JAMES
FERGUSSON
EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE GALATIANS
THE ARGUMENT. PAUL, having planted several churches in
Galatia, Acts xvi. 6, and xviii, 23, a region of Asia the less; and being now,
as it seemeth, a prisoner at Rome, chap. vi. 17, some false apostles had
seduced these churches from the sincere doctrine of the gospel preached by
Paul, chap. i. 6 ; persuading them that the observation of the Levitical
ceremonies, now abolished, was necessary, chap. vi. 13; and that justification
and salvation were partly from faith in Christ, and partly also from their own
works, chap. iii. 2, and iv. 21; and that Paul was no lawful apostle, no ways
to be compared with the other apostles who had seen Christ in the flesh, (as
may be gathered from chap. ii. 6, 9,) and therefore his doctrine was but false.
Upon which occasion, the apostle writeth unto them this epistle: wherein
his scope is to convince those Galatians of their errors; to reduce them to the
right way; to confirm them in the truth, and to press upon them the duties of a
holy life, chap. iii. and iv. &c. which he laboureth to effectuate (after
prefacing, to ver. 6, chap. i.):
First, by asserting the truth of the
gospel preached by him, and the authority of his own apostleship, to ver. 15,
of chap. ii, Secondly, by vindicating the true doctrine of justification by
faith, and of the temporary use and abrogation of the Levitical law, and of the
whole legal dispensation of the covenant of grace, to the end of chap. iv.
Thirdly, by instructing them in the right use of Christian liberty, having
exhorted them to stand to it, and pointing out, and pressing upon them the
exercisc of several Christian virtues, to ver. 11 ol chap. vi.; from whence he
concludeth the epistle to the end of chap. vi.
CHAPTER 1. IN the
first part of this chapter, is the preface to the whole epistle, containing the
party who did write it, ver. 1, 2 ; the party to whom it was written, ver. 2;
the salutation, ver. 3; a description of Jesus Christ from the work of
redemption, ver. 4; and a thanksgiving to God for this work, ver. 5.
In the
second part, he reproveth the Galatians for their defection from the gospel,
ver. 6, to errors which did overturn it, ver. 7.
In the third part, that be
may justify this reproof, he asserteth the divine authority of the gospel
preached by him,
First, by cursing those who should hold out another
gospel, differing from it, ver. 8, 9.
Secondly, from the scope of his
doctrine, and his aim in preaching it, ver. 10.
Thirdly, because both the
first saving knowledge which he had of the gospel, and his office to preach it,
were immediately from God, aud not from men, whether apostles or auy other,
ver. 11, 12, whereof he giveth several evidences; as first, that ever until the
instant of his conversion, he was a learned, but persecuting Pharisee, ver. 13,
14.
Secondly, that being miraculously converted and called, he went
presently with no small pains and hazard to discharge his apostolic office,
without instruction or authority received from any apostle, ver. 15—17.
Thirdly, that after three years he went to Peter, hot aot to be informed by
him, or to receive ordination from him, or from any other apostle, ver. 18, 19.
The truth of all which history he confirmeth by an oath; ver. 20.
Fourthly,
that he preached as an apostle in Syria and Cilicia, with the approbation of
the Christian Jews, whom formerly he had persecuted, ver. 21—24.
1. Paul, an apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and
God the Father, who raised him from the dead;
2. And all the brethren which
are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
In these two verses is the
inscription of the epistle, holding forth, 1. Who did write it, to wit, Paul,
described from his office, and his call to that office, which were both wholly
divine, as being immediately from God, ver. I. “And the brethren with him
;“ such were eminent professors, but especially public preachers, who then
were with Paul, and did give their testimony to those truths contained in this
epistle, thongh they were not the immediate penmen of the Holy Ghost in it, as
Paul was.
2. To whom the epistle was written, ver. 2. From ver. I, learn,
1. Free-grace doth often light upon the most unworthy, not only by giving
grace and salvation to themselves, but also making them sometimes instrumental
for the kingdom of Christ, and for bringing abont the salvation of others: for
Paul, once a wicked persecutor, I Tim. i. 13, is now made an eminent apostle;
“Paul an apostle.”
2. Faithful and called ministers of Jesus
Christ, are to be so far from cowardly ceding, or heartless fainting under the
bold, hitter, and unjust aspersions of those who would labour to question their
calling, and thereby weaken their authority, and render the truth of their
doctrine doubtsome, Matt. xxi. 23, that they ought so mnch the more, for the
credit of their office, Rom. xi. 13, and for the truth’s sake which they
preach, I Cor. vii. 25, avow their calliog against all who do question it. Thus
Paul, writing to these Galatians amongst whom, by means of the false apostles,
his anthority was questioned more than in any other church, chap. ii 6, 9,
&c. expresseth himself more largely in avowing his call to the apostolic
office, than in any other epistle: not only affirming that he was called by
Jesus Christ, and God the Father; but also denying that he was an apostle of
men, or by man.
3. The apostolic office had this common to it with all
other church.offices, whether ordinary or extraordinary, Eph. iv. 11, that it
was not the invention of man, or founded upon authority merely human, but was
instituted by Jesus Christ, to whom only it appertaineth to appoint
office-hearers in his house, I Cor. xii. 28, for which respect, Paul affirmeth
he was an apostle not of man, as the ambassadors and officers of princes and
states are: ministers are ambassadors for Christ, representing him, and having
their authority from him, 2 Cor. v. 20.
4. The office of an apostle had
this peculiar unto itself, that the designation of the person to nndergo that
office, was not mediately by the election and suffrages of men, as it is in the
calling of ordinary office-bearers, Acts xiv. 23, but immediately from God; so
that the function of the apostles ceased with them, and did not pass by
succession to a pope or any other: for in this respect, Paul affirmeth he was
an apostle, not by rote, to wit, mere man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the
Father. He was called immediately by God, Acts ix. 15. 5. That Jesus Christ is
not mere man but God also, appeareth from this, that the apostle opposeth
Christ to man, and so he behoved to be more than man: and this was not an
angel, Heb. ii. 16, and - therefore he was also God; “Neither by
man,” saith he, to wit, mere man, “but by Jesus Christ.”
6.
When Scripture ascribeth an action to the Father, the first person of the
blessed Trinity, as done by him, it is not to be so understood, as if the Son
and Holy Ghost were excluded from having hand in that action; but that they are
rather included in the Father, as persons of the some godhead: for the calling
of the ministers of the gospel, which is ascribed to God the Father, is
ascribed to the Holy Ghost, Acts xx. 28 and Paul, who is here said to be called
by the Father, is by the Holy Ghost sent forth unto a particular calling, Acts
xiii. 2, 4; and the raising of Christ from the dead, in like manner ascribed to
God the Father here, is ascribed to Christ. John x. 18, and to the Holy Ghost,
Rom. viii. 1 “And God the Father, who raised him from the dead.”
All the external actions of the Godhead towards the creatures, are common
to the whole Trinity, John v. 19; so that the ascribing of actions to the
Father, is not as if any of them were not concurring, but because of the order
of working, which is among the three Persons; the Father being the first
fountain of working, ordering all things from himself, 1 Cor. viii. 6; by, the
Son, 1 Cor. viii. 6; and Holy Ghost, 1 Cor. xiz. 6, 8 ; because of this order,
those actions which are common to the whole Trinity are frequently ascribed
unto the Father.
7. As Jesus Christ who hath life in himsel4 John v. 26,
and is the fountain of life unto others, John vi. 33, was once among the dead;
so he was raised again by the power of the Father from death unto life, and is
alive for evermore; Amen, Rev. i. 18, it being impossible that he should he
holden by death, Acts ii. 24; and divine justice having received full
satisfaction from him for all which he undertook to do or suffer, John xvi. 10.
“Who raised him from. the dead,” saith he.
8. So blinded are men
usually with preposterone zeal towards their erroneous opinions, that
frequently they do allege those things for to uphold them, which of all other
things are most contrary unto them: thus the false aiiostles, that they might
shake the truth preached by Paul, and establish their own contrary error, did
allege that he was no lawful apostle, as for other reasons, so it would seem
mainly for this; because he had not seen Christ in the flesh, 1 Cor. ix. 1; nor
yet was called before his death; and that therefore his doctrine was not to be
much regarded: which reason Paul doth here refute, by showing he was called by
Christ, after he was raised from the dead, and had taken possession of his
glorious kingdom; leaving unto them to gather, that therefore his calling had
at least no less dignity and glory in it than if he had been called by Christ
when he was here upon the earth, in the days of his flesh;
“And God
the Father, who raised him from the dead.” From ver. 2, learn,
1.
The more they are wholesome God maketh need of to hold out the beauty of truth
and holiness unto us, that we may embrace and follow it; or, the deformity and
danger of error and vice, that we may fly from, hate, and abhor it; we are the
more to take heed how we reject or embrace, despise or obey what is so pressed
upon us; as knowing there will be the more to bear witness of our guilt, and
subscribe to the equity of God’s judgment against us, if we obey not, Luke
ix. 5; for, Paul doth join the consent of all the brethren who were with him,
unto what he writeth; that so his doctrine and reproofs might have the more
weight; “And all the brethren which are with me.”
2. Tbongh the
sins of a church, whether in doctrine or manners, are not to he reputed as on
sins by us, because they are connived at, pleaded for by a church, Jer. v. 31;
and though the sins of churches are to be pleaded against by private Christians
in their places and stations, so far are they to be from following of a
multitude to do evil, Exod. xxiii. 2; yet we arm not so to stumble at the many
sinful failings, yea, gross enormities, which may be in churches relating
either to faith or manners, as presently to unchurch them, by denying them to
be church, or to separate from them, by refusing to keep communion with them in
lawful and commanded ordinances, being purely administered according to the
prescript of God’s word; chiefly if their error be not contrary to
fundamental truths, or at least if they err of human frailty, and not
obstinately or avowedly. For the churches of Galatia had made a grievous
revolt, even from a fundamental truth, ver. 6, and chap. iii. 1, and yet,
because they were rather through frailty seduced by others, than active
seducers of others, therefore he useth much meekness and moderation towards
them, allowing them the name of churches, and exercising his apostolic care
towards them as a part of his charge, and thereby keeping communion with them,
as with churches which were sickly and under cure;
"Unto the churches of
Galatia:”
which truth makes nothing against our separation from
the Church of Rome, as being after much pains taken in order to their
reclaiming, and not until we were driven to it by persecution; besides that the
Romish Church had erred in the foundation obstinately and avowedly.
Verse. 3. Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from
our Lord Jesus Christ,
Here is the salutation, wherein he wisheth unto
them God’s gracious favour and good-will, whereby he is well pleased with
the elect, in and for Christ, Rom. iii. 24; and peace, that is, first, peace of
conscience, and with God, Rom. v. 1
Secondly, peace with the creatures, as
with the angels, Col. i. 20; with the godly, Isa. xi. 9; with ourselves, all
within us being conformed to the rule of the renewed mind, Rom. viii. 1; and in
some respect with our enemies, Prox. xvi. 7; and with the beasts of the field,
Hos. ii. 15.
Thirdly, prosperity and good success, Psa. cxxii. 7. All which
he seeketh from God the Father as the fountain of grace, and from Jesus Christ
as the conduit or pipe to convey grace from the Father unto us. John i. 16.
1. God’s gracious favour and good-will is to be sought by us in the
first place, whether for ourselves, Psa. iv. 6, or others: that being a most
discriminating mercy betwixt the godly and the wicked, Eph. i. 6; and a mercy
which of any ther bringeth maniest mercies along with it. Yea, all things are
mercy to a Sion who hath obtained that mercy, Rom. viii. i .3; for, the apostle
wisheth for grace unto them frst; “Grace and peace.”
2. Peace
also is to be sought, even peace with thd, peace with the creatures, together
with pnsperity and good success; but withal, peace is to he sought after grace,
and not to be expected before it. Peace without grace, is no peace: there can
be no peace with God, no sanctified peace with the creatures, nor sanctified
prosperity or success to our undertakings, except through Jesus Christ we lay
hold on God’s favour and grace; yea, “there is no peace to the
wicked, saith my God.” Isa. lvii. 21. Thus the apostle wisheth unto them
also peace, but so as it flow from grace; “grace and peace.”
3.
Grace and peace are such, as we cannot acquire unto ourselves by onr own
industry or pains: they come from God, are to be sought from him, and his
blessing is more to be depended upon for attaining of any thing which cometh
under the compass of grace and peace, than our own wisdom, industry, or
diligence; so Paul seeketh “Grace and peace from God the Father.”
4. Whatever favour we seek from God, we are to seek it also from Jesus
Christ as mediator: for he hath purchased it, Eph. i. 7. He is appointed Lord
of his own purchase to bestow all, Acts v. 31, and there is no coming to, or
trysting Some are sharply rebuked, as when the sins nf others equally guilty
for by-respects are wholly connived at, usually no person heareth for it
therefore, Paul, that the judgment denounced may have the more weight with
others, exempteth nor himself, if so he should he found guilty of the sin
against which he threateneth, “Though,’ saith he, “even I,
Paul,” or any other of the apostles,” preach any other
doctrine,” &e.;
7. As people when they discern any excellences or
perfections, whether in gifts or graces, in ministers, are ready to take upuu
trust whatever they deliver so nothing of that kind should make faith to what
they preach, if it he not founded upon the word of truth: the first of these is
supposed, the other more directly expressed, where he saith, If we, or an angel
from heaven, preach any other doctrine, let him be accursed.”
8. The
authority of the gospel and written word, is far above the authority of the
most trustworthy men ; yea, and of this glorified angels : so that neither men
nor angel, church or any other, can add any authority to it, as though without
the testimony of those it had not sufficient authority in itself, 2 Pet. i. 19
and from God the author of it, 2 Tim. iii. 16, to give faith unto it; neither
can they detract any thing from its authority, though they should all in one
voice contradict it, as it appeareth from this impossible case, supposed by the
apostle “Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel, let
him be accursed.’
Ver. 9. "As we said before, so say I now
again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received,
let him be accursed".
That the apostle may show what he spoke proceeded
neither from rage nor harshness, he doth again denounce the former terrible
curse more generally against all whosoever guilty of the aforementioned sin.
Doctrines. 1. Such is the incapacity of men’s mind to
understand the things of God, Eph. iv. 18 ; the imbecility and weakness of
their memories to retain and carefully keep, Heb. 11. 1; yea, such is the
deadness, slowness, and averseness of the will and affections, from embracing
and giving entertainment to saving truths at first when they are offered, Zech.
vii. ii; that weighty and necessary truths are not only once to be frequently
to be inculcated by faithful ministers, especially fundamental truths, Phil.
iii. 1; and of daily use and practice, 2 Pet. i. 12 ; which frequent
inculcating of one and the sure thing, must flow not from laziness, but from
the zeal of God, respect to and compassion for the people’s necessity forr
Paul doth inculcate and again repeat this necessary and fundamental truth, that
the doctrine of the apostles and in consequence their writings, 1 John 1. 1,
have divine authority, and are thoroughly sufficient for salvation, without any
mixture of hum,an frailties or traditions added to them: "As I said before, so
say I now again"
2. Though zeal for God and truth, with fervency in the
delivery of truth, chiefly in the reproof of sin, Isa. ii iii. 1, be required
in a minister, yet he is carefully to guard, lest, under pretence of zeal, he
vent his inconsistencies and shy passions, or lest he give any ground for
people to conceive so of him: for Paul guardeth against this, by repeating
advisedly what he had presently spoken; "As I said before, so say I now
again.”
3. It is not enough for the salvation of people’s souls,
to have the gospel preached in purity among them, except it he also received by
them, as labouring to understand the purpose of it, Acts viii.3,: giving an
assent unto the truth of it in their understanding also, and enbracing the good
things offered by it in their heart and after affactions, 1 Tim. i. 13: for,
whereas, Paul said they are accursed who teach otherwise than he had preached,
here he saith, "they are accursed who preach otherwise than they had received;"
whereby it appeareth, as Paul had preached the gospel of Christ, so the
Galatians received it, to wit, the whole bulk of church menbers come to age,
the two first ways mentioned in the doctrine, and sincere believers among them
in the last way.
Ver. 10. "For, do I now persuade men or God? Or
do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant
of Christ."
There is a second argument, proving the divine authority of
the gospel, which Paul had preached to those Galatians, taken partly from the
scope of his doctrine, which was not to persuade men, that is, (by a necessary
ellipsis and a construction somewhat unusual.) he did not by this doctrine
persuade men to be heard and obeyed (as thess false apostles, who did always
inculcate the authority of men upon the hearers, that hereby they might gain
credit to their doctrine;) but the drift of his doctrine was to draw men to
God, persuading God, that is. to be heard and obeyed; that so the faith of the
hearers might rely only upon the authority of God, and not partly from the
scope of the preacher, Paul himself; which was not to hunt after the favour of
men (as the false apostles did press the legal ceremonies, that they might
hereby gain the applause of; and decline persecution from the Jews, Gal. vi, 12
;) but his aim was singly to approve himself to God, however men should esteem
him, (Cor. ii .3), and withall, giving a reason, inducing him to be thus
sincere and single, to wit, if he should set himself to hunt after the favour
of men, as he did when he was a Pharisee, he could not be an approved servant
of Christ, but of those whose favour he studied to gain
Doctrines, 1,
The Faithful servants of Jesus Christ, beside their many other sufferings, must
resolve to suffer somewhat sometimes in their credit and estimation from those
who, being set on by spirit of spite and malice, will spread sinistron reports
in secret of honest ministers; the truth whereof they dare not avow or publicly
stand to when they are put to it, and have fair opportunity to do it if they
could: for it appeareth Paul’s adversaries had been secretly whispering,
as if the scope of his doctrine had been to set up his own authority and
testimony in the points controverted, not only above the other apostles, whom
they falsely boasted of to have favoured them (as is collected from chap. ii.
6,) but also about the authority of God speaking in the old testament, and that
he was not constant to himself sometimes disproving circumcision, and sometimes
approving it, chap. v. 11, as he might best please the humours of men with whom
he had to do and Paul wipeth off these calumnies, not by positive denial of any
truth to be in them, but by interrogations and questions; which, as they serve
for strong negations of the things questioned, according to the use of
Scripture, 1 Sam. xii. 3; so they in a manner provoke the adversary to assert
the thing questioned for truth, if he be able: for “Do I now persuade men
or God? or do I seek to please men?”
2. Though the ministers of Jesus
Christ may make use of human authority as a secondary proof and testimony unto
the truth, already proved to be truth from the word of God, and chiefly towards
those with whom the testimony of such will have most weight, Acts xvii. 28 yet
the authority and writings of men, or of any man whatsoever, are not to be
rested upon as the first and main proof of any religious truth; neither are
they, especially in preaching, to be always inculcated, and promiscuously, unto
every sort of hearers; lest thereby the faith of people he brought to rely on
the authority of men; for this is to persuade men, to wit, to be chiefly heard,
as the supreme judges of religions truths, which Paul denieth to have been his
practice; “Do I now persuade men?"
3. That doctrine only, the truth
whereof is grounded upon divine testimony, and “Thus saith the Lord,”
is to be received in the church, as that which men may safely venture their
eternal well-being on, 1 Cor. iii. 12—15, and which God will own for his,
Acts xv. 24 ; for Paul proveth that the doctrine preached by him was the only
true gospel of Jesus Christ, because thereby he did persuade God, to wit, to be
heard and obeyed, and his authority only to be stood to, as appeareth by the
causal particle, for: “For do I now persuade men, or God ?“ The first
part of the question hath the force of a denial; the second of a vehement
affirmation, as if he had said, I do not persuade men, but God.
4. It is
not enough that a minister preach nothing to people but that which is the truth
of God; he must also preach truth sincerely, not concealing any part of
necessary truth, or misapplying truth so as that thereby be may please the
sinful affections, humours, and dispositions of men, but aiming singly to
approve himself to God in doing of his duty, 2 Cor. ii. 17. Thus Paul denieth
that his aim in preaching was to please men : “ Or do I seek to please men
5. As true conversion doth work a real change in a man from what be once
was in his unconverted state, 2 Cor. v. 17, so particularly in this, that where
before he did prostitute his gifts and parts; yea, his very conscience to the
slavery of men’s sinful humours whom he conversed with, and by pleasing of
whom he did expect any profit, credit, or contentment, John v. 44; he will not
now abase himself, or dishonour God by doing so any more: thus was it with
Paul, “For if I yet pleased men;" where he insinuateth that formerly, and
while he was a Pharisee, he did please men, but he would do so no more.
6.
Though the minister of Jesus Christ ought not to set himself of purpose, and
without necessity, to displease men, or, by his imprudent disobliging carriage,
to irritate and stir up their corruptions, (for hereby the word in his mouth
should be made unsavoury unto them,) and though be ought to endeavour the
pleasing of all men by eschewing any thing which may be just ground of offence
to them, 2 Cor. vh. 2, by retrenching or enlarging himself in the use of his
Christian liberty in things indifferent, as be may he least offensive unto
them, 1 Cor. x. 32, 33, and as he may gain most upon them, 1 Cor. ix.
20—22, and by accommodating himself in his public preaching to the case,
capacity, and state of all, by assigning unto every one what is competent, 1
John ii. 12, 13, and so is to please men for their good to edification, Rom.
xv. 2; yet, there is a way of pleasing men, most sinful and base, especially in
a minister, and which is inconsistent with fidelity in Christ's service, to
wit, when he concealeth any necessary truth, which he is otherwise called to
deliver; lest be displease men, 1 Kings xxii. i3, 14, when his highest aim is
to gain applause from men, 2 Cor. iv. 5, and generally when be is so timorously
disposed, as to venture rather upon the displeasure of God, by omitting any
part of his duty, than to irritate and displease the sinful humonrs of men, by
faithfulness in the discharge of his calling, Acts iv. 10. A minister who
setteth himself so to please men, and who resolveth not in these respects to
meet with the displeasure of some men, cannot be a faithful servant to Jesus
Christ; for a man cannot serve two masters. Matt.vi. 24. “If I yet pleased
men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
7. A faithful servant of
Jesus Christ will prize his acceptation with Christ, his being approved of him,
and the testimony of a good conscience for fidelity in his service, more than
all the favour, countenance, applause, or any advantage flowing from these,
which be can receive from men; and before he hazard the loss of the former, he
will rather a thousand times embrace with gladness the most certain loss of the
latter: for Paul maketh this an argnment why he did not seek to please men;
because that hereby he should lose the approbation of Christ, “For, if I
yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
Ver.. 11.
But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me, is
not after man. 12. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it,
but by the revelation of Jesus Christ"
The apostle addeth a third
argument, to prove the divinity of that gospel which he h bad preached whereby
he asserteth also his own lawful call to be an apostle, which was questioned by
his adversaries, affirming (as it appeareth from his so much insisting to
demonstrate the contrary from chap. i ver. 13 to chap. ii. ver. 15) that he was
no apostle, but some ordinary preacher, who had received the doctrine of the
gospel at the second hand only and having so received it, had now himself
corrupted it, contrary to what was taught by the other apostles, James and
Cephas, of whose authority and patrociny his adversaries did falsely boast,
whereby they created a prejudice in the minds of those Galatians, both against
Paul’s person and his doctrine, which be wipeth off, while he prosecuteth
this argument at large. And, in the first place, be propoundeth the argnment as
a thing known, at least which could not be contradicted, to wit, that the
gospel preached by him was not “after man,” ver. 11; that is, as he
explaineth presently, he “neither received it of man,” or, be
received not his office to teach and preach the gospel from any mere man, and
so was no ordinary preacher; “Neither was he taught it by man,” that
is, the knowledge which he had of the gospel, was not by any ordinary mean or
instruction from men, and so he had it not at the second hand, but it was
immediately revealed to him by Jesus Christ; and therefore behoved to be
divine, ver. 12.
Doctrines. 1. It is the part of a faithful and
prudent minister by loving and affectionate insinuations to bear himself in
upon the affections of people, even though deeply prejudicate against him, so
long as there is any hope of gaining them: for thus doth Paul to these
Galatians, while he calleth them brethren.
2. It is the usual custom of
heretics and adversaries of truth, when they have nothing to say in reason
against the doctrine itseg to cast reproach upon the persons of those who
preach it, and especially to question their call and authority to preach; that
so they may indirectly at least reflect upon the doctrine which they preach. So
do the Papists now against the ministers of the reformed churches, and so did
the false apostles then against Paul, as we cleared in giving the sense of the
words, and appeareth from his asserting his call to be an apostle : “It is
not after men, neither received I it from man.”
3. When subtle wits do
thus puzzle the people of God by such diversions from the main purpose, and by
arguments which do not directly strike at the truth in question; it is
nevertheless the part of Christ’s able and faithful ministers to take off
those indirect prejudices, by showing how groundless they are; and particularly
they are not only to clear the truth of the doctrine, but also their own call
from God to preach that doctrine: for so doth Paul here, and to the end of the
chapter: “Now I certify you, brethren,” &c.;
4. As none may
take upon him to dispense the word of God publicly unto others, without a
lawful call from God to do it, Rom. x;15; so there are several sorts of
callings, one, of men, asd ordinary, when God calleth by the voices and consent
of men, following the laws of the word-, 2 Tim. ii 2; another, of God, and
extraordinary, when He doth call immediately, the call of the church not
intervening, John xx. 21, for Paul doth not preach until he received the office
to preach, and this not of man, in the ordinary way; and so of God
extraordinarily; “For neither received I it of man,” saith he.
5. They who are to teach others, are first to be taught themselves, to wit,
ordinary preachers by ordinary means, whereby they may be enabled by sound
doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers, Tit. i. 9 The
priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his
mouth, Mal. ii. 7 ; for, as Paul received an office to preach the gospel; so he
was taught and instructed in the gospel: “I neither received it, neither
was taught it, but by revelation.”
6. It was required to the office of
an apostle, that the person called to it should have the infallible knowledge
of the truth of the gospel, and this not wholly by the help of human means, as
we do now learn knowledge at schools of learning, and by our own private study,
but also and mainly by immediate inspiration from the Spirit of God: for Paul
showeth that the gospel was not taught him of man ; and this he saith, not to
depress human learning, and the knowledge of divine mysteries, which we attain
unto by time help of learned men, and of their writings, this being the
ordinary way of attaining knowledge now, 1 Tim. iv. 13; 2 Tim. ii. 2; but, that
hereby he may obviate the calumny of his adversaries, who alleged he had the
knowledge of the gospel by ordinary instruction from men only, and so was no
apostle: “Neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus
Christ;” that is, it was immediately revealed unto him by Christ
7.
And this that Christ is opposed unto man, doth point at his Deity. See ver. 1,
Doct. 5.
Ver. 13. "For ye have heard of my conversation in time past, in
the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of
God, and wasted it:"
14. And profited in the Jews’ religion
above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the
traditions of my fathers.
Because the argument presently mentioned is
most weighty, therefore the apostle doth at large prosecute it, and giveth in
this chapter four evidences of the truth of what he asserted in it, to wit:
That neither the knowledge which he had if the gospel was from human
persuasion, or by ordinary means; nor yet his call to preach the gospel was
from the suffrage of men, or any authority conveyed by man; but both of them
were immediately from God. The first evidence, relating mainly to the first
branch of the assertion, is, the hostile mind which he carried against the
Christian church while he was a Pharisee, Acts :xvi. 5, in persecuting and
making havoc of it, - ver. 13, together with the great measure or knowledge he
had in that religion which he did then profess; and of abilities to defend it
beyond many of these who were equal in age with him, and his zeal and fervour
for his religion, and the worst part of it, to wit, unwritten traditions
received from their fathers, without any ground in the written word of God,
Math xv. 3, 9. All which he speaketh as of a thing publicly known, ver. 14,
leaving them to gather hence, that his so sudden change, from being so zealous,
so deeply engaged, and every way so able a persecutor, to embrace the Christian
religion, could not flow from human persuasion, or any ordinary means, but
immediately from God.
Doctrines. 1. It is a matter of no small
difficulty, yea, and in an ordinary way almost impossible, for a man, deeply
engaged in a course of error, having shown himself active for it, and endued
with ability to defend it, to be reclaimed from his error, to embrace the way
of truth: for Paul maketh his so deep engagements to the Pharisaical errors, an
evidence that his sudden change to Christianity did not flow from any ordinary
means, but was wrought immediately by God: “For ye have heard,”
&c.;
2. A sincere convert will not shun to make an open and ingennous
confession of his wicked life, not omitting any thing which may tend to the
just aggravation of it: and this not in a boasting or a rejoicing manner, James
iv. 16, but that hereby the freedom of God’s grace may be commended, 1
Tim. i. 13, 14; and that other vile sinners, in their own eyes lost, may have
encouragement from God’s dealing with him to believe on Christ for life
everlasting, I Tim. i. 16; and that God’s honour one way or other may be
thereby brought about: for Paul doth ingenuously confess here, that “in
time past he had persecuted the church of God” extremely, “and wasted
it " that he may thereby make evident that his conversion flowed from the
immediate and extraordinary work of God, and so stopped the month of those who
were adversaries to truth.
3. That the Scriptures of the Old and New
Testament were indited by the Spirit of God, and that the penmen thereof were
not acted with human policy, but immediately inspired by that inerring Spirit,
appeareth from this, jointly with other evidences held forth in Scripture
itself, that they concealed not their own faults, but blazed them to the world
when the glory of God did so require, as Paul doth here; “Beyond measure I
persecuted the church of God,” saith he.
4. This open and ingenuous
confession of our bypast wicked life, is to be extended only unto sins already
known, that hereby the public offences may he removed; but not to the making
notorious of such evils as have been kept secret from the knowledge of others,
the divulging whereof would but multiply scandals and stumbling blocks, for
Paul confesseth only what they had already heard; "Ye have heard of my
conversation in time past"
5. There is no particular church on earth, though
never so famous for, and orthodox in, the point of religion, who may not so far
degenerate from what they once were, as that religion both for doctrine and
worship may be wholly corupt, from which those who would be saved must deliver
themselves quickly, and which God will not own for His, as not being prescribed
by him, but will father it on those who profess it as their religion, and as
invented bby them: thus the Jews, once right in their point of religion had now
in Paul's time so far corrupted religion in the doctrine of justification, of
the Trinity, of manners, or of the moral law, as if it required nothing but
external obedience Matt. v-v11 in asserting the authority of unwritten
traditions, and in worshipping God according to these, and rejecting Jesus
Christ, the promised Messias, I Thess. 11:15, that Paul seeth a necessity to
quit that religion, calling it theirs, not God's "My conversation in times past
in the Jew's religion"
6. Crosses, afflictions and persecutions from wicked
men, are the ordinary lot of god's church and people, and the reason of that
emnity which is betwixt the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent, Ge.
iii:15, together with Satan's malice against the church, and his prevalent
power over wicked men, whereby he inciteth and draweth them onby such
inducements as he knoweth will be most prevalent with the different tempers of
those who are acted by him, John xii 6 compared with Matt.xxvi. 15 to be
executioners of that his rage and malice, Rev.20: 7-8, and because of god's
tolerance and permission, that whereby his church may be tried, every one,
whether bad or good, being made to appear what they really are, Dan xi:32, and
that by the sufferings of his people, the way of truth may be made more lovely,
further spread, and more mbraced by others, Acts. viii:4-6 etc. and that they
may be also corrected for their bypast sins, as abused peace and prosperity,
and that hereby also they may be restrained from many sins in time coming, and
this either by removing the opportunity of such sins through the rod, or by
renewing the hearts of many through sanctifying grace, a greater measure
whereof is bestowed usually upon his people under persecution and affliction
than at any other time, thus "Paul persecuted the church of God
extremely"
7. Though the church of god, as to the inward estate thereof,
which standeth in election and the fruits of saving grace flowing therefrom,
cannot be utterly wasted, neither can the outward state of the visible church
be so far decayed as that the visible church should altogether cease to be, at
least in all places, yet the Lord may so far give way to the rage of the
persecutors, for the reasons mentioned in the former doctrine, as that thereby
the outward face and beauty of the visible church shall be totally marred, the
members thereof being partly killed, partly scattered,, the public ordinances
of divine worship being altogether for a time suppressed, and the public
assemblies of the church interrupted. Thus "Paul wasted the church" the word
signifieth the devastation of lands, burning of houses, and utter depopulation
of countries, which used to be accomplished by an enraged prevalent enemy;
“I wasted it.”
8. The church of God may expect to meet with
persecution and sufferings, not only from men avowedly wicked and openly
flagitious, but also from others, whose carriage is smooth, free from scandal,
and in all things, according to that false way of religion which they profess,
blameless: Satan laboureth most to have such engaged and such being once
engaged, are most bitter and implacable persecutors, as having some respect to
conscience in other things, and being acted in this from the principles of a
deluded conscience, John xvi. 2, which, of all other ties, doth most strictly
bind, and most effectually drive forward to fulfil its dictates, especially in
things of religious concernment; for, “Paul, who profited in the
Jews’ religion above his equals, and was exceedingly zealous, did
persecute the church.” Acts xiii. 50.
9. The life and way of some who
are engaged in a false religion, may be so blameless, and, according to the
dictates of their deluded conscience, so strict, as that it may be a copy unto
those who profess the true religion, and a reproof to many such for their
palpable negligence: so was Paul’s way, while be was a Pharisee, even such
as may serve for a copy unto Christians to walk by in several things; as,
first, to be active in spreading the true religion in our places and stations,
and bearing down of contrary errors, as he was in persecuting the Christian
church; because it was opposite to the Jewish religion professed by him.
Secondly, that what we do in religion, or for God, We do it not negligently,
but with all our might, EccI. ix. 10, and to the uttermost of what our power
can reach, as he “did persecute the church,” not lazily, but above
measure, or extremely. Thirdly, that we labour to profit, advance and grow in
religion, both as to the knowledge of truth contained in it, Heb. vi. 1, and
practise according to those truths, 2 Pet. i. 5, as he “profited in the
Jewish religion.” Fourthly, that in the matter of growth, there be an holy
emulation and strife with others; that we may outstrip them, as he
“profited above many of his equals.” Fifthly, that we be zealous for
our religion, as having love to it, and to the honouring of God whether by
ourselves or others according to it, Acts xv. 3, together with grief and anger
when God is dishonoured and religion wronged, John ii. 15—17, as Paul was
“zealous of the traditions of his fathers :“ for zeal hath in it a
mixtore of love and anger.
10. As love to the honour of God may engage a
man sometimes to speak to his own commendation; so there would be that modesty
and sobriety of spirit, as it may appear he doth not speak from arrogancy or
pride, and that he seeketh not his own commendation in speaking: for Paul
commendeth his own diligence and abilities, that thereby be may commend free
grace, which delivered him out of that state, but with great modesty: for he
saith not, he profited more than all, but more than many; and not, more than
his superiors, but, more than his equals, to wit, for time and age, and those
not in all the world, but of his own nation. ii. As our affections of joy,
love, hatred, anger, and grief, are by nature so corrupt, Eph. ii. a, that even
the choicest of them, if they be not brought in subjection to the word by the
Spirit of God, will lay forth themselves rather upon forbidden and unlawful
objects, than that which is warrantable and commanded by the Lord: so our zeal
and fervency of spirit, in particular, will bend itself more toward the
maintenance of error, than of truth: for error is the birth of our own
invention, Gal. v. 20, and hath the rise from some unmortified lust within,
which it doth gratify, 2 Tim. iv. 3; as is not truth: thus Paul showeth that
his zeal tended more to maintain it that part of the Jewish religion which was
unwarrantable, to wit, the unwritten traditions, than all the rest of it;
“And was much more zealous of the traditions of my fathers,” saith
he.
Vers. 15. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my
mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, 16. To reveal his Son in me,
that I might preach him amoug the heathen; immediately I conferred not with
flesh and blood; 17. Neither went I up to Jerusalem, to them which were
apostles before me, but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
Here is a second evidence of the truth of what he formerly asserted,
ver. ii, 12, to wit, that as God in his providence had been making way, both in
Paul’s birth and education, for that which he had purposed to employ it
in; so when it pleased :God at the time of his gracious and effectual calling,
ver. 15, to make Christ, and the doctrine of redemption by Christ, known unto
him by extraordinary and immediate revelation, Acts ix. 4, that as an apostle,
immediately called by God, ver. 1, he might publish the knowledge of Christ
among the Gentiles; he was so much persuaded of his immediate call from God,
that he did not debate the matter, neither with himself nor others, who might
have dissuaded him from giving obedience to it, ver. 16, but immediately went
about the discharging of his apostolic office, not without great hazard and
pains to himself, in Arabia and Damascus, without so much as once visiting any
of the apostles, ver. 17, far less went he to be instructed in the knowledge of
the gospel by them, or to receive ordination unto the ministerial office from
them, as his adversaries did falsely allege of him, the falsehood whereof he is
here making evident.
From ver. 15, learn, 1. Such is the power of
God’s good pleasure, whereby he doth whatsoever he willeth in heaven and
earth, Psa. cxxxv. 6, that the will of man, though never so deeply engaged in
the course of sin and wickedness, cannot resist it, but most willingly doth
yield unto it, whenever the Lord thinketh fit to let forth that his good
pleasnre in its gracious and powerful effects of drawing a sinner out of nature
to the state of grace.
2. the fountain cause of man's salvation and of all
things tending to it, especially of his effectual calling, and that whereby he
is made first to differ from another, is God’s good pleasure and nothing
present, Eph. ii. 1, or foreseen to be, in the person who is called; for the
apostle ascribeth all of that kind in himself, to the pleasure of God ; "but
when it pleased God to reveal his Son in me.”
3. The disposing of
events, or of things which shall fall not, together with the time when they
shall fall not, are wholly ordered by God’s will and pleasure for this
pleasure of his circumscribeth even the time of Paul’s calling; "But when
it pleased God, then,” and neither sooner nor later, was Christ revealed
to him.”
4, The Lord, by his working in us, and particular acts of
providence towards us, is often making way for some hid design and purpose of
His about us, which for the time we are ignorant of; but when it appeareth by
the event, a wonderful contexture of’ providences making way for it. and
tending to it, is also manifested with it: thus, "The Lord had separated Paul
from his mothers womb, to preach the gospel among the Gentiles ;“ whereby
is meant, that God was, without Paul’s knowledge, preparing him for that
office, by his provideure about him from his very birth, as, that he was born
of such parents, with such a bodily temper, fitted, as it would appear, to
endure much travel and hardship, that he was educated at the feet of Gamaliel,
that he was a Pharisee, instructed in all human and divine learning according
to the law, &r.
3. The effectual calling of the elect in time, whereby
they are drawn to Jesus Christ, John ii. 41, and enabled to embrace him as He
is offered, I Tim. i. 15, their minds being savingly illuminated, Acts xxvi.
18, and their wills renewed, Ezek. xxxvi. 26, is the work of God’s
almighty power and grace; in the first instant of the work, man doth only
receive the impression from grace, and hath no active influence in it, Eph. ii.
5, This doth Paul assert, while he saith, "God called me by his
grace.”
( A great chunk is missed out here, which would NOT scan.
We resume at V.17 para.3)
“Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them
which were apostles before me,’ to wit, that he might consult with them,
and obtain a permission or commission from them to discharge his office ;
otherwise it is probable from Acts xxii. 17, that Paul shortly after his
conversion went to Jerusalem, going through it in his way to Arabia, but went
not at that time to any of the apostles, being discharged by God to stay any
longer there.
2. There may be more ground of hope to bring the most wild
and barbarous savages to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, than a people
outwardly civilized living under the drop of ordinances, and thereby inured to
a form of godliness without the power thereof: for Paul being commanded to make
haste out of Jerusalem, there being no hopes that his testimony would be
received there, Acts xxii. 18, is sent to the wicked and savage Arabians;
“But I went to Arabia.”
3. The Lord maketh sometimes the first
piece of public service, which be putteth his ministers upon, as hazardous,
uncouth, and unsuccessfull as any wherein he doth ever employ them afterwards :
that hereby they may be taught to depend more on God’s blessing, than upon
any human probabilities for success to their pains, 2 Cor. i. 9, and that they
may give proof of the sincerity of their obedience to the call of God, when no
apparent hazard will make them repent their undertakings, Jer. xvii. 16; and
withal that they may, in the first entry, receive a proof of God’s
fidelity in hearing them through all hazards, which they may meet with in
following of his call. (2 Cor. i. 10.) Thus was it with Moses, Exod. ii. 10,
&c.; so was it with Jeremiah, Jer. i. 19; and so here with Paul, whose
first work, after God had called him to be an apostle, was to preach the gospel
among the wicked and savage Arabians; “I went to Arabia.”
4. The
apostles, by their office, were not fixed or tied unto any certain charge, as
ordinary ministers now are, Rev. ii. 1, 8, but their charge being the whole
world, Matt. xxviii. 19, they went from place to place, as the necessities of
people required, Rom. i. 11, rules of providence, Rom. xv. 20, or God by his
Spirit did immediately direct, Acts xvi. 9, 10. Thus “Paul went into
Arabia, and returned again to Damasces,” near to which he was converted,
Acts ix. 3, at which time of his return, did fall out that hazard wherein he
was, from the Jews, mentioned Acts ix. 23, &c.; for the history showeth it
was many days after his conversion, and that immediately after his delivery
from it, he went to Jerusalem and conversed familiarly with the apostles, and
therefore it could not have been before his journey to Arabia, else that
history should contradict Paul himself, affirming here, “that be went not
up to Jerusalem to them who were apostles before him.”
VER. 18.
"Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with
him fifteen days".
19. But other of the apostles saw I none, save
James the Lord’s brother.
Here is a third evidence, to wit, that
three years after his conversion he went to Jerusalem, to give a familiar,
serious, and friendly visit to Peter, in token of mutual consent and agreement
to one and the self-same truth, which was preached by them both, but not that
he might learn the knowledge of the gospel from Peter as his adversaries
alleged: for his abode with Peter was but for fifteen days only, ver. 18. And
lest any should object, that he had been taught at that time by some other
apostle, he showeth he saw no other apostle there but James, and that he did
see him only, as it were, upon the by: which James was not the son of Zebedeus,
who was beheaded by Herod, Acts xii. 2; but the son of Alpheus, Matt. x. 3, who
either himself or his wife, hath been of kindred with Mary the mother of Jesus.
Hence James their son is here called the Lord’s brother, according to the
custom of the Hebrews, who called men of the same kindred and blood, brethren.
(Gen. xiii. 8.)
Doctrines.
1. That nothing of Peter’s
supposed supremacy over Paul and the rest of the apostles can be gathered from
this place, as the papists do allege, appeareth from this, that Paul went first
to his work before he came to Peter at all, and that his business with Peter
was not to receive ordination from him, or to evidence his subjection to him,
hut from the respect and reverence be carried to him, to give him a friendly
visit; besides that, it is the apostle’s scope in a great part of this
epistle, to show that he was nothing inferior to Peter, or to any other of the
apostles.
2. We ought so to spend our time for diligence and faithfulness
in our stations, that we may be able to give a good account how time hath been
spent both for days and years: Paul giveth such an account, while he showeth he
preached three years in Arabia and Damascus, and after stayed in Jerusalem
fifteen days; “Then after three years I went up and abode fifteen
days.”
3. It ought to be the endeavour of Christ’s ministers to
entertain love and familiarity one with another, as also to make their so doing
evident unto others; it being most unseemly for those who preach the gospel of
peace unto others to live in discord among themselves: for Paul went up to
Jerusalem to see Peter, as for other reasons, so that hereby be might evidence
that love and harmony which was between them.
4. The Lord doth so direct
the steps of those who do acknowledge him in all their ways, Prov. iii. 6, that
his glory and their good is sometimes eminently brought about by some of the
ordinary passages of their life, even beyond their own intention or purpose :
as here Paul’s deferring to go to Jerusalem for the space of three years,
his abode there only fifteen days, and his seeing none of the apostles there
save Peter and James, do serve as an evidence to refute that calumny of his
adversaries against his doctrine and office, and hath been ordered so of God
for that end; although Paul in the mean time knew not so much, being then
ignorant that ever be should meet with such a calumny.
5. As ministers may
and ought to meet some times together, to evidence and entertain mutual love
and concord, and because of that mutual inspection which they ought to have one
of another; so their meetings ought neither to be so frequent, nor of so great
continuance, as that thereby their flocks may suffer prejudice: for the word
importeth that this was a serious visit, and about serious things, made by Paul
to Peter, and yet he remained with him but a short time until he returned to
his charge again; “he went to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen
days.”
Verse. 20. "Now the things which I write unto you, behold,
before God, I lie not".
The apostle, having to do with adversaries, and
some also amongst the seduced Galatians, who gave not much credit to his word,
asserteth the truth of all he hath said, and is to say, in matter of fact,
through the whole epistle, and confirmeth it by an oath, where, according to
the use of Scripture elsewhere, he expresseth but one principal part of an
oath, to wit, a confession of God’s presence and power to witness and
judge the truth, and includeth the other parts, such as our invocation of God
to bear witness that we speak the truth, 2 Cor. i. 23; and imprecation, that
God would be a judge to take revenge upon us if we lie, Ruth i. 17.
Doctrines.
1. The Spirit of God in Scripture hath not left us
destitute of sufficient evidences to be found in Scripture itself, from whence
the truth of it may be made out, and all atheistical doubtings to that contrary
removed, among which this is one, the solemn oath of those who write it, being
more otherwise godly and worthy of trust, attest the truth thereof, and taking
God to witness against their own soul, if they did lie in wha they wrote ;
“Behold, before God, I lie not”
2. The choicest servants of
Christ may be looked upon as liars, and unworthy to be trusted even by those to
whom they are sent: and ye they must not give over to preach, as knowing the
word spoken by them doth still get credit from some, 2 Cor. ii. 15, and will
beget trust itself from others, whom God hath ordained to be saved, Acts xiii.
48, and for the rest, it will set up their condemnation and make them
inexcusable, 2 Cor. H. 16; for Paul his purging of himself from lying, doth
import some did suspect him for a liar, and yet he ceaseth not to take pains
upon them: “I lie not”
3. It is not unlawful for Christians
under New Testament to take an oath, providing it with these conditions: First,
That the thing which we swear be truth; so was it in Paul oath, “I lie
not.” Second, That there be weighty reasons for taking an oath: so was it
here; the glory of God, the dignity of his apostleship, of those Galatians, and
of all Christians, as to the truth of the things asserted, did call upon Paul
to swear. Third, That we swear only by the name of God, and not by the
creatures, Zeph. i. seeing none but God can bear witness to the secrets of his
heart who doth swear, Acts xv. 8. So did Paul; “Behold, before God.”
4. That we do not swear rashly, but with great attention, preparation, and
reverence; seeing an oath is a kind of invocation, 2 Cor. i. 23, and a part of
divine worship, Deut. vi. 13. Thus Paul prefixeth to his oath a word of
attention, “Behold! before God, I lie not”
Ver. 21.
"Afterwards, I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, 22. And was
unknown by face unto the churches of Judea, which were in Christ 23. But they
had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past, now preacheth the
faith which once be destroyed. 24. And they glorified God in me".
Followeth a fourth evidence to the truth of what he asserted, ver. 11, 12;
to wit, That after he was driven from Jerusalem by persecution, Acts ix. 29,
30, he discharged his apostolic office in Syria and Cilicia, his own country,
(Acts xxi. 39.) ver. 21, and this with the approbation of the Christian
churches in Judea, who, although he was unknown unto them, ver. 22, and though
they had heard, by fame, that he was the man who had formerly been a bloody
persecutor; yet God did so bless the very report which they had of his calling
to preach as an apostle, and consequently of his miraculous conversion, ver.
23, as they could not deny them to be divine, as appeared by their
acknowledging of God’s mercy and power manifested in them, and by their
thanksgiving to God for them, ver. 24.
DOCTRINES.
1. Though not
one of the apostles was universal pastor and bishop of the whole world above
the rest, seeing all of them were endued with equal authority by Christ, Matt.
xx. 26, 27; yet, if this illimited power were to be pleaded for unto any of
them, there should be more pretence of reason for placing of it in Paul, than
in Peter, or any of the rest; Paul being particularly ordained to be the
apostle of the Gentiles, Acts ix. i5, and acknowledged heartily by the Jews to
be so; and having actually discharged his office far and near, as in Arabia,
and then in Damascus, ver. 17, and now in Syria and Cilicia, as also at Rome,
Acts 1 xxiii. 11; and having been the first planter almost of all the primitive
Christian churches among the Gentiles, as appeareth from the history of the
Acts, and Paul’s own epistles; and ali this he did by immediate authority
from Jesus Christ, ver. 16, and was not sent out by Peter, as his deputy or
suffragan, but in all things was his equal, chap. ii. ver. 6—8. So little
ground have the papists to plead that Peter was universal pastor above all the
rest, and much less, that the pope is Peter’s successor in this charge:
2. A faithful minister of Jesus Christ, will labour mainly to be known
unto, and acquainte with the people of his own charge, not obtruding himself
upon the charge of others,: labouring so much as indirectly to draw the
affections of people towards himself from those which are their own pastors,
and particularly entrusted with the actual charge of their souls: thus Paul was
unknown by face unto the churches of Judea as not having conversed familiarly
with them, though he had sometimes occasion to be among them in his frequent
going to and returning from Jerusalem, and that because they were a part of
Peter’s charge, chap. ii. 7. 3. Immediately, or very soon after
Christ’s death and resurrection, the preaching of the gospel hath been
marvellously blessed, in converting of numerous multitudes to Jesus Christ;
yea, and more blessed than readily it hath been in any age of the church since,
whereof this is one evidence, amongst many other which are in the history of
the Acts and in Paul’s epistles, that at this time whereof Paul writeth,
which is supposed to be the fourth or fifth year after Christ’s ascension,
there were several Christian churches planted, with officers, and constituted
according to the rule of the gospel, even in Judea, amongst that people who had
hardened their hearts against the light, Matt. xiii. is, and rejected and
crucified the Lord of life, 1 Thess. ii. 15. The gospel was then new and fresh;
the preachers of it unanimous among themselves, the truths insisted upon most
by them, were such as did relate to faith in Christ, and repentance from dead
works, and the most necessary duties of a Christian life; besides, that
God’s design was to bring the gospel once in credit and request with a
blinded and idolatrous world at the first breaking up thereof; and therefore
the preaching of it was attended with more success and a richer blessing at
that time than ordinarliy it hath been since: “Unto the churches in
Judea.”
4. Not only particular believers, but also whole visible
churches, are in Christ, though in a much different way: real believers are in
him savingly, so as to be freed from condemnation by him, Rom. viii. 1; being
knit to him by the band of saving faith, Eph. iii. 17; and receiving the
influence of saving graces from him, John vii. 38, 39. Again, visible churches
are in Christ in the respects presently mentioned, only as to the better part
of them, and with regard had to real believers, who always are among them; but
besides this, the whole bulk of visible churches, and of visible
church-memhers, are in Christ, so as they enjoy from him outward privileges and
divine ordinances, Psa. cxlvii. 19, 20; the communication of common gifts from
the Spirit of God, 1 Cor. xii. 8; and some measure of divine protection more
than the rest of the world, Isa. xxvil. 2, 3; and these all by virtue of their
union with him; the bond whereof is the profession of his name, and of those
substantial truths which relate unto him, either personally or parentally;
which external onion betwixt Christ and the visible church is sealed up by
baptism: “The churches of Judea which were in Christ”
5. Such
power hath Christ over the hearts of very enemies; so deep are his engagements
to enlarge his own kingdom, Psa. ii 9; that before means and instruments be
deficient for the propagation of the gospel, he will turn the hearts of
desperate enemies, and make most bitter persecutors to be eminent, lively, and
painful preachers: so was it here, “He who persecuted us in times past,
now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.”
6. How patient ought
the church of Christ to be under saddest persecutions, and how far from base
despondency of spirit, as if her case were wholly desperate and remediless;
seeing Jesus Christ at an instant can carry captive her chiefest adversaries,
and make them to he her stoutest friends, as appeareth from this, “He who
persecuted us, now preacheth.”
7. As godless persecutors propose unto
themselves no less than the total overthrow and rooting out of truth, though
neither men nor devils shall be ever able to effectuate it, Matt. xvi. 18; so
men may look, if they repent not, Luke xii 3, to be justly charged with the
guilt of all that evil which once they intended, as if they had actually
accomplished it. although it was without their reach so to do: for that faith,
or doctrine of faith (as Tit. i. 13,) which Paul at this time did preach, is
said once to have been destroyed by him; because he aimed at no less, and his
sin before God was no less than if he had done it; although the Lord in mercy
did pardon it, t Tim. i. 13: “Now preacheth the faith which once he
destroyed.”
8. We ought so to look upon notable changes which do fall
out, whether in particular persons or public societies, whether to the better
or the worse, as that we may see somewhat of God manifested in them, either his
justice or mercy, wisdom or power, some one attribute of his or other; and so
as we may give a suitable return, a whether of fear or joy, thankfulness or
admiratiun, or of any other sanctified frame of spirit and holy performance,
for which such a manifestation calleth: for those Christians in Judea did so
look upon this notable change in Paul, as to see God’s mercy and power
manifested in it; and accordingly, with joy, did give God thanks: so much is
imported in this, “They glorified God in me,” saith he.
9.
Whensoever God is pleased to make a man instrumental. whether for our own
particular good, or the more public benefit of Christ’s church, as we
would not be ungrateful unto the instruments themselves, Judges ix. 16,
&c., so neither are we to rest upon them, ascribing the praise of what they
do to them, but as we would not provoke the Lord to smite them, or, at least,
to make them useless to us, 1 Cor. iv. 6, we are to look unto God more than
them, ascribing the praise of what they do unto him, as that which is his
proper right and due: so do they ascribe to God the praise of any good which
Paul did by his preaching: “They glorified God in me, or concerning
me.”
10. The more that God hath made it convincingly, and from clear
evidences, manifest to the conscience of his people that a work is owned and
approven by him, and hath drawn no acknowledgment from them to that purpose
unto his own praise, it aggravateth the sin of those more who would afterwards
question or deny that work to be his: for the apostle’s scope, in part,
is, to aggrege the sin of his adversaries, who denied him to be an apostle
immediately sent from Jesus Christ, and that the doctrine preached by him was
the truth of God; from this, that the churches in Judea were convinced of the
contrary, and had acknowledged so much long since, to the praise of God, by
giving glory unto him on Paul’s behalf; so that those Galatians and the
false apostles were guilty of obscuring the glory of God, shining forth in his
conversion and office, which was already acknowledged by others: “And they
glorified God in me.”
END OF CH. ONE