right to e∣verlasting life, see 1 Cor. 11. 11. Be not] as well by the passion of wrath, as by dissension: whereas prayer ought to proceed from a quiet spirit, and re∣quires the consent of hearts, and forgivenesse of offences, see Matth. 5. 23, 24. and 6. 14, 15. & 18, 19.

V. 9. Thereunto] namely, to endure afflictions pa∣tiently, 1 Thes. 3. 3. 1 Pet. 2. 21. Or, to performe Christs command, Matth. 6. 14, 15 and to imitate his example, 1 Pet. 2. 23.

V. 13. That will harme you] there is no better, nor more secure way, for to mitigate the hearts of them that would injure one, then meere goodnesse: nor any better defence then innocency: and if not∣withstanding this, a man doe receive any injury, it is no more a true evill, but a triall, and exer∣cise, which proves to be for a mans praise and salvation.

V. 14. Of their terrour] namely, with a carnall feare of worldly men, your persecu••ets, which without faith takes away the understanding, and deprives man of all good advice and counsell.

V. 15. Sanctifie] that is to say, give glory to him truely and heartily considing in his grace, power, and promise, see Isa. 8. 13. And feare] namely holy mo∣desty, and humility.

V. 16. Falsely accuse] or trouble. In Christ] name∣ly, the Christian conversation of such men, as being by faith united to Christ, doe live and are governed by his Spirit.

V. 17. It is better] this is said because that mans understanding is more impatient at undeserved then at deserved evils.

V. 18. Christ also] who is the most perfect exam∣ple; and in being conformable to whom consists the supreame vertue and happinesse, 1 Pet. 2. 21. Bring us] that is to say, should reconcile us, and rejoyne us to him againe, and should give us ente∣rance into his glory, Heb. 2. 10. Put to death] the Italian, mortified; that is to say, overcome with evils, and afterwards really dead, according to his hu∣mane nature, which he had taken upon him in his passible and mortall condition, but risen again from the dead by vertue of his divine nature, here called spirit, as Rom 1. 4. 1 Tim 3. 16.

V. 19 By which] the Italian, in which; namely, in which divine nature, he did formerly manifest himselfe to the world, in the daies of Noah, who was by his Spirit driven and inspired to preach repen∣tance, Heb. 11. 7. 2 Pet. 2. 5. as all the Prophets spake by Christs Spirit, 1 Pet. 1. 11. Now St. Peters mea∣ning seemes to be, that though Christ were at all times the great Prophet of the Church, yet the greatest part of the world was incredulous, and re∣bellious to him, as it appeared more expressely and generally in Noahs time; and therefore it ought not to seeme strange if the same thing happeneth under the Gospell: but then salvation is likewise onely for beleevers, and perdition for all the rest of the unbeleeving world, as it happened at that time. He went] a figurative kind of speech, because Gods glorious abode is in Heaven: and from thence he is said to come, and descend, when he manifests himselfe to the world by some singular operation. Preached] that is to say, he caused Noah to preach. Unto the Spirits] namely, to the men of that age whose soules are now in the infernall prisons, im∣prisoned, as it were, there against the day of judge∣ment, see 2 Pet. 2. 4.

V. 20. Soules] that is to say, persons. By water] the Italian. By meanes of the water] that is to say, the water which drowned all the world, carrying and bearing up the Arke.

V. 21. The like figure] that is to say, Noahs saving by meanes of the Arke, in the middle of the deluge, may be taken for a figure of the beleevers salvation out of the abisse of everlasting death, which swal∣loweth up all the world, and from whence they are delivered by vertue of Christs resuriection, ap∣plyed and sealed unto them by baptisme, see upon 1 Cor. 10. 2. Not the putting away] that is to say, not this corporall washing, which is used in the action of outward baptisme, which is of no efficacy for the soule, of it selfe: but the inward action, wrought by the power of the Holy Ghost, whereby the be∣leevers conscience is in a manner eased, loosed, and purified; so that it being tried and questioned be∣fore God, it answeres and witnesseth to it selfe by the holy Ghost pardon, grace, and peace, Rom. 8. 16. 1 Cor. 2. 12. which is the foundation, earnest, and be∣ginning of everlasting salvation. By the resurrection] by which Christ being come out of the abisse of death, brings his members after him into everlast∣ing life, see John 12. 32. 1 Cor 15. 21, 22.

CHAP. IV:

Vers. 1. CHrist] as he had said, chap. 3. 1••. The meaning is, seeing Christ hath suffered death and passion for us, of which no man par∣takes, by faith, to justification and purging, unlesse he have a spirituall conformity with him, in morti∣fying of the old man, and vivifying of the new one, Rom. 63. 4. looke that you firmely propound unto your selves to imitate him, and that shall be unto you in stead of Armour, or defence against any assault or temptation, see Rom. 6. 6, 7. & 7. 6. Gal. 2. 20. & 5. 24. He that hath] that is to say, the true Christian, that hath been crucified with Christ, in what concerned his old man, or naturall corrupti∣on. Hath ceased] that is to say, sinne raigneth no more in him, to cause him to make a continuall practice of it, with a kinde of habit and delight, though indeed it doth yet dwell, and warre within him, so that he cannot choose but as yet commit some act of it, through weaknesse or at unawares, see Rom. 6. 12, 14. and 7. 18, 23. 1 John 3. 6, 9. and 5. 18.

V. 2. In the flesh] namely, in this mortall life, Gal. 2. 20. To the lusts] devoting his life and actions there unto, like to a servant, busied altogether in his ma∣sters businesses. Or, in such sort that you be as it were living instruments of sinne, to fulfill the de∣sires and inclinations thereof, and be wholly posses∣sed by it.

V. 3. May suffice] a vulgar kind of speech: that is to say, We, though we be Jewes, and the people of God, have too much imitated the Gentiles, in the vices and sinnes in which they live, and take plea∣sure: it is now even time to turne over a new leaf••, see Ezech. 44. 6. & 45. 9.

V. 4. Wherein] that is to say, seeing you by the Gospell are quite changed from what you were wont to be. Speake evill] the Italian, blaspheme; in contempt of you, and detestation of the Gospell, as a doctrine contrary to the sence and understanding; and which fighteth against common customes, and religions which are approved of, Acts 13. 45. and 18. 6.

V. 5. The quicke] as well those as shall be still li∣ving, when he commeth to judgement, as those which are dead before his comming.

V. 6. For, for this] for we must each moment expect Christs last comming. The Apostles, did put themselves, and those who lived in their daies, in the number of those that should be living in that day, 1 Cor. 15. 51. 1 Thes. 4. 15, 17. Whereupon Saint Peter restraining that which he had spoken (namely that Christ should judge both the living and the dead) unto the Church, as well of the Jewes who were already dead, as of the Christians who should be yet living: he proves it to be so, because they have all been alike under Christs Kingdome, having been partakers of his Gospell, which is as it were the law of his Kingdome, see 1 Cor. 10. 1, 2, 4. Heb. 4. 2. That they might] namely, that the incredulous and rebellious should be condemned, as the rest of carnall men, corrupt by sinne. But live] namely, that those amongst them who beleeved should be made partakers of Gods life in glory, by meanes of their being regenerate to the Image of God, produ∣ced in them by the power of the holy Ghost.

V. 8. Shall cover] God respecting it, shall be fa∣vourable to the sinner to give him a more lively im∣pression and feeling of the pardon of his sinnes in Christ, and shall also free him from many corporall punishments.

V. 11. Speake] that is to say, hath the gift and office of teaching publikely in the Church. As the Oracles] namely, with all reverence, purenesse, fide∣lity, and humblenesse, not attributing any glory to himselfe. And with authority as speaking in Gods Name, and as his Ambassadour, Matth. 7. 29. Tit. 2. 15. Minister] that is to say, is called to the Office of Deacon, to dispence the common goods of the Church, to relieve the poore, and to other uses, Acts 6. 1. Rom. 13. 7, 8. 1 Cor. 12. 28. As of the ability] that is to say, acknowledging that the outward meanes, and also the power of making use of them comes from God: that so making use of that power, as over other mens goods, he may referre, the glory boundennesse and service therefore to God. Through Jesus] by whom the father distributeth all these gifts and vocations, by whose intercession, and under whose favour all thanksgiving ought to be yeelded to God, for to have it pleasing unto him, Rom. 1. 8. Eph. 6 20. 1 Pet 2. 5. Dominion] the Italian, command; or power, 1 Tim. 6. 16.

V. 12. Fiery tryall] of afflictions, see Dan. 12. 10. 1 Pet. 1. 7.

V. 14. For the name] for making profession of him and his Gospell as Christians, as v. 16. Of glory] as much as to say, the glorious Spirit, as well in the divine power of his operations, as in the im∣pression of Gods Image and heavenly glory, which even in this world he imprinteth in beleevers, 2 Cor. 3. 18. He is] namely, Christ. Glorified] that is to say, his glory is defended by you against the evill speeches of the world. You honour him by the con∣stancie of your faith and service: and by your inno∣cency and holinesse you make it appeare, what manner of one he is, to whose image you are regenerated, and that causeth all these vertues in you.

V. 15. Busie-bodie] the Italian, a Bishop ever stran∣gers; that is to say, an indiscreet reformer, and judge of those that are out of the Church, over whom God hath given him neither charge nor authority,

see Matth. 7. 6. 1 Cor. 5. 12, 13. Others translate it, Busie in other mens businesses. Others, a spie or disturber of the publike peace, an authour of pra∣ctices and conspiracies against the state.

V. 16. Let him glorifie God] that is to say, let him give him humble thankes as for a singular honour and benefit, Acts 5. 41. Phil. 1. 7. 29.

V. 17. The time is come] The time of the Gospel brings this with it, that God purifies his Church by the fire of afflictions, see Isai 4. 4. Matth. 3. 12.

V. 18. If the righteous] that is to say, if believers, though they endeavour themselves to be pious and holy, ought (by reason of the reliques of sin which remain in thē) to passe through so many difficulties of Gods punishments, and combats of the world, before they can come to eternall salvation. The sin∣ner] namely, the unbeliever, who lieth wholly in sin, and is altogether given to it, and is drowned in it.

V. 19. Unto a faithfull] namely, to God who hath not onely created them, but also having out of his meer grace promised them salvation and ever∣lasting life, will infallibly grant it them.

CHAP. V.

Vers. 1. THe Elders] namely, the Pastours and guides of the Church.

V. 3. Gods heritage] the Italian, the heritages; namely, the particular Churches, which are as parts of the universal, which God holds as his possession and inheritance, Psal. 33. 12. and 74. 2.

V. 4. That fadeth not away] like the garlands wherewith the conquerours at games, races and combats were crowned, which were made of herbes, leaves, and flowers. Others translate it of Amaran∣to, which is a flower that fadeth not away, and wherewith they crowned their idols images.

V. 9. The same afflictions] namely, which you suf∣fer, and by which the devill tempteth you to apo∣stasie. Are accomplished] According as God hath appointed his Church its proportion, measure, and lastingnesse of afflictions to the likenesse of Christs, see Col. 1. 24.

V. 10. Of all grace] namely, the Authour of each gift and grace. By Christ] the Italian, In Christ; that is to say, by vertue of his righteousnesse, re∣demption and intercession, by meanes of your uni∣on with him in Spirit, and by Faith. Ye have suffer∣ed] or suffered a little.

V. 11. Dominion] the Italian, command; or power.

V. 12. The true grace] namely, the true doctrine of the Gospel, which is the declaration and ambas∣sage of grace.

V. 13. At Babylon] this is, the citie or countrie of Babylon in Chaldea, where there were an infinite number of Jewes dispersed. My son] See 1 Tim. 1. 2.

V. 14. That are] namely, that by Faith are mem∣bers of his Bodie and Church.