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.

SECT. VIII.

THE Apostles having thus manifested the power of Christ, and his Justice in this example of Ananias and Sapphira, they also manifested his graciousness and mercy in working ma∣ny miraculous cures in his Name, in healing the diseased, and delivering the possessed; insomuch, that the people brought forth their sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the Shadow(a) 1.1 of Peter pas∣sing by, might overshadow some of them. And these acts of mercy were as necessary for the propagating of the Gospel, and to invite people to believe in Christ, as those other of severity were for the restraining those corruptions wherewith Satan would otherwise have infected the Church in its minority; and to prevent the intrusion of Hypocrites(b) 1.2. The Apostles and Believers had at this present their place of meeting and assembling to preach the Gospel in So∣lomon's Porch* 1.3, which was the East-Cloy∣ster of the Mount of the Temple [See 1 King. 6.3.], in part of which the Sanhe∣drim used to sit, and yet they are not afraid to come so nigh unto them. But such of their hearers as were not sincere, durst not join themselves to them, having seen the severity on Ananias and Sapphira for their Hypocrisie; yet multitudes of others were added to the Church daily; and the common people seeing the wonders that were done by them, and their eminent gifts and endowments, could not but extol and magnifie them(c) 1.4. From ver. 12, to 17.

Hereupon the High-Priest, and those that were with him (most of them of the Sect of the Sadduces) set themselves ve∣ry zealously against them; and apprehending them, put them into the common Gaol; from whence being freed the night follow∣ing by an Angel, they are commanded by Him to go again, and preach boldly in the Temple the Doctrine of Christ, which de∣clares unto men the right way unto eternal life(d) 1.5. The Council meeting next morn∣ing, sent to the Prison for them, but find them not there; for they were preaching in the Temple; from thence they are brought before them by the Captain and Officers, yet without violence: for they feared the people would stone them, if they used such per∣sons harshly who had done so many cures among them. Being

now again brought before the Council, they are here accu∣sed of two things. 1. Of Contumacy, in persisting to preach the Gospel, notwithstanding they were strictly forbidden. 2. Of Sedition, as if they endeavoured to stir up the people to avenge the blood of Jesus upon the Rulers, perswading them it was by them most unjustly shed. Peter, in the name of the rest, answers to the first of these, acknowledging they had not obeyed them in that their Injunction, because they had commanded that which was contrary to God's Com∣mand; and in such a case it was just and reasonable, that God should be obeyed, and not they. He tells them, That though they had dealt most injuriously and maliciously with Jesus of Nazareth, and had crucified him; yet God had raised him again from the dead, and exalted him(e) 1.6 to his ••ight hand in Heaven, and instated him in his Regal Power, that he might, as a Spiri∣tual Prince, rule and protect his Church; and, as a Saviour, send his Spirit into the Hearts of Sinners, to draw them to Re∣pentance, and belief in himself(f) 1.7 that so they might receive remission of sins, and all the blessed consequents thereof. He de∣clares, that they his Apostles did bear their testimony to the truth of these things; and so did the Holy Ghost* 1.8, who descending up∣on them, and others also (who believed in Christ, and yielded obedience to him), en∣dowed them with extraordinary gifts(g) 1.9, and enabled them to do miraculous cures: And if their testimony were false, certainly it would never have been so confirmed. From Ver. 12, to 30.

These words so enraged(h) 1.10 the Coun∣cil, and cut them to the heart, that they presently entred into consultation of put∣ting the Apostles to death; but were divert∣ed from that wicked intendment, by the advice of Gamaliel, a learn'd and grave Se∣nator, and of much repute among them; who told them, that if this work were of men, it would come to nought; as he proves by two instances, one of Theudas* 1.11, who gave him∣self out to be some excellent person sent of

God for the delivering of the Jews; and the other, of Judas of Galilee* 1.12, who in the time of the Tax laid by Augustus rai∣sed a Sedition, disswading the people from paying it; Both which persons he tells them gathered many followers after them, but miserably miscarried in their enterprize. But he further shews them that if this work were of God, they could not possibly overthrow it, neither ought they to attempt it, least therein they should shew themselves to be fighters against God.

This advice being so rational, it prevailed with them to desist from their former intention. Yet notwithstanding sending for the Apostles again into the Court they appointed them to be scourged* 1.13, and strictly charging them not to preach any more in the name of Christ(i) 1.14, dismissed them. But they were so far from being discouraged(k) 1.15 by these things, that they went away rejoycing, that they were counted worthy* 1.16 to suffer shame for his sake. And daily both in the Temple, and in private houses they ceased not to preach Jesus Christ.

Act. 5. v. 12. And by the hands of the Apostles were many signs, and wonders wrought among the people (And they were all with one ac∣cord in Solomons porch.

v. 13. And of the rest durst no man joyn himself to them: but the people magnified them.

v. 14. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women)

v. 15. Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by, might overshadow some of them.

v. 16. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Je∣rusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one,

v. 17. Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him. (which is the sect of the Sadduces) and were filled with indignation.

v. 18. And laid their hands on the Apostles, and put them in the com∣mon prison.

v. 19. But the Angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

v. 20. Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

v. 21. And when they heard that, they entred into the temple early in the morning, and taught: but the high priest came, and they that were

with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

v. 22. But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,

v. 23. Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

v. 24. Now when the high priest, and the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

v. 25. Then came one and told them, saying. Behold, the men whom ye put in prison, are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

v. 26. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence (For they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned)

v. 27. And when th••y had brought them, they set them before the coun∣cil, and the high priest asked them,

v. 28. Saying, Did not we straitly command you that you should not teach in this Name? And behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this mans blood upon us.

v. 29. Then Peter, and the other Apostles answered, and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

v. 30. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

v. 31. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Sa∣viour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

v. 32. And we are his witnesses of these things, and so is also the holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

v. 33. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took coun∣sel to slay them.

v. 34. Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel a doctor of law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the Apostles forth for a little space.

v. 35. And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to your selves, what ye intend to do as touching these men.

v. 36. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be some∣body, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joyned them∣selves: who was slain, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

v. 37. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee, in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished, and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

v. 38. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought.

v. 39. But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

v. 40. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the Apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the Name of Jesus and let them go.

v. 41. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoycing that that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his Name.

v. 42. And daily in the temple, and in every house they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

* 1.17 * 1.18

* 1.19 * 1.20

Notes

• (a) 1.1

  Pontificii super hanc umbram Petri aedificant superstitionem suam circa reliquias Sanctorum. Si sola, in∣qu unt, umbra Petri tot morbos potuit sanare, quid non possint reliquiae ve∣stimentorum, vel corporis? Si Pauli su∣doriola, Act. 19. Si Christi fimbria, Mat. 9, fanarunt morbos; Si ossa Elisae mor∣tuos excitarunt, 2 Reg. 13. Quid non poterunt lignum crucis, sepulchrum Christi, tunica Christi, lac & crines Mariae, caligae Josephi, &c.? vid. Stres. in loc. Christus simbriae tactu sanavit morbos; Petrus etiam umbrae contactu: sic impletum est quod dixerat Christus, Joh. 14.12. Grot.
• (b) 1.2

  Poena Ananiae, & Sapphirae non parum valebat terrendis impiis, nè te∣merè prorumperent in eorum coetum, ubi Deus tam severum vindicem se o∣stenderat. Calv. in loc.
• * 1.3

  See chap. 2. ver. 46.
• (c) 1.4

  Erant, (inquit Chry∣sost.) Apostoli sicut Angeli, admirabiles, interriti ad minas, & pericula, & deliciis superiores, spirantes ignem divinum, gravitate & vultu venerabiles, affabilitate amabiles, charitate fervidi, oratione coelestes, moribus divini. Corn. a Lap. in loc.
• (d) 1.5

  Vocat Evangelium verbum vitae hujus: non hujus terrenae, sed q. d. hu∣jus vitae propter cujus spem captivi erant Apostoli.
• (e) 1.6

  Ante exaltationem Christus erat Salvator, quia salutem pro nobis me∣rebatur: post exaltationem est Salvator, quia salutem in nobis operatur. Chri∣stus erat Rex noster in med••â sua exi¦nanitione, ut de se fatetur, Joh 18.37. Erat enim unctus in Regem sed tamen, durante exinanitione, non ita eviden∣tèr functus est ••fficio Regio, ac post ex∣altationem. Sicut David erat Rex ab ipso unctionis momento, 1 Sam. 16.13. Sed tamen dium exilio passus est, an∣tequam Regium solium ascendit; ita Christus, &c.
• (f) 1.7

  Religio piorum in V. T. nullâ alia in re fuit posita quàm, 1. In humili confessione propriae indignitatis, & cor∣ruptionis, & impotentiae. 2. In con∣fugio fiduciali ad misericordiam Dei, in sacrificio & satisfactione promissi Me∣diatoris sundatam. 3. In sincero studio emendationis, & gratitudinis, ac pati∣entiâ, ac spe resurrectionis & vitae ae∣ternae: Conversio ergo generalitèr sumpta dividitur in tres partes, viz. contritionem fidem, & emendationem.
• * 1.8

  See Joh. 15.26. and 16.13, 14.
• (g) 1.9

  Spiritus Sanctus duplici modo de Christo testatur. 1. Inartificialiter per modum testis; cum ita operatur in animos fidelium, ut eis persuadeat de veritate verbi divini, & verbum illud, quod ipse re∣velavit, esse veritatem. Spiritus Sanctus non tantum est Auctor verbi, sed Testis verbi. Verum hoc testi∣monium est internum, quo non p••ssunt uti fideles ad convincendos alios, & quod non potuissent allegare Apostoli ad convincendos hos judices. 2. Artificialiter, per modum argumenti, cum scilicet iis qui Christo obediunt, largitur tam mirabilia dona, ex quibus tanquam certissimo argumento possunt omnes homines concludere, Christum non esse nunc mortuum, sed vivum, & exaltatum. Hoc testimonium hoc loco alle∣gant Apostoli ad convincendos hos judices.
• (h) 1.10

  Haec concio Petri eadem est quan∣tum ad substantiam eum istâ, Act. 2. tamen longè alius effectus illius ac hu∣jus. Illam a••diente, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 com∣pung: bantur, hanc audient••s 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 dissecabantur.
• * 1.11

  Fuerunt duae Theuda; alter prior, de quo hic Lucas; alter posterior, de quo Josephus scribit, lib. 20. c. 2. Is de quo hic agitur exstitit paulò ante fi∣nem Herodis, ut notat Casaub. Exerc. 17 Ostendens ita sensisse & O••igenem, Non est mirum, diversis temporibus plures extitisse factiosos homines ejusdem no∣minis. Grot.
• * 1.12

  Dictus fuit Gaulonites cujus memi¦nit Josephus, lib. 18. c. 1. lib. 20. c. 5 Hic cum Cyrenius Praeses Syriae mittere∣tur ad censendum populum, seditionem concitavit, docens non alium esse Do∣minum quam Deum agnoscendum; cen∣sum nihil aliud esse quam manifestam servitutis professionem; & libero Judae∣orum populo indignum. Faciebat autem ista Judas ministerio Sadociae Pharisaei, quem sibi adjunxerat.
• * 1.13

  Non autem Apostolos intactos dimit∣tunt: quod tamen aequum fuerat, & con∣gruens iis quae dixerat Gamaliel.
• (i) 1.14

  Potest mundus impius ferre con∣cionatores, qui praedicent legem, repre∣hendant vitia, hortentur ad virtutem. Illos tamen doctoret non possunt ferre, qui concionantur in nomine Jesu, & docent, in solo Jesu esse omne id, quod ad salutem requiritur, in tantum ut ne∣mo possit salvari misi per justitiam Chri∣sti, & per tractionem, & conversionem, Spiritûs Sancti.
• (k) 1.15

  Persecutio piorum est comoedia, quae triste habet initium, tristesque processus, sed semper laetam catastrophen. Martyrium, & amissio vitae corporalis non est exitus & finis, & catastrophe hu∣jus fabulae, sed coronatio, martyrium sequens. Tum demum finitur, cum caesus coronatur, & cae∣dens in ignem conjicitur.
• * 1.16

  Magna virtus ipsam contumeliam honori ducere ob bonam causam, Ita in Apostolis, per elegans 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, combinantur summa dignitas, & indignè propter Christum tractari.
• * 1.17

  v. 13. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] Nemo eorum, qui extra ecclesiam erant, & fidem Christi nondum amplexi essent auderet se adjungere consortio Apostolorum, ob recentem ad∣huc ex prodigioso Ananiae interitu metum; id tamen progressui Evangelii non ob∣fuit.
• * 1.18

  v. 20. Omnia verba vitae hujus] Vitae nomine intelligit doctrinam, quae ad vitam aeter∣nam ducit, Joh. 12.50. & 17.3.
• * 1.19

  v. 34. This Gamaliel was Pauls Tutor, Ast. 22.3. the Son of Simeon, that took Christ in his Arms, Luc. 2. and the Grandchild of the famous Hillel, Lightf.
• * 1.20

  v. 19. Ne cum Deo pugnare comperiamini] ante 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: subintelligitur Cavendum est.