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CHAP. XXVIII.
Verse 1. The first day of the week]
GReek, of the Sabbaths. One day of seven is due to God of ne∣cessity. This the Scripture calls by an excellency the Sabbath,* 1.1 day without a difference: as if it were the eldest brother to all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 daies of the week, which is called here and elsewhere Sabbath; in the plurall, Psal. 24. title, A Psalm of David. To this the Greek addeth, Of the first day of the week, which now is the* 1.2 Christian Sabbath, called the Lords day, in honour of Christ, and in a thankfull remembrance of his resurrection. See the Note on, Joh. 20. 1.
To see what the Pharisees had done with the Lords body the day before (for they knew they had been tam∣pering, and feared the worst, as love is suspitious) and to bring the spices, which by an easie errour, they had prepared, Luke 24. 1. They knew not, belike, that Joseph and Nicodemus had been at that cost and pains before them; neither did any of them con∣sider that what they did herein was superfluous, for that it was* 1.3 impossible for Gods holy one to see corruption. But he is plea∣sed to passe by our well-meant weaknesses, where the heart is upright.
Verse 2. And 〈◊〉〈◊〉, &c.]
The holy Ghost here calls for as great attention, as if we had been present and seen it. Remem∣ber (saith St Paul) that Jesus Christ of the seed of David, was* 1.4 raised from the dead, according to my Gospel. All the four Evan∣gelists have therefore punctually recorded it, that we may remem∣ber and ruminate it, as a main remarkable.
Pythagoras said the reason* 1.5 of earthquakes was, the meeting of the dead: An odde conceit. But the true reason of this earthquake, was our Saviours rising from the dead, in despite of infernall spirits, who therefore qua∣ked as much as the earth did, as Hilary hath it. The earth shook both at Christs passion, and at his resurrection: Then, to shew that it could not bear his suffering: Now, to shew that it could not hinder his rising.
As an officer sent to let Christ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of prison, without the keepers consent.
In contempt of all their weapons, which