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FOR THE PREACHING OF THE CROSS IS TO THEM THAT PERISH FOOLISHNESS;

SECT. LXXVII. THE DISCIPLES IGNORANT OF JESUS' SUFFERINGS, ETC.

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34/and they-shall-mock him,
and shall-scourge him,

and shall-spit-upon him,

and shall-kill him: and the third day he-shall-rise-again."

PART IV.

LUKE Xviii. 33, .4. and shall-be-mocked, and spitefully-entreated ὑβρισθήσεται,

and spitted-on: and they-shall-scourge 33 him, and-put-him-to-death: and the third day he-shall-rise-again.

And they understood none of- 34 these-things and this saying was hid from them, neither knew-they the-things which-were-spoken. (Ch. xviii. 35, ? lxxviii. p. 240.)

SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

Mk. x. 34. shall mock him-The Jewish priests made a mock of his being a prophet, Mt. xxvi. 67, .8, § 89, p. 430-His kingly dignity was made a jest of, both by Herod, Lu. xxiii 11, § 90, p. 448, and by the Roman soldiers, Mt. xxvii. 27-31, § 91, p. 455-He was also mocked by all parties as he suffered on the cross, ver. 39-49, § ib.-His sufferings were predicted, Ps. xxii. 7,8,All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, he trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let liii. 3; Mi. v. 1.

him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.'-Is.

shall scourge him-Lu. xxiil. 16, § 90, p. 449; Mt. xxvii. 26, [Mk. xv. 15,] § ib., p. 453-predicted, Is. 1. 5,6; liii. 5, &c.

shall spit upon him-Thus was he treated both by the Jewish priests, Mt. xxvi. 67, [Mk. xiv. 65,] § 89, p. 430, and by the Roman soldiers, Mt. xxvii. 30, Mk. xv. 19,] § 91, p. 456-as predicted, Is. 1. 6.

Mt. xx. 19. to crucify-He had before predicted his being lifted up on the cross, Jno. iii. 14, § 12, p. 85; viii. 28, § 55, p. 103-comp. xii. 32, .3, § 82, p. 268; xviii. 32, § 90, p. 441-see for the accomplishment, Mt. xxvii. 22, .3, .6, 31-50, §§ 90,.1, pp. 451, 3,.5-It is frequently spoken of by the apostles, especially Peter and Paul, Ac. x. 39, And we are witnesses, &c.1 Pe. ii. 24, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:' &c.-1 Co. i. 17, .8, 23;-Ga. iii. 13, Christ hath redeemed us from the

curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:' the third day, &c.-When he before predicted his death, he also spoke of his rising again on the third day, Mt. xvi. 21, [Mk. viii. 31; Lu. ix. 22,] § 50, p. 40; xvii. 23, [Mk. ix. 31,] § 52, p. 71-His enemies knew that he had spoken of his resurrection. Mt. xxvii. 62.6, § 92the fulfilment, xxviii. 1-6, § 93-The resurrection of Christ is referred to as an important confirmation of 24-36-by Paul at Antioch, xiii. 32-8-at Athens, the gospel, by Peter on the day of Pentecost, Ac. ii. 23-.5, Now it was not written for his [Abraham's] xvii. 31-its importance in relation to faith, Rom. iv. sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24, but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25, who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.'-And hope, 1 Co. xv. 16, .7, For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.'

Lu. xviii. 34. understood none of these, &c.-so Mary and Joseph, when Jesus said, Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? ch. ii. 49, § 6, p. 42-so the disciples, when on a previous occasion he informed them of his approaching sufferings and death, Mk. ix. 32, [Lu. ix. 45,] § 52, p. 71-and afterwards, when fulfilling the prophecies in his manner of approaching Jerusalem, Jno. xii. 16, § 82, p. 262.

NOTES.

Mk. x. 34. Shall spit upon him. Spitting on another has always been considered a mark of the greatest

Or

Mt. xx. 19. To scourge. That is, to whip. This was Master, and the insults and malice of his and their done with thongs, or a whip made on purpose; and enemies; this forewarning of the events was exceedthis punishment was commonly inflicted upon crimi-ingly seasonable and kind, to prepare them for so nals before crucifixion. heavy a burden, and to sustain them under it. whether we regard the prevailing error concerning the Messiah's first appearance, or the scandal which was likely to arise from a crucified Lord, it was fit to stration of infinite love, fit to signify by its agreeshew that his death was voluntary, and so a demonthe parts of it were ordained by the highest wisdom.] ment with the prophecies, that this design and all

contempt.

Mt. xx. 19. Crucify him. It was much more probable that he should be privately slain, or stoned to death in a tumult, than that he should suffer the punishment of crucifixion, which was customary among the Romans, but unusual among the Jews. And when he was delivered back by Pilate to the Jews, with permission to judge him according to their law, it is wonderful he was not stoned. But all this was done that the scripture should be fulfilled.' -See Jno. xix. 36, § 92.

[Whether we reflect on the danger which the disciples were in of being wholly cast down or oppressed with so severe an affliction as the death of their

Lu. xviii. 34. They understood none of these things. The literal meaning they could not but understand: preconceived opinion of the Messiah, they were but as they were not able to reconcile this to their utterly at a loss in what parabolical or figurative sense to take what he said concerning his sufferings. For a like reason there are many who cannot understand the things which are predicted respecting his second and glorious advent.

PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.

[Lu. xviii. 34. We need not wonder that many things, plainly declared in the scriptures, are not generally understood. Jesus repeatedly, and most explicitly, foretold his sufferings, death, and resur rection; and yet even his chosen disciples, unto whom it was given to know the mysteries of the kingdom, did not understand him. It cannot be that they took his words in their plain signification. more probable they looked in them for some figurative meaning, thinking it impossible they could be literally fulfilled.j

236]

It is

Seeing that by the sufferings and resurrection of the Son of God, the things that were spoken by the prophets have been so wondrously confirmed, let us grasp, as glorious realities, the objects of our hope to which they point; and let us look forward to their full accomplishment, with assured confidence.

vain imaginings, remain ignorant of that which is [Let us not, by indulging in the same unbelief and foretold respecting the second advent of our blessed Redeemer. He who humbled himself shall reign.]

LET ME NOT BE ASHAMED, O LORD;-Psa. xxxi. 17.

[VOL. II.

BUT UNTO US WHICH ARE SAVED IT IS THE POWER OF GOD.-1 Cor. i. 18.

THE LORD IS THE PORTION OF MINE INHERITANCE AND OF MY CUP: THOU MAINTAINEST MY LOT.-Psa. xvi. 5.

(G. 56.)-James and John, with Salome their mother, petition Jesus for the privilege of sitting on his right hand and on his left in his kingdom: the ten being offended thereby, Jesus addresses a discourse to them all in common.--Matt. xx. 20-.8. Mark x. 35-45. Same locality, West of Jordan.

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She-saith unto-him, Grant eine

MARK X. 35-.8.
And
James and John,"

the sons of-Zebedee, come-unto him,

d saying, Master, we-would that thou-shouldest-
do for-us whatsoever we-shall-desire.
And he said unto-them, What would-ye 36
that-I should-do for-you?
They said unto-him, Grant dos unto-us 37
that we-
may-sit, one on thy right-hand, and the-
other on thy left-hand, in thy glory."
But Jesus said unto-them, Ye-know 38
not what ye-ask: can-ye drink-of
the cup that I drink-of? and be-

that these my two sons may-sit, the-one on thy right-hand, and the

other on the-left, in thy kingdom. 22 But Jesus answered and-said, Ye-know not what ye-ask. Are-ye-able to-drink-of the cup that I shall drink-of, and to-be

SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS. Mt. xx. 20. mother of, &c.-Salome-comp. ch. xxvii. 56, with Mk. xv. 40, § 92, p. 472.

Zebedee's children-James and John, ch. iv. 21, $ 16, p. 109; x. 2, § 27. p. 206-they, along with Peter, had been the most privileged of all the disciples-see on Mt. xvii. 1, § 51, p. 52.

Mk. x. 35. Master-see Jno. xi. 28, § 58, p. 130. Mt. xx. 21. thy right hand, &c.-The being placed thus near a king was counted a high honour-so when Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, came to speak with him for Adonijah, he caused the king's mother to be seated on his right hand,' 1 Ki. ii. 19-in Ps. xlv. 9, the queen is spoken of as standing at the King's (Messiah's) right hand, Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.-And Christ himself is invited to sit at the Father's right hand until his footstool is prepared upon earth, Ps. ex. 1.-In 1 Ki. xxii. 19, Micaiah, in addressing the king of Israel, speaks of the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.'

ing the twelve tribes of Israel: Mt. xix. 28, § 75, p. 229 see on the kingdom, vi. 10, § 19, p. 132; xiii. § 80, p. 248; xxii. 29, 30, § 87, p. 376; xxiii. 42, § 91, 41-3, § 33, p. 260; Lu. i. 32, .3, § 2, p. 10; xix. 12, P. 475: Ac. i. 6; 2 Ti. iv. I; Rev. iii. 21.

22. know not what ye ask-They had not duly considered that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God,' Ac. xiv. 22-and that

they who would attain to eminence in the kingdom must be willing to labour and suffer the more-see ver. 25-.8, infra.

YE THAT FEAR THE LORD, TRUST IN THE LORD: HE IS THEIR HELP AND THEIR SHIELD.-Psa. cxv. 11.

335

cup-The cup was so bitter, that even Jesus prayed the Father that if it were possible it might pass from him, ch. xxvi. 38-44, [Mk. xiv. 34-9; Lu. xxii. 42-4; Jno. xviii. 11,] § 88, p. 413-Cup means a portion allotted; and is used in a bad sense, Ps. xi. 6, portion of their cup.'-lxxiii. 10, waters of a full cup'-lxxv. 8, a cup, and the wine is red;'-Is. li. 17, 22, cup of his fury; ... cup of trembling,'-Je. xxv. 15, .7. 28, wine cup of this fury,'-see also xlix. 12; li. 7; Eze. xxiii. 31-4; Rev. xiv. 10; xvi. 19, &c. -It is used in a good sense, Ps. xvi. 5-see borderxxiii. 5; cxvi. 13.

The disciples had before this been disputing among All who expect to enjoy the kingdom with Christ, themselves which of them should be the greatest-And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and jointmust be willing to suffer with him, Rom. viii. 17, see Mk. ix. 33, .4, [Lu. ix. 46,] § 52, p. 72, .4. heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.'-2 Ti. ii. 11, 2, It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: if we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: '-see also 2 Co. i. 7; Col. i. 24; Rev. vi. 9-11.

in thy kingdom of which they had recently been given a glimpse on the Holy Mount-comp. ch. xvi. 28, § 50, p. 44; xvii.1-8, § 51, p. 51; 2 Pe. i. 16-8.It had just been promised them, that when Christ should sit in the throne of his glory, they, with their fellow-disciples, should sit also upon thrones, judg

NOTES.

[Mt. xx. 20. With her sons. This shews that they participated in the petition; and indeed, though they preferred it through the medium of their mother, yet it should seem that they were the principal movers of the affair. Thus Mark is justified in representing them as asking it. And indeed, that Jesus regarded them as the principals, is clear from his addressing the answer to them.'-Bloomf.]

sequently the first situations on the right and left denote the highest dignities. There may perhaps be an allusion in these words to the Ab Bethdim, or Father of the Court, who sat on the right hand of the Nasi, or President of the Sanhedrim; and to the Hacan, or Sage, who sat on the left. 22. Ye know not what ye ask. Are not aware what is implied in being advanced in my kingdom, and what is necessarily pre-required in order thereto." Are ye able to drink of the cup? &c. An image frequent with the Jews, who usually compared whatever PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.

21. Right hand, and .... left. Said in allusion to the eastern custom, by which sitting next to the throne denotes the next degree of dignity; and con

obtained through all the obloquy and suffering that
Jesus had foretold.]

[Mk. x. 35. James and John were two of the three
who had accompanied our Lord to the mount of
Transfiguration; whatever might be said regarding
the sufferings of Christ, they could not forget that
they had been eye-witnesses of his majesty. If the
others were becoming faint-hearted, now-they may
have thought-was a good time to shew that they
had an expectation of something beyond, worthy
of being sought after; even although it should be
*Mark x. 35, compared with Matt. xx. 20, explains Matt. xx. 24.'-Greswell, Vol. I. Diss. i. p. 30.
THE LORD PRESERVETH THE SIMPLE:- Psa. cxvi. 6.

[Mt. xx. 22. Let us consider what we ask, when we ask a high place in the kingdom. We should always be prepared for taking the lowest place here, if we expect to be exalted hereafter; we must lay our account with bearing the cross, if we expect to wear the crown.]

VOL. II.]

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ALL THAT WILL LIVE GODLY IN CHRIST JESUS SHALL SUFFER PERSECUTION.--2 Tim. iii. 12.

23

24

25

MATT. XX. 23-.5.

baptized-with the-baptism that I ani-
baptized-with?

They-say unto-him, We-are-able.
And he-saith unto-them,
Ye-shall-drink-'indeed-of-my cup,

and be-baptized-with the baptism
that I am-baptized-with:
but to-sit on my right-hand, and on my
left, is not mine to-give, but it shall
be given to them for-whom it-is-prepared
of my Father.

And when-the ten -heard it, they-
were-moved-with-indignation against
the two brethren.

But Jesus called them unto him,
and-said, Ye-know that

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39

but to-sit on my right-hand and on my 40 left-hand is not mine to-give; but it shall be given to them for-whom it-is-prepared.s

And when- the ten -heard it, they-
began to-be-much-displeased with
James and John.

But Jesus called them-to him,
and-saith unto-them, Ye-know that
SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

41

42

Mt. xx. 22. the baptism that I am baptized with-Jesus | pp. 177, ..S-and Christ will exercise power in placing had before said, Lu. xii. 50, § 63, p. 169, I have a bap- at his right hand, and on his throne, those whom he tism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till judges worthy, Mt. xxv. 34, § 86, p. 352; Lu. xxii. it be accomplished!'-In the Psalms, trials, afflic- 29, § 87, p. 376; Rev. iii. 21-but although he postions, and humiliations, are frequently represented by sesses this power, it does not belong to him to exercise overwhelming waters-see Ps. xviii. 16, He sent from it but in righteousness, according to the will of the above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.' Father, Jno. v. 19, 30, § 23, pp. 177, ..8; Ac. xvii. 31, -lxix. 1, 2, Save me, O God; for the waters areBecause he hath appointed a day, in the which he come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there will judge the world in righteousness by that man is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.'-lxxxviii. 7, Thy wrath whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with from the dead.' all thy waves. Selah.'-See also xlii. 7; cxxiv. 4, 5. We are able-Peter, who with James and John had been on the mount of Transfiguration, was equally confident with them that he was able, ch. xxvi. 33-.5, § 87, p. 406.

23. Ye shall drink-Of these two, James was the first among the eleven that suffered martyrdom, Ac. xii. 2-John, who is supposed to have lived longer than any other of the apostles, describes himself as a 'brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ,' and as being a prisoner in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ,' Rev. i. 9.

is not mine, &c.- The Father... hath committed all judgment unto the Son:' and hath given him authority to execute judgment '-Jno. v. 22, .7, § 23,

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prepared of my Father-In the judgment Jesus will say to those who, as having submitted to the royal law of love, are prepared to enter into the kingdom, ch. xxv. 34, Come, ye blessed of my Fafoundation of the world:-He. xi. 16, God is not ther, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.'

p. 375, There was also a strife among them, which 24. moved with indignation-Lu. xxii. 24, § 87, 10, Only by pride cometh contention: but with the of them should be accounted the greatest.'-Pr. xiii. well advised is wisdom.'-Ph. ii. 3, Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.'See also Ja. iv. 1-3.

NOTES.

is dealt out to men by the Almighty (whether good or evil) to a cup of wine.-See SCRIP. ILLUS., supra. Mt. xx. 22. To be baptized with the baptism, &c. This metaphorical sense of the word baptism, is derived from the figurative expressions of the Old Testament, in which afflictions are represented under the notion of great waters passing over and ready to overwhelm a person.-See SCRIP. ILLUS. [23. Is not mine to give, &c. oux EσTLY duor douvat, ἀλλ ̓ οἷς ἡτοίμασται. Αλλά with a negative, followed by a noun or pronoun, is generally of the same import as elu, nisi, unless, except. Thus Mk. ix. 8, $51, compared with Mt. xvii. 8, § ib., p. 56, and Mk. x. 40, supra. The highest honours of his kingdom were not now to be disposed of by him to gratify the worldly ambition of any one. In this sense they were not his to give, as Mediator, save to those for whom they had been prepared of the Father. Christ and the Father are one, and it was not his to follow any inferior bias in the disposing of places in his kingdom: he disposes according to the will of the Father, who hath bid us look for glory and honour and immortality, as following Christ humbly and faithfully to the end. The correct sense is seen by leaving out

that part of the verse in Italics, which is not in the
original.]

[The expression argues no defect in the power of
Christ, but merely a perfect conformity to the will of
his Father.' Our Lord (says Bishop Horsley) does
not deny his power to give, but only declares who
they are who shall receive this honour. His answer,
far from intimating anything of that kind, concludes
supposed to do.'-Bloomf.]
as strongly against it as a negative argument can be

For whom it is prepared. Who by patient continu-
ance in well-doing, seek for glory and honour, and
immortality. For these only eternal life is prepared.
To these only he will give it in that day; and to
every man his own reward, according to his own
labour.
24. When the ten heard it, they were moved, &c.
None of the disciples imagined that Christ had pro-
would the two disciples have preferred this request,
mised the supremacy to Peter; for then neither
nor would the rest have contended for it afterward.
The word 'it' refers, not to what Jesus said, but to
they had made, they were indignant.
their request. When the ten heard the request which

PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.

[Mt. xx. 23. Let us be faithful to our trust in things of God, even as our Lord hath given us example. He is not biassed by private affection, however opportunely solicited; but gives according to the righteous appointment of God the Father. We must not only be willing to suffer with Christ, but to be found in him obedient children. If we are faithful, nothing 238]

can supplant us in the favour of God, or deprive us
of our place in the kingdom.]

selves, that we may not provoke it in others.
24 ver. Let us beware of manifesting pride in our-

using power for our own selfish purposes.
25 ver. Let us not follow the course of the world, in
GRUDGE NOT ONE AGAINST ANOTHER,-Jas. v. 9.

[VOL. II.

YE ASK, AND RECEIVE NOT, BECAUSE YE ASK AMISS, THAT YE MAY CONSUME IT UPON YOUR LUSTS.-Jas. iv. 3.

MY BRETHREN, BE NOT MANY MASTERS, KNOWING THAT WE SHALL RECEIVE THE GREATER CONDEMNATION.-Jas. iii. 1.

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SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

Mt. xx. 25. Ye know that the princes... exercise | dominion - Lu. xxii. 25, g 87. p. 375, And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.'- See the manner of the king as described, 1 Sa. viii. 5-18.

26. not be so among you, &c.-Lu. xxii. 26, § 87, p. 375, But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.'-See also Mt. xviii. 1-4. § 53, p. 75; xxiii. 8-12, § 85, p. 314; Lu. xiv. 7-11, § 67, p. 182; Jno. xiii. 13-7, § 87, p. 367; Rom. xii. 10, 6; Ja. iii. 1, see border-1 Pe. v. 3-5, Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4, And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5, Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.'-And see 2 Co. i. 24; 3 Jno. 9.

your minister-your waiting servant-Preachers of the gospel are called ministers, because they are the servants of God and of the church, 1 Co. iii. 5; iv. 1; 2 Co. iii. 6; vi. 4; Eph. iv. 11, .2.

2. servant-Lu. xviii. 14, § 73, p. 217-see border. 28. but to minister, &c.-Lu. xxii. 27, § 87, p. 375, For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.'-Ph. ii. 5-7, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7, but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:'and see Jno. xiii. 4, 5, 14, § 87, p. 366; Ac. . 38. a ransom-Christ, as foreshadowed by the sacrifices, Mt. xx. 25. The princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion, &c. The several governments both in the east and west in our Lord's time tyrannized and exercised arbitrary power over the people. Christ appears to have spoken these words to abate the envy rising against the sons of Zebedee, among the other apostles. 26. Minister, budkovos-servant, doos. There is properly a difference between these terms; the former signifying a servant, like our footman, or valet, and usually a free man; the latter, a servant of all work, and also a slave. The terms were, however, sometimes interchanged.

&c., under the law, and as predicted by the prophets, gave himself up to suffering and death for the redemption of men, Is. liii. 6, 10, .1; Da. ix. 24-.6; Mt. xxvi. 28, § 87; Jno. x. 11, 5-8, § 55, p. 115; x1. 51, 2, 3 58, p. 133; Rom. iii. 24.6, Being justi fied freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26, to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.'-2 Co. v. 21, For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.'-Ga. iii. 13, .4, Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."-Eph. i. 7, In whom we have sins, according to the riches of his grace; '-Ti. ii. redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of 14, Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.'-Rev. v. 9, And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;'

for many-ch. xxvi. 28, § 87, p. 378; Rom. v. 15.9, But not as the offence, so also is the free gift.'-1 Ti. ii. 6, Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.'-He. ix. 28, So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.'

NOTES.

The office of a deacon, in the primitive church, was to serte in the agape, or love feasts, to distribute the bread and wine to the communicants; to proclaim different parts and times of worship in the churches; and to take care of the widows, orphans, prisoners, and sick, who were provided for out of the revenues of the church. It was the lowest ecclesiastical office. Deacons were first appointed Ac. vi. 1—6. [28. To give his life a ransom for many. In order to determine the sense of this passage (so important by its connection with the distinguishing doctrine of the gospel, the ATONEMENT), it is proper carefully to attend to its scope, and then to ascertain the force of its principal terms, Airpor, arri, and molar. The scope of the passage evidently is, to point out the purpose of Christ's coming into the world. It was dotrat-roday. On the sense of yogh here there has never been any doubt. It plainly signifies (as often VOL. II.]

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in the scriptures, and even the classical writers) life.
Christ came to give up his life as a Airpon. Now
Airpor properly denotes the ransom paid, in order to
deliver any one from death, or its equivalent, cap-
tivity, or from punishment in general. More fre-
quently it denotes the piacular victim, 5, some-
times expressed by iaoua; which Hesych. explains
arriorpor. It has been satisfactorily proved that,
among both the Jews and the Gentiles, piacular
victims were accepted as a ransom for the life of an
offender, and to atone for his offence. The heathens
believed that no atonement was so complete or
effectual as that whereby the piacular victim should
be a human being; whose life was thus given avri,
instead of the life of the other.

than that which has been assigned to it by every in-
The sense, then, of this passage can be no other
terpreter of any consideration in every age, namely,
that "our Lord was to give up his life as a piacular
victim, a ransom for mankind, that they might not
suffer [might be released from] spiritual death."
And thus it harmonizes with the doctrine of scrip-
ture elsewhere. So in Da. ix. 24, it is predicted, that
the Messiah "shall make reconciliation for iniquity;"
whence he is called by the Jewish rabbins
arip Airpou. Comp. Mt. xxvi. 28; Jno. xi. 52; Eph.
v. 2; 1 Ti. fi. 6; He. ix. 14, 28; all declaring the same
doctrine, that Christ's death was a sacrifice for the
sins of mankind; even that true and substantial
sacrifice, which those of the law but faintly shadowed
forth in types, symbols, and figures.'- Bloomf.]

LET OUR EXEMPLAR BE THE SON OF MAN.

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FOR EVERY ONE THAT EXALTETH HIMSELF SHALL BE ABASED; AND HE THAT HUMBLETH HIMSELF SHALL BE EXALTED.-Luke xviii. 14.

IT IS A GREAT MERCY TO BE AWAKENED TO PRAYER BY CURIOSITY OR BY ANY OTHER MEANS.

SECTION 78.-(G. 57.)-[Lesson 72, 78, .9.] -AS JESUS IS APPROACHING TO
JERICHO HE HEALS A BLIND MAN.*-Luke xviii. 35-43.

INTRODUCTION AND ANALYSIS.

Lu. xviii. 40, .1. Jesus stops in his journey; and having commanded the blind man to be brought, asks what he desires to have done for him. answers, 'Lord, that I may receive my sight.'

Lu. xviii. 35-.8. When, in his last journey to Jerusalem, Jesus draws nigh unto Jericho, a blind man, sitting by the way-side begging, hearing the crowds passing by that accompany Jesus, asks what is meant? Being told that Jesus of Nazareth is passing, the blind man recognises the promised Messiah, and immediately cries out, Jesus, thou Son of David, have faith hath saved thee.' mercy on me.' 39. The people request him to be quiet; but he cries out so much the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me.'

35

He

42. Jesus says, 'Receive thy sight: thy

43. He that was blind receives his sight, and follows Jesus, glorifying God; and all the people seeing the miracle give praise unto God.

No. 78.-East of Jericho.-Luke xviii. 35-43.

[Ch. xviii. 34, ? lxxvii. p. 236.]

And it-came-to-pass, that as he was-come-nigh unto Jericho, a-certain blind-man sat 36 by the way-side begging: and hearing the multitude pass-by, he-asked what it meant. 37 And they-told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth-by. 38, And he-cried, saying, Jesus, 39 thou Son of-David, have-mercy-on me. And they which-went-before rebuked him, that he-should-hold-his-peace: but he cried so-much the-more, Thou Son of David, have40 mercy-on me. And Jesus stood, and-commanded him to-be-brought unto him: and 41 when-he-was-come-near, he-asked him, saying, What wilt-thou that-I-shall-do unto42 thee? And he said, Lord, that I-may-receive-my-sight. And Jesus said unto-him, 43 Receive-thy-sight: thy faith hath-saved thee. And immediately he-received-his-sight, SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

Lu. xviii. 35. blind man-The mental blindness of Jesus' own disciples, respecting the object of the present journey, had just before been noticed by Luke, ver. 34-As related by Matthew and Mark, we learn that Jesus had since spoken words well calculated to open the eyes of their understandings to discern the nature of his kingdom, and the great purpose of his approaching death at Jerusalem-see Mt. xx. 25-8, [Mk. x. 42-.5,] § 77, p. 238-but it was not until after his resurrection that their eyes were opened, Lu. xxiv. 25-32, 41-.5, §§ 94, .5, .8.

37. Jesus of Nazareth-This was the usual designation of Jesus-see Mk. i. 24; Lu. iv. 34; Mk. x. 47: Mt. xxi. 11; Jno. xviii. 5, 7; Mk. xiv. 67; Jno. xix. 19; Mk. xvi. 6; Lu. xxiv. 19- Peter applies it to him in Ac. ii. 22; iii. 6; iv. 10; x. 38-so Stephen, vi. 14-and also Paul, xxii. 8; xxvi. 9.

38. Son of David-In the same manner was he addressed by the two blind men mentioned Mt. ix. 27-31, § 36, p. 285-see also xx. 30, § 79, p. 242-When Jesus asked the scribes, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David,' Mt. xxii. 42, § 85, p. 306-It had been predicted that the Christ should open the eyes of the blind, Is. xlii. 7.

39. so much the more, &c.-He exemplified the truth of our Lord's saying with regard to importunity in prayer, ch. xi. 5-10, § 62, p. 152.

have mercy on me-In the predictions concerning the Son of David, mercy had been greatly spoken of -see Ps. lxxxix. 1, 2, &c.-We read also of tho mercies of David,' 2 Chr. vi. 42- the sure mercies of David,' Is. lv. 3."

40. Jesus stood-It would seem that Jesus had been eagerly pursuing his journey-see Mk. x. 32, § 77, p. 235, in accordance with what he had said, Lu. xiii. 33, § 66, p. 179-but he stops to perform an act of mercy-and again, Mk. x. 49, § 79, p. 243. 42. Receive thy sight-as when he said, 'Let there be light: and there was light,' Ge. i. 3.

thy faith-It is by faith that spiritual vision also is received-Jesus accounted for the previous blindness of the disciples, when he said to the two in the way to Emmaus, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?' ch. xxiv. 25, .6, § 94.

NOTES.

Lu. xviii. 35. As he was come nigh unto Jericho. See ADDENDA, p. 244, On the miracles performed at Jericho.'-Comp. ch. xix. 1, § 79, p. 242. From which it is clear that Jesus, after this cure of the blind man, entered and passed through Jericho.' And then it was that, according to Mk. x. 46, § ib., As he went out of Jericho Jesus healed 'blind Bartimeus.' These two miracles are recorded together by Mt. xx. 29-34,

§ ib.

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PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.

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advancement than those who seem to be more favourably circumstanced. Let this consideration, while it gives encouragement to those, lead these to self-distrust and self-examination.]

39-41 ver. The poor man had no plea, but upon the Divine mercy. This plea, however, was, and is, effectual. Let us persevere in earnest supplication for the sure mercies of David.'

[Lu. xviii. 35-8. It is observable that in the account of our Lord's entry into Jericho, no notice should be taken of the priests and Levites, who so abounded in that city; but only of a blind man, who sat by the way-side begging. It may be, that though occupied in the words of scripture, and the numerous rites of their religion, which pointed to Christ as the end of the law for righteousness;' they yet saw not in Jesus of Nazareth the long-promised Redeemer, to whom the law and the prophets gave [42 ver. How precious is that faith which hath its witness. They may have, many of them, remained strength from the promises of God in Christ Jesus; in spiritual blindness: not so this poor man; who, and which draws forth the hand of Omnipotence in immediately when he heard of Jesus of Nazareth, our behalf! If we would, like this poor man, expecried out, 'Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.' rience its power, let us ponder deeply the words of It often happens, that those who have fewer means of God, and be careful observers of what is passing improvement, make, by a diligent use of these, greater around us, in accomplishment of his revealed will.j This and the miracle related separately by St. Mark are united into one account by St. Matthew.'See § 79, ADDENDA, p. 244, 'On the miracles performed at Jericho.'

240]

REJOICE EVERMORE.-1 Thess. v. 16.

[VOL. II.

JESUS IS EVER READY TO TAKE NOTICE OF, AND GRANT RELIEF UNDER, ALL OUR TROUBLES.

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