Annotations upon the Holy Bible. Vol. II wherein the sacred text is inserted, and various readings annex'd, together with the parallel scriptures, the more difficult terms in each verse are explained, seeming contradictions reconciled, questions and doubts resolved, and the whole text opened : being a continuation of Mr. Pool's work by certain judicious and learned divines.

CHAP. VI.

1 ANd he went out from thence, and came into his own country, and his disciples follow him.

2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogues and many hearing him, were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things, and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and amongst his own kin, and in his own house.

5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and heal∣ed them.

6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief, And he went round about the villages; teaching.

7 And he calleth to him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two, and two, and gave them po∣wer over unclean spirits.

8 And commanded them that they should take no∣thing for their journey, save a staff only, no scrip, no bread nor ‖ money in their purse.

9 But be shod with sandals, and not put on two coats.

10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide, till ye depart from that place.

11 And whosoever shall ••ot receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Sodom † and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, then for that city.

12 And they went out, and preached, that men should repent.

13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oyl many that were sick, and healed them.

14 And king Herod heard of him for his name was spread abroad, And he said, that John the Bap∣tist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

15 Others said, That it is Elias, And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.

16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John whom I beheaded, he is risen from the dead.

17 For Herod himself had sent forth, and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodi∣as sake, his brothers Philips wife, for he had marri∣ed her.

18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not law∣ful for thee to have thy brothers wife.

19 Therefore Herodias had a ‖ quarrel against him, and would have killed him, but she could not.

20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man, and an holy, and ‖ observed him, and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birth-day, made a supper to his Lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee.

22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod, and them that sate with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me, whatsoever thou wilt and I will give it thee.

23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my king∣dom.

24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? and she said, The head of John the Baptist.

25 And she came in straightway with hast unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger, the head of John the Bap∣tist.

26 And the king was exceeding sorry, yet for his oaths sake, and for their sakes that sate with him, he would not reject her.

27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, ‖ and commanded his head to be brought And he went and beheaded him in the prison.

28 And brought his ••ead in a charger, and gave it to the damsel, and the damsel gave it to her mo∣ther.

29 And when his disciples heard of it they came and took up his corps, and laid it in a tomb.

30 And the Apostles gathered themselves unto Je∣sus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.

31 And he said unto them, Come ye your selves apart, into a desert place, and rest a while, for there were many coming, and going, and they had no leisure, so much as to eat.

32 And they departed into a desert place, by ship privately.

33 And the people saw them departing, and ma∣ny knew him, and ran a foot thither, out of all ci∣ties, and outwent them, and came together unto him.

34 And Jesus when he came out, saw much peo∣ple, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd, and he began to teach them many thnigs.

35 And when the day was now far spent, his dis∣ciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed.

36 Send them away, that they may go into the Country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat.

37 He answered, and said unto them, Give ye them to eat, and they say unto him, Shall we go and buy ‖ two hundred peny-worth of bread, and give them to eat?

38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye, go, and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.

39 And he commanded them, to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.

40 And they sate down by ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.

41 And when he had taken the five loaves, and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them, and the two fishes divided he amongst them all.

42 And they did all eat, and were filled.

43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.

44 And they that did eat of the loaves, were about five thousand men.

45 And straightway, he constrained his disciples to get into the Ship, and to get unto the other side before unto Bethsaida,‖ while he sent away the people.

46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

48 And he saw them toyling in rowing for the wind was contrary unto them, And about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking up∣on the sea, and would have passed by them.

49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cryed out.

50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And im∣mediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good chear, It is I, be not afraid.

51 And he went up unto them into the ship, and the wind ceased, And they were sore amazed in them∣selves beyond measure, and wondered.

52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves, for their heart was hardened.

53 And when they had passed over, they came in∣to the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.

53 And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him.

55 And ran through that whole region round a∣bout, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

56 And whithersoever he entred into villages, or ci∣ties, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment, and as many as touched ‖ him were made whole.

Notes

• Joh. 6.42.
• We meet with all this, Matth. 13.53, 54, 55, 56. See the Notes there. By his own questionless, 1s meant Nazareth, the place of his Education tho Bethlehem were the place of his Birth, hence he was usually called Iesus of Nazareth. Luke, Ch. 4.16. Nameth Nazareth, but tho (finding that place affixed in the Margent of our ordinary Bibles as a Paralel Text) I have al∣so put it into the Margent, yet I cannot be confident, that this Text mentioneth the same motion of our Saviours. The con∣stant practice of our Saviour on the Sabbath Days is observable, it is true, he had a Liberty there to Preach, and Expound the Scripture; but without doubt many things of Ritual Nature were there done, which our Lord was far from approving, their As∣sembles being not Idolatrous, he Judged it no Sin to be present, the main things done there were of his Fathers Institution, for other things we never read our Saviour touched at them. Still the effect of our Saviours Preaching to the Jews, we find to be A∣mazement and Astonishment, but no Faith. Men may be af∣fected by the Word that are not converted by it. That which troubled them, was, They could not imagine whence our Saviour had his Power to do those mighty Works? 2 To speak things importing such a Wisdom given unto him, they could not conceive how one that had never sate at the Feet of their Doctors, but had been bred up as a Mechanick, should have such Wisdom, and Know∣ledge, or such a Power to work Miraculous Operations: Is not this the Carpenter. This makes it appear probable that our Sa∣viour did, till he was thirty Years of Age, work with Ioseph in his Trade, whether of a Carpenter or a Mason. (For 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 sig∣nifies either) It is certain he did not begin to appear publickly, and to Preach till he was thirty Years of Age, and it is not probable, that he lived all these Years in Idleness, the Son of Mary, the bro∣ther of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon, that is, the Kins∣man (as most interpret it) supposing Mary the Mo∣ther of our Lord had no more Children. I shall not Determine it. They say these four were the Children of Mary, Sister to the Mo∣ther of our Lord, and the Wife of Cleopas, Ch. 15.40. Ch. 16.1. we read of Iames, Ioses and Salome, as the Children of that Mary, but of Iudas, and Simon, we read not. And they were offended at him. That is, altho they heard such things from him, and saw such mighty Works done by him, as they could not but think required a Divine Influence, and Power, yet be∣cause by their reason they could not Comprehend, how one who had almost thirty Years lived as a Mechanick amongst them, should come by any such acquaintance with, or Extraordinary In∣fluence from God▪ their Passion quickly went over, and tho they were more modest then with their Corrupt Teachers, to say he did this by the Devil, yet neither would they receive him, and be∣lieve him, but slighted and despised him; as if Gods Influence had been tied to their Schools of the Prophets.
• Luke 4.24. Joh. 4.24.
• See Gen. 19.22. & 32.25.
• Mat. 13.58.
• Mat. 9.35. Luke 13.22.
• Experience tells us that Familiarity breedeth a Contempt. Our Saviour (tho there was a deeper Cause) assigneth this the cause why those of Nazareth paid him no greater respect. Vnbelief in us, bindeth the Hands of God, he could there do no mighty Works, &c. He could not, not from a defect of Power, but the exercise of Divine Power, is always regulated by Wisdom, and in consistence with his Wisdom, he could do no mighty Works there: for the end of our Saviours Miracles being eitheir to convert Unbelievers to the Faith of the Gospel, or to Confirm Weak Believers in it, he foresaw that the performing of Miracles there, would be without any saving effect, and suspended his Miraculous Power. Besides, he was highly provoked by their obstinate Infidelity, and would not Work great wonders amongst them. Only he Cureth a few Sick Persons, and he marvelled at their Vnbelief: his Divine Doctrine was so Convincing, and the Fame of his Glorious Works done in places near them was so Uni∣versal and Credible, that there was just cause of his Rational wonder, that they did not Believe. Tho our Saviour left them in their Infidelity, he did not his Blessed Work, going round about the Villages Teaching. Sti••l Preaching appeareth to have been our Saviours great Work, how light a thing soever some make of it. I cannot but observe, how little Reason Men have to Glory in, or to trust to any Eternal Priviledges, how little other aids and Assistances without the special Influences of Divine Grace, signi∣fy to the begetting of Faith, in Vnbelieving Souls, and remo∣ving their Prejudices against the Doctrine of the Gospel. Christ's own Coun••ry is as bad as any other.
• Mat. 10.1. Luke 10, 1.
• ‖

  Brass, it is here taken for money. Mat∣thew saith nei∣ther Gold, nor Silver, nor Brass. Mark only nameth Brass. So all money was pro∣hibited them. Mat. 10.9. The word sig∣nifieth a piece of brass money in value some∣what less then a farthing.
• Mark had before told us of the Election of the twelve, Ch. 3.14. which neither Matthew nor Luke mention here, he giveth us an account of their Mi••sion, which is mentioned by both them also. The Instructions which he gave them, are much the same with what we meet with in Matth. 10. and there opened. He would have them upon their first Mission, commit themselves to, and find the Experience of the Divine Providence, and therefore he chargeth them. 1. To take no Money as a reward of their Pains. 2. Not to go provided with any Sustenance, or mo∣ney to buy any, only they might take a Walking-stick in their Hands, for as Matthew reports it, he forbad them taking any Staves to bear Burdens, as well as any Scrips, or it may be he meant two Staves, that if one had any way Mis-carried; have been broken or lost, they might have another at Hand.
• Acts 12.••.
• Go in your ordinary Habits, making no Provision for your selves, as Travellers, who think they may need something before their return.
• Mat. 10.1••
• Acts 13.5•• & 18.6.
• †

  Gr. o••.
• Matthew, Ch. 10. gives us a larger Copy of the Instructions given by Christ to the Twelve, then doth either Mark or Luke, see these things opened in the Notes upon Matth. 10.15.
• James 5.1••.
• They Executed both the Trusts which Christ had reposed in them, Preaching the Gospel, and by Miraculous Operations con∣firming the Doctrine, which they brought to be from Heaven. Iohn Baptist, and Christ, and the Twelve all Preached the same Doctrine, Repent. That is, turn from your former sinful Courses, which if Men do not, Christs coming will profit them nothing. And Anointed with Oyl many that were Sick. Iames directed, this Anointing with Oyl also in the Name of the Lord. It is disputed amongst Learned Men, whether this Anointing with O••l, was the using of Oyl, as a Medicine, having a Natural Vertue (for it is certain in that Country, there were Oyls that were of great Natural force for healing) or only as Sacramental, and Symbolical, signifying what they did was from that Vnction of the Spirit of Christ, which they had received, not by their own Po∣wer or Vertue, and representing by Anointing with Oyl, that is an excellent Lenitive, the Refreshing and Recovery of the Diseased. But it is not probable, considering that our Lord sent the Disciples, to confirm the Doctrine of the Gospel which they Preached, that he should direct them in these Operations, to use means of a Na∣tural force, and efficacy, which had at least much abated of the Miracle, besides Iames bids them Anoint the Sick with Oyl in the Name of the Lord. So as they doubtless used Oyl as Sym∣bolical, testifying, that what they did was not by their own Po∣wer and Vertue. Nor did the Apostles always use this rite in healing. Peter and Iohn used it not in their Healing the Lame Man, Acts 3.6. In the Name of Iesus Christ (say they) a∣rise and Walk, v. 16. he declareth the use of it, only to shew, that Christs Name through Faith in his Name, was that which made the Lame Man whole. So that it being both a free Rite, which they sometimes used, and sometimes not, and a Rite an∣nexed to Miraculous Operations to declare the effect was from Christ, not from their Power, in a Miraculous, and extraordinary, not in a natural and ordinary way of operation, the necessity of the use of it still is very impertinently urged by some, and as im∣pertinently quoted by others, to prove the lawfulness of Ritual impositions.
• Ma••. 16.14.
• Luke 3.1••.
• Lev. 1••.15
• ‖

  Or, ••n ••••∣ward 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• Mat. 14.•• & 21.26.
• ‖

  Or, 〈…〉〈…〉
• E••••h. 5.3.6.
• ‖

  Or, one of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• We meet with this History in Matth. 14. to which I refer the Reader, having the••e taken in the most considerable things in the Relation of the same thing by Matthew or Mark. Mark calleth him Herod the King, whom Mark and Luke called Te∣trarch. Herod was Tetrarch of Galilee, but under that Title he exercised a Regal Power within his Province. The whole History teacheth us several things. 1. The Notion of a faithful Minister. He is one that dareth to tell the greatest Persons of what they do contrary to the plain Law of God. 2. It also teacheth us the Malice of Souls Debauched with Lust. It was not enough for Herodias to have Iohn in Prison, where he could do her no great Prejudice, she must also have his Head cut off. 3. The ill Influence of Corrupt Persons in Princes Courts. Herod had in his Government appeared no cruel Bloody Man. Our Saviour in great quiet Preached the Gospel, and wrought Miracles for the Confir∣mation of it within Herods jurisdiction, in Galilee we find no in∣quiry made by Herod after him, no calling him in Question, and for Iohn the Baptist he did not only Tolerate him, but brought him to his Court, Reverenced him as a just, and holy Man, did many things upon his Instructions, heard him gladly, but by the Influence of Herodias (his Courtiers being at least silent in the Case) he is prevailed with, to put him to Death. 4. The Arts likewise of these Persons are observable, they take the advantage, of his Jollity on his Birth-day, when in the Excess of Mirth, it was likely he would be more easie and complying to grant their Re∣quests. 5. We may also from hence learn the Mischief of Rash Oaths, and general Promises, especially when they flow from Souls Ignorant of the Law of God, for had Herod understood a∣ny thing of that, he could not have thought that his Oath could have been the Bond of Iniquity, or obliged him to any sinful Act. 6. We may also understand the Mercy of God to that People, who are Governed by Laws, whose Lives and Liberties do not depend upon the Will of any. 7. Lastly, we may observe how far Men may go, and yet be far enough from any saving Grace. They may have a Reverence for Godly Ministers, they may hear them gladly, they may do many things. The Hypo∣crite hath some principal Lust in which he must be gratifyed, and cannot bear a reproof as to that.
• Luke 9.10.
• When Christ chose the twelve, it is said, Chap. 3.14. That he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to Preach. And to have Power to heal Sicknesses, and to cast out Devils. So that till Christs Ascensi∣on, tho they went out from him to Preach and work Miracles, yet they ordinarily were with him, receiving further Instructi∣ons. When they had Preached, and in his Name wrought many Miracles, they again returned to Christ, and gave him account both of their Doctrine, and of the Cures they had wrought.
• Chap. 3.20.
• Mat. 14.13.
• Matthew m••kes the cause of this motion of our Saviour's, to have been his receiving the Report of Herods dealing with Iohn the Baptist, as we often find him yielding to the Fury of his ad∣versaries. Mark A••signs another Reason (as there may be seve∣ral Reasons or Motions of and to the same Action or Motion) viz. That both himself and his Apostles might have a little R••st. The place which he chose for his Recess, is called a D••sert place, not because it was wholely not Inhabited, ••ut very thinly Inhabi∣ted. Luke saith, It was a Desert place, belonging to the City called Bethsaida, probably some large Forrest, or Common Pasture, which belonged to that City, and took a Denomination from it. It was a Place on the other ••ide of the Water, for they went to it by Ship▪ But this Water was but a Lake, tho called the Sea of Ty∣berias, for the People fetching a little further compass about, went thither on Foot, and out went the motion of the Ship.
• Mat. 9.36. & 14.15.
• Luke 9.11.
• When Christ came out of the Ship, on the other side of the Water, he found that the People had outwent the Ship, they were come about with a desire to hear the Word, he considered, what Miserable Priests and Teach••rs they had, so that they were indeed as Sheep without a Shepherd, having none but such as were as bad, or worse then none, tho he was weary, and came hither for some Re••••, and Repose, yet he will deny himself as to his Bodily Cravings, to do good to their Souls, he first Preacheth to them, and Teacheth them many things, then he confirmeth his Doctrine by a Miracle, the Relation of which followeth to v. 44.
• ‖

  The Roman peny, was in our money se∣ven pence half peny, as Mat. 18.28.
• We meet with the Relation of this Miracle, Matth. 14.15, 16, &c. and shall again meet with it▪ Iohn 6. Iohn relates it with some more particular Circumstances, telling us it was Phi∣lip, that moved our Saviour to dismiss them so seasonably, that they might provide themselves Food, and making Christ to Pro∣pound the Questions to Philip, where they should buy Bread enough for them. He also tells us, that it was Andrew who told our Saviour, That there was a Lad there had five Barly-Loaves, and two Fishes. But all three of the Evangelists agree in the main, both as to the Quantity of Victuals, five Loaves, and two Fishes, and the Quantity of the People fed with them, Five Thousand, and the Number of the Baskets full of Frag∣ments taken up, which was twelve. Iohn also addeth the Effect of this Miracle upon the Multitude, Iohn 6.14. They said, this is of a Truth, that Prophet, that should come into the World. For further Explication of this piece of his Story. See the Notes on Matth 14, 15. and on Iohn 6.5.6.7. &c.
• Mat. 14.22. Joh. 6.17.
• ‖

  Or, over a∣g••inst Bethsa∣ida.
• If this Desert where Christ was, were as Luke saith, Chap. 9▪10. a desert belonging to Bethsaida, those words 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 are ill Translated unto Bethsaida, and the M••rginal Note in our larger Bibles is better, over against Bethsaida. Our Saviour here first sends away his Disciples by Water, then he dismisseth the Multitude to go to their own Homes. Then he goeth up into a Mountain to pray. We find Christ very often in the Duty of Secret Prayer, very often chu∣s••ng a Mountain (as a place of Solitude for the performance of it, and very often making use of the Night for it, which is also a time of qui••tness and solitude, which lets us know that secret Prayer is ••ecessary, not only for the bewailing and confessing, and begging Pardon for our secret Sins, (for Christ had no such) but for our more free and more near Communion with God, for altho Go•• filleth all places, yet we shall observe that God, in his ••ore then ordinary Communion with the People, hath not admitted of company, of which Abraham, and Moses, and Iacob, and all the Prophets are sufficient instances.
• See Luke 24.28.
• See the Notes on Matth. 14.24. By the Sea here is meant the Lake of Gennesaret. The four•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Night, was after four in the Morning. The foregoing part of the Night, our Sa∣v••our had spent alone upon t••e Mountain in Prayer. They were sore Ama••ed in t••emselves, and wondered. For they consider∣ed no••, &c. Had they diligently considered, by what Power five Loaves, and two Fishes were Multiplyed to a quantity, to feed five t••ousand Men, besides Women, and Childern, they would not have been amazed, either at the sight of Christ safely Walking upon the Water, or at the Wind ceasing when he came into the Ship, but these things had not made that due impression upon their Hearts, which they ought to have done, The time was not yet come, when Christ would have his Divine Nature fully re∣vealed to them, and till he opened their Eyes, and wrought 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their Hearts a full persuasion of that, it was not in their Power so to apprehend it, as to give a full assent to it, and according to Act. This is that which i•• here called hardness, or blindness of Heart.
• Chap. 5.27, 28. Acts 19.12.
• ‖

  Or, it.
• See the Notes on Matth. 14.34, 35, 36. The Charity of this People to their Sick Neighbours, is very commendable, and in∣structive of us as to our Duty to do good to others, as to their Bodily wants▪ and necessities so far as we are able, but how much greater is that Charity, which is shewed to Peoples Souls, inviting them to Christ, that they may be Spiritually healed. It was not their touching the Hem of his Garment, nor of his Body which he••led these Sick Persons, those who had an Hand in Crucifying o•• him did both, it was the Vertue that went out from Christ, up∣on the Testification of their Faith, by coming to him, and touch∣ing, and desiring to touch the Hem of his Garment: neither is it Mens coming to the Congregation, and hearing the Word of God that will heal Mens Souls, unless there goeth forth a Divine Power from the Spirit of Grace upon Mens Hungring, and Thir∣••ting after Christ in his Ordinances, and by Faith, laying hold up∣on the promise exhibited in the Preaching of the Gospel.