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 ...

§. 113. Of appropriating Christs Propheticall Office to his brethren.

THe speciall persons for whom Christ was a Prophet, are stiled Brethren: and that in relation to Christ himself. For thus he himself cals them. Of this re∣lation see §. 106, 107.

Expresse mention is here made of this relation, to shew who they be for whom in speciall Christ took upon him to be a Prophet, namely for his spirituall kindred. These are the babes to whom the mysteries of the Gospel are revealed, Matth. 11. 25. These are they to whom it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of hea∣ven, Matth. 13. 11. These are they of whom Christ in his preaching said, Behold my mother and my brethren, Matth. 12. 49. For these and these alone are given to Christ. Of these thus saith Christ, I have manifested thy Name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world; I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me. I have declared unto them thy Name, and will declare it, John 17. 6, 8, 26.

Quest. Why did Christ himself preach to all of all sorts? and why commanded he his Disciples to teach all Nations, and to go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature? Matth. 28. 19, 20. Mark 16. 15.

Answ. For his Elect sake which were here and there in every place mixed with reprobates: as good corn is mixed with tares, and solid grain with chaff. The Elect only receive the benefit of Christs Propheticall Office; others are more hardened thereby, Matth. 13. 13, 14, 15.

Hereby such as are kindely and effectually wrought upon by the Ministry of the Gospel, wherein Christs Propheticall Office is executed, may know, that they are Christs brethren, chosen of God, given to the Son of God, heirs of eternall Life.