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 ...

§. 188. Of Ministers associating themselves one with another.

THe Apostle was not only desirous to see the Hebrews himself, but also to bring Timothy with him. Thus much is intended under this phrase, a 1.1 with whom. For this Relative hath reference to Timothy.* 1.2

• 1. It appeareth that Timothy had been some time with these Hebrews before: and as an Evangelist had watered that seed which their first planter had sown: and tho∣row Gods blessing on his labour, drawn the hearts of the Hebrews to him: which made the news of his liberty to be the more joyfull unto them. This Apostle there∣fore to encrease their joy the more, is desirous to bring Timothy in his company to them. Both the one and the other were restrained, and therefore the sight of them both must needs encrease their joy.
• 2. The Apostle would go in company with him, that as occasion was offered, he might use his Ministry and service either in tarrying longer with the Hebrews, then the Apostle himself could: or in sending him to some other Church upon some spe∣cial imploiment.
• ...

• 3. The Apostle is desirous to go with him, that it might appear they two agreed in the same faith, and consented in the same doctrine; whereby the Churches might be the further confirmed and edified therein. For this end the Apostle oft joyned him with him in the inscription of sundry of his Epistles: as 2 Cor. 1. 1. Phil. 1. 1. Col. 1. 1. 1 Thess. 1. 1. 2 Thess. 1. 1.

Great is the benefit of Ministers mutuall consent, and the manifestation of the same by associating themselves together, and accompanying one another as occa∣sion serveth. It is expresly noted that Christ sent out his seventy Disciples two and two, Luk. 10. 1. And that the Apostles sent Peter and Iohn to Samaria, Act. 8. 14. And that the Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them, Act. 13. 2. When upon occasion Paul and Barnabas departed a∣sunder, Paul chose Silas to go along with him, Act. 15. 40.

As agreement and consent is very commendable and gracefull among all Chri∣stians, so especially among Ministers of the Word, and it is more earnestly to be endeavoured after, and more carefully to be manifested.

It is here further observable, that there was great difference many waies be∣twixt* 1.3 Paul and Timothy: and that in years, in Function, in esteem of the Churches.

• 1. Paul was an aged man when Timothy was a young man, 1 Tim. 4. 12.
• 2. Paul was an Apostle and a planter of Churches. Timothy but an Evangelist and a waterer of what Paul had planted, 1 Cor. 3. 6. 2 Tim. 4. 5.
• 3. Paul was counted a Father by the Churches; Timothy but an Instructer, 1 Cor. 4. 15, 17. Notwithstanding these differences Paul here speaks of him as of an equall with him; and gives him the title of Brother, and maketh it a matter of as great joy to the Church, that Timothy should come to them, as that himself should come. This is a worthy president for Ministers.

Notes

• a 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.2

  Why Paul would go with Timothy.
• * 1.3

  Pauls humble minde.