A paraphrase and annotations upon all the books of the New Testament briefly explaining all the difficult places thereof / by H. Hammond.

CHAP. XI.

1. AND the Apostles and [brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.]

[Paraphrase] 1. Christians in Judaea heard that the people of other nations which were not Jews, had embraced the doctrine of Christ.

2. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumci∣sion contended with him,

3. Saying, Thou wentest in unto men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.]

[Paraphrase] 2, 3. And, at Peter's coming to Jerusalem, the Jewish Chri∣stians (who though they were converted to Christianity, yet still continued constant to the observation of the Mosaicall law of circumcision, of abstaining from unclean things, and the conversation with men of any other nation, &c.) accused him, that he conversed freely with those that were not circumcised, Cornelius &c. and eat with them, which the Jews count absolutely unlawfull.

4. But Peter* 1.1 rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,]

[Paraphrase] 4. And Peter thus made his Apology, giving an exact account of all that had befalne in this matter.

5. I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a [trance] I saw a vision, a certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from the heaven by four cor∣ners, and it came even to me.

[Paraphrase] 5. See note on c. 10. d.

6. Upon the which when I had fastned mine eyes, I considered, and saw [four∣footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the aire.]

[Paraphrase] 6. beasts and fowls and creepers of all sorts, clean and unclean.

7. And I heard a voice, saying unto me, Arise, Peter, [slay and eat.]

[Paraphrase] 7. make no distinction of clean and unclean, but eat freely of any which thou seest.

8. But I said, Not so, Lord: for [nothing common or unclean hath at any time entred into my mouth.]

[Paraphrase] 8. I have always observed this distinction, commanded by the law of Moses, and must not now break that law, whatsoever thou seemest to command me.

9. But the voyce answered me† 1.2 again from heaven, [What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.]

[Paraphrase] 9. 'Twas God that made that distinction by his law to the Jews, and there is no naturall turpitude in eating any kind of meat, save onely as it is prohibited by God; and therefore God that made that law, abrogating it again, and making all meates clean, or free to be eaten, thou art not to think any in∣terdict lyes on any, but freely to eate of all.

10. And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

11. And behold] immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.

[Paraphrase] 11. And as soon as I had seen this vision, there was a thing fell out, which made me discern to what end this vision was designed, not onely to reveal to me the lawfulnesse of eating all sorts of meats, but more principally of conversing with, and preaching the Gospell to the Gentiles; for

12. And the Spirit bad me go with them nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entred into the mans house.]

[Paraphrase] 12. And the Spirit of God by a secret, afflation, or in∣citation, (See note on c. 8. f.) commanded me to make no scruple (this was the interpreting of my vision to me) but freely to go along with them, though they were not Jews, or circumcised Proselytes. And these six men, converted or Christian Jews, went along with me: and we all went into the house of Cornelius, a Gentile, but Proselyte of the Jewes, though uncircumcised.

13. And he shewed us, how he had seen an Angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter,]

[Paraphrase] 13. And he told how in a vision received from an An∣gel in this house of his (and might not we enter, where an Angel had been before us, sent by God immediately, as we also were?) he was commanded to send to Joppa for Simon Peter to come to him.

14. Who shall* 1.3 tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.]

[Paraphrase] 14. Who, said the Angel, shall teach thee that doctrine, by believing and embracing of which thou and all thy family, if they believe also, shall be made heires of everlasting salvation.

15. And as I began to speake, the holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.]

[Paraphrase] 15. And I had not long discoursed with them, and preached the Gospel of Christ, but the holy Ghost came down (see c. 10. 44.) upon Cornelius and his company either in the same manner, or with the same effects as he did upon us Apostles, Act. 2. presently after the ascension of Christ, before we entred upon our office.

16. Then remembred I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the holy Ghost.]

[Paraphrase] 16. And I could not but apply to these also what Christ said to us, viz. that John Baptist's manner and ceremony of receiving Proselytes should be much exceeded by another, which should befall us and some others, (see note on c. 1. a.) the descent of the Holy Ghost upon us.

17. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us* 1.4 who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ,† 1.5 what was I that I could withstand God?]

[Paraphrase] 17. And therefore when God hath allowed these Gen∣tiles the same privilege which he bestowed on us after our continuing stedfast to the faith of Christ so long, attending him as his constant disciples, when that which we look on as the solemnity of our mission or Apostleship, the descent of the Holy Ghost, hath been also allowed to them, it must have been a downright disobedience to God, if I had made a scruple to receive them into the Church, or indifferently to preach unto, or converse with them.

18. When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.]

[Paraphrase] 18. With this account of Peters they were satisfied, and blessed God, for that communicativenesse of his goodnesse, that he had afforded the same mercy to the Gentiles, as to the Jewes, that if they will return, and amend, and receive Christ, they shall be saved, and that he had given them the grace to doe so.

19. Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen, travelled as farre as Phoenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch,* 1.6 preaching the word unto none but unto the Jewes only.]

[Paraphrase] 19. Then the disciples that were driven from Jerusalem ch. 8. 1. went about, pub∣lishing the Gospel (see note on ch. 8. b.) to the Jewes, but to none else.

20. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the† 1.7 Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.]

[Paraphrase] 20. And some of these disciples were men that had been born in Cyprus and Cyrene, and they, when they came to Antioch, preached the faith of Christ to those Jewes which spake and used the Greek language and Bibles.

21. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.]

[Paraphrase] 21. And God prospered their preaching of Christ, and brought in many converts to them daily.

22. Then tidings of these things came unto the eares of the Church which was at Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should goe as farre as Antioch.]

[Paraphrase] 22. And the Apostles that remained at Jerusalem hear∣ing of it, sent Barnabas to confirm them from city to city as farre as Antioch.

23. Who when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad: and exhor∣ted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.]

[Paraphrase] 23. Who coming and see∣ing with what good successe the Gospel had been preached among them, (see note on Heb. 13. d. and Act. 18. e.) was glad, and advised them cordially and stedfastly to hold fast to Christ.

24. For he was a good man, and full of the holy Ghost, and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.]

[Paraphrase] 24. For Barnabas was a very pious person, a believer that had many excellent gifts and graces, and by his means also the Gospel was received by very many.

25. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus for to seek Saul.

26. And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to passe that [a whole year they* 1.8 assembled themselves with the Church, and taught much people: and the disciples were [note a] called Christians first in Antioch.]

[Paraphrase] 26. Paul and Barnabas, for the space of a year, resor∣ted to the place of publick as∣semblies, and instructed and confirmed all that came. And the disciples, or those that received the faith of Christ, being formerly called Nazarites or Galilaeans, in stead of those names, were styled Christians, and that first in Antioch of any place.

27. And in these daies came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.]

[Paraphrase] 27. And some of the chief men, possibly bishops of Judaea, that had also the gift of prophesie, came by appointment of the Church of Jerusalem to Antioch.

21. And there stood up one of them, named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit, that there should be great dearth thoroughout all the world: which came to passe in the daies of Claudius Caesar.]

[Paraphrase] 28. And one of them, named Agabus, by revelation from the Spirit of God, fore∣told that there should shortly be a great famine over all Judaea, (see note on Mat. 24. e. and Luk. 2. a.) which accordingly came to passe in the reigne of the Emperour Claudius, see 1 Cor. 16. 1.

29. Then the disciples every man according to his ability determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea.]

[Paraphrase] 29. And all the Christi∣ans in all places according to their abilities resolved to send relief to the Christians in Judaea in this time of dearth, (and among them Helen Queen of the Adiabeni, saith Eusebius l. 2. c. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.) bought a great deal of corn out of Aegypt, and sent it to be distributed to them that were in want, see Jos. Ant. l. 20. c. 2.

30. Which also they did, and sent it to [note b] the Elders, by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.]

[Paraphrase] 30. And this liberality from other parts of the Church, was by Paul and Barnabas brought, and put into the hands of the Bishops of Judaea.

Annotations on Chap. XI.

[ a] * 1.9 V. 26. Called Christians] The use of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the Active for to be called in a passive sense, is to be seen Rom. 7. 3. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 she shall be called an adulteresse. So in* 1.10 Oecumenius, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 they also are called wandring starres: but that in an eminent manner, as may be dis∣cerned by that acception of it in Epiphanius, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, saith he, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Astro∣nomy was much cried up, was in great reputation a∣mong the Pharisees. So here 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is to be famously known under that name of Christians.

[ b] * 1.11 V. 30. The Elders] The word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Elders is here first met with in the Christian Church, and there∣fore will deserve to be explained. And first it will not be amisse to see the use of it among the Greeks and Hebrewes. Among the Greeks, it is the saying of a learned Grammarian, Dionysius Halicarnasseus l. 2. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, The ancients used the word Elders both for Rulers and old men, and accordingly it is now in use among all nations, Italians, French, Spaniards, English, to call their Rulers, Seniors, Maiors, Aldermen, &c. which are literally the rendring of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Among the Hebrews the same is acknowledged, that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 old men (which with them that want degrees of compa∣rison is all one with Elders, and generally rendred 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) denoteth dignity and Praefecture in the Old Testament. So the steward of Abrahams house, Eliezer, who was placed over all his servants and goods, Gen. 24. 2. is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Elder of his house, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Ru∣ler of all he had; not so as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 should be joyned with 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and rendred his Elder servant, but with a com∣ma, that servant, which was Elder of his house, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, saith the Targum of Jerusalem, ruler, administrator, steward, and so he is called Gen. 15. 2. So the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or Elders of Pharaohs house, and of all Aegypt, Gen. 50. 7. are the Praefects and administrators of the Kings house, and of all Aegypt. So the Elders of the Moa∣bites, Num. 22. 7. are 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Princes of Moab, v. 8. So when all Dominion was founded in the privile∣ges that belonged to the first-born, Gen. 4. 7. (and therefore is Reuben, as first-born, Gen. 49. 3. called the excellency of principality, and the excellency of power, that is the excellent Principality, or Supreme power, the Magistrate, so called Rom. 13. 1.) the Princes of the families, or kindreds, are called indiffe∣rently 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Patriarchs, and Elders. Such were the Elders of Israel, Exod. 3. 16, 18. and 4. 29. the heads, or rulers of the families, or kindreds, ch. 6. 14. Rulers of the Congregation, ch. 16. 22. who are again called the Elders of Israel, ch. 17. 5, 6. and 18. 12. and Elders of the Tribes, Deut. 31. 28. And when Moses appointed Judges for lighter causes, Exod. 18. 22. who should have power over thousands, and hundreds, and fifties, and tens, that is, first, over so many families, after, over greater or les∣ser cities, (for so the thousand signifies a city, Judg. 6. 15. Mic. 5. 2. and the Ruler thereof is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Mat. 2. 6.) these were by them called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Elders, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Rulers and Judges, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Rulers of the synagogues and the like. And thereupon in the Theodosian Codex, where the second law de Judaeis uses the word Presby∣teros, Elders, another Law hath Synagogarum patres, fathers, or Rulers, of the Consistories. And so when the seventy Elders were taken in to assist Moses Num. 11. 16. (to whom the Great Sanhedrim at Jerusalem suc∣ceeded) it is evident, that these were so called, because they were Princes or Praefects, or Rulers of the people, before they were thus chosen by Moses. (Gather unto me, saith God, seventy men of the Elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the Elders of the people, and officers over them, and bring them to the tabernacle of the Congregation, that they may stand there with thee.) And so the word Elder was not a denotation of one of the Sanhedrim, any otherwise, then as some of those that were in the Sanhedrim had formerly been Elders, or Rulers, of the people; and accordingly of three sorts of men, of which the Sanhedrim consisted, but one is called Elders, the other Scribes, and chief Priests, (see Mat. 16. 20. and Note on Mar. 5. c.) By all which it appears how fitly this word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Elders, be∣ing made use of by the Apostles, and writers of the New Testament, is affix'd to the Governours of the Christian Church, the severall Bishops of severall ci∣ties, answerable to the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Rulers of thousands, or Patriarchs, which being first used among the Jewes, are in the Christian Church the ordinary title of Bi∣shops. And although this title of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Elders have been also extended to a second order in the Church, and is now onely in use for them, under the name of Presbyters, yet in the Scripture-times it be∣longed principally, if not alone, to Bishops, there be∣ing no evidence that any of that second order were then instituted, though soon after, before the writing of Ignatius Epistles, there were such instituted in all Churches. Of those first Apostolicall times the testi∣mony of Clemens Romanus in Epist.* 1.12 1. ad Cor. is ob∣servable, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Christ was sent from God, and the Apostles from Christ, and they went out preaching the Gospel—And then, They therefore preaching through Regions and Cities Constituted (or Ordained) their first∣fruits, (first-converts) into Bishops and Deacons of

those that should afterward believe. Where it appears that when the Gospel was first preached by the Apo∣stles and but few converted, they ordained in every Ci∣ty and Region no more but a Bishop, and one or more Deacons to attend him, there being at the present so small store out of which to take more, and so small need of ordaining more, that this Bishop is constituted more for the sake of those which should after believe, then of those which did already. Agreeable is that of Epiphanius 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, saith he, fetch'd out of the profoundest or antientest histories, l. 3. c. 1. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. At the beginning of the Apostles preaching, when there was none fit or wor∣thy to be Bishop, the place remained void without any, but where need required, and there were those that were fit for it, Bishops were constituted; but while there was no multitude of Christians, there were found none a∣mong them to be constituted Presbyters (in our modern use of that word) and they contented themselves with a Bishop alone in every place: But without a Deacon 'twas impossible for a Bishop to be, and therefore the Apostle took care that the Bishop should have his Dea∣cons to minister to him. And accordingly when S. Paul gives directions to Bishop Timothy for the ordaining of Officers in the Church, he names Bishops and Deacons, but no second order between them, 1 Tim. 3. 2, 8. and so to Titus, Tit. 1. 7. &c. 2. 1. (see Note on Phil. 1. c.) And so in the Church of Jerusalem it is clear by story, that James the brother of the Lord, being soon after Christs Ascension constituted their Bishop (see Note on Gal. 2. d.) the Deacons are the first that are added to him, Act. 6. and no mention as yet of any middle order. From whence it will be sufficiently clea∣red, who are the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Elders here, viz. the Bi∣shops of the severall cities or of the brethren that dwelt in Judaea, v. 29. to whom this almes was designed; for the famine being in all Judaea, and not onely at Jerusa∣lem, and there being brethren, that is, Christians, in ha∣biting through severall parts of Judaea, there can be no reason to imagin that Jerusalem only should have the benefit of this collection, or consequently that the El∣ders, to whom it was delivered, should belong only to that city.* 1.13 And thus it is known in the Primitive Church that almes and collections (called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) whether in the same Church brought by the communi∣cants in the offertory, or by officers sent from one Church to another, were solemnly intrusted to the Bi∣shop, as the steward of the house of God, as the ob∣lations were brought to the high Priest under the Law, and the liberality of the faithfull to the Apostles feet, Act. 4. 34. So in the 41^th Canon Apostolical it is ap∣pointed, Praecipimus ut in potestate sua Episcopus Ec∣clesiae res habeat: Si enim animae hominum pretiosae illi sunt concreditae, multò magìs oportet cum curam pecu∣niarum gerere, ita ut potestate ejus indigentibus omnia dispensentur per Presbyteros & Diaconos, We com∣mand that the Bishop shall have the goods of the Church in his own power: For if the soules of men so much more pretious are entrusted to him, he ought much more to have the care of the monies, so as by his power all be dispensed to them that want, by the Presbyters and Deacons. And so saith* 1.14 Justin Martyr of the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 President, or Bishop, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, he is the Guardian of all that are in want. From this explication of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 here, must be taken the no∣tion of it Act. 15. 2. where the Elders at Jerusalem with the Apostles, are not the Elders of Jerusalem, that one city, but the Bishops of all Judaea, now met in Councell at Jerusalem, v. 4, 6, 22, 23. which joy∣ned in making that de••ree ch. 16. 4. and so ch. 21. 18. when Paul again went up to Jerusalem, and address'd himself to James the Bishop there, it is added, as in Councell, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and all the Elders were there. An image or representation of which Councel we have Rev. 4. 4. & 11. 16. One sit∣ting upon the throne: The Bishop of Jerusalem, as Metropolitan, sitting in the midst, and four and twenty Elders 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 round about, in fashion of a crown or semicircle, sitting on thrones on each side of him, in white garments, and golden crownes or mitres, the characters of Episcopal Dignity, and seven lamps of fire, the Emblems of seven Deacons ver. 5. waiting on them. And as the Bishops of Judaea, being at Jerusa∣lem, are thus fitly styled 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Elders, (not of the Church of Jerusalem, but) either simply Elders or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, at, or in Jerusalem, noting only the place where they met in Councel, not of which they were Elders, or Governours: So Act. 14. 23. it is said of Paul and Barnabas passing through Lystra, Iconium, and An∣tioch, that having confirmed the Churches, they ordai∣ned them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Elders Church by Church, that is, a Bishop in every Church, one Go∣vernour in Lystra, another in Iconium, another in An∣tioch. And so c. 20. 17. the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 El∣ders of the Church of Asia, are the same that are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Bishops of the flock, v. 28. set over them by the holy Ghost, to wit, the Bishops of all Asia, who, saith Irenaeus, were called together ab Epheso & reliquis proximis civitatibus, from Ephesus and the rest of the cities neer, l. 3. c 14. To all which places in that book of the Acts belongs that saying of Oecu∣menius, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the book of the Acts uses to call Bishops Elders. So Tit. 1. 5. when Titus is said to be left in Crete, to ordain 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Elders city by city, there is little doubt, but as Titus was Me∣tropolitan of that Iland, (in which there were said to be an hundred cities, and Gortyna the Metropolis) so the Elders in those severall cities were a Bishop in each, and so they are distinctly called ver. 7. and the same directions given for the ordaining of them and the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that to Timothy are given for the Bishops and Deacons, 1 Tim. 3. And the Greek Scholiasts say distinctly on that place, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, he calls the Bishops Elders, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Apostle left Titus to constitute Bishops, having first made him Bishop: and* 1.15 Theodoret, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, He had Commission to ordain Bishops under him: and Theophy∣lact, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, He was intrusted with the judging and ordaining of so many (that is, an hundred) Bishops. So 1 Tim. 4. 14. the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or Eldership that laid hands on Timo∣thy,* 1.16 and made him Bishop, may well be resolved to be the Bishops or Apostolical men, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, those that were vouchsafed the favour to be Apostles, saith Theodoret, who with S. Paul (2 Tim. 1. 6.) cons••crated him. Thus S^t Peter calls himself, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Peter the Elder, 1 Pet. 5. 1. and S^t John 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Elder John, 2 Joh. 1. and 3 Joh. 1. And accordingly saith* 1.17 St Chry∣sostome on that place, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, By Eldership he means not (those that were in his daies called) Presbyters, but Bishops, for Presby∣ters did not ordain Bishops: and so Theophylact and Oecumenius 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Presby∣tery, that is, Bishops: and so* 1.18 Ignatius calls the Apostles 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Presbytery of the Church. And Theodoret renders the reason of the appellation, for so, saith he, the holy scripture 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, call'd the chief men of Israel, the Senate or Eldership. So 1 Pet. 5. 1. and 5. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Elders among you, are no doubt the Bi∣shops in all the dispersions of the Converted Jewes; of whom it is there said that they should 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 v, 2. doe the part of the Pastor and Bishop.

Some other places there are, where the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 may possibly signifie a lower order, if any such there were in those times, but yet it is not certain that they doe so. Such is that 1 Tim. 5. 1. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Rebuke not an Elder, and ver. 19. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Receive not an accusation against an Elder; where 'tis the opinion of Epipha∣nius, that Bishop Timothy's power over the Presbyters is spoken of. But when it is remembred that Timothy was not only a Bishop, but of a Metropoliticall See, the chief of all Asia, and so a Metropolitan, and he appointed by Paul to ordain Bishops there (whose qualifications are therefore set down, and those of Deacons, but no mention of a middle order) there is no doubt but those Bishops of inferior Sees ordained by him, were also accusable and rebukable before him, in the same manner as Theophylact said of Titus, that the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 judgment, as well as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Ordination of so many Bishops was committed to him. And there∣fore though S^t Chrysostome explaining those places in∣terpret them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of all old men, (and some circumstances in the Context incline to that sense) yet having made this question, what should be done in case the faults were confess'd but had no witnesses, but only an evil suspicion? he answers, and so also Theo∣phylact, and Oecumenius in the same words, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Apostle had answered above, He ought to have a good testimony from them that are without; which plainly referring to the qualifications of Bishops 1 Tim. 3. 7. must suppose the Elders to denote Bishops in that place also: and so again saith* 1.19 Chrysostome on that other place, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, It is manifest that he was in∣trusted with Churches, or indeed with a whole nation, that of Asia, wherefore S. Paul discourses to him of Elders. Where the mention of Churches in the plural, and of all Asia, over which Timothy was placed, must interpret Elders of Bishops there. A third place there is in that Epistle 1 Tim. 5. 17. Let the Elders that have ruled well be thought worthy of double honour; which may also very commodiously be interpreted of the Bishops, the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or Prefects of Churches (so styled by Justin Martyr and others,) and those dis∣charging their office duely, and (besides the farther in∣structing, or teaching their Churches already constitu∣ted) labouring and travailing in the preaching the Go∣spel to them that have not before heard it, to whom therefore the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,* 1.20 the double portion of alimony, the labourers reward v. 18. is assigned by the Apostle. A fourth place is that of S. James, Jam. 5. 14. Is any man sick? let him call for the Elders of the Church, &c. Where, as the office of visiting the sick, of pray∣ing, anointing, absolving, and restoring health to the sick, may well agree to the Bishop, so the setting it in the plural number is nothing to the contrary for that only signifies the Elders, or Bishops of the Christian Church to be the men, whom all are to send in to this case: not that there are more Elders then one in one particular Church or city, any more then that more then one are to be sent for by the same sick person. To this purpose belongs that place of Polycarp the primi∣tive Bishop of Smyrna, and Martyr, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉—〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Let the Elders be mercifull to all,—visiting all that are weak, or sick; where many other particulars are mention'd, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 judicature, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 severity, or ex∣cision, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 accepting of persons, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, believing hastily against any, as also 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, reducing hereticks, which belong properly to the office of the Bishop, and not to any second order in the Church; and accor∣dingly in all that Epistle there is no mention of any but of Elders and Deacons. As in Papias also his contemporary, and after him in Irenaeus, and Justin Martyr, though 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 sometimes signi∣fie that second order, yet 'tis also used to signifie the Bishop, and Polycarp himself styled 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, an Apostolick Elder, or Bishop, Iren. in Ep. ad Plotinum, and so Seniores in Ter∣tullian.

Notes

• * 1.1

  began and expounded to them or∣derly 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• † 1.2

  the second time, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.3

  speak words to thee, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.4

  when we had belie∣ved, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• † 1.5

  Who was I, able to withstand or hinder God? 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉;
• * 1.6

  speaking, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• † 1.7

  many co∣pies printed and MS. read 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Hel∣lenists
• * 1.8

  assembled in the Church, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.9

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.10

  On Jude.
• * 1.11

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.12

  p. 3.
• * 1.13

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.14

  Apol. 2.
• * 1.15

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Ep. ad. Tit.
• * 1.16

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.17

  in 1 Tim. 4. Hom 13.
• * 1.18

  Ep. ad Philad.
• * 1.19

  Hom. 15. in 1 Tim 5. 19.
• * 1.20

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