A godly and learned exposition or commentary upon the three first chapters of the…A godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the…

Verse. 2. I know thy works and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not forbear them which are evil, and hast examined them which say they are Apostles and are not, and hast found them liars.

Verse. 2. I know thy workes and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not forbeare them which are euill, and hast examined them which say they are Apostles and are not, and hast found them liers.

Here beginneth the second part of this Epistle, to wit, the proposition; containing the substance and matter of the whole Epistle. This proposition hath two points. First, a commendation of this church, in the second and third verses. Secondly, a rebuke and reprehension, in the fourth verse. The commendation is first general in these words: I know thy works. Then more particular, for special duties & actions in the words following, and thy labour and patience, &c. For the first, I know thy works: many do expound this of works of mercy and liberality: but that will not so well stand; for he saith to every church, I know thy works; and yet some of them are blamed for want of these good works. By works then is meant, the ways, that is, the practises and dealings of the whole church: as well of ministers as people, in all their affairs. Also by knowledge here we must understand a knowledge that goeth with application, as may appear by comparing this with the fourth verse, whither it hath relation: for thus they must go, I know thy works, and approve of them: and yet I have something against thee. So that his meaning is, I know thy works, that is, all thy ways and dealings in thy life and conversation are manifest unto me, and I do generally approve of them.

Here beginneth the second part of this Epistle, to wit, the proposition; containing the substance and matter of the whole Epistle. This proposition hath two points. First, a commendation of this church, in the second and third verses. Secondly, a rebuke and reprehension, in the fourth verse. The commen•ation is first generall in these words: I know thy workes. Then more particular, for special duties & actions in the words following, and thy labour and patience, &c. For the first, I know thy workes: many doe expound this of workes of mercie and liberalitie: but that wil not so well stand; for he saith to euerie church, I know thy workes; and yet some of them are blamed for want of these good workes. By works then is meant, the wayes, that is, the practises and dealings of the whole church: as well of ministers as people, in all their affaires. Also by knowledge here we must vnderstand a knowledge that goeth with application, as may appeare by comparing this with the fourth verse, whither it hath relation: for thus they must go, I know thy workes, and approue of them: and yet I haue somthing against thee. So that his meaning is, I know thy workes, that is, all thy wayes and dealings in thy life and conuersation are manifest vnto me, and I do generally approue of them.