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. II.

IN this Island they were very courteously received by the Islanders, who made a great fire for them to warm and re∣fresh them, coming wet, and cold out of the sea. Paul having gathered a bundle of sticks, and laying them on the fire, a Vi∣per that was in the wood, feeling the heat of the fire, leaped out upon him, and fastned on his hand; which the Islanders seeing, they presently concluded that he was certainly some notorious Malefactor, whom divine vengeance followed, though he had now escaped at sea. Thus the very light of nature suggested even to Barbarians themselves, that wickedness would not go unpunished; see Rom. 1.32. But the Apostle shaking off the venemous beast into the fire, and receiving no harm at all from it, (see Mark 16.18.), they presently chang'd their opi∣nion, and took him for a God(a) 1.1, come to them in the shape of a man. Thus it pleased God by a new miracle to confirm the Apostles authority, and thereby to prepare the hearts of of these Islanders to receive the Gospel. The landing of these shipwrack'd persons being made known to Publius the Governor, or chief man of the Island; he out of his great compassion and humanity entertained them all three days at his own charge. It so happened, that the Father of Publius was at this time sick of a Feaver, and bloody Flux; which being made known to Paul, he went to him, and praying with him, and laying his hands on him, he perfectly healed* 1.2 him. This being noised in the Island,

several other diseased people were brought to him, and were also healed by him; upon which, Paul and his Christian asso∣ciates were much honoured by the Islanders. Having stayed there three months, (in which time 'tis like Paul made many Converts, and planted a Church in the Island, as Ecclesiasti∣cal History informs us), at their departure they were fur∣nished by the Inhabitants of the Island with all necessaries for their journey. From hence therefore they set sail for Italy, in a ship of Alexandria, whose sign was Castor and Pollux, and sail'd first to Syracuse in Sicily, thence to Rhegium in Italy, and thence to Puteoli a Port near Naples; where they found some Christian(b) 1.3 Professors, who were very glad of them, and importun'd them to stay a week with them. Thence on foot they travailed towards Rome(c) 1.4, and when they were come as far as Appii forum, several Christians that dwelt in Rome, hearing of their approach, came thither to meet and welcome them; and others met them at a place call'd the three Taverns. When Paul saw these Christians, he praised God exceed∣ingly. He knew, there was a famous Church there (long ago planted* 1.5), to whom about three years before, he had written a large Epistle, and had of a long time desired to see them; therefore could not but now rejoice, that God had vouchsafed to him such an opportunity. The sight of these Christian-Romans did much revive and comfort him. He was glad they had so much liberty at Rome, that they durst come forth, and thus publickly own him, who was in bonds; and he hoped for much comfort and succour from them, against the troubles and dangers he expected at Rome.

When they were come to Rome, the Centurion delivered the Prisoners to the Captain of the Guard who suffered Paul (mo∣ved thereto possibly by the good testimony given of him by Julius) to dwell in a private house which he hired, only with a Soldier to guard him, carrying on his right hand an Iron-Chain(d) 1.6, which probably he girded a∣bout him when he was in the house; but going abroad he was bound with the same to the left hand of the Soldier. After they had been there three days, Paul desired to speak with the chief of the Jews in that Ci∣ty; (his constant love to his own Nation en∣gaging him always to desire to gain them in the first place), and when they came to him, he spake to them to this purpose, Country men, I have done nothing against my own Nation, or contrary to the Laws or Customs of the Jews(e) 1.7; yet was I by the Jews at Je∣rusalem apprehended and accused before the Roman Governour, who found no capital

Crime laid to my charge, and therefore would have dismiss'd me, had not the importunity of the Jews inclin'd him to deliver me into their power; which that I might avoid, I was ne∣cessitated to Appeal unto Caesar, only to clear my self, not intending to lay any thing to the charge of any of my Country-men, or to exasperate the Emperor against them, though I have been so ill used by them. And for this cause I was sent hither, and now have sent for you to acquaint you, that for the sake of Jesus Christ, the true Messias, (whom all true Israelites long looked for, who is now come in the flesh, to be their Redeemer, and in whom all the true Israel of God repose all their hope and confidence of salvation, and by whom they expect a joyful resurrection from the dead), I am bound with this chain.

The Jews replied that they for their part were not possess'd with any prejudice against his person; for they had not recei∣ved any letters out of Judea concerning him, neither had any of their Brethren that came from thence spoken any evil of him. But as for this Profession and Doctrine of Christianity, they acknowledged, the Jews their Brethren, as also the Gen∣tiles, did generally oppose it, and spake hardly of it; yet they desired to hear what he had to say for it. Hereupon a day being appointed for that purpose, many of the Jews came to his lodging, to whom he opened at large these two points, 1. That the Kingdom of the Messiah promised by God to the Fathers was to be a spiritual, not an earthly Kingdom. 2. That Jesus of Nazareth was the true Messiah, in whom all that desire to be saved, ought to trust and believe. Both these he confirmed by testimonies, out of the Law of Moses, and out of the Prophets; con∣tinuing his discourse from morning till night.(f) 1.8 The effect of which discourse was this, some believed, and embraced the Gospel; others remained altogether unmoved and unperswa∣ded; and so they parted in some difference and disagreement among themselves. Paul at their departure, told those that would not be perswaded, that this unbelief of theirs was a thing which the Prophet Isaiah had long ago punctually foretold, viz. ch. 6.9. wherein he shews, that God had bidden him go and tell that people, that hearing they will hear and not understand, and seeing they will see and not perceive; for their heart was waxed gross, and they heard heavily with their ears, that is, they had contracted a wilful hardness, deafness, and blind∣ness; upon which it follows, that they will not convert, nor hearken to any counsel, that should make them capable of mercy. This being their case, he tells them, upon this refusal and obduration of theirs, he was to preach the Gospel (the word of salvation), to the Gentiles, who would gladly embrace it. See Rom. 15.9, 10, 11, 12.

After this, Paul dwelt two years in his own hired house at Rome, preaching the Gospel, (the doctrine of Christ that tends to the setting up the kingdom of God in the souls of men, see Mat. 4.23. & 13.19.), to all that came to him, without any disturbance, he having, as it seems, some Christian friends even in Nero's family, Phil. 4.22.

Act. 28. v. 2. And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us every one because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

v. 3. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastned on his hand.

v. 4. And when the barbarians saw the venemous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

v. 5. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

v. 6. Howbeit, they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a God.

v. 7. In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

v. 8. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever, and of a bloody flix, to whom Paul entred in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

v. 9. So when this was done, others also which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

v. 10. Who also honoured us with many honours, and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

v. 11. And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintred in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

v. 12. And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.

v. 13. And from thence we set a compass, and came to Rhegium, and after one day the south-wind blew, and we came the next day to Pu∣teoli:

v. 14. Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.

v. 15. And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii-Forum, and the three Taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

v. 16. And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by him∣self, with a soldier that kept him.

v. 17. And it came to pass that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together. And when they were come together, he said un∣to them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

v. 18. Who when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.

v. 19. But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Cesar, not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

v. 20. For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to

speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

v. 21. And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judea, concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came, shewed or spake any harm of thee.

v. 22. But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concern∣ing this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

v. 23. And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging, to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, p••rswading, them concerning J••sus, b••th out of the law of Mo∣ses, and out of the Prophets, from morning till evening.

v. 24. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some be∣liev••d not.

v. 25. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, af∣ter that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers.

v. 26. Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand, and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive.

v. 27. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed, lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

v. 28. Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

v. 29. And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

v. 30. And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and re∣ceived all that came in unto him.

v. 31. Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence; no man forbidding him.

Ch. 28. v. 6. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] Nihil incommodi ei accidere] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 de malo Morali sive culpae usitatè dicitur, ut Luc. 23.41. 2 Thes. 3.2. rarò de malo Phy∣sico sive poenae. Syrus vertit nihil odibile ipsi factum esse. i. e. Nullum incommodum turpe & ignominiosum, scil. nihil novum insolitum & admirandum, unde crimi∣nis alicujus, prout suspicati fuerant, reus haberi posset.

Mutatâ sententia dicebant Deum esse] Herculem forsan 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, qui in Meli∣t•• colebatur.

v. 11. Cujus insigne erant Dioscuri] Solebant olim, naves hujusmodi insignibus ornare, & inde appellare, quomodo etiam hodié-num usitatum est. Virgilius dixit, Centauro invehitur magna.

Dioscuri, sunt Castor & Pollux, Jovis ex Laedâ filii qui mari imperabant: unde ho∣rum praesidio & tutelae navis haec erat commissa atque dicata ab iis, qui eam possi∣debant. Et invaluit apud Nautas haec superstitio, exhalationes ••gneas quae in tempe∣statibus conspiciuntur, esse hos ipsos Deos scil. Castorem & Pollucem. Et si ••xha∣latio solitaria appareat, trisle esse praesagium; si autem gemina, prosperae navigatio∣nis praenuncium, ut testis est Plinius. Ovid. 1 Trist. Fleg. 3. & pictos verberat unda Deos.

v. 15. Alii obvium venerunt ad sorum Appii, alii ad tres Tabernas; illi prius, hi seriùs. Nam tres Tabernae propriores erant Romae.

v. 16. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, seorsim sine aliis. Cum milite qui ipsum custodiret] Intellige ita ut eadem catena & mili••em constringeret. Sen. Epist. 5. quemadmodum eadem ca∣tena & militem & custodiam copulat, sic ista quae tam dissimilia sunt, pariter incedunt. Haec est catena cujus mox meminit eam monstrans Paulus v. 20. & Eph. 6.20. Col. 4.18. Phil. 1.7. 2 Tim. 2.9. Philem. 10.13.

v. 20. Propter spem Israelis ••h••e. Propter Messiam ab Israele speratum ac de∣s••d••ratûm, vel propter bona à Messiâ spe••••ta. vid. 1 ••im. 1.1.

Notes

• (a) 1.1

  See the like judg∣ment of the men of Lystra concerning Paul and Bar∣nabas, Act. 14.11, 19.
• * 1.2

  See Jam. 5.14, 15.
• (b) 1.3

  Adeò jam dilatata erat Christi∣ana religio, ut in Italiae urbibus inve∣nirentur Ecclesiae Christianae. A quo fuerint plantatae non constat, nisi quod ex Act. 2.10 certum est inter eos qui Hierosolymae, per Petri praedica∣tionem fuerunt conversi, etiam fuisse Romanos, qui in patriam reversi, sermonem Domini secum tulerunt, & in patriâ seminaverunt
• (c) 1.4

  Puteoli•• per septiduum commo∣rati, terrestri itinere Romam profecti sunt. Streso.
• * 1.5

  See Rom. 1.8.
• (d) 1.6

  See v. 20. Act. 12.6. Eph. 6.20. 2 Tim. 2.9.

  Custodia Militaris talis erat, ut is qui in noxà esset catenam manui dextrae al∣ligatam haberet, quae eadem militis si∣nistram vinciret. Eadem catena tam reum, quam militem tenet. Seneca lib. 1. de tranquil. animae.
• (e) 1.7

  Recipiendo enim Christianismum nihil fecit contra mores patrios, i. e. contra Mosis legem. Christianismus enim, & lex Mosis, non pugnant: sed lex Mosis est umbratica repraesentatio futuri Christianismi, quae Christianis¦mo cedit nec se opponit. Corruptelae legis mosaicae pugnant cum Christia∣nismo, sed non ipsa lex Mosis.
• (f) 1.8

  Est primum signum & pars es∣sentialis Orthodoxae Ecclesiae, & do∣ctrinae, Scrip••uram habere pro unicâ regulâ doctrinae, cujus judicio standum, & cadendum: &, qui ab hac regulâ, ab hoc judice recedit, ad aliud tribunal provoc••t, & in alia authoritate suam fidem fundat, is ab orthodoxâ Eccle∣sia discessisse ju••icandus, & pro haereti∣co habendus, non Catholico. Stres.