A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 22. Of Christs sitting at the right hand of the throne of God

AS Christ had an eye in his sufferings on the joy that was set before him: so after he had suffered he was made partaker of that joy, which is expressed in this high transcendent phrase, And is set down at the right hand of the throne of G•…•…d. This containeth the recompence which followed upon his sufferings: and in ge∣nerall it setteth out an advancement above all creatures, next unto God himself. It is to be taken of Christ in that relation wherein he suffered: namely, in reference to his humane nature; but so as united to his divine nature; even that person which was God-Man, as hath been shewed, Chap. 1. v. 3. §. 34.

Every word in this reward carrieth an especiall emphasis.

• 1. The particle of connexion, being copulative, a 1.1 and, sheweth, that it follow∣eth upon his crosse▪ and shame.
• 2. The verb translated b 1.2 is set down, is of the active voice: and is translated, Sat, in reference to Christ himself, Chap. 1. v. 3. and Chap. 10. v. 12. It implieth a joynt act with his Father. His Father said unto him, c 1.3 sit, and he sat. It inten∣deth a setled continuance in that honour. See Chap. 1. v. 3. §. 31.
• 3. d 1.4 Right hand, is here metaphorically taken: and setteth forth the high degree of Christs dignity, which was next unto God himself, above all creatures. See Chap. 1. v. 3. §. 33.
• 4. e 1.5 The throne, is a royall seat, as hath been declared, Chap. 1. v. 8. §. 106.
• 5. This title of f 1.6 God, much amplifieth all the forenamed degrees of Christs ad∣vancement. He was set by God. He was set at the right hand of God. He was set on the Throne of God. To manifest that this, of God, is an amplification of Christs advancement, it is thus expressed, of the Majesty, Chap. 1. v. 3. Of the Throne of the Majesty, Chap. 8. v. 1. Hereof see Chap. 1. v. 3. §. 32.

This recompence farr exceeded all his sufferings. And by a due consideration of this, which Christ knew would follow upon his sufferings, was he encouraged to endure what he did.

It affordeth unto us sundry weighty considerations.

• 1. Christ was advanced as high as ever he was brought low.
• 2. He hath a supreme power.
• 3. There is no more suffering for Christ. He is set down on a Throne.
• 4. Sufferings shall not lose their reward.
• 5. The reward shall exceed all sufferings▪

These, and other like recompences, which were conferred upon the head, may be expected by the severall members of the mysticall body, according to that degree that they are capable of, and is fit for them.

Notes

• a 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• b 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• c 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• d 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• e 1.5

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• f 1.6

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.