The apostolical history containing the acts, labours, travels, sermons, discourses, miracles, successes, and sufferings of the Holy Apostles from Christ's ascention to the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus : a brief description whereof is here inserted : also, a narration of the particular times and occasions upon which the apostolical epistles were written, together with a brief analytical paraphrase of them : to which is added (for the better understanding of this history) a map of the Apostle Paul's travels ... / by Samuel Cradock.

THE PREFACE TO THE READER.

Courteous Reader,

HAving lately published the intire History of our Bles∣sed Lord and Saviour, from his Birth to his glorious Ascension to Heaven; it will not be, I hope, unaccep∣table to thee, if I here present thee with the History of the Church immediately succeeding; and give thee a Narrative of the Acts, Labours, Travels, Sermons, Discourses, Miracles, Suc∣cesses, and Sufferings of the Holy Apostles, as they are record∣ed by the Evangelist Luke in that Divine Book of his, call'd the Acts of the Apostles.

And that my Design in this undertaking may the more clearly be discerned, be pleased to understand, that I have digested the whole Work into Seven Chapters.

The FIRST CHAPTER contains the Acts of all the Apo∣stles joyntly, from our Saviour's Ascension to Saul's Conversion; and shews what was done by them before the Feast of Pente∣cost, at the Feast, and after it. (1.) Before the Feast; it shews how they continued in joynt-devotion for ten days together at Jerusalem, in expectation of the great promised effusion of the Spirit; and during that time, called Matthias by lot to the Apostleship in the room of Judas [Acts chap. I.] 2. At the Feast; it shews how they received a plentiful effusion of the Spirit, and spake divers Tongues; at which some of the Jews mocking, Peter preached an excellent Sermon to them, which had such wonderful success, that by his own and the other A∣postles endeavours, about Three thousand were that day con∣verted to Christ [Acts Chap. II.]. (3.) After the Feast; it relates how PETER going up to the Temple with John, he there

miraculously cured a Cripple. The people being filled with amazement and astonishment at this miracle, Peter informs them, That it was not wrought by any power of his own, but by the power of Jesus Christ. And from hence he takes occasion to preach Christ to them (Chap. III.). The Rulers of the Jews being offended at his Sermon (though a great number of the people were converted thereby), apprehend him and John, and bring them before the Council, who after examination dis∣miss them, yet with a charge not to preach any more in the Name of Jesus. The Church hereupon betake themselves to prayer, and receive a present and gracious answer from the Lord. Next it shews, how holy and gracious the conversation of this Infant Church was, who convers'd together with great concord and charity, the rich selling their goods for the su∣stentation of the poorer so•• [Acts Chap. IV.] 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••••es the fraud and hypocrisie of Ananias and Sapph•••••• 〈…〉〈…〉 dreadful punishment; as also the many wond••••s 〈…〉〈…〉 wrought by the Apostles, to the terror of some, and ••••e con∣version of others; and their couragious persisting to preach Christ, notwithstanding they were persecuted, imprisoned, and beaten for it [Acts Chap. V.].

In the next place it sets forth how the Apostles appointed Seven Deacons to take care of the poor, whereof Stephen and Philip were the most eminent, whose particular acts are ••ia∣ted; as namely, Stephen's disputing with some of the S••nagogue of the Libertines, who (not being able to resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spake) drew him before the Council, and and there falsly accused him [Acts Chap. VI.]. Stephen in a long and grave Oration defends himself, and pleads his Cause; but they interrupt him, and fall upon him, and stone him [Acts Chap. VII.].

Immediately after Stephen's Martyrdom, a violent Persecution arose, which scattered the Disciples at Jerusalem. Philip here∣upon went and preached Christ at Samaria, and did many Miracles there, and baptized many; and among the rest, Simon Magus. The Apostles that were left at Jerusalem, hearing of Philip's good success at Samaria, send Peter and John thither to confirm those new Disciples, and to enlarge the Church. These two Apostles coming thither, they by prayer and imposition of hands conferr the miraculous gifts of the Holy Ghost on the true believers there; which Simon Magus seeing he offered the Apostles money to enable him to confer the like gifts on whomsoever he pleased: for which impiety Peter sharply reproves him. Lastly, It sets forth how Philip was sent to instruct and baptize the Eunuch [Acts Chap. VIII].

The SECOND CHAPTER contains more particularly the History of those two great Apostles Paul and Peter, though there is inserted also something concerning Barnabas's journey to An∣tioch, and the Martyrdom of James.

Now concerning PAƲL, these things are here related: (1.) His

miraculous Conversion. (2.) His Vocation to the Apostleship. (3.) His Preaching Christ first in the Synagogues of Damascus, and then in Arabia for the space of three years. (4.) His re∣turn to Damascus and escaping the hands of the Jews that there conspired to kill him.

Concerning Peter, these things are recorded: (1.) The Mira∣cles he wrought, namely, his healing Aeneas of the Palsie at Lydda, and raising Tabitha from the dead at Joppa [Acts Chap. IX.] (2.) The Doctrine he preached to Cornelius (a Gentile) and his company, upon a particular vision and command from God; whereupon the Holy Ghost falleth on them, and they are baptized [Acts Chap. X.]. This converse and communi∣on of his with the Gentiles, he vindicates to the Jews, who were scandaliz'd at it, by a narrative of the whole matter. Here also is inserted a narration, how the Gospel being spread into Phoenice, Cyprus, and Antioch, by those Disciples who were dispersed upon the fore-mentioned persecution, Barnabas was sent from Jerusalem to confirm them. Barnabas being at Antioch, s••••ds for Paul to come to him thither; where they both stre∣nuo••sly preach Christ, and there the Disciples were first called Ch•• stians [Acts Chap. XI.]. About this time Herod persecu∣ted the Ch••••••tians at Jerusalem, and killed James the brother of John. (3.) Here are related the sufferings which Peter un∣der-went under Herod, who imprisoned him with an intent to put him to death; but he was delivered by an Angel upon the prayers of the Church. Whereupon the anger of the King falls heavy upon his Keepers. Herod shortly after goes down to C••sarea; and in his pride taking to himself the Ho∣nour due to God, he is stri••ken by an Angel, and dyeth mise∣rably. After which, the Gospel prospereth [Acts Chap. XII.]. This is the last we hear of this great Apostle (excepting his be∣ing present at the Council at Jerusalem, Act. 15.) till we come to his Epistles. As for Paul, the remainder of his story falls within the time and compass of his travels, and those Five re∣markable Journeys of his which are described in the Five en∣suing Chapters.

The THIRD CHAPTER contains a Narration of Paul's First Journey from Antioch with Barnabas, to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, John-Mark being their Minister: At which time they travelled to Cyprus, Pamphylia, Lycaonia, Pisidia, and other Provinces of Asia the Less. And therefore this Journey we may call for distinction-sake, Iter Asiaticum; It is described Acts Chap. XIII, XIV.

The FOURTH CHAPTER contains Paul's Second Journey with Barnabas, and Titus, and others, from Antioch to that fa∣mous Council at Jerusalem, which we may therefore call Iter Hierosolomitanum. It is described Acts Chap. XV. from ver. 1. to 36.

The FIFTH CHAPTER contains Paul's Third Journey, be∣ing accompanied with Silas and Titus, to visit and confirm the

Disciples in those Cities where He and Barnabas had before preached the Gospel; which done, they were called by a Vi∣sion over into Macedonia, and so passed into Europe, and travel∣led to Philippi, Beroea, Thessalonica, Athens, Corinth, and so by Ephesus returned into Syria and Judea, and then came back a∣gain to Antioch. This Journey we may call Iter Graecum sive Macedonicum. It is described from ver. 36 of Chap. XV, to ver. 23 of Chap. XVIII.

The SIXTH CHAPTER contains Paul's Fourth Journey, which he began from Antioch in Syria, from whence he went to Ephesus, according to his promise, and staying the greatest part o•• his time in that City, we may from thence call it Iter Ephesinum. From thence he went to visit the Europaean Chur∣ches; and at last from Macedonia, through Asia the Less, and Syria, he returned into Judea, where by the Jews he was ac∣cused, and by the Roman Officers taken into custody. Which Journey is described from ver. 23 of Chap. XVIII, to Chap. XXVII

The SEVENTH CHAPTER contains Paul's Fifth and Last Journey from C••sarea to Rome, which we may therefore call Iter Romanum, It is described Acts Chap. XXVII, and XXVIII.

In these Seven Chapters I have comprised the Divine History of the Acts of the Apostles. Possibly some may now ask How it can be properly so called, seeing it chiefly relates the story of Peter and Paul; and of the former but sparingly, and insists principally upon the Acts of the later, mentioning but little what the other Apostles did, or what Churches they planted, or what death they died. For answer to which, this is all that can be said, That it seemed good to the Spirit of God to have only so much written as he saw conducing to our edification; and in that we are to acquiesce. Besides, Luke who wrote the Acts of the Apostles, was a disciple and follower of Paul, and his Companion in most of his Travels; and therefore no won∣der if he designed principally to write his Story. To all which we may add, That as Paul's Conversion was more miraculous than the conversion of any other of the Apostles, so the course of his Ministry was more illustrious. He laboured more abun∣dantly than they all, 1 Cor. 15.10. Hierom* 1.1 thinks, Luke wrote this History at Rome in the second year of Paul's imprisonment there, and at the request of the Brethren in that City, and by the direction of Paul himself; but principally, by the peculiar guidance of the Holy Ghost. He is thought to have written it in the 62 year of Christ, and the 6th of Nero. We have there∣fore in this Divine Book set before us, an History of the rise, growth, state, and practice of the primitive Church, in the purest Apostolical times; and a declaration of the pure doctrine then de∣livered, and of the pure Worship and Church-Government and Dis∣cipline then practised. All which may be a pattern to succeeding Churches in all ages. And agreeably hereunto I find a learned

man expressing himself; I have often thought with my self* 1.2 (says he) that the Divine Scheme given to Moses in Mount Sinai, was not more a pattern to erect the ancient Tabernacle by, than the History of the Acts of the Apostles is a form and type according to which all that are thereunto called, must build and govern the Church under the New Testament, in which certainly there is not the least appearance of that Hierarchical Tyranny which the Court of Rome endeavours to force upon us by fire and sword, nor any men∣tion of Peter's being Bishop of Rome, which is the only Foundation the Popish-Creed is built upon.

In this Divine Book also we may see how Christ subdued the World to the obedience of the Gospel, by a few illiterate men again•••• all the malice of Satan labouring to suppress it, 〈…〉〈…〉 raising slanders and persecutions against it; and when 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••d not prevail with violence, raising Hereticks to corrupt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ere we have examples of the prudence, faithfulness, and di∣l••••••nce of the Holy Apostles: Here we may see how they lived, w••at they taught, how they dealt with the obstinate, how with the ••••irm, and how they acted in the doubtful and controversal Cases of the Church.

A•• we go ••long in this History, we come to the particular times wherein the Apostolical Epistles were written; and then we shew ••e particular occasions of writing of them, and by whom, and from what places they were sent; giving a short Analysis and Pa••aphrase of them, which I hope will give much light to them, and serve also to illustrate many passages in this Aposto∣lical History.

For the Chronotaxis, or disposition of the things contained in this History, into the proper times wherein they were acted, there being so great diversity of opinions among Chronologers* 1.3 and Learned men, I have followed what I thought best, leaving others the liberty of their own judgments.

As for the Apostolical Epistles (which are in number 21), ac∣cording to the best conjectures we are able to make, they were written in this order of Time, according to this ensuing Table.

In the time of Paul's Third Journey

• The 1 Epistle to the Thessalonians, from Corinth. See Chap. 5. Sect. 12.
• 2 Epistle to Thess. See Chap 5. Sect. 12.

In the time of Paul's Fourth Journey

• Epistle to Galatians from Ephesus. See Chap. 6. Sect. 5.
• 1 Epistle to Corinthians. See Ch 6. Sect. 7.
• Epistle to Titus. See Chap. 6. Sect. 8.
• 2 Epistle to Corinthians. See Ch. 6. Sect. 14.
• 1 Epist. to Timothy. See Chap. 6. Sect. 15.
• 1 Epist. to the Romans from Corinth. See Ch. 6. Sect. 18.

In the time of Paul's Imprisonment at Rome,

• Epist. of James. See Chap. 7. Sect. 5.
• To Philemon. See Chap. 7. Sect. 7.
• To Philippians. See Chap. 7. Sect. 8.
• To the Colossians. See Chap. 7. Sect. 9.
• To the Ephesians. See Chap. 7. Sect. 10.
• To the Hebrews. See Chap. 7. Sect. 11.
• 1 Epist. of Peter. See Chap. 7. Sect. 12.
• 2 Epist. of Peter. See Chap. 7. Sect. 13.
• Epist. of Jude. See Chap 7. Sect 14.
• 2 Epist. to Timothy. See Chap. 7. Sect. 15.

After all these,

• 1 Epist. of John. See Chap. 7. Sect. 17.
• 2 Epist of John. See Chap. 7. Sect. 18.
• 3 Epist. of John. See Chap 7. Sect. 19.

Thus (Courteous Reader) I have given thee a brief view or pro∣spect of this whole History; for a better understanding of which, I have added a Map of the Apostle Paul's Trayels. And lastly▪ for a close I have added a short description of the De∣struction of Jerusalem, which may be as a Comment not only to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 passages in this History, and in the Apostolical Epistles, but in th Gospels also.

About 23 years after this dismal Destruction, in the 14 year of Domi••ian, John the Evangelist had the Revelation in the Isle of Patmos. And this is all I thought fit to advertise thee of by way of Preface. Only I shall add, If thou desirest to reap any benefit by my Paraphrase on the Epistles, I entreat thee to take thy Bible, and to read the Text along with the Paraphrase. It is not un∣known to any who have ever attentively read over the Apostoli∣cal Epistles, that there are abundance of dark and obscure passages in them; abundance of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, things hard to be understood, as the Apostle speaks, 2 Pet. 3.16. I may truly say, I have not wil∣lingly or knowingly passed over any of them untouch'd, but said something (according to my poor Talent) either in the Paraphrase, or in the Notes, tending to the clearing of them. And so heartily praying and desiring that from the whole, God may receive glory, and the ingenuous Reader benefit, I bid thee farewell.

Thine in Christ Jesus, SA: CRADOCK.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Catal. script. Ecclesiastic. Tom. 1.
• * 1.2

  Saepe me ce∣perit ista cogi∣tatio quod i••ud in monte Sinai Mosi exhibitum divinum sche∣ma, non magi•• fuerit veteris tabernaculi ae∣dificandi exem∣plar, quàm A∣ctorum Aposto∣licorum volu∣men, Ecclesiae Novi Testa∣menti aedificandae & regendae, omnibus ad hoc vocatis, forma est & Typi••; in quo certè nec vola nec vestigi∣um est illius Hierarchicae tyrannidis, quam Aula Romana nobis ferro & flammis satagit obtrudere, nec ulla m••ntio sessionis Petri in Episcopatu Romano, quae Papisticae fidei unica basis est, &c. Streso in Prae∣fat. ad Act. Apost.
• * 1.3

  Chronolo∣gi non magis congruunt quam Horo∣logia. Strigel.