A commentary or exposition upon the four Evangelists, and the Acts of the Apostles: wherein the text is explained, some controversies are discussed, divers common places are handled, and many remarkable matters hinted, that had by former interpreters been pretermitted. Besides, divers other texts of Scripture which occasionally occur are fully opened, and the whole so intermixed with pertinent histories, as will yeeld both pleasure and profit to the judicious reader. / By John Trapp M. A. Pastour of Weston upon Avon in Gloucestershire.

He shall be called a Nazaren]

That great Victory, whereof 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the rest of his order were but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and shadowes. The very name signifieth one separate and set apart from others, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was separate from his brethren, Gen. 49. 26. And it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to three sorts of men, usually set above others, (as Divines

have well observed.) 1. To such as are set apart to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sancti∣mony, as the high-Priest, whose crown is called Nezer, Exo. 29. 6. 2. To such as in dignity and authority are set above others, as Kings, whose diadem is called Nezer, 2 Sam. 1. 10. 3. To such as were se∣parated by some religious vow, as to the order of the Nazarites, whose hair encreasing on their heads, as an externall sign of their vow, was called Nezer, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 6. 18. As for our Saviour, it is not likely that he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his hair; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 saith (in* 1.1 that age) it was uncomely for men to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 long hair. It was enough for him, that he was a 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in the truth and substance of that Law; and a singular comfort it is to us, that although we have bro∣ken* 1.2 our vows, and so deeply gashed our consciences, as Jacob did,* 1.3 yet so long as it is of infirmity and forgetfulnesse, not of obstinacy and maliciousnesse, this famous Nazarite, this arch-votary, hath expiated our defaults in this kinde; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 through him we are in Gods sight, as Ierusalms Nazarites, Lam. 4 7. Purer then the snow, and whiter then the milk. And therefore sith God thinks not the worse of us, let not us think the worse of our selves, for the invo∣luntary violation of our vows.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1 Cor. 11. 14.
• * 1.2

  Gen. 28 20, &c.
• * 1.3

  with chap. 31. 17.