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. XXVII.

SOME days after, King Agrippa, (Son of that Herod who slew James, Act. 12. who was King, not of Judea, but some neighbouring Province which the Romans had given him), and Bernice his Sister, came to Cesarea, to salute the new Governour. Festus relates to them Pauls case, and acquaints them, how vehemently the Jews accused him, and how earnest∣ly they desired to have had judgment against him. But he told them, he could not do it by the Roman Laws, without first hearing the cause, and bringing the accusers and accused face to face. This therefore he had done, and upon hearing of both parties, He found Paul absolutely free from all capital Crimes; and the differences between him, and the Jews, he saw, were about matters appertaining to their Religion, (which he contemptuously calls Superstition), in which he acknow∣ledges, he himself h••d little skill, and therefore had a mind to have referr'd him to the Jewish Sanhedrim, to be judged there. But the Prisoner declin'd their judgment, and appealed to Caesar. Whereupon he had remanded him to Prison, till he could conveniently send him to the Emperor at Rome. Agrippa (who was born and bred among the Jews, and in probabili∣ty understood something concerning the Christian Religion) hearing this, desired that he himself might see Paul, and hear him speak for himself. Festus readily agrees hereunto. On the morrow therefore, the Governour, with Agrippa, and Bernice, and several other persons of quality, entred the Court and place of hearing with great pomp; and Paul was brought forth before them. Festus having made a short speech, wherein he shewed the occasion of their meeting, and wherefore he had brought forth the Prisoner before that illustrious Assembly. Agrippa told him he was permitted to speak for himself. Then Paul beckning with his hand to the standers by to hold their peace, and give Audience, he particularly addresses his speech to Agrippa(a) 1.1.

And first, he declares how happy he accounted himself, that he was allowed to speak for himself before King Agrippa, whom he knew to be well skill'd in the Law, and in the Scriptures, and in all the Questions and Customs of the Jewish Religion. Then he shews, that however the Jews reproached him, neither in his Life, nor in his Doctrine, was there any thing repugnant to the truth of the Jewish Religion. For the manner of his Life, he appeals to his Accusers own Consciences, (to whom his

Conversation from his Youth was well known); who were able to testifie, that he not only had lived honestly, but religi∣ously(b) 1.2, and was of that Sect, which is accounted the strictest of all the rest in the Jewish Religion, to wit, a Pharisee. For his Doctrine which he asserted, viz. the resurrection of the dead, he shews, it was a Doctrine acknowledged by the Pha∣risees, and a fundamental Promise made by God of old unto their Fathers, and ge∣nerally depended on by the most pious a∣mong all the twelve Tribes(c) 1.3 of the Jews, not only that dwell in Judea, but that are scattered upon the face of the whole Earth, (see Jam. 1.1.): And in contem∣plation, and intuition thereof, they desire continually and fervently to serve the Lord, hoping to attain that blessed Resur∣rection, and Eternal Life, through the me∣diation of the blessed Messias, of old pro∣mised to them. And yet for believing, and expecting, and prea∣ching this, he tells the King, he was accused of the Jews.

Then he removes an Objection which might be made against him, viz. If he were brought up a Pharisee, how came he to believe in Jesus of Nazareth, and to hope for a Resurrection by him. Surely the Pharisees never taught him so. To this he answers, He was once as great and sharp an Adversary to Christ, and all that believed in him, as any man whatsoever; and thought himself bound in Conscience to endeavour the suppression of all those that owned him; which accordingly he did, being a principal Actor in the imprisoning of several of them at Jerusalem. And when some of them were by the Jews, tumultuously condemned to die, (as particularly Steven, Act. ch. 7.57, 58.), he was an approver of the sentence, Act. 8.1. And in other Cities besides Jerusalem, he brought them into the Jewish Courts, and Consistories, (which were kept in their Synagogues), and with threatnings and tortures compelled them to deny Christ, and (being exceedingly fierce against them) he forced some of them to fly to heathen Cities, and then pursued them thither also. He further declares, that as he was going to Damascus, with authority from the Sanhedrim on this persecuting design, at mid-day a light from Heaven, above the brightness of the Sun, shone round about him, and those that were with him; and when they were all fallen prostrate on the Earth, he heard a voice speaking to him in the Hebrew tongue; Saul, Saul, why dost thou thus persecute me? 'Tis hard for thee to kick against the pricks. But arise, stand upon thy feet, for thou art chosen by me to be a Preacher of the Gospel, and to proclaim unto others, what thou hast now, and shalt hereafter see and know. And for thy comfort, be assured, that I will deliver

thee from the persecutions both of Jews and Gentiles▪ to whom I shall send thee; and will bless thy endeavours to the opening their understandings, and to the turning of them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive, by Faith in me, remission of sins, and a portion of the heavenly in∣heritance, among my faithful ones, regenera∣ted by my Spirit(d) 1.4. He further tells the King, that having had so glorious a Vision, and having heard those words from the mouth of Christ, from Heaven, he could not but yeild obedience thereto, and accor∣dingly had preached at Damascus first, and then at Jerusalem, and then through all Judea, and at last a∣mong the Gentiles(e) 1.5 themselves, the Do∣ctrine of Repentance, and had shewed them their misery by sin, and how they should turn to God, and lay hold on his mercy offered in his Son, and should bring forth such fruits of holiness and righteousness in their lives, as are the genuine fruits of true Re∣pentance, and Faith in Christ. And for these things (he shews) it was, that he had like to have been killed by the Jews in the Temple. But being rescued by the merciful providence of God from their fury, he went on still with his work, de∣claring no other thing concerning Christ, but what Moses and the Prophets did of old foretell of him, namely, that he should be put to death, and should be the first that should rise again, by his own power, and thereby be eminently declared to be the Son of God* 1.6, and should be the Author of our resurrecti∣on, 1 Cor. 15.20. Col. 1.18. and should send out the light of his Gospel both to Jews and Gentiles. Festus sate still hither∣to, but being a Heathen, and not understanding these things, he interrupted the Apostle and told him, he talked like a man that had overstudied himself. But Paul with a great respect replied, that he was not mad, but spake the words of truth and soberness; which he was confident King Agrippa very well perceived; for these things he had been speaking of, viz. the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ, were things of very pub∣lick fame, and cognizance, and could not be unknown to him who was a Jew born. Then humbly applying himself to Agrippa again, he said, King Agrippa, believest thou the Prophets? doubt∣less, I am perswaded thou dost believe them, and if so, I pray thee consider, whether those very Prophecies be not exactly fulfilled in the Person of Christ? Agrippa hearing him thus speak, said, Paul, thou dost almost perswade me to be a Christian. The Apo∣stle answered, I heartily wish that both thou, and all here pre∣sent were as thorow Christians as I my self am(f) 1.7, only I would not wish any of you in that condition of captivity in which I am at present. When he had thus spoken, the King, and the Governour, and the whole

company rose up, and departed, acquitting Paul in their judg∣ments, from deserving either death or bonds; yet 'twas not thought fit he should be released, because he had appealed to Caesar.

Act. 25. v. 13. And after certain days, King Agrippa, and Bernice came unto Cesarea, to salute Festus.

v. 14. And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Pauls cause unto the King, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:

v. 15. About whom when I was at Jerusalem, the chief Priests and the Elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.

v. 16. To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to de∣liver any man to die, before that he which is accused, have the accu∣sers face to face, and have license to answer for himself concerning the crimes laid against him.

v. 17. Therefore when they were come hither, without any delay, on the morrow I sate on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.

v. 18. Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none ac∣cusation of such things as I supposed:

v. 19. But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

v. 20. And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him, whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these mat∣ters.

v. 21. But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Cesar.

v. 22. Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man my self. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

v. 23. And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice with great pomp, and was entred into the place of hearing, with the chief Captains, and principal men of the City; at Festus commandment Paul was brought forth.

v. 24. And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here pre∣sent with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying, that he ought not to live any longer.

v. 25. But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

v. 26. Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my Lord: Where∣fore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O King Agrippa, that after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.

v. 27. For it seemeth to me unreasonable, to send a prisoner, and not withall to signifie the crimes laid against him.

Act. 26. v. 1. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thy self. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

v. 2. I think my self happy, King Agrippa, because I shall answer for my self this day before thee, touching all the things whereof I am accu∣sed of the Jews:

v. 3. Especially, because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

v. 4. My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own Nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews,

v. 5. Which knew me from the beginning, (if they would testifie), that after the most straitest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee.

v. 6. And now I stand, and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:

v. 7. Unto which promise our twelve Tribes instantly serving God day and night, hope to come: for which hope sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

v. 8. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

v. 9. I verily thought with my self, that I ought to do many things con∣trary to the Name of Jesus of Nazareth:

v. 10. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints did I shut up in prison; having received authority from the chief priests: and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them:

v. 11. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme, and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange Cities.

v. 12. Whereupon, as I went to Damascus with authority and commissi∣on from the chief priests,

v. 13. At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me, and them which journeyed with me.

v. 14. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speak∣ing unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why per∣secutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

v. 15. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

v. 16. But arise, and stand upon thy feet, for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness, both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will ap∣pear unto thee.

v. 17. Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

v. 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

v. 19. Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the hea∣venly vision:

v. 20. But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and Jerusalem, and tho∣rowout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

v. 21. For these causes the Jews caught me in the Temple, and went a∣bout to kill me.

v. 22. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

v. 23. That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

v 24. And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thy self, much learning do••h make thee mad.

v. 25. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

v. 26. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am perswaded that none of these things are hidden from him, for this thing was not done in a corner.

v. 27. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou be∣lievest.

v. 28. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou perswadest me to be a Christian.

v. 29. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except th••s•• bonds.

v. 30. And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the gover∣nour, and Bernice, and they that sate with them.

v. 31. And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

v. 32. Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Cesar.

* 1.8 * 1.9 * 1.10 * 1.11 * 1.12 * 1.13 * 1.14 * 1.15 * 1.16

Notes

• (a) 1.1

  Quis non delectetur concionator, concionem habere propter spem lucrandi Magnates mundi, quorum conversio multum potest ad lucrandos caeteros. Et tamen quando unquam pauciore cum fructu concionatus est Paulus quam coram hoc illustri auditorio? Ratio datur, 1 Cor. 1.26, 27, 28, 29. Joh. 7.48, 49. Jacob. 2.5. Sicut pluvia cadens in montes & colles defluit, sed quae in valles cadit manet & penetrat, ita verbum quod in cor mundanum cadit, & superbum, profluit. Pomposi Phantastae non sunt discipuli Christi.
• (b) 1.2

  Vide Phil. 3.4, 5, 6. Non erat ir∣reprehensibilis coram Deo sed coram Ju∣daeis & Pharisaeis. Vivebat enim ita ut caeci Pharisaei, qui legem Dei suis glossis corruperant, judicabant esse vivendum, adeoque Judaei & Pharisaei nihil habe∣bant, quod in illo carperent aut quod accusare possent: sed ubi vitam suam coepit comparare cum vero sensu legis & expositione illius, quam Christus dat, Mat. 5. tum ipsemet vidit, vitam suam non esse irreprehensibilem coram Deo.
• (c) 1.3

  Non dubium est quin post factum schisma duorum regnorum, plurimi ex decem tribubus habitatum concesserint in Judaeam ubi purus erat Dei cultus at∣que ita cum Judaeis sensim coaluerint, & cum iis in Babyloniam deportati sunt & cum iisdem in Judaeam vel Samariam re∣dierunt. Vid. 2 Chron. 31.5. Vide de hac re annales Usserii ad annum mun∣di 3327. & 3468.
• (d) 1.4

  Paulus hic non tantum refert quae Christus sibi dixerit in viâ extra urbem cum immediatè ipsum ex coelo alloqueretur; sed etiam quae postea nunciaverit in urbe per ministerium Ananiae.
• (e) 1.5

  Natio superba Judaeorum ferre non potuit, quod beneficia foederis ad Gentes quoque extenderentur.
• * 1.6

  See Rom. 1.1.
• (f) 1.7

  Non requirit similitudinem se∣cum in officio sed in conversione & pietate. Non requirit aequalitatem in gradibus sed similitudinem in essentia∣libus pietatis.
• * 1.8

  v. 13. Et Berenice] Fuit haec faemina infamis in fratre, ut nos docet Josephus, 20.5: eóque referendum illud Juvenalis,

  — Deinde adamas notissimus, & Berenices In digito factus pretiosior: hunc dedit olim Barbarus incestae, dedit hunc Agrippa Sorori.
• * 1.9

  Ch. 26. v. 3. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] Attici pro Genitivis absolutè positis usur∣pant accusativos.
• * 1.10

  v. 5. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] à superiori tempore, à multis hinc retro elapsis annis: Secun∣dum exquisitissimam illam haeresin] Loquitur Paulus non ex sua mente, sed ex Adversatiorum hypothesi, qui Pharisaicam habebant pro sanctissimâ & religio∣sissimâ.
• * 1.11

  v. 10. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Calculum apponere simpliciter accipitur pro assentiri & comprobare Hoc dicit: se Stephani interfectionem toto animo, verbis, gestisque approbasse. Atque ex historia apparet nullum alium quam Stephanum fuisse à Ju∣daeis ne per tumultum quidem caesum ante Pauli conversionem. Orato••icè autem hic utitur numero plurali pro singulari.
• * 1.12

  v. 11. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] Non enim simplici abnegatione Christianismi contenti fuerunt plerique Tyranni, ut ex his Plinii Minoris verbis ad Trajanum constat, Omnes & ima∣ginem tuam & Deorum simulacra venerati sunt, & Christo maledixerunt.
• * 1.13

  v. 18. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] i. e. Jus ad vitam aeternam cum piis caeteris.
• * 1.14

  v. 23. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 pro 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, & hic & v. 8. Christus primus ex resurrectione mortuorum, non temporis respectu, cum multi ante eum resuscitati fuisse leguntur, sed dignitate & virtute, tanquam resurrectionis & vitae author. Ideo dicitur 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.15

  v. 28. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] parum abest quin mihi persuadeas ut fiam Christi∣anus.
• * 1.16

  v. 29. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] Et aliquatenus & valde, & propemodum & admo∣dum, exceptis his vinculis] Vincula vocat custodias sibi circundatas.