Page images
PDF
EPUB

thee. And, behold, certain of the Scribes said within themselves, 3 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, 4

This man blasphemeth.

that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Ac. xiii. 38, 39. David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Ro. iv. 6—8. We also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Ro. v. 11. We do not cease to pray for you (said Paul), giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Col. i. 12-14. See chap. xiv. 27.

3 Certain of the Scribes, &c.] See chap. vii. 29. and com. There were certain of the Scribes sitting there (where they brought to Jesus the man sick of the palsy), and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only? Mar. ii. 6, 7. From within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. Mar. vii. 21, 22, 23. And the Scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone? Lu. v. 21. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden "him" ("Jesus") saw "it" (“the woman anointing Jesus' feet"), he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him; for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering, said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat (the parable of the creditor and two debtors) to say unto thee; and he saith, Master, say on. Lu. vii. 39, 40.

This man blasphemeth.] Then (when Jesus had said, Ye shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven, &c.), the high priest (Caiaphas) rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? Behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. Mat. xxvi. 65. He that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death; and all the congregation shall certainly stone him; as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall be put to death. Le. xxiv. 16. Ye have

heard the blasphemy, what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death. Mar. xiv. 64. The Jews answered "him" ("Jesus"), saying, For a good work we stone thee not, but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said ye are gods? If he called them gods unto whom the word of God came, and the Scripture cannot be broken, say ye of him whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest, because I said, I am the Son of God? John x. 33—36. Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God: and they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the Scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, and set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law. Ac. vi. 11, 12, 13.

4 Knowing their thoughts.] Jesus knew their thoughts (that Jesus cast out devils by Beelzebub), and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand. Mat. xii. 25. And they reasoned among themselves (why Jesus said, Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, &c.) saying, it is because we have taken no bread, which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? Mat. xvi. 7, 8. If we have forgotten the name of our God, shall not God search this out? For he knoweth the secrets of the heart. Ps. xliv. 20, 21. Thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising; thou understandest my thought afar off. Ps. cxxxix. 2. When Jesus perceived in spirit that they so reasoned within themselves (saying, Who can forgive sins but God only), he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Mar. ii. 8. They reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread (that Jesus said, Beware of the leaven of Herod, &c.). And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye because ye have no bread? Perceive ye not yet, neither understand? Have ye your heart yet hardened ? Mar. viii. 16, 17. Shall we give or shall we not give (tribute, said the Pharisees, &c. to Jesus), but he knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it. Mar. xii. 15. When Jesus perceived their thoughts (when they said who can forgive sins but God alone), he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? Lu. v. 22. . He (Jesus) knew their

5 Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to 6 say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But

thy mind (the mind of Gog in his evil attempts in the latter years), and thou shalt think an evil thought. Ez. xxxviii. 10. Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? While it remained was it not thine own? And after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men but unto God. How is it that ye have agreed together (said Peter to Sapphira) to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Ac. v. 3, 4. 9. Peter said unto "him" ("Simon the sorcerer), Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter, for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent, therefore, of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be for given thee. Ac. viii. 20, 21, 22. See chap.

xv. 19.

[ocr errors]

thoughts (as they watched whether he would heal on the Sabbath day), and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. Lu. vi. 8. Jesus answering said unto "him" ("Simon"), I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. Lu. vii. 40. There arose a reasoning among them (his disciples), which of them should be greatest; and Jesus perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child and set him by him. Lu. ix. 46, 47. He (Jesus) knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. Lu. xi. 17. Jesus did not commit himself unto them (the Jews), because he knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man; for he knew what was in man. John ii. 24, 25. When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it (that Jesus said, He that eateth me even he shall live by me), he said unto them, Doth this offend you? But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. John vi. 61. 64. 5 Whether is easier, to say.] Whether is it Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins ask him, and said unto them, Do you enquire be forgiven thee, or to say, Arise, and take up among yourselves of that I said, a little while thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know and ye shall not see me, and again a little that the Son of man hath power on earth to while, and ye shall see me. I came forth forgive sins (he saith to the sick of the palsy), from the Father, and am come into the world. I Again I leave the world, and go to the Father. Now are we sure (said his disciples) that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God. John xvi. 19. 28. 30. He (Jesus) saith unto "him" ("Peter") the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John xxi. 17. The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight; but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. He. iv. 12, 13. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts; and I will give unto every one of you according to your works (saith the Lord). Re. ii. 23.

Wherefore think ye evil, &c.] Thus saith the Lord God, It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into

say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house; and immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all, insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. Mar. 9-12. Whether is easier to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee, or to say, Rise up and walk! But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins (he said unto the sick of the palsy), I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. Lu. v. 23, 24, 25.

Arise, and walk.] Then (at the coming of Christ's kingdom) the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing; for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. Is. xxxv. 5, 6. Jesus saith unto him (the impotent man), Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole; sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. My Father worketh hitherto, and I work (said Jesus); therefore the Jews sought the more

[ocr errors]

that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed 7 to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, 8

to kill him because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also, that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. John v. 8. 14. 17, 18. Then Peter said (to the lame man who was laid at the gate of the temple), Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have, give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up; and immediately his feet and ancle-bones received strength; and he, leaping up, stood and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: and they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's. And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, His (Christ's) name, through faith in his name, hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know; yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. Ac. iii. 6-11. 16. If we (said Peter) this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole: be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. Ac. iv. 9, 10. And Peter said unto him (who had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy), Eneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole; arise, and make thy bed: and he arose immediately. Ac. ix. 34. And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked; the same heard Paul speak, who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet; and he leaped and walked. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying, in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. Ac. xiv. 8-11.

6 That the Son of man hath power on earth.] I even I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Is. xliii. 25. Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the rem

nant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. Mi. vii. 18. Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? But that ye may know (said Jesus) that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins (he saith to the sick of the palsy), I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. Mar. ii. 7, 10. The Scribes and Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who can forgive sins but God alone? Lu. v. 21. As the Father raiseth up the dead and quickeneth them, even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son; that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. John v. 21, 22, 23. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Ac. v. 31. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit; and he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this he fell asleep. Ac. vii. 59, 60. To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also. For if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ. 2 Co. ii. 10. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us. We pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 2 Co. v. 20. Be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ep. iv. 32. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another; if any man have a quarrel against any, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Col. iii. 12, 13.

Arise, take up thy bed.] See verse 5, and com. And there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity; and he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. Lu. xiii. 11, 12, 13.

8 When the multitudes saw it.] the people were amazed, and said, the Son of David? Mat. xii. 23.

And all Is not this The mul

9 and glorified God, which had given such power unto men. And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow And he arose, and followed him. And it came to pass, as

10 me.

titude wondered when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see. And they glorified the God of Israel. Mat. xv. 31. Immediately "he" ("the sick of the palsy") arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. Mar. ii. 12. And (they) were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well; he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak. Mar. vii. 37. And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to-day. Lu. v. 26. And there came a fear on all, and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us, and God hath visited his people. Lu. vii. 16.

And glorified God.] See preced. com. Immediately he (the sick of the palsy) rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. Lu. v. 25. And one of "them " ("the ten lepers"), when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God.

Lu. xvii. 15. When the centurion saw what was done (the sun darkened and the vail of the temple rent, when Christ gave up the ghost), he glorified God, saying, Certainly, this was a righteous man. Lu. xxiii. 47. When they (the Jews) had further threatened "them" (Peter and John), they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people; for all men glorified God for that which was done. Ac. iv. 21. Afterwards I came (said Paul) into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, and was unknown by face unto the churches of Judea, which were in Christ. But they had heard only that he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me. Ga. i. 21-24. See chap. xv. 21.

9 Named Matthew.] Jesus saith unto "them" ("the chief priests and elders"), Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and harlots go into the kingdom of God before you: for John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not; but the publicans and harlots believed him. Mat. xxi. 31, 32. And as he (Jesus) passed by (the sea side), he saw Levi the son of Alpheus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me: and he arose and followed him. And as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples. And when the

Scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Mar. ii. 14-17. After these things (the healing the sick of the palsy), he (Jesus) went forth, and saw a publican named Levi sitting at the receipt of custom; and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him. Lu. v. 27, 28. Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and Scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. Lu. xv. 1, 2. And behold, there was a man named Zaccheus, which was the chief among the publicans: and he was rich; and he sought to see Jesus, who he was, and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before and climbed up into a sycamoretree to see him, for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw him, and said unto him, Zaccheus, make haste and come down, for to-day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zaccheus stood, and said unto the Lord, Behold Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him four-fold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. La. xix. 2—10.

Follow me. e.] See chap. iv. 18-22 He (Elijah) departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth. And Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him. And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again; for what have I done to thee? And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him. 1 Ki. xix. 19, 20, 21. When it pleased God, who separated me

Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came, and sat down with him and his disciples. And when 11 the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard 12 that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician,

from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. Ga. i. 16. See chap. xxi. 31.

10 As Jesus sat at meat.] See verse 9, and com. Levi made him a great feast in his own house, and there was a great company of publicans, and of others that sat down with him. But their Scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering, said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. Lu. v. 29, 30, 31.

Many publicans and sinners.] See chap. v. 46, 47. Now we know that God heareth not sinners; but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. John ix. 31. I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious; but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant, with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me, first Christ Jesus might shew forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Ti. i. 13-16.

11 They said unto his disciples.] When the Scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners. Mar. ii. 16. When he (Jesus) came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the Scribes questioning with them. And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him, saluted him. And he asked the Scribes, What question ye with them? Mar. ix. 14, 15, 16.

Why eateth your Master, &c.] The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners; but wisdom is justified of her children. Mat. xi. 19. I have spread out my hands all the day (saith the Lord) unto a rebellious people; a people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face, which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me, for I am holier than thou; these are a smoke in my nose,

VOL. II.

a fire that burneth all the day. Is. lxv. 5. But their Scribes and Pharisees murmured against his (Jesus) disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? Lu. v. 30. Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and Scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. Lu. xv. 1 2. They all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. Lu. xix. 7. I wrote unto you in an epistle, not to company with fornicators, yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world: but now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 1 Co. v. 9, 10, 11. We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law, for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Ga. ii. 15, 16. For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way, for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. He. v. 1, 2. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine (the doctrine of Christ), receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed. 2 John 10.

12 They that be whole need not a physician.] Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak. O Lord, heal me! for my bones are vexed. Ps. vi. 2. Lord, be merciful unto me (said David), heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee. Ps. xli. 4. He healeth the broken heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Ps. cxlvii. 3. Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed. Save me, and I shall be saved, for thou art my praise. Je. xvii. 14. I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord: because they called thee an outcast, saying, This is Zion whom no man seeketh after. Je. xxx. 17. Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth. Je. xxxiii. 6. I will heal their back

M

« PreviousContinue »