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.

CHAP. II.

Verse 1. A decree from Cesar Augustus]

BY a sweet providence of God, that Christ might be born at Bethlehem, according to the Scriptures. Howbeit Augustus thought not so (as it is said in another case of Nebuchadnezzar, Esay 10.) but ambitiously sought the setting forth of his own greatnesse, and large command, and carried it without punish∣ment; when as David smarted sore for a like offence. But God will take that from others, that he will not bear with in his own. Amos 3. 2.

That all the world]

That is, the Romane world: but such was their ambition, that though they had but a part, yet they stiled themselves Lords of all the World. So the Pope (the image of

that Beast) will needs be stiled Universall Bishop. The Great Turk (that Eastern Antichrist) calls himselfe God on earth, Sole Monarch of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Commander of all that can be comman∣ded, &c. and by many other such like swelling titles.

Verse 2. When Cyrenius, &c.]

Quirinus the Latine Writers call him. Now that the Scepter was departed, Shiloh came.

Verse 3. And all went to be taxed]

To pay a certain small sum of money in token of fealty. I was once at a Court-Sermon (saith Melancthon) on the Nativity-day, and this was the Text: but the Preacher, instead of discoursing on Christs 〈◊〉〈◊〉,* 1.1 spent the whole hour, in a very cold day, in perswading the peo∣ple to obey Magistrates, and to give them as much money as they call for. This is the guise of Court-Parasites, Princes tren∣cher-Flyes.

Verse 4. And Joseph also went up]

By a speciall providence of God, as is above-noted, verse 1. and not onely so, but that the holy Virgin might still have with her the keeper and cover of her virginity; that the devill might not have occasion to raise up false reports, about her great belly.

Verse 5. Being great with child]

Yet could not be excused. This was a cruelty in Augustus (not to spare great-bellied wo∣men) but a mercy of God to mankind; for what the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had it been for us, if Joseph had gone to Bethlehem, and not Mary also?

Verse 6. The dayes were accomplished]

Her delivery might well be hastened, or at least facilitated by her long journey; for it was no lesse then foure dayes journey from Nazareth to Beth∣lehem. Some say she was gravida, but not gravata; great-bellied, but not unweildy: Lumen enim quod in se habebat, pondus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 non poterat, saith Augustine: but I am not bound to beleeve him.

Verse 7. And she brought forth her first-born]

Whether shee were Deipara, the Mother of God, was a great controversie, and raised a great storm in the Councell of Ephesus; insomuch as the Emperour declared both sides hereticks. But forasmuch as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was the Mother of Christ, Mat. 1. 23. and Christ is God, in* 1.2 bringing forth Christ, she was the Mother of God. Whether she continued after this a Virgin, piè credimus, sed nihil affirmamus. But that shee vowed Virginity, as Papists 〈◊〉〈◊〉, we deny: For how could she promise Virginity to God, and Marriage to Joseph?

Wrapped him in swadling-〈◊〉〈◊〉]

This paines she was at (such* 1.3 was her love) though newly delivered, and much weakned there∣by. His swadling-clothes were poore and ragged, as may be gathered out of the Greek word here used.

Laid him in a manger]

Non in aureo reclinatorio, saith Ludol∣phus, not in a stately room, as the Porphyrogeniti in Constantino∣ple; not in the best but basest place of the Inne, which is coun∣ted the meanest house of a City. Oh humble Saviour, whither wilt thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉?

Verse 8. Keeping watch over their flock]

At the tower of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, say some, between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, where Jacob, returning from Mesopotamia, stayed with his flock, after hee had buried Rachel, Gen. 35. 21. Mic. 4. 8.

By night]

Hence some gather, that our Saviour was not born in the winter; because in winter they housed their cattle, and fed them not without doores, Pro. 27. 25.

Verse 9. And lo the Angel of the Lord]

Gabriel, likely, was sent, not to Zachary or Simeon, &c. but to certain Shepherds. God goes a way by himself. Had the Sages of the East met with these Shepherds, they had received better intelligence then they did from the learned Scribes.

And the glory of the Lord]

As when a Kings son is born, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are made, &c.

Verse 10. I bring you good tidings]

The first Preacher of the Gospel, was an Angel. God hath now taken this honour from the Angels, and put it upon the Ministers, who are in Scripture called Angels, Revel. 2. 1. and Angels Ministers, Heb. 1. 14. The old Church had 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the promise, we have 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tidings.

Verse 11. A Saviour]

The Greek word is so emphaticall (as* 1.4 Tully witnesseth) that other tongues can hardly find a fit word to expresse it. The Grecians by Flaminius rang out 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 with such a courage, that the birds astonished, fell to the earth.

Verse 12. Wrapped in swadling-clothes]

In vilibus & veteri∣bus indumentis, saith 〈◊〉〈◊〉. See the Note on verse 7.

Verse 13. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God]

Angels, who have neither so much interest in Christ, nor benefit by him as we, sing him into the world: And shall we be dumb? They sang when the world was created, Job 38. 7. So now that it was repaired by Christ.

Verse 14. In earth peace]

Pax, quasi pactio conditionum. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, à connectendo in unum. Christ is the great Peace-maker; but only to the elect, called here the Men of Gods good will. When he was born, Cuncta atque continua to∣tius* 1.5 generis humani aut pax fuit aut pactio.

Verse 15. Let us now goe even unto Bethlehem]

They did not reason nor debate with themselves (saith Bishop Hooper Martyr in a Letter to certain good people taken praying in Bow-Church∣yard, and now in trouble) who should keep the wolfe from the sheep in the mean time; but committed the sheep to him whose pleasure they obeyed: So let us doe now that we be called; commit all other things to him that called us. He will take heed* 1.6 that all shall be well. He will help the husband, comfort the wife, guide the servants, keep the house, preserve the goods: yea, rather then it should be undone, he will wash the dishes, rock the cradle, &c.

Verse 16. Found Mary and Joseph, &c.]

They, though of the bloud royall, yet lay obscured, not thrusting themselves in∣to observation, but well content with a low condition. Beata Virgo in vili stabulo sedet, & jacet; sed quod homines negligunt,* 1.7 coelestes cives honorant & inquirunt, saith Stella. The humble per∣son is like the violet, which growes low, hangs the head down∣wards,* 1.8 and hides it selfe with its own leaves. And were it not that the fragrant smell of his many vertues betrayes him to the world, he would chuse to live and dye in his self-contenting 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Verse 17. They made known abroad]

True goodnesse is com∣municative: there is no envie in spirituall things; because they may be divided in solidum: One may have as much as another, and all alike. These shepherds, as those lepers, 2 King. 7. 9. said one to another, Wee doe not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace, &c.

Verse 18. Wondred at those things]

Yet made little benefit of what they heard. All the world wondred after the Beast, Revel. 13. 3. And it was a wonder there was no more wondering at the birth of our Saviour; if that were true especially, that (besides the Wise-mens starre, Mat. 2. and the Angelicall musick in the air, &c.) among the Gentiles a voyce was heard, The great God is now about to be born: And that at Rome, the likenesse of a woman carrying a child in her arms was seen about the sunne, &c.

These things are storied. Polydor Virgil reports out of Orosius,* 1.9 that on the very day of Christs nativity, Augustus Caesar caused proclamation that no man should stile him Lord any longer, Ma∣nifesto praesagio majoris Dominatus, qui tum in terris ortus esset: as presaging a greater then himself then born.

Verse 19. Mary kept all those things]

Her soule was as an holy ark: her memory like the pot of Mānnah, preserving holy truthes, and remarkable occurrences.

Verse 20. As it was told unto them]

God to shew that he re∣spected not persons, revealed this grand mystery to shepheards and Wise-men, the one poor, the other rich; the one learned, the o∣ther unlearned; the one Jewes, the other Gentiles; the one neer, the other far off.

Verse 21. For the Circumcising of the Child]

Christ would be Circumcised, and so become bound to fulfill the Law, that hee might free us that were under the Law, Gal. 4. 5.

Verse 22. And when the dayes of her purification]

She was ra∣ther sanctified then polluted by bearing Christ, yet wrangleth not with the Law, nor claimeth an immunity. Now if she were so officious in ceremonies, what in the maine duties of mo∣rality?

According to the Law]

This Law of Purification proclaimes our uncleannesse, whose very birth infects the mother that bare us. She might not till the seventh day converse with men, nor till the fortieth day appear before God in the Sanctuary, nor then with∣out a burnt-offering for thanksgiving, and a sin-offering for expia∣tion of a double sin, viz. of the Mother that conceived, and of the Son that was conceived.

Verse 23. That openeth the womb]

This proves that Mary brought forth Christ in a naturall way, and not utero clauso, by a miracle, as Papists would have it, to prove their fiction of Transub∣stantiation.

Shall be called holy to the Lord]

God requireth the first-born, as usually best-beloved; that together with our children, he might draw to himself the best of our affections.

Verse 24. A pair of Turtle-doves]

Christs Mother was not rich enough to bring a Lamb. Let this comfort poor Christians. I know thy poverty, saith Christ, but that's nothing, thou art rich, Revelations 2. 9. Smyrna the poorest Church, hath the highest com∣mendation.

Verse 25. Just and devout]

Or wary and cautelous; one that* 1.10 takes heed and is fearfull of being deceived in that which he takes for right and currant.

Waiting for the Consolation of Israel]

That is for Christs com∣ming: This was the sugar wherewith they sweetned all their cros∣ses: this was the Dittany, by tasting whereof (as Harts do) they shoke of all the peircing shafts of their afflictions. Some Jewes conclude the Messiah when he comes shall be called Menahem the* 1.11 comforter, from Lam. 1. 16.

Verse 26. It was revealed unto him]

By an immediate Oracle.* 1.12 The Idolatrous heathens made use of this word to signifie their im∣pious and diabolicall Oracles. The abuse of a word taketh not a∣way the use of it.

Verse 27. And he came by the spirit, &c.]

So still, the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, Psal. 37. 23. He sets his spirit as a Tutour, to direct and convince 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into all truth. Simeon like∣ly, had done as Daniel did, Chap. 9. 2. found out by diligent search, that the fulnesse of time was come, and is therefore thus answered from heaven.

Verse 28. Then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he him up in his armes]

The blessed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 armfull that ever the good old man had in his life. The Patriarchs saluted him, but afar off, Heb. 11.* 1.13

Verse 29. Lord now lettest thou thy servant]

Simeon having* 1.14 laid in his heart (saith one) what he lapt in his armes, sung, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dimitt as; I fear no sin, I dread no death. I have lived enough, I have my life; I have long'd enough, I have my love; I have seen enough, I have my light: I have served enough, I have my saint: I have sorrowed enough, I have my joy: Sweet babe, let this Psalm serve for a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to thee, and for a funerall for me. Oh sleep in my armes, and let me sleep in thy peace. Dying Velcurio broke out into these words, Pater est amator, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Redemptor, Spiritus Sanctus Consolator: quomodo itaque tristitiâ affici possim? Dy∣ing* 1.15 〈◊〉〈◊〉 said, Ego 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sanctorum minimus, credo & 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Christum, salutem 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Verse 30. For mine eyes 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, &c.]

A great satisfaction. So it was to Job, Chap. 42. 5. when he could say, I have heard of thee by the hearing of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but now mine eye seeth thee. What shall it be to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 when we shall see God face to face, &c. 1 Cor.* 1.16 13. 12.? 〈◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊〉 aspe 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉. Worship we God with reverence till we come to see him face to face.

Verse 31. Before the face of all people]

As a banner displaid, as a beacon on a hill, or as the Sun in heaven to be beheld of all: as the brasen serpent was lifted up in the wildernesse, &c. Joh. 3. 15.* 1.17 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 2. 11.

Verse 32. The glory of thy people Israel]

Oh! pity their 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and pray their conversion, that the Jewes may call God Abba, the Gentiles Father, Dan. 12. 11. There is a Prophecy of* 1.18 the Jewes finall restauration, (saith one) and the time is expressed which is 1290. years after the ceasing of the daily sacrifice, and the setting up of the abomination of desolation: which is conceived to be about Julians time, who assayed to re-build the Temple of the Jewes, but was hindered from heaven. This was Anno Dom. 360. to which if you adde 1290. yeares, it will pitch the calculati∣on upon the year 1650.

Verse 33. Marvelled at those things]

Saints the further they see into the mystery of Christ, the more are they trans∣ported with admiration. But most of al at the last day, 2 Thes. 1. 10.

Verse 34. And for a sign, &c.]

For a but-mark, against whom his enemies shall shoot the shafts of their gain-sayings: Like as at the sack of Constantinople, the Image of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was taken 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the Turks, and a Turks cap put upon the head thereof,* 1.19 and so set up, and shot at with their arrowes, calling it the God of the Christians.

Verse 35. Yea a sword shall peirce, &c.]

This confutes that of 〈◊〉〈◊〉; Mulier nulla cordicitus dolet ex animo. The word* 1.20 here rendred sword properly signifies a long Thracian 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

That the thoughts of many hearts]

As they are also now in these discriminating, shedding times. Affliction tryeth men who are Crocodiles, Spunges, Camelions, &c. Before these dayes came* 1.21 (said Master Bradford Martyr) how many thought of themselves, that they had been in Gods bosome, and so were taken, and would be taken in the world? But now we see whose they are: for to whom we obey, his servants we are, &c. In the Palatinate scarce one man in twenty stood out: but fell to Popery, as fast as leaves in autumne.

Verse 36. From her virginity]

i. e. She was a pure virgin when married to her husband. All are not virgins that passe for such: some have their secret conveyances, Prov. 30. 19. 20. They can eate stollen bread, and afterwards so wipe their lips that not the least crum shall be 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Verse 37. A widdow of about 84. years]

She was now ripe, and ready, even of her own accord, to fall into Gods hand, as ripe fruites do into the hand of the gatherer. And the thoughts of death had long since forbad the banes of a second marriage. Co∣gita te qisotidiè mariturum, & de secundis 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nunquam cogita∣bis.* 1.22 Think of death, and the thoughts of marrying again will dye within thee.

Verse 38. Gave thanks likewise]

Succinuit Simeoni, seconded Simeon, and sang the same song. This was somewhat extraordi∣nary, as being against that 1 Tim. 2. 12. and therefore fell out on∣ly in troublesome and confused times of the Church; as likewise 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Prophetesse. Our Praedicantissae have here no patro∣nage.

Verse 39. According to the Law of the Lord]

This is often recorded of them in this Chapter, that they observe the Law ex∣actly, to their singular commendation. The Law is to be kept as the apple of ones eye, Prov. 7. 2. Count nothing little that God commands. It is as much treason to coyne pence as twen∣ty-shilling-peeces: And they were commanded not to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the bloud, as ever they looked for Gods blessing.

They returned into Galilee]

After they had first fled down into AEgypt, Matt. 2.

Verse 40. And the grace of God was upon him]

Without mea∣sure; so that of his overflow we have all received grace for grace* 1.23 He had a fulnesse not repletive only, but diffusive too: not of plenty only, but of bounty also, not only of abundance, but of redundancy. Hee was Anointed with the Oyle of gladnesse, not onely above, but for his fellowes.

Verse 41. Now his parents went, &c.]

Every male was to ap∣pear thrice a year before the Lord. In the females it was a free∣will offering, and well accepted.

Verse 42. And when he was twelve yeares old]

What he did from his infancy hitherto, the Scripture is silent: Papists faine many idle relations, and thereby expose us to the jeares of Jewish and Turkish miscreants. Where the Scripture hath no tongue, we must have no eares.

Verse 43. Joseph and his mother knew not]

One would won∣der they should be so carelesse of so peerlesse a pearle: They might well think there were enough at Jerusalem, among the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 especially, that would have been glad to have dispatcht

〈◊〉〈◊〉 that should take upon them to be Messias the prince, as Daniel calleth him, Chap 9. 25.

Verse 44. Sought him among their kinsfolk]

They knew him to be of a disposition not strange and Stoicall, but sweet and so∣ciable. Let not us tye up our selves in a stern austerity, but run into the company of those now, that must be our everlasting com∣panions in heaven.

Verse 45. And when they found him not]

The best are some∣times at a losse, and hard put too't for three dayes, or so. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this, mostly, for their security, as the Church in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Verse 46. Sitting in the midst of the Doctors]

Christus prius sedet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 medio Doctorum (ut rectè distin. 36. Gratian.) quam 〈◊〉〈◊〉 capit munus Mediatoris obire.

Hearing them, and posing them]

In this very year the Temple was prophaned, even at the Passeover. For the Priests having 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Temple doores by night, as the manner was, found a great company of dead-mens bones in the morning, thrown here and there thorough the whole house. This, saith Josephus, was thought to have been done by the Samaritans in spight to the Jewes. But others think God had a speciall hand in it, to signifie 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Temple-services were shortly to dye and determine; now* 1.24 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Lord of heaven and earth had taught therein with his own 〈◊〉〈◊〉 voice.

Verse 47. At his understanding]

Which was so large, even as 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that some have affirmed it to be infinite, and uncreated: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of this, his manhood, being a creature, was uncapable. Howbeit here 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Saviour put forth a beam of his Deity, which yet he soon drew in again, and lay long after obscured.

Verse 48. Have sought thee sorrowing]

Animo 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 afflictissimo. God often cures a Lethargy of security, by a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of perplexity.

Verse 49. Wist ye not]

Men be they pleased or displeased, God must be obeyed.

Verse 50. They understood not]

Yet were well versed in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. If God give us not sight as well as light, we are still to seek.

Verse 51. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was subject unto them]

Labouring with his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, &c, Mark 6. 5.

Verse 52. Increased in wisdome]

Being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as Ma∣carius

was called, whilest a child, for his extraordinary grace and* 1.25 gravity.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Joh. Manl. loc. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 479.
• * 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, ut 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉
• * 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to rend.
• * 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Cic. in Verr. Act. 4.
• * 1.5

  Flor. Hist. l. 4.
• * 1.6

  Act, and Mon.
• * 1.7

  〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.8

  Bernard.
• * 1.9

  Polyd. Virg. lib. 4. cap. 1.
• * 1.10

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

  〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.
• * 1.12

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.13

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.14

  The souls solace.
• * 1.15

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 117.
• * 1.16

  〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.17

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.18

  Gods waiting to be gracious by Mr. Case. p. 57.
• * 1.19

  Turk. Hist. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 347.
• * 1.20

  A. Gil. l. 10. c. 25.
• * 1.21

  Act. and Mon. fol. 1482.
• * 1.22

  Hier. Ep. ad 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.23

  John 1. 10.
• * 1.24

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. Chron.
• * 1.25

  Niceph.