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Vers. 4. And being assembled together with them.
There is no small difference among Interpreters about rendring this clause out of the Original. Some read 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, others leave the words 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 out; as thinking the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 sufficient: some render it Eating with them, as the Syrian, Arabick, Oecumenius, Chrysostome, Vulgar Latine, Deodate, and our English in the Mar∣gin, the Rhemists, and those that follow the Vulgar, which Valla thinketh was mistaken, and read convescens in stead of conversans. Others, Assembling them, or being assembled with them, as Beza, Camerarius, Deodate, and our English in the Text; the Tigurine, Spanish, French, Erasmus, and others; Epiphanius as he is cited by Camerarius, readeth it, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and Valla as he is cited by Erasmus saith, it is so written in some Greek Copies. For the setling therefore of the right construction of this place;
First, It is the concurrent agreement of all men, this last excepted; to read the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; which word indeed the thing it self will not bear, for though Christ conversed, and was much among his Disciples after his Resurrection, yet do we not read that he ever lodged with them; which the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 doth pro∣perly import.
Secondly, In the difference about the translation, whether to render it eating, or being assembled with them; the current of Greek Authors in the use of the word, do vote for the latter sense, and not at all for the former, as Beza and Camerarius do prove at large; and more proofs might be given, were it needful.
Now this phrase seemeth to refer to Christs meeting his Disciples on the mountain of Galilee, which he himself had appointed for a meeting place, Matth. 28. 16. And the words 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 may not be wanting. For in other of his appearings, it was accidental and unexpected when he came among them; but upon this mount he was assembled toge∣ther with them upon appointment. And here it is like were the five hundred Brethren mentioned by Paul, and spoken of before; for where was it so likely so many should have the sight of Christ at once; as in that place where he had promised that he would meet them, and had appointed to assemble with them.
Not that they were at Jerusalem when they received this command, but that he com∣mandeth them now to Jerusalem, and there to contine. Till they were come into Galilee, they had no warrant to stay at Jerusalem at all, but command to the contrary; for he commanded them away from thence into Galilee, Matth. 28. 7. 16. because he would appear to all those at once, that had been most constant Auditors of him; for there had been his greatest converse; and being there assembled together with them, according to his pro∣mise and his appointment, he then chargeth them to return to Jerusalem, and not to de∣part from thence till the promise of the Father be come.
Christ confineth them to Jerusalem, for the receiving of the Holy Ghost. 1. Because of the Prophesie, Esay 2. 3. Out of Zion shall go forth the Law, &c. 2. Because there would be the greatest company to be spectators of that great work, and to be wrought upon by it, as is proved by the sequel. 3. Because that this great work of Christs power, was fittest to be shewed there, where had been his great humiliation: and that those that would not be convinced by the resurrection, might be convinced by this miraculous gift of the Holy Ghost.