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

CHAP. XIX.

1. AND it came to passe that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus; and finding certain [disciples,]

[Paraphrase] 1. Christian professors pub∣lishing the Gospel there. See note on c. 8. b.

2. He said unto them, [Have ye received the holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any holy Ghost.]

[Paraphrase] 2. Hath the holy Ghost, since your receiving the faith, descended on you, and set you apart, given you authority or gifts for the work of the ministery? (see c. 10. 44.) And they said, The doctrine which we received, had nothing in it of the holy Ghost.

3. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptisme.]

[Paraphrase] 3. And he said, How can that be, when the Christian baptisme is in the name of the holy Ghost? To which they replied, that John's baptisme was all that they had received.

4. Then said Paul John verily baptized with the baptisme of repentance, say∣ing unto the people that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is on Christ Jesus.]

[Paraphrase] 4. And Paul knowing that they by John his baptisme had implicitely acknowledged Christ under the title of [he that comes after] and had promised to repent, and reform their lives, he explicitely taught them the whole doctrine of Christ, and of the holy Ghost also.

5. When they heard this they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.]

[Paraphrase] 5. And they presently re∣ceived and believed it, and were received in as Christian Proselytes in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the holy Ghost.

6. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.]

[Paraphrase] 6. After this Paul by im∣position of hands and bene∣diction gave them confirmation, by which means the holy Ghost came on them, and therewith gifts of tongues, and some o∣ther extraordinary gifts of the holy Ghost, the same which came as upon the Apostles at the descent of the holy Ghost, ch. 2. so on divers others after, see c. 10. 44.

7. And all the men were about twelve.

8. And he went into the synagogue and spake boldly for the space of three moneths, disputing and perswading the things concerning the kingdome of God.]

[Paraphrase] 8. And he went and preacht the Gospel in the syn∣agogues that were at Ephesus, to the Jewes, for the space of three moneths, labouring to convince them.

9. But when divers were hardened and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples,* 1.1 dispu∣ting daily in the [note a] school of one Tyrannus.]

[Paraphrase] 9. But when in stead of being convinced, he saw them, (in an obdurate refra∣ctary manner) not onely reject the Gospel, but speak of it contumeliously in publick before the people, he left them, and took those that were converted by themselves, and instructed them daily in a place which was used to entertain scholars privately.

10. And this continued by the space of two years, so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jewes and Greeks.]

[Paraphrase] 10. And doing thus for the space of two years, all the inhabitants of the Proconsular Asia, both Jewes and Proselytes, had in that space the Gospel preacht to them.

11. And God wrought speciall miracles by the hands of Paul.]

[Paraphrase] 11. And many extraordi∣nary miracles were wrought by Paul, through the power of God, among them.

12. So that from his body were brought unto the sick† 1.2 handkerchiefs, or [note b] aprons; and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.]

[Paraphrase] 12. For he did not onely cure them which came to him, but by his touching of linen clothes, and sending them to such as were sick, or possest with devils, they were cured immediately.

13. Then certain of the* 1.3 vagabond Jewes, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits, the name of the Lord Jesus,] saying, We adjure you by Jesus, whom Paul preacheth.

[Paraphrase] 13. And some of the Jews, that went about to cure disea∣ses, and cast out devils (see note on Mat. 12. g.) tried to cast them out by using the name of Jesus Christ,

14. And there were seven sons of one Sceva† 1.4 a Jew, [and chief of the priests,] which did so.

[Paraphrase] 14. one of the chief of the families of the Priests, (see note on ch. 4. a.)

15. And the evil spirit answered, and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?]

[Paraphrase] 15. But the devil would not obey them, as not coming with any authority from Christ which had given it to Paul.

16. And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.]

[Paraphrase] 16. But made the man that was possess'd fall violent∣ly upon them, which accor∣dingly he did, and was too hard for them all, and tore off their clothes, and wounded them, and made them run away.

17. And this was known to all the Jewes, and Greeks also dwelling at E∣phesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magni∣fied]

[Paraphrase] 17. And this accident be∣ing made known to the Jewes, and natives of Ephesus, wrought very much upon them, and brought many to the faith of Christ.

18. And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.]

[Paraphrase] 18. And they that were thus wrought on, came, many of them, to the Apostles, and told them the actions or courses of their former lives, to know how agreeable they were to the faith, that so they might forsake or continue in them.

19. Many also of them which used [note c] * 1.5 curious arts, brought their books toge∣ther, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand [note d] † 1.6 pieces of silver.]

[Paraphrase] 19. And many that had studied and practised Magick and sorcery, brought out and publickly burnt their books, though they were of a very high value.

20. So mightily grew the word of God, and prevailed.]

[Paraphrase] 20. Of so great authority was the word of God, the Gospel of Christ, as it was now preach't by Paul among the Ephesians, and those of Asia.

21. After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed] through Macedonia and Achaia, to goe to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

[Paraphrase] 21. After this, Paul resol∣ved or determined with him∣self in his passage

22. So he sent into Macedonia two of them which ministred unto him, Timo∣theus and Erastus; but] he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

[Paraphrase] 22. And sending into Ma∣cedonia two of his assistants that went with him, and were ready to doe whatsoever he appointed them, viz. Timothy and Erastus, (see note on Joh. 20. b.)

23. And the same time [there arose no small stirre about that way.]

[Paraphrase] 23. a great stirre was rai∣sed among them of Asia about the doctrine of the Gospel.

24. For a certain man, named Demetrius, a silver-smith, which made [note e] silver * 1.7 shrines for Diana, brought no small† 1.8 gain unto the crafts-men,

25. Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said,] Sirs, ye know that by this* 1.9 craft we have our wealth.

[Paraphrase] 24, 25. For one Demetrius, a silver-smith, that dealt in making of little cabinets of silver with the image of Diana in them, had a great many of that trade that wrought under him, who were all maintained by that imployment. And many others of severall occupations were employed about these pictures. And all these, whose livelyhoods were concerned in it, he called together, and said unto them,

26. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost through∣out all Asia, this Paul hath perswaded and turned away much people, saying, That [they be no Gods which are made with hands.]

[Paraphrase] 26. the Images which we make and worship, are not indeed true Gods.

27. So that not onely this [our† 1.10 craft] is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the Temple of the great goddesse Diana should be despised, and her magnifi∣cence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

[Paraphrase] 27. trade, by which we get our living,

28. And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying,* 1.11 Great is Diana of the Ephesians.]

[Paraphrase] 28. And hereupon they were enraged, and cried down the doctrine of Paul, by crying up Diana, the goddesse of the Ephesians, so long worshipt by them.

29. And the whole city was filled with confusion: [and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Pauls companions in travail, they rushed with one accord into the Theatre.]

[Paraphrase] 29. And in this hurrey they seiz'd upon two of Pauls companions, and brought them out, probably with an intention (howsoever they were hindred) to throw them to combate with wild beasts upon the stage (see note e) as it was ordinary to doe with malefactors.

30. And when Paul would have entred in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.]

[Paraphrase] 30. And Paul was willing to have come among them, with an intention to give them an account of the faith of Christ contrary to these Idol-worships of theirs; but the Christians that were there perswaded him to the contrary.

31. And certain of† 1.12 the [note f] chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, * 1.13 desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the Theatre.]

[Paraphrase] 31. And some of the Prae∣fects of the games or sports there, which being consecrated to their Gods, were intrusted to the charge of the priests, were so kind to him, that, knowing the purpose of the people to cast him to the wild beasts, they sent to him to keep close, and not to come out among the people, as he meant, v. 30. lest if they took him, they should carry him (as it seems they meant, see note on 1 Cor 15. d.) and cast him to wild beasts on the theatre.

32. Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for [the assembly was confused,] and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

[Paraphrase] 32. a great hubbub and confusion there was,

33. * 1.14 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jewes [note g] putting him forward: and Alexander beckned with the hand, and† 1.15 would have made his de∣fence unto the people.]

[Paraphrase] 33. And some of the po∣pular officers brought out Alexander, a Jewish professor of the faith, and the Jewes examined and questioned him, believing (probably) that he would excuse himself, and lay the fault upon Paul: And he made a signe with his hand, that he would gladly make his own apologie, and give them an account of the whole matter.

34. But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two houres cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.]

[Paraphrase] 34. But the heathens of Ephesus knowing that he was a Jew, and supposing that he was for Paul's way, and that derogatory to Diana (though the truth is he meant to dear himself, and lay the blame on Paul, for which he is said to have done him much injury, 1 Tim. 1. 19. and 2 Tim. 4. 14.) they would not permit him to be heard, but cried for two houres space, Diana, the great Diana, the Goddesse of the Ephesians.

35. * 1.16 And when the [note h] Town-clerk had appeased the people, he said, ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not, how that the city of the Ephe∣sians † 1.17 is a [note i] worshipper of the great Goddesse Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?

[Paraphrase] 35. And the Register of their games composed and quieted the people with this oration, Every body knows that Ephesus among the ci∣ties of Greece hath the honour to be called the chief officer in the worship of Diana, to whom it belongs to preserve and adorn her Temple, and the Temple that encloses that image that fell down out of heaven from Jupiter, (so much talk't of a∣mong the heathens.)

36. Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to doe* 1.18 nothing rashly.]

[Paraphrase] 36. And therefore this be∣ing granted by all, what need is there of this so much adoe?

37. For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of Churches, nor yet blasphemers of your Goddesse.]

[Paraphrase] 37. For this Paul, &c. hath neither robbed your Temples, nor spoken any thing against your Goddesse Diana.

38. Wherefore if Demetrius and the crafts-men which are with him have [note k] a matter against any man,* 1.19 [note l] the law is open, and there are deputies, let them im∣plead one another.]

[Paraphrase] 38. As for Demetrius and the trades-men that depend on him, if any man hath done them any injury, let them form their inditement or accusation, 'tis now a fit time for them to have justice done them, the court sits, let them bring in their charge.

39. But if ye† 1.20 enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be deter∣mined in a lawfull assembly.]

[Paraphrase] 39. But if you have any other suit or controversie a∣mong you, it shall be referred to such a meeting or judicature as the law appoints for such matters.

40. For we are in danger to be* 1.21 called in question for this daies uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

41. And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

Annotations on Chap. XIX.

[ a] * 1.22 V. 9. School of one Tyrannus] There were (two kinds of schools among the Jewes, wherein the Law was taught, private or publick. 1. Private, wherein any Doctor entertained scholars, and such was this of Ty∣rannus here, contained under the title, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 houses of learning, mentioned by Maimonides, as one kind of their holy places; their Schools, and not one∣ly their Synagogues, being accounted so. Then 2^dly, Publick, where Consistories sat to resolve differences of the Law.

[ b] * 1.23 V. 12. Aprons] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is lightly changed from the Latine semicinctum, that which is called by the Chaldee 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or cingulum coriaceum, or succinctori∣um, which work men put before them, that they may not foule their cloathes, an apron, or napkin supplying the aprons place. The difference which Theophylact and Oecumenius make between 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and these is,* 1.24 that Sudaria are applyed to the head, as a cap, or ker∣chief; the latter to the hands, as an handkerchief. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, saith Oecumenius, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, they carry them in their hands, to wipe off moistures from the face, swet, spittle, tears and the like.

[ c] * 1.25 V. 19. Curious arts] What is the meaning of the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or curious things, here used among the Ephe∣sians, will be best guest first by Hesychius's glosse, and then by a passage in Irenaeus, both misread in the ordi∣nary copies, In Hesychius we have 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (that should be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. The word denotes their heathen rites of purgations. Of their lustrations, or purgations, the heathen books are full; see Porphyry 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Iamblichus, Hierocles, Marinus de vita Pro∣cli, Plotinus, &c. All which were nothing but ma∣gick and sorcery, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and according∣ly the Greek fathers on this place say they were their 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 books of sorcery, that here were burnt. Irenaeus l. 1. c. de Simonian. hath these words, Ama∣toria quoque & agogima—& quaecunque sunt alia parerga (it should certainly be perierga) apud eos studiosè exercentur, Love-charms, and philtres, and all other such curious, that is, Magical, tricks, are in great use among them.* 1.26 So in Aristaenetus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, he seemed to be a Magician, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, acting the part of wit∣ches. So in S.* 1.27 Augustines Confessions, Curiosae visio∣nes are Magical apparitions.* 1.28 These are the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 medicaments, from which Sorcerers are generally cal∣led 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 medicamentarii, as the Latines use ve∣neficae witches, from venena poysons; not that they al∣waies use medicaments, but many times only charms and words in stead of them. And accordingly Me∣nander mentions them proverbially of Ephesus here, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Ephesian charms, or spells, which such an one 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, walks, and speaks to the bridegroom and his bride. These are the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Ephesian words, or writings, so often spoken of by writers, as charms, or spells. Of them Hesychius gives an account, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. These words are much deformed, but by the help of a passage in Clemens Alex. Strom. l. 1. c. 18. may easily thus be mended. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. The Ephesian words were antiently six but afterwards deceivers added others also: the names of the former were, &c. and the signification of them, darknesse, light, the earth, the year, the sun, and truth, (see Canter. Var. lect. l. 1. c. 18.) Of which he concludes, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, these are sacred and holy, that is, part of the heathen Idolatry. See Plutarch. Sym∣posiac. 7. Clemens Alex. Strom. l. 5. Eustathius ad Homer. Odyss. 21. Suidas, and the books of the Greek Proverbs. And so the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 are the sorcerers, or Magicians among them, who brought

the books of their black art, which though they were of great value, and would have been sold for much, yet they neither kept, nor sold, but as a testimony of renouncing their former course, they burnt them pub∣lickly.

[ d] * 1.29 Ib. Pieces of silver] The Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that is lite∣rally rendred 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, silver, signifies peculiarly siclum argentum, a silver shekel, among the Hebrews. See Note on Mat. 26. d.

[ e] * 1.30 V. 24. Silver shrines for Diana] In the Idolatry of the Heathens, it is sufficiently known, that they were wont to carry the images of their false Gods about in pomp, that is, procession, from one city to ano∣ther. This they did in a Chariot, that was solemnly consecrated for that imployment, and by the Romans styled Thensa, that is, the chariot of their Gods. But beside this greater, there was a lesser frame wherein it was placed, a box, or shrine, called Ferculum by them. Accordingly at the bestowing of divine honours on their great men alive, or dead, the Romans had their Circaean games, and in them, Thensam, and Ferculum, that Chariot, and that Shrine bestowed on them. As it is related of Julius Caesar. This Ferculum among the Romans differs not much from the Graecians 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a little Chappel, representing the form of a Temple, with an image in it, which being set upon the Al∣tar or other solemn place, and the valve, the leaves or dores open'd, the image stood, or fat in state, and so was represented to the spectators. Accordingly an old anonymous Scholiast on Aristotles Rhetoricks, l. 1. c. 15. hath these words, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, noting the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 here to be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Chaplets with Images in them of wood, or any other metall, (as here of sil∣ver v. 24.) which they make, and sell, as here ver. 25. they are supposed to doe, and so get wealth by that trade. Thus we have mention in Athenaeus of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which, saith he, is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a vessel wherein they place their images of Ju∣piter. On which saith the learned* 1.31 Casaubon,* 1.32 erant simulacra haec armariis inclusa, quae ad sacellorum modum fi••bant, these images were put in cases, which were made like chappels. So S. Chrysostome, making them to be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 as little cases or shrines. Agreeable to this is it,* 1.33 that Ammianus Marcellinus saith of Asclepiades, that whithersoever he went he carried about with him Deae coelestis argenteum breve figmentum, a small silver image of Urania. And Dion of the Roman ensigne (which is known to be an Eagle) that it was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a little temple,* 1.34 and in it a golden eagle; and again, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 there was,* 1.35 saith he, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a short, or little, chappel of Juno, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, set upon a table. This hath been shew'd (Note on ch. 7. f.) to be the meaning of the tabernacle of Moloch,* 1.36 Act. 7. 43. taken from Am. 5. 26. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 there, the tabernacle of your King, but by the LXX 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the tabernacle of Moloch, (that word in Hebrew signifying a King) where 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, ta∣bernacle, is the chaplet wherein was the figure of that false God, or starre so call'd. And that it is so, may be guest by that which followes there,* 1.37 the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the figures which you made to worship, which it seems were put in such tabernacles or chap∣pels to that end. The like also was the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the tabernacle of Benoth, or Venus, another of those false deities, whose image was enshrined in such a little Chappel;* 1.38 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to be worshipped. What 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or Diana is, there is little question, no other than the Moon; and therefore saith Cleomedes Meteor. l. 2. c. 5. p. 111. it was the fashion 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to give torches to those that went into Diana's Temple, adding 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for this is a sign set to express that the Moon receives her light from without, that is, from the Sunne.

[ f] * 1.39 V. 31. Chief of Asia] Among the Heathens there were agones & games instituted ad placanda bona numina, to appease the good deities, saith Labeo, as sacrifices and victims to appease the bad or angry. And therefore in the Anthology, the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the four games in Greece, Olympian, Ne∣maean, Isthmian, Pythian, are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, all four sacred: And so in Julian 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. there is men∣tion of the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the running of horses, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the feasts of the Gods; and in the Re∣script of Honorius and Theodosius, sacra munera, sacra festa, sacros agones, sacred offices, sacred feasts and sacred games. The Original of them is set down by* 1.40 Dionysius Halicarnasseus, as from the Grecians they were imitated by Servius Tullus, and put into one body. They built Temples, saith he, by common charge, some to Diana of Ephesus, some to Apollo; and assembling there at set times with their wives and children, they imployed themselves both in sacrifices and in merchandice. There were publick Agones, Race-horses, Wrestlers, Musicians, and rewards were proposed to the Victors, and presents were by the cities brought to the Gods. And when the Games, and Marts, and other festival and publick jollities were ended, if any city had a quarrel against another, the Judges were ready to compose it. Then they consulted of com∣mon affaires of warre against the barbarians, and peace among themselves. Thus farre Halicarnasseus. At Rome the Pontifices, or chief priests, were presidents of these. And therefore when the Heathen customes had gotten in among the Jewes, we find Jason 2 Mac. 4. 7. buying the Pontificate, and with it the power of instituting and moderating their games; and so in the severall provinces the severall chief Priests, who were called by the names of the Pro∣vinces which they administre••; so 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Go∣vernour of Cyprus, 2 Mac. 12. 2. so 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, saith * 1.41 Cujacius, Sacerdotes istius Provinciae, qui ludos in honorem Deorum celebrari solitos curarent, modera∣rentur, praesiderent, The officers of Syria, that is, the Priests of that province, which took care of their games, which were customarily celebrated to the honour of their Gods, ruled them, presided in them. So Bithy∣niarchae, the officers of Bithynia, Cappadociarchae of Cappadocia, and here Asiarchae of Asia, that is, the officers of those so many Provinces; not Kings, or Pro∣consuls, or Procurators, the rulers and Governours of them, but popular officers or ministers, to whom the care of those things was intrusted, and the office was sacerdotal. Whence in the Epistle of the Church of Smyrna, concerning S. Polycarp's Martyrdome, Philip the Asiarcha, who presided there in their spe∣ctacula, their 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which are there called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as in the Fathers Venationes, is after styled 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, are by* 1.42 Modestinus recited among the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 chief priesthoods of those nations. And so Phoeniciarchia, and Syriarchia, among the species of priesthood by Constantine the Great,* 1.43 in his Rescript. So in the Basilica, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the priesthood, that is, the office of managing their sports, or spectacles. Be∣side these which were National Officers, to whom be∣longed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Aristides, the common preisthood of Asia, the managery of their 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 common games, there were others in particular cities, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,* 1.44 c. 17. 6. the city magistrates, the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, all commands or offices of some honour among them, as appeared by Jasons purchasing them together with the priesthood, but yet subject to the people, as being executioners and mini∣sters of their will, and not sent them from Rome, but

chosen by themselves out of the chief men, or wealthiest citizens among them. To these belonged also the exe∣cution of malefactors,* 1.45 condemned to the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or fighting with beasts on the Theatre, a customary ce∣remony or complement of their festivities (see Note on 1 Cor. 15. b.) and so some of them here being kind to S. Paul, warned him not to come our, know∣ing the purpose of the people to have him thus put to death, if they could light on him. And that appears by the Registers speech ver. 37. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. these men, Paul and his com∣pany, are neither robbers of Churches, nor blasphemers of your Goddesse, yet you have dealt with them as if they were, bringing or dragging them to the Theatre; for so 'tis said ver. 29. that they ran, or hurried, into the Theatre,* 1.46 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 carrying or haling along with them thither Gaius and Aristarchus, Pauls fel∣low-travellers; and v. 33. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 some of the multitude,* 1.47 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, brought forth Alex∣ander, who, it seems, was a Christian of Ephesus, though one that forsook Paul (probably upon the dan∣ger at this time) 1 Tim. 1. 20. and, having done so, did him much injury, 2 Tim. 4. 14. and here was a∣bout to excuse himself to the people, (to escape the hazard approaching,) and lay all the blame on Paul. Of this Alexandar saith Photius, Epist. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, That 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Neither wanting accusations, nor hoping to find any, became he alone both tongues and hands, in the plurall, against his greatest benefactors.* 1.48 Where as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 being set for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, some out of the multitude, signifie some of the popular officers, serjeants or apparitors, so 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 their bringing him forth, is to be under∣stood as an act of their office, to bring forth to exa∣mination, (as among the Greek lawyers, the serjeants 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the Gospels, are styled 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, those that serve men with writs and bring them before their courts.) And therefore it follows that the Jewes did 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, question him that was thus brought forth, examined him about S. Paul. See Note g.

[ g] * 1.49 V. 33. Putting him forward] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 hath a peculiar notion among the Grammarians, proper to forinsecall matters; it signifies to examine, to question upon interrogatories, to call any man into the court to testifie his knowledge concerning any thing in que∣stion. So saith Phavorinus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to question, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to call a man as a witnesse. So Domninus (cited by Jo. Malela l. 12.) speaking of the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 an officer in the agones, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Senate and people called him to testifie what was done in the agones. Accordingly must the Glosse of Hesychius be mended, not as the printed copie hath it, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, noting this use of the word for interrogating a witnesse, calling a man to testifie, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to appeal to for the truth of what is controverted. And so the meaning of this whole passage is, that Alexander, a Christian of Ephe∣sus, but a Jew by birth, was in this tumult about S. Paul seised upon by the serjeants, and brought forth, and the Jewes, that were malicious to S. Paul, think∣ing that Alexander might be brought to lay some blame upon him, question'd and examined him, and then he was presently desirous to have made his Apo∣logie to the people, that is, to avert the danger from himself, by laying it upon others. And although, by reason of the crie that follows, v. 34. he is not per∣mitted to doe it to the people, yet by what S. Paul after saith of him, it appears that he forsook the Chri∣stian profession, 1 Tim. 1. 20. and renounced, or blasphemed, that is, forsook Christ, and did S. Paul very great injury, 2 Tim. 4. 14.

[ h] * 1.50 V. 35. Town clerk] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is the name of an office in the sacri agones, the Register or Actuary, who registred the Victors names in a book or table, cal∣led 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and the office where those records were put was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, saith Petrus Faber Agonist. l. 3. c. 23, and 27. Of the ordinary 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, saith Phavorinus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, they had no authority, but onely to write, and read what they had written. So saith the Scholiast on Thucydides, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that used to read to the people the registers of their businesse. But in these sacred games, where every thing was sacred also, (the Alytarcha bearing the person of Jupiter, the Amphithales of Mercury) the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 here, saith Domninus, cited by Johannes Antiochenus, was honoured and adored as Apollo, wearing a white robe, and a crown of pure gold; and being, saith he, chosen by the Senate and people, he was the better qualified to doe what is here affirmed of him, to appease the people. For that this should be applicable to Alexan∣der the Jew ver. 33. and that it was he, of whom it was here said,* 1.51 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, &c. is a strange oversight of the learned Cardinal* 1.52 Baro∣nius caused by not adverting to the Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Where it is visibly the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which had appeased the tumult, and which said, Ye men of Ephesus, &c.

[ i] * 1.53 Ib. A worshipper of Diana] That the Ephesians, when they were besieged by Croesus, devoted or consecrated their city to Diana, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, trying with a rope the Temple and the wall of the city together, is affirmed by Herodotus l. 2. From hence it is, that that city had a peculiar relation to Diana ever after. But there being other cities that worship∣ped that Goddesse also, this is not, alone, sufficient to appropriate that title to Ephesus, to be her 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Sacrist. That this was the title of a sacred office, ap∣pears by Plato de Legib. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, they must constitute priests of both sexes, to be in this office of Sacrist to their Gods. The word signifies 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, saith Phavo∣rinus, he that takes care of the Temple; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, he that adornes it, saith Hesychius; and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, he that makes clean, saith Suidas; from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to sweep, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to beautifie, saith the Scholiast on Ari∣stophanes in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. p. 61. This office at other times be∣longed to other cities, and accordingly in antient In∣scriptions we find 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Ni∣comedians being the third time in that office; and parti∣cularly of Diana, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Magnesians having that office, in Maximinus's time: and this in respect of the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the holy Games, which in honour of the Gods, peculiarly of Diana, were in Greece, sometimes in one city, sometimes in another, according to the Gods which were celebra∣ted by them. So that now those festivities being cele∣brated to Diana, and this year, and at this time kept at Ephesus (which is also the reason of the concourse of the people at this time) Ephesus had now the honour to take care of Diana's service, and so to be her 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, her Sacrist, or aeditua, or Church-warden, as the Syriack renders the word in this place; and that is the meaning of the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 being at this time, this year, Diana's Sacrist.

[ k] * 1.54 V. 38. A matter] The Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which signi∣fies 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 word or speech signifies also accusation, and is accordingly rendred 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Exod. 18. 22. and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 enditement Exod. 18. 16. and accordingly here the one is taken for the other, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 speech, for an ac∣cusation.

[ l] * 1.55 Ib. The law is open] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, saith Phavorinus, is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a day when a court is

kept; and so in Suidas and the Glossary 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is expounded to be the time when men goe to Law; and the same is the meaning of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a time not of vacation or lay-daies, but of judica∣tures, term-time, as we call it, when the Proconsuls, who are the judges, were present to decide any con∣troversie. The word signifies also judicature simply; so in Strabo Geog. l. 13. p. 629. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the provinces in which they exercise their judicatures, and give every man his right. And so in Hesychius, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (perhaps it should be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 distribution of ju∣stice; and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, judgment, and calling of a court.

Notes

• * 1.1

  discoursing 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• † 1.2

  napkins 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.3

  Jewish ex∣orcists that came about attempted 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• † 1.4

  a Jewish chief priest, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.5

  charms, or sorcery,
• † 1.6

  shikels
• * 1.7

  chappels of D••ana 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• † 1.8

  work 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.9

  work v. 24.
• † 1.10

  portion 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.11

  The great Diana Ms. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• † 1.12

  the Asian Priests be∣ing friendly to him
• * 1.13

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

  And some of the mul∣titude brought forth Ale∣xander, the Jewes exa∣mining him
• † 1.15

  was wil∣ling to make apo∣logie 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.16

  And the Register stilled the people, and said,
• † 1.17

  is the sa∣crist
• * 1.18

  no beady thing 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.19

  the court∣daies are come, and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉∣fuls are pre∣sent
• † 1.20

  seek or require any thing 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.21

  accused of a riot for this daies work, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.22

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.23

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.24

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.25

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.26

  l. 2. cp. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.27

  l. 10. c. 42
• * 1.28

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.29

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.30

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.31

  Deipnes. l. 11.
• * 1.32

  p. 500.
• * 1.33

  Lib. 22.
• * 1.34

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 l. 40.
• * 1.35

  D. l. 39.
• * 1.36

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.37

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.38

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.39

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.40

  Antiq. Rom l. 4.
• * 1.41

  Observ. l. 2. c. 13.
• * 1.42

  l. 6. §. 14.
• * 1.43

  * l. 1. de Natural. liberis.
• * 1.44

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.45

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.46

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.47

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.48

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.49

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.50

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.51

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.52

  An. Ch. 57. ••. 180.
• * 1.53

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.54

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.55

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