The sum of the four Evangelists comprehending both the course of the history, and…The summe of the foure Euangelistes comprehending both the course of the historie, and…
The sum of the four Evangelists comprehending both the course of the history, and also the several points of doctrine set forth in the same pointing forth as it were with the hand, that Jesus is Christ, the only, perfect, and sufficient Saviour of all the faithful. Written in Latin by the reverend, learned, and godly father, Master Henry Bullinger minister of the Church of Zurich. Translated into English for the profit of the unlearned by John Tomkys.The summe of the foure Euangelistes comprehending both the course of the historie, and also the seuerall points of doctrine set foorth in the same pointing foorth as it were with the hand, that Iesus is Christ, the only, perfect, and sufficient Sauiour of all the faithfull. Written in Latine by the reuerend, learned, and godly father, Master Henrie Bullinger minister of the Church of Zurich. Translated into English for the profite of the vnlearned by Iohn Tomkys.
Heinrich Bullinger 1504–1575London: printed by T. Dawson for William Ponsonby, 1582
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
And the Disciples of John are there, & propose a question to the Lord:l by occasion whereof he ⟨image 45⟩declareth him self to be that looked for Messiah. mAnd then he extolleth John with most ample praises, that he might move the more to believe his witness, which constantly witnessed that Jesus was Christ.n Lastly he most sharply reproveth the want of belief of the Pharisees, whereby he showeth, that it came to pass, that they perished through their own vice and fault.o Forthwith he addeth an example, whereby it may evidently appear, how the Pharisees trusting too much in them selves refuse Christ, & how sinners believing receive him, & there is brought in a sinful woman, unto whom her sins be freely forgiven, the Pharisees speaking much against it.*pThese things being in this manner set forth, Luke bringeth in again the Lord teaching, and the people flocking to him in very great companies, whereby they give him occasion to teach by a similitude, what the nature of the word of God is, what diversity there is of hearers, and that he doth not approve all hearers, but them only which bring forth fruit.q After these things is placed the description of a tempest, and how a calm was restored ⟨image 45⟩by the Lord to the disciples, which were marvellously troubled, who here also, as well as other where often, doeth declare, that he hath power over tempests,r and that he is the conqueror of Satan. For with no weapons, but with his word only he casteth out and putteth to flight all the legion of Devils.
and raiseth from the dead Jairus his daughter. In all these things he instructeth in true faith and godliness the minds of the faithful, and chiefly of his disciples,
And the Disciples of Iohn are there, & propose a question to the Lorde:l by occasion whereof hee ⟨image 45⟩declareth him selfe to bee that looked fo Messias. mAnd then he extolleth Iohn wt most ample prayses, that hee might moue the more to beleeue his witnes, which cō stantly witnessed that Iesus was Christe.n Lastly hee most sharply reprooueth the want of beliefe of the Pharisees, whereby he sheweth, that it came to passe, yt they perished through their owne vice and fault.o Forthwith he addeth an example, wherby it may euidētly appeare, how ye Pharisees trusting too much in thē selues refuse Christ, & howe sinners beleeuing receiue him, & there is brought in a sinfull womā, vnto whō her sinnes be freely forgiuē, the Pharisees speaking much against it.*pThese thinges being in this maner sette foorth, Luke bringeth in againe the Lorde teaching, and the people flocking to him in very great companies, whereby they giue him occasiō to teach by a similitude, what ye nature of the word of God is, what diuersitie there is of hearers, and that hee doth not approue all hearers, but thē only which bring forth fruite.q After these thinges is placed the description of a tempest, and howe a calme was restored ⟨image 45⟩by the Lorde to the disciples, which were merueilously troubled, who here also, as well as other where often, doeth declare, that he hath power ouer tempests,r and that he is the conquerour of Satan. For with no weapons, but with his word only he casteth out and putteth to flight all the legion of Deuils.s Moreouer hee healeth a certaine woman beeing troubled with an issue of blood, whiche coulde not bee cured,t and rayseth from the dead Iairus his daughter. In all these things hee instructeth in true faith and godlines the mindes of the faithfull, and chiefly of his disciples,*vwhom, being nowe a good while instructed, hee sendeth forth at the last to the office of preaching,x giuing them certaine peculier preceptes, whiche prescribed vnto them howe they shoulde behaue them selues.y And the Lorde very frendly receiueth them returning and hauing dispatched their businesse happely,z instructing them nowe more fully, that he might prepare thē for greater matters, and confirme them in the trueth.a Hee maketh the people a feast.b He asketh, whome the people say that ⟨image 46⟩he is,c and what the disciples thinke of him:d where the confession of a true faith is set foorth.e
lIn the 21.22 & 23. verses.
mFrom the 24 ver. unto the 29From the 24 ver. vnto the 29
nFrom the 29 verse unto the 36.From the 29 verse vnto the 36.
oFrom the 36 verse unto the end of the chapter.From the 36 verse vnto the ende of the chapter.
*The 8. chap.
pFrom the 1. ver. unto the 22.Frō the 1. ver. vnto the 22.
qFrom the 22 verse unto ye 26From the 22 verse vnto ye 26
rFrom the 26. ver. unto ye 41.From the 26. ver. vnto ye 41.
sFrom the 41. ver. unto the 49From the 41. ver. vnto the 49
tFrom the 49. ver. unto the end of the chapter.From the 49. ver. vnto the end of the chapter.
*The 9. chap.
vIn the 1. & 2 verses.
xFrom the 3. ver. unto ye 10.From the 3. ver. vnto ye 10.
yIn the 10. ver
zIn the 11. ver
aFrom the 12 ver. unto ye 18.From the 12 ver. vnto ye 18.
bIn the 18. and 19. verses.
cIn the 20. verse.
dIn the 20 ver. also, and in the 21, and 22. verses.In ye 20 ver. also, and in the 21, and 22. verses.
eFrom the 23 ver. unto the 28From the 23 ver. vnto the 28
In the same place he teacheth the denying of ones self:f and is transformed in the sight of the chosen disciples.g And he overcometh and putteth to flight again the Devil rebelling and most fiercely raging.h He entreateth of his passion and death:i And forthwith he teacheth most diligently his disciples humility & modesty, & he plucketh up by the root ambition and pride.k where he teacheth also that no man is to be contemned or rejected, which by any manner of means seteth forward the glory of Christ. And in this wise did he instruct them, whom he purposed to make the teachers of the world, & in them the whole church.l Hitherto blessed Luke hath declared copiously & plainly enough, what the Lord said and did in Galilee, but henceforth he will show the Lord his journey to the fatal city of Jerusalem, what fell out in the way, what he taught, and what wonderful and famous things he did.m And in the beginning of the journey the Samaritans deny the Lord lodging, ⟨image 46⟩nbut the disciples, which desired that their uncourtesie might be punished, are reproved of the Lord as inflamed with preposterous zeal.o Then the Lord repelleth a certain other man offering the Lord friendship:p Forthwith calling two other, he teacheth how he will be received, and how he must be followed.*qMoreover that the wholesome doctrine of the Gospel might be made known to the more, he chooseth to him self more disciples. For unto those twelve he adjoineth moreover other seventy. These he sent before two & two into every place whether he himself would come.r Into them he giveth certain precepts, and by that means he beginneth again to entreat of teachers, and of the doctrine of the Gospel.s The disciples faithfully do the commandments, & returning declare unto the Lord, how haply their business fell out. Here he showeth, that the kingdom of the devil is destroyed by preaching of the Gospel:t he teacheth his disciples humility least they should be puffed up with pride through the happy handling of their affairs: ⟨image 47⟩vand forthwith he showeth who are capable of the word of the Gospel,x and why all things are given unto Christ only by the preaching of the Gospel,y also how great their happiness is, which believe the Gospel of Christ.z
In the same place he teacheth the denying of ones selfe:f and is transformed in the sight of the chosen disciples.g And he ouercometh and putteth to flight againe the Deuill rebelling and most fiercely raging.h Hee intreateth of his passion and death:i And forthwith hee teacheth most diligently his disciples humilitie & modestie, & he plucketh vp by the roote ambition and pride.k where he teacheth also that no man is to be contemned or reiected, whiche by any maner of meanes seteth forward the glorie of Christ. And in this wise did he instruct thē, whom he purposed to make the teachers of the worlde, & in thē the whole church.l Hitherto blessed Luke hath declared copiously & plainely enough, what the Lorde saide and did in Galilee, but henceforth he will shew the Lord his iourney to the fatal citie of Hierusalem, what fell out in the way, what he taught, and what wonderfull and famous thinges he did.m And in the beginning of the iourney the Samaritanes denie the Lorde lodging, ⟨image 46⟩nbut the disciples, which desired that their vncourtesie might bee punished, are reprooued of the Lorde as inflamed with preposterous zeale.o Then the Lord repelleth a certaine other man offering the Lorde friendship:p Forthwith calling two other, hee teacheth howe he will be receiued, and howe he must bee folowed.*qMoreouer that the wholesome doctrine of the Gospell might bee made knowen to the more, he chooseth to him selfe more disciples. For vnto those twelue he adioyneth moreouer other seuenty. These he sent before two & two into euery place whether he himselfe would come.
fFrom the 28 ver. unto the 37From the 28 ver. vnto the 37
gFrom the 37 ver. unto the 44From the 37 ver. vnto the 44
hIn the 44 & 45. verses.
iIn the 46 47. & 48 ver.
kIn the 49. and 50 verses.
lWhat followeth.
mIn the 51.52, & 53. ver.
nIn the 54.55, & 56. ver.
oIn the 57 & 58 verses.
pFrom the 59. verse unto the end of the chapter.Frō the 59. verse vnto the end of the chapter.
*The 10. chapter.
qIn the 1. verse.
rFrom the 2 ver. unto the 17From the 2 ver. vnto the 17
And being aptly asked by a certain lawyer, what he should do, that he might obtain everlasting life,a he teacheth plainly, which is the sincere doctrine,b which is the only and certain end of the scripture,c which is the true preaching of the truth, which the teacher of the Gospel should deliver to the Church,d where he doth chiefly teach us the love of our neighbour by bringing in a parable of a man slain by thieves,e and by commending the duties of Martha, fbefore whom the mean season he preferreth the faith of Mary. *gAnd because prayer in the Church is next to the preaching of the word, and as it were adjoined thereunto, therefore doth he also entreat thereof largely and diligently.h Forthwith by casting forth and conquering the Devil, he declareth, which of the points of the Gospel is chief, that he came into the world ⟨image 47⟩to overcome the Devil, and to destroy his works: and that he doth and sayeth all things, not furnished with art Magic, or forced by the power of Satan, but through the power of God, seeing he is the Son of God and the true Messiah. iHe returneth again to the commendation of the preaching of the Gospel,k where he doeth most gravely accuse the neglecting and contemning of the word of God, and the unbelief of the Jews.l Moreover he showeth, what the word of God is, why it is revealed to men, how great the worthiness, profitableness, and necessity thereof is.m Over against the which is directly placed false doctrine, and the Pharisees and false teachers are most sharply chide of the Lord,*nwhose doctrine at the last he most diligently commandeth to beware of.o And because that can not be done without the hatred of the world, he exhorteth his disciples also to boldness & constantnes, not to be in fear for them selves, but to behave them selves stoutly, and to confess the trueth freely.p The desire of gain, and chiefly covetousness, doth hinder and trouble sincere religion, ⟨image 48⟩the Lord therefore bringing many things against covetousness, teacheth every man to be content with his own estate:q
And beeing aptly asked by a certaine lawyer, what he shoulde do, that he might obtayne euerlasting life,a he teacheth plainely, which is the syncere doctrine,b which is the onely and certayne ende of the scripture,c which is the true preaching of the truth, whiche the teacher of the Gospell shoulde deliuer to the Church,d where hee doth chiefly teach vs the loue of our neighbour by bringing in a parable of a man slayne by theeues,e and by commending the dueties of Martha, fbefore whome the meane season hee preferreth the faith of Marie. *gAnd because prayer in the Churche is nexte to the preaching of the worde, and as it were adioyned therevnto, therefore doth he also intreat therof largely and diligently.h Forthwith by casting forth and conquering the Diuell, hee declareth, which of the pointes of the Gospell is chiefe, that he came into the worlde ⟨image 47⟩to ouercome the Diuell, and to destroye his workes: and that he doth and sayeth al thinges, not furnished with arte Magike, or forced by the power of Satan, but thorowe the power of God, seeing he is the sonne of God and the true Messias. iHe returneth againe to the commendation of the preaching of the Gospell,k where he doeth most grauely accuse the neglecting and contemning of the worde of God, and the vnbeliefe of the Iewes.l Moreouer he sheweth, what the word of God is, why it is reueled to men, howe great the worthinesse, profitablens, and necessitie thereof is.
aIn the 26. verse.
bIn the 27 verse.
cIn the 28. verse.
dFrom the 29. ver. unto ye 38.From the 29. ver. vnto ye 38.
eIn the 38.40. & 41. ver.
fIn the 39, & 42. verses.
*The 11. cha.
gFrom the 1. ver. unto the 14From the 1. ver. vnto the 14
hFrom the 14 verse unto the 27.From the 14 verse vnto the 27.
iIn the 27 & 28 verses.
kFrom th 29. ver. unto ye 33From th 29. ver. vnto ye 33
lFrom the 33 ver. unto the 37From the 33 ver. vnto the 37
mFrom the 37 verse unto the end of the chap.From the 37 verse vnto the end of the chap.
*The 12. chapter.
nIn in the 1.2, & 3, verses.
oFrom the 4. ver unto the 13From the 4. ver vnto the 13
pFrom the 13 ver. unto ye 35.From the 13 ver. vnto ye 35.
qFrom the 35 ver. unto the 41From the 35 ver. vnto the 41
he setteth forth again watchfulness and soberness of mind, necessary for all truly, but for the apostles chiefly,r unto whom, by proposing a similitude, he shadoweth forth again their duty,s adding again what the effect of the word of God is,t and admonishing us, that we do not contemn the signs of our salvation, but that we receive it with most ready minds.v In the chapters before going the Lord entreated of many things, by the report of Luke the historian, touching the Gospel and the preachers of the Gospel. Now the Gospel standeth of Repentance and Forgiveness of sins, as of the parts thereof.x And therefore here followeth a most wholesome doctrine of Repentance & forgiveness of sins.*yHe exhorteth us to repentance by examples,z and by a certain similitude of a fig tree, teaching what lighteth upon the impenitent,a & what be the fruits of true repentance,b & what the corrupt fruits of false repentance:c He showeth moreover from whence the power ⟨image 48⟩to bring forth the fruits of repentance & to do good works is.d Forthwith he exhorteth us all, that we would endeavour to enter through the strait and hard way, which leadeth unto life. For he disputeth again of that most famous two ways, bringing in somewhat touching the punishment of the impenitent, and concerning the equity of the judgements of God, which destroyeth the incurable, whom no faithful dealing and diligence could heal.* Then he taketh from the lovers of godliness errors & certain no light faults, and teacheth them the duties of godliness.e For he removeth again the error of the Sabbaths religious observation.f He presseth down the pride & loftiness of the Pharisees, & grafteth in modest humility:g & teacheth us also bountifulness.h Hereupon taking occasion by the outcry of a certain guest, which pronounced him blessed, that may eat bread in the kingdom of God, he exhorteth all men to faith, least they make them selves unworthy the kingdom of god through unbelief: where the Lord setteth forth also the counsel of God touching the saving of the world, that with he saith is despised of certain through the desire ⟨image 49⟩[…] ⟨image 49⟩[…] ⟨image 50⟩[…] ⟨image 50⟩[…] ⟨image 51⟩of things present,i unto whom also he threateneth punishment. And these things hath he spoken of those which hinder the calling of God:k On the contrary part he opposeth the doctrine, how we ought to follow the Lord calling us, & to obey his calling:
he setteth foorth againe watchfulnesse and sobernesse of minde, necessarie for all truly, but for the apostles chiefly,r vnto whō, by proposing a similitude, hee shadoweth forth againe their duetie,s adding againe what the effect of the woorde of God is,t and admonishing vs, that we doe not contemne the signes of our saluation, but that wee receiue it with most redie minds.v In the chapters before going the Lord intreated of many thinges, by the report of Luke the historian, touching the Gospel and the preachers of the Gospel. Nowe the Gospell standeth of Repentaunce and Forgiuenesse of sinnes, as of the partes thereof.x And therefore here followeth a most wholesome doctrine of Repentance & forgiuenes of sinnes.*yHe exhorteth vs to repentance by examples,z and by a certaine similitude of a figge tree, teaching what lighteth vpō the impenitēt,a & what be the fruits of true repentance,b & what the corrupt fruits of false repentāce:c He sheweth moreouer from whēce the power ⟨image 48⟩to bring forth the fruites of repentaunce & to doe good works is.d Forthwith he exhorteth vs all, that we would indeuour to enter through the staight and harde way, which leadeth vnto life. For he disputeth againe of that most famous two wayes, bringing in somewhat touching the punishment of the impenitent, and concerning the equitie of the iudgementes of God, which destroyeth the incurable, whō no faithfull dealing and diligence coulde heale.
rFrom the 41 ver. unto the 49From the 41 ver. vnto the 49
sFrom the 49 verse unto the 54.From the 49 verse vnto the 54.
tFrom the 54 ver. unto the end of the chapter.From the 54 ver. vnto the end of the chapter.
vWhat went before.
xWhat followeth.
*The 13. cha.
yFrom the 1. ver. unto the 6.From the 1. ver. vnto the 6.
zFrom the 6 ver. unto the 10From the 6 ver. vnto the 10
aFrom the 10 ver. unto the 14.From the 10 ver. vnto the 14.
bFrom the 14 ver. unto the 18From the 14 ver. vnto the 18
cFrom the 18 ver unto the 23From the 18 ver vnto the 23
dFrom the 23 verse unto the end of the chap.From the 23 verse vnto the end of the chap.
*The 14. cha.
eFrom the 1 ver. unto the 7.From the 1 ver. vnto the 7.
fFrom the 7. ver. unto the 12From the 7. ver. vnto the 12
that is to say, of what sort the disciples of the Lord ought to be, & what they ought to promise to themselves by the gospel.*lunto these things he knitteth certain most comely similitudes, whereby he declareth again the reason of true repentance, yea and the reason of the forgiveness of sins chiefly, namely of the grace and unmeasurable mercy of God, reproving every where the pride and hypocrisy of* Justitiaries.*mAfter these things he reasoneth plentifully of the duties of the faithful, to wit, of charity, and bountifulness towards our neighbours, to be brief of the contempt of earthly things, against covetousness, in the behalf of pitifulness, & of the use and abuse of earthly things. And all these things doeth he shadow forth, and as it were propose to be viewed with our eyes in the parables of the false steward, and of the rich glutton, ⟨image 51⟩and of Lazarus the beggar.*nThere be not a few wicked men, unto whom, whatsoever is preached concerning heaven and hell, seem fables, and they infect successively not a few with their poisoned and blasphemous tongues.o Our Lord showeth therefore consequently how great their offence is before God.p Again he teacheth thee to forgive trespasses if any be committed against thee.q The which thing because it can not be done without the help of faith, wholesome doctrine touching faith is forthwith adjoined.r After the which he placeth straight way doctrine touching the same, that we ascribe nothing unto our selves, but yield all the glory to the Lord: who only purgeth us, and giveth us strength to work good works, for the which cause we ought to give him great thanks.s And this point is set forth, as it were to be viewed with our eyes, in the history of the ten lepers, which were cleansed.t Now because there is mention made very often times of the kingdom of God throughout all this history, the matter is handled more plainly.v Then is it adjoined, what they ⟨image 52⟩shall suffer, which will not believe that the kingdom of God is come.x Moreover it is showed, what troubles and calamities shall come to pass in the world, even unto the end of the world, and how the faithful ought to bear them selves in the same.*yWhere he exhorteth his disciples earnestly to most fervent prayers,z promising that God also will avenge his elect.
that is to say, of what sort the disciples of ye Lord ought to be, & what they ought to promise to thēselues by ye gospel.*lvnto these things he knitteth certaine most comely similitudes, whereby he declareth againe the reason of true repentaunce, yea and the reason of the forgiuenesse of sinnes chiefly, namely of the grace and vnmeasurable mercie of God, reproouing euery where the pride and hypocrisie of* Iustitiaries.*mAfter these things he reasoneth plentifully of the duties of the faithfull, to witte, of charitie, and bountifulnesse towardes our neighbours, to be breefe of the contempt of earthly thinges, against couetousnesse, in the behalfe of pitifulnesse, & of the vse and abuse of earthly thinges. And all these thinges doeth he shadowe foorth, and as it were propose to be vewed with our eyes in the parables of the false stewarde, and of the rich glutton, ⟨image 51⟩and of Lazarus the begger.*nThere be not a fewe wicked men, vnto whome, whatsoeuer is preached concerning heauen and hell, seeme fables, and they infect successiuely not a few with their poysoned and blasphemous tongues.o Our Lorde sheweth therefore consequently howe great their offence is before God.p Agayne he teacheth thee to forgiue trespasses if any bee committed against thee.q The which thing because it can not bee done without the help of faith, wholesome doctrine touching faith is forthwith adioyned.r After the which he placeth streight way doctrine touching the same, that wee ascribe nothing vnto our selues, but yeeld all the glorie to the Lorde: who onely purgeth vs, and giueth vs strength to worke good workes, for ye which cause we ought to giue him great thankes.
*The 15 chap
lFrom the beginning of the chap. to the end.
*They may be called Justitiaries, which hold that a man may be justified by his own works.They may be called Iustitiaries, which hold that a man may be iustified by his own works.
*The 16. cha.
mIn the whole chapter.
*The 17. cha.
nThe occasion of that which followeth.
oIn the 1. and 2. verses.
pIn the 3. and 4. verses.
qIn the 5. and 6. verses.
rFrom the 7 ver. unto the 12From the 7 ver. vnto the 12
sFrom the 12 verse unto the 20.From the 12 verse vnto the 20.
tFrom the 20. ver. unto ye 26.From the 20. ver. vnto ye 26.
vFrom the 26 ver. unto ye 31.From the 26 ver. vnto ye 31.
xFrom the 31 ver. unto the end of the chap.From the 31 ver. vnto the end of the chap.
*The 18. cha.
yFrom the first ver. unto the 6From the first ver. vnto the 6
aAnd because there were many, which trusted in them selves, he proposeth the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, which went up into the temple, and teacheth which is true righteousness, and how men are justified.b Which thing being expounded, he instructeth us, what we should think of the salvation of infants:c What good thing every one should do, that he may possess the kingdom of God:d how hardly rich men enter into the kingdom of GOD:e what inward is prepared for them, that leave their worldly substance for the Lord his sake:f In the same place the Lord showeth his disciples what he him self must suffer.g Then followeth the history of the blind man, which received his sight, ⟨image 52⟩*h& the calling of Zacheus that famous Publican, and his receiving into the favour of Christ: whereby we are taught, how all men are illuminated, received into favour, and justified, and what they, which are justified, should work, or how they should behave them selves towards God, and towards their neighbours.i Our Lord Jesus executed the priest his office all the time of his dispensation, but chiefly in those last days, wherein he fully finished our salvation by dying and rising again. Therefore the nearer he cometh unto the city, the more plainly he declareth him self to be the king and priest of God his people, and thoroughly doth the office of the priest and king. And first, because there were some even among his own disciples, which supposed that the kingdom of Christ should be earthly, and that it should rise up forthwith, the Lord taketh away this error,k and teacheth by a similitude what manner of kingdom the kingdom of Christ is, and when it shall come.
aAnd because there were many, which trusted in them selues, he proposeth the parable of the Pharisee and the Publicane, which went vp into the temple, and teacheth which is true righteousnes, and howe men are iustified.b Which thinge being expounded, he instructeth vs, what we should thinke of ye saluatiō of infants:c What good thing euery one should doe, that hee may possesse the kingdome of God:d howe hardly rich men enter into the kingdome of GOD:e what inwarde is prepared for them, that leaue their worldly substance for the Lord his sake:f In the same place the Lorde sheweth his disciples what hee him selfe must suffer.g Then followeth the historie of the blind man, which receiued his sight, ⟨image 52⟩*h& the calling of Zacheus that famous Publicane, and his receiuing into the fauour of Christ: whereby wee are taught, how all men are illuminated, receiued into fauour, and iustified, and what they, which are iustified, shoulde worke, or howe they shoulde behaue them selues towards God, and towardes their neighbours.i Our Lorde Iesus executed the priest his office all the time of his dispensation, but chiefly in those last dayes, wherein he fully finished our saluation by dying and rysing againe. Therefore the nearer hee commeth vnto the citie, the more plainely he declareth him selfe to bee the king and priest of God his people, and thorowely doth the office of the priest and king. And first, because there were some euē among his owne disciples, which supposed that the kingdome of Christ should be earthly, and that it shoulde rise vp forthwith, the Lorde taketh away this errour,k and teacheth by a similitude what maner of kingdome the kingdome of Christe is, and when it shall come.
aFrom the 9. ver. unto the 15From the 9. ver. vnto the 15
bIn the 15.16. & 17. ver.
cFrom the 18 verse unto the 23.From the 18 verse vnto the 23.
dFrom the 23 ver. unto the 28From the 23 ver. vnto the 28
eIn the 28, 29. & 30 ver.
fFrom the 31 ver. unto the 35From the 31 ver. vnto the 35
gFrom the 35 verse unto the end of the chap.From the 35 verse vnto the end of the chap.
*The 19. cha.
hFrom the 1. verse unto the 11.From the 1. verse vnto the 11.
iThe occasion of the parable following.
kFrom the 11. verse unto the 28.Frō the 11. verse vnto the 28.
lForthwith sitting upon an Ass, ⟨image 53⟩and being carried into the city, he declareth by that his glorious coming, although it were humble, that he is that expected king of the people of God.m And yet before he entereth into the city he bewaileth with tears the destinies and calamities of the blind city, which he foresheweth most plainly, and declareth the cause of the calamities.n And because it is the duty of a king, to restore decays, and to reform corruptions, being entered into the Temple, he casteth out the buyers and sellers, and he him self preacheth daily in the Temple.*oBeing asked of the Priests by whom he was authorised a King and a Priest? he showeth that he hath all his authority from God forth of heaven.p Moreover he rebuketh most gravely the rebellions, by bringing in the parable of the vineyard and of the husbandmen, shadowing forth the mean while the destruction, which hanged over them, for their rebellion.q To be brief, forsomuch as it belongeth to the Priest his office to teach the people of GOD, and to confute the gain-sayers, Luke placeth ⟨image 53⟩after these things certain disputations and familiar speeches of the Lord had with his adversaries.r And first he teacheth what we owe to God, and what to the Magistrate.s Then he reasoneth of the hope of the Saints, and what manner of life is in the world to come.t Thirdly, he showeth what only is to be looked for in all the Scriptures, namely Christ true GOD and man the saviour of the world.v Which things being finished the Lord painteth forth, in discharge of his priestly office, counterfeit priests, of whose corruption he diligently admonisheth his disciples to beware, and to avoid.*xAfterward he alloweth the widows gift cast into the treasury in the temple.y Where he taketh occasion to entreat most plentifully of the destruction of the city & nation of the Jews.z From that destruction he cometh to the destruction also of all the world, and to the end of the world, and to be brief defineth & pointeth forth the signs going next before the last day.a Where he exhorteth most diligently the faithful to watchfulness & soberness, least they be overthrown ⟨image 54⟩of a sudden with the unfaithful, & perish.*
lFoorthwith sitting vppon an Asse, ⟨image 53⟩and being caried into the citie, hee declareth by that his glorious comming, although it were humble, that he is that expected king of the people of God.m And yet before he entereth into the citie he bewayleth with teares the destenies and calamities of the blinde citie, which hee foresheweth most plainely, and declareth the cause of the calamities.n And because it is the duetie of a king, to restore decaies, and to reforme corruptions, beyng entred into the Temple, hee casteth out the buyers and sellers, and hee him selfe preacheth dayly in the Temple.*oBeing asked of the Priestes by whome hee was authorised a King and a Priest? hee sheweth that hee hath all his authoritie from God foorth of heauen.p Moreouer hee rebuketh most grauely the rebellions, by bringing in the parable of the vineyarde and of the husbandemen, shadowing foorth the meane while the destruction, whiche hanged ouer them, for their rebellion.q To bee breefe, forsomuch as it belongeth to the Priest his office to teache the people of GOD, and to confute the gayne-sayers, Luke placeth ⟨image 53⟩after these thinges certayne disputations and familiar speaches of the Lorde had with his aduersaries.r And first hee teacheth what wee owe to God, and what to the Magistrate.s Then he reasoneth of the hope of the Saintes, and what maner of life is in the worlde to come.t Thirdly, hee sheweth what onely is to bee looked for in all the Scriptures, namely Christ true GOD and man the sauiour of the world.v
lFrom the 28 ver. unto the 41From the 28 ver. vnto the 41
mFrom the 41 ver. unto the 45From the 41 ver. vnto the 45
nFrom the 45 ver. unto the end of the chapter.From the 45 ver. vnto the end of the chapter.
*The 20 chap
oFrom the 1. ver. unto the 9.From the 1. ver. vnto the 9.
pFrom the 9. verse unto ye 19From the 9. verse vnto ye 19
qWhere of he speaketh in the rest of the chap.
rFrom the 19. ver. unto the 27Frō the 19. ver. vnto the 27
sFrom the 27 verse unto the 41.From the 27 verse vnto the 41.
tFrom the 41 ver. unto the 45From the 41 ver. vnto the 45
vFrom the 45 ver. unto the end of the chapter.From the 45 ver. vnto the end of the chapter.
*The 21. cha.
xFrom the first ver. unto the 5.From the first ver. vnto the 5.
yFrom the 5. ver. unto the 25From the 5. ver. vnto the 25
zFrom the 25. ver. unto the 34From the 25. ver. vnto the 34
bThe Lord hath hitherto fulfilled all the priestlike functions even unto the killing and offering up of the sacrifice, therefore the expiatory and purging sacrifice only remained to be accomplished: wherefore Luke will describe by those things, which follow, the passion and death of the Lord, which is the only and wholesome oblation once offered for the sins of all the world.c And first he noteth the time,d then he showeth the causes of his death:e hereupon he toucheth how he celebrated the passover:f after which he placeth the worthy institution of his mystical supper.g He addeth, what the Lord spake of him that betrayed him:h & how he quieted the contention of the disciples, raised touching this, which of them seemed greatest in the kingdom of God.i He foresheweth the earnest purpose of the devil against all the disciples, & namely against Peter the denier.k Forthwith he commandeth them to provide them swords:l & taking his disciples unto him, he goeth out with his chosen unto the mount of Olives. mHere he prayeth unto the father most fervently.n There he is ⟨image 54⟩tormented with an agony, which wringeth from him a bloody sweat. He receiveth con fort of an angel.o After this he is taken & bounden by the priests servants:p which when Peter would have withstood, he cut off the priest his servant his ear:q but the Lord healeth him being wounded,r and most sharply rebuketh them which took him.s Moreover being taken he is led into the city, & brought before the high priest.t Then did Peter shamefully deny the Lord & that not once.v The servants of the high priests & of wickedness mock the Lord almost all the night long, & abuse him most unworthily.x Early in the morning he is condemned by the senate of the priests & of the chief of Jerusalem. *yBeing condemned he is delivered to Pilate, zcertain points of accusation being proposed forthwith against him. aPilate willing to gratify Herod, sendeth the Lord away unto him.b But he sendeth him back being notably mocked and clothed with a white garment, to Pilate. cHe, after much reasoning had with the Jews, & after that he had loosed Barabbas, delivered Jesus to the ministers of wickedness do be crucified. ⟨image 55⟩dTherefore is he led away forthwith being innocent, bearing his cross, & behind him one Simon following him, and staying up the same cross.e Certain godly women lament his most bitter case.f
bThe Lorde hath hetherto fulfilled all the priestlike functions euen vnto the killing and offering vp of the sacrifice, therefore the expiatorie and purging sacrifice only remained to be accomplished: wherefore Luke will describe by those thinges, which followe, the passion and death of the Lorde, which is the onely and wholesome oblation once offred for the sinnes of al the worlde.c And first he noteth the time,d then he sheweth the causes of his death:e herevpon he toucheth how he celebrated ye passeouer:f after which he placeth ye worthie institution of his mysticall supper.g He addeth, what the Lorde spake of him yt betrayed him:h & how he quieted the contentiō of ye disciples, raysed touching this, which of them seemed greatest in ye kingdom of God.i He foresheweth the earnest purpose of the diuell against all the disciples, & namely against Peter the denier.k Forthwith he cōmandeth them to prouide them swords:l & taking his disciples vnto him, he goeth out with his chosen vnto the mount of Oliues. mHere he prayeth vnto the father most feruently.n There he is ⟨image 54⟩tormēted with an agonie, which wringeth frō him a bloody sweat. He receiueth cō fort of an angell.o After this he is takē & bounden by the priests seruants:p
bWhat went before & what followeth.What went before & what foloweth.
cIn the 1. ver.
dFrom the 2, ver. unto the 7From the 2, ver. vnto the 7
eFrom the 7. ver. unto the 17From the 7. ver. vnto the 17
fFrom the 17 unto the 21.From the 17 vnto the 21.
gIn the 21.22 & 23 ver.
hFrom the 23 ver. unto the 31From the 23 ver. vnto the 31
iFrom the 31 ver. unto the 35From the 31 ver. vnto the 35
kFrom the 35 verse unto ye 39From the 35 verse vnto ye 39
lIn the 39. and 41. ver.
mIn the 41. and 42 verses.
nFrom the 43 ver. unto ye 47From the 43 ver. vnto ye 47
oIn the 47. and 48 verses.
pIn the 49. and 50 verses.
qIn the 51. verse.
rIn the 52 and 53. verses.
sIn the 54 ver
tFrom the 55. ver. unto 63From the 55. ver. vnto 63
But the Lord, this occasion being offered, commandeth them to lament their own calamity, which he foresheweth shall come upon the city and people.g The mean while he cometh into the place of execution, where he being crucified is lift up in the middest between two thieves.h There he first prayeth, and then suffering many reproaches, he deareth all things patiently.i Among other things, he receiveth one of the thieves, which made supplication unto him, into the fellowship and partaking of eternal life, declaring by that example, how great the force of the sacrifice once offered is.k After this certain wonders followed testifying, that the Son of God suffered. The Lord commending his spirit to God the father gave up the ghost upon the cross.l The Centurion of the Roman soldiers being moved with the wonders, & touched with the patience & death of Christ, doth witness that he was a just man.m The Lord his ⟨image 55⟩acquaintance see all these things, God his providence no doubt so ordering the matter, that they might be seeing witnesses, appointed for so great things.n Lastly Joseph, a most famous Senator of the city, cometh unto Pilate, and beggeth the body of the Lord, that he might bury it: which when he had obtained and taken it down from the tree, he laid it in the grave, and buried it gloriously.o Certain women beheld and marked it, that they might come the next day following to anoint the body.*pJesus Christ our King & Priest, having purged sin, conquered hell, and overcome death, restored to life forth of the grave & from the dead, the third day, riseth again a conqueror and a triumphant Lord. And because the whole matter of our hope and life standeth in the lively resurrection of our Lord Jesus, it is proved by evident signs and arguments.q And first the resurrection of our Lord is declared by the very Angels of God to certain devout women, which came to anoint the body of our Lord Jesus.r Forthwith the same is made known to Peter by certain signs.s Afterwards, as two of ⟨image 56⟩the Disciples were going to Emmaus, the Lord joineth him self unto them in the form of a stranger, and proveth unto them most plainly, as well forth of the Scriptures, as by the thing it self, that he was risen again from the dead.t Lastly, the Lord cometh in the middest of his Disciples, and showeth to the view of eye his true and lively resurrection.v
But the Lorde, this occasion beyng offered, commaundeth them to lament their owne calamitie, whiche hee foresheweth shall come vpon the citie and people.g The meane while hee commeth into the place of execution, where hee being crucified is lift vp in the middest betweene two theeues.h There hee first prayeth, and then suffering many reproches, hee deareth all thinges paciently.i Among other things, he receiueth one of the theeues, whiche made supplication vnto him, into the felowship and partaking of eternal life, declaring by yt exāple, how great the force of the sacrifice once offered is.k After this certaine wonders followed testifiyng, that the Sonne of God suffered. The Lord commending his spirit to God the father gaue vp the ghost vpon ye crosse.l The Centurion of ye Romane souldiers being moued wt the wonders, & touched wt the patiēce & death of Christ, doth witnes that he was a iust man.m The Lord his ⟨image 55⟩acquaintaunce see all these thinges, God his prouidence no doubt so ordering the matter, that they might be seeing witnesses, appointed for so great thinges.n Lastly Ioseph, a most famous Senatour of the citie, commeth vnto Pilate, and beggeth the body of the Lorde, that he might burie it: which when he had obtained and taken it downe from the tree, hee laid it in the graue, and buried it gloriously.o Certaine women behelde and marked it, that they might come the next day following to annoynt the body.*pIesus Christ our King & Priest, hauing purged sinne, conquered hell, and ouercome death, restored to life foorth of the graue & from the dead, the third day, riseth againe a conquerer and a triumphant Lorde. And because the whole matter of our hope and life standeth in the liuely resurrection of our Lorde Iesus, it is prooued by euident signes and arguments.
gIn the 32. & 33. verses.
hFrom the 34 ver. unto the 40From the 34 ver. vnto the 40
iFrom the 40 ver. unto the 44From the 40 ver. vnto the 44
kIn the 44.45 & 46 verses
lIn the 47. ver
mIn the 48. & 49. verses.
nFrom the 50. ver. unto ye 55.From the 50. ver. vnto ye 55.
oIn the 55. & 56. verses.
*The 24. cha.
pWhat followeth.
qFrom the first ver. unto 12.From the first ver. vnto 12.
rIn the 12 verse.
sFrom the 13. ver. unto the 36From the 13. ver. vnto the 36
tFrom the 36. ver. unto the 44From the 36. ver. vnto the 44
Moreover he confirmeth their minds with the Scriptures.x And that we might all understand, that all Christ his things are ours, he commandeth his disciples to preach the Gospel to all nations,y for the accomplishing whereof he promiseth them the holy Ghost, whom he commandeth them to look for in the City of Jerusalem. zAll the which things being done in deed, he leadeth his disciples forth to the mount of Olives, afrom thence he ascendeth straight into heaven.b The disciples having worshipped him, return into the City looking for the holy Ghost.
Moreouer hee confirmeth their mindes with the Scriptures.x And that wee might all vnderstand, that all Christe his things are ours, he commaundeth his disciples to preach the Gospel to all nations,y for the accomplishing wherof he promiseth them the holy Ghost, whom hee commaundeth them to looke for in the Citie of Hierusalem. zAll the which things beeing done in deed, he leadeth his disciples foorth to the mount of Oliues, afrom thence he ascendeth straight into heauen.b The disciples hauing worshipped him, returne into the Citie looking for the holy Ghost.
They,1 which will expound any thing by certain reason and with great profit, place before their exposition a proposition, a mark, or a Sum of the whole matter to be expounded, unto the which the auditors bending the sharpness of wit, and all their understanding, may know whereunto all things tend, which are spoken, and what the use of them is.b John the Apostle therefore about to expound the matters of Christ the Lord, that is to say, his words and deeds, and all the mystery of our redemption, placeth before his historical narration a proposition, plentifully opened, & containing in effect these things.c The word of God, that is to say, the Son of God, Jesus Christ our Lord, of whom I mind to speak, was ⟨image 57⟩with God from everlasting, and is very God,d by whom all things were made,e the same by his own nature is the life & the light.f And because we, by our humane nature, and through the fault of sin, be darkness & the slaves of death, the word, or Son of God descended from heaven, came into the world, was incarnate and made man, that through his life and light, the Jews chiefly, unto whom the Messiah was peculiarly promised, might live and be illuminated.g But because they cast him off, not being willing to believe the life and light given them,h therefore he gave power to all men which receive Christ with a true faith, of what nation, sex, age, or condition they be, to become the sons of God, that is to say, heirs of life and of all heavenly good things, and the very fellow heirs of Christ, which is the truth, the grace, the redemption, and the fullness, or the consummation of all believers, in whom only the faithful have all things, which do pertain to godliness and life.i This is the sum of all the narration of the Gospel: Namely, that through faith in ⟨image 57⟩Christ our sins be forgiven, and that everlasting life is bestowed upon us.k Unto this head John coupleth the very body of the Evangelical narration or history, beginning his history at the preaching & testimony of John the Baptist, as also the other three Evangelists did.l
THey,1 which will expound any thing by certaine reason and with great profite, place before their exposition a proposition, a marke, or a Summe of the whole matter to bee expounded, vnto the which the auditours bending the sharpenesse of wit, and all their vnderstanding, may knowe wherevnto all things tende, which are spoken, and what the vse of them is.b Iohn the Apostle therefore about to expounde ye matters of Christ the Lorde, that is to say, his wordes and deedes, and all the mysterie of our redemption, placeth before his historical narration a proposition, plentifully opened, & containing in effect these things.c The word of God, that is to say, the sonne of God, Iesus Christ our Lorde, of whom I minde to speake, was ⟨image 57⟩with God from euerlasting, and is very God,d by whom all thinges were made,e the same by his owne nature is the life & the light.f And because wee, by our humane nature, and through the fault of sinne, bee darkenesse & the slaues of death, the worde, or sonne of God descended frō heauen, came into the world, was incarnat and made man, that through his life and light, the Iewes chiefly, vnto whome the Messias was peculiarly promised, might liue and bee illuminated.g But because they cast him off, not beeing willing to beleeue the life and light giuen them,h therefore he gaue power to all men which receiue Christe with a true faith, of what nation, sexe, age, or conditiō they be, to become the sonnes of God, that is to say, heires of life and of all heauenly good things, and the very fellow heires of Christ, which is the truth, the grace, the redemption, and the fulnesse, or the consummation of all beleeuers, in whom only the faithfull haue all thinges, which do pertaine to godlinesse and life.i This is the summe of all the narration of the Gospell: Namely, that through faith in
1The 1. chap. The reason of the entrance into the Gospel by John.The 1. chap. The reason of the entrance into the Gospel by Iohn.
bWhat John handleth in his Gospel.What Iohn handeleth in his Gospell.
cIn the 1. and 2. verses.
dIn the 3. ver.
eIn the 4.5.7 and 8. verses.
fIn the 9. ver.
gIn the 10. & 11. verses.
hIn the 12.13 & 14. verses.
iThe sum of the Gospel.The summe of the Gospell.
kIn the 6. ver. and from the 15 unto the 19.In the 6. ver. and from the 15 vnto the 19.
lFrom the 19. ver. unto the 35From the 19. ver. vnto the 35
And he teacheth of what manner were his testimonies, private, public, and given to the very messengers of Jerusalem, all verily of one kind, namely such as taught, that Jesus Christ is true God and man, sent into the world for sinners, to save them which believe in him, & that therefore we must believe in Christ.m Therefore doth he also send his Disciples unto him, and consecrateth them to Christ the Lord, showing undoubtedly by the very deed it self, that all his doctrine tendeth here unto, that we may believe Christ the only Saviour of all the world.n And because the Baptist preached Christ only, & in him only showeth all the points of godliness & life, passing over the matters of the Baptist, John the Evangelist maketh hast to describe the very matters of Christ,o and declareth first how he received them, which ⟨image 58⟩by the provocation of John the Baptist followed him:p also what the studies and works of the faithful be, namely to bring very many unto Christ.q There is briefly handled the calling of certain of the disciples, in whose examples we may learn, how men are called to the faith of the Gospel, and what manner of men they ought to be, which must be instructed in the doctrine of the Gospel.r The Lord instructeth his Disciples by words and signs. By plain words, witnessing that he is to them, which believe, the ladder and gate to a blessed life.*xFurthermore he showeth a worthy sign at a marriage, turning water into wine, that by that deed he might declare his power, that it is he, which by his word can do what he will, that they may boldly lean unto him, which trust in him. And these things did he as it were privately amongst his acquaintance and familiar friends. yBut he came not to be made known in some one place only to a few, but in all Jury, yea and to all the world, therefore he goeth to Jerusalem the chief city and ⟨image 58⟩head of the country, and maketh himself known to all men by a very great deed, and very fit for his purpose.
And hee teacheth of what maner were his testimonies, priuate, publike, and giuen to the verie messengers of Ierusalem, all verely of one kinde, namely such as taught, that Iesus Christ is true God and man, sente into the worlde for sinners, to saue them which beleeue in him, & that therefore we must beleeue in Christ.m Therefore doth he also send his Disciples vnto him, and consecrateth them to Christ the Lord, shewing vndoubtedly by the very deede it selfe, that all his doctrine tendeth here vnto, that wee may beleeue Christ the onely Sauiour of all the world.n And because the Baptist preached Christ only, & in him only sheweth all the points of godlinesse & life, passing ouer the matters of ye Baptist, Iohn the Euangeliste maketh hast to describe the very matters of Christ,o and declareth first how he receiued them, which ⟨image 58⟩by the prouocation of Iohn the Baptist folowed him:p also what the studies and workes of the faithfull be, namely to bring very many vnto Christ.q There is briefly handeled the calling of certaine of the disciples, in whose examples we may learne, how men are called to the faith of the Gospell, and what maner of men they ought to bee, which must bee instructed in the doctrine of the Gospell.r The Lorde instructeth his Disciples by words and signes. By plaine wordes, witnessing that hee is to them, which beleeue, the ladder and gate to a blessed life.*xFurthermore hee sheweth a worthie signe at a marriage, turning water into wine, that by that deede hee might declare his power, that it is hee, which by his woorde can doe what hee will, that they may boldly leane vnto him, which trust in him. And these thinges did hee as it were priuately amongst his acquaintance and familiar freendes. yBut hee came not to be made knowen in some one place only to a fewe, but in all Iurie, yea and to all the worlde, therefore hee goeth to Hierusalem the chiefe citie and
mIn the 35.36. & 37. ver.
nWhy the Evangelist briefly finisheth the history of the Baptist, and speedily cometh to the history of Christ himself.Why the Euangelist briefly finisheth the history of the Baptist, and speedily commeth to the history of Christe himselfe.
oThe 38.39 and 40 verses.
pIn the 41. ver
qFrom the 42. vers. unto ye 51.From the 42. vers. vnto ye 51.
rIn the last verse.
*The 2 chap.
xFrom the first ver. unto ye 13.From the first ver. vnto ye 13.
yFrom the 13 ver. unto the 18.From the 13 ver. vnto the 18.
For whereas he was come into the world the king, and Priest, and Messiah of all the faithful in the world, and because it appertained to the Messiah to purge religion from corruption, and to deliver his from tyranny and superstition, he went straight ways into the holy temple, and cast forth of it the buyers & sellers, purging religion, and so showing himself to be the expected Messiah. zBut the rulers of religion took this thing very grievously, requiring a sign, whereby he might prove, that he was he, whom he took upon him to be.a He reasoneth of his death and resurrection, although somewhat closely.b And not a few believed the Lord,c but some again cloaked their faith, following rather the corrupt affection of their mind, than the motion of the holy Ghost,d unto whom the Lord would not therefore commit himself, because he was not ignorant of the counsels and cogitations of their hearts, and kept himself for better affairs. ⟨image 59⟩These things are handled in the two first Chapters.e The Apostle doth diligently handle those things, which the Lord Jesus spake and did in the beginning of his preaching, that he might so rightly inform the judgement of the Church, to think very well of Christian religion, & of the principles thereof, the which, as else where often, so here also, are wont for the most part to be very hard.f He showed last before, what Jesus did publicly and openly in the temple of God, and what he reasoned of among the common people, what he spake and did,g and now will he show a certain private thing.*hFor the Lord useth private conference with Nicodemus a Doctor of the Law,i whom he instructeth soundly, fully, and simply in the foundation, as they call it, and in the first principles, knitting together the whole method of sincere doctrine, andk teaching, that he, which desireth to enter into the kingdom of God, must needs first be borne anew. Because our nature and our first nativity hath in it self no light or life.l
For whereas hee was come into the worlde the king, and Priest, and Messias of all the faithfull in the worlde, and because it appertained to the Messias to purge religion from corruption, and to deliuer his from tyrannie and superstition, hee went straight wayes into the holy temple, and cast foorth of it the buyers & sellers, purging religion, and so shewing himselfe to bee the expected Messias. zBut the rulers of religiō tooke this thing very greeuously, requiring a signe, whereby hee might proue, that he was hee, whome hee tooke vpon him to be.a Hee reasoneth of his death and resurrection, although somewhat closely.b And not a fewe beleeued the Lorde,c but some againe cloked their faith, following rather ye corrupt affection of their minde, than the motion of the holy Ghost,d vnto whom the Lord would not therefore commit himselfe, because hee was not ignorant of the counsels and cogitations of their heartes, and kept himselfe for better affayres. ⟨image 59⟩These thinges are handeled in the two first Chapters.e The Apostle doth diligently handle those thinges, which the Lorde Iesus spake and did in the beginning of his preaching, that he might so rightly informe the iudgemente of the Church, to think very wel of Christiā religion, & of the principles therof, ye which, as els where often, so here also, are wont for the most part to bee very harde.f Hee shewed last before, what Iesus did publikely and openly in the temple of God, and what he reasoned of among the common people, what hee spake and did,g and now wil he shew a certaine priuate thing.*hFor the Lord vseth priuate conference with Nicodemus a Doctour of the Law,
zIn the 18. ver▪
aFrom the 19. ver. unto the 22From the 19. ver. vnto the 22
bIn the 22 ver
cIn the 23. ver.In ye 23. ver.
dIn the 24. & 25. verses
eWhat the Evangelist treateth of.What the Euangelist treateth of.
fWhat went before.
gWhat followeth.
*The 3. chap.
hIn the 1, 2. & 3. verses.
iThe sum of the Lord his talk with Nicodemus.The summe of the Lord his talke with Nicodemus.
kIn the 3. verse.
lFrom the 4, ver. unto the 13From the 4, ver. vnto the 13
Moreover that this new birth consisteth in the renovation of the ⟨image 59⟩holy Ghost, by whose means he which is to be saved knoweth, that there is nothing in the strength of man, which can deserve justification and blessed life,m that those things are provided by an others deserving, namely by Jesus Christ,n whom the grace & love of God, & no desert of ours, gave unto us, yea and gave him to the most shameful death of the cross, that every one, which believeth in him, should not perish, but should have everlasting life.o There he teacheth that true faith in Christ worketh good works: and contrarily that incredulity and want of faith is the cause of all ungodliness, yea of damnation it self.p These things being finished, the Apostle handleth forthwith the question touching purifying, sprung up after the matters before going.q By occasion whereof he reporteth the fifth and most plain testimony of John the Baptist, whereby he witnesseth, that the faithful are fully purged through the grace of Christ. And that he is the true Messiah, in whom the Father hath given to the world, whatsoever appertaineth to true salvation, and that therefore they which believe in Christ are saved, & ⟨image 60⟩contrarily that they which believe not are damned.r Unto these things he knitteth, by a marvellous & a most wise devise, an other, and a new conference, and the same private also, between the Lord and a woman of Samaria. sHe received and instructed in the third chapter Nicodemus, a famous man, a Jew, learned, and a man of holiness not to be despised:t but now he receiveth & instructeth an obscure woman, a Gentile, unlearned, and very greatly defiled with heinous faults, to this end, least any should gather by the former example, that the Lord came into the world to save the godly only. For hereby we do understand, that he was borne to save sinners also, and that not only the Jews, but the Gentiles also, yea and the very Samaritans. The conference hath in it much pleasantness & sweetness. The Lord insinuateth himself into the mind of the sinful woman marvellously: notwithstanding he goeth about 2. things chiefly.*vFirst he showeth, that he is the fountain of goodness, and of all graces, of the which whosoever drink, may be most plentifully satisfied.x Then ⟨image 60⟩having confuted the false worshipping of GOD,y he teacheth which is the true worshipping:z
Moreouer yt this new birth consisteth in the renouation of the ⟨image 59⟩holy Ghost, by whose meanes he which is to be saued knoweth, that there is nothing in the strength of man, which can deserue iustification and blessed life,m that those things are prouided by an others deseruing, namely by Iesus Christ,n whom the grace & loue of God, & no desert of ours, gaue vnto vs, yea and gaue him to ye most shamefull death of ye crosse, that euery one, which beleeueth in him, should not perish, but should haue euerlasting life.o There he teacheth that true faith in Christ worketh good woorkes: and contrarily that incredulitie and want of faith is ye cause of all vngodlinesse, yea of damnation it selfe.p These things being finished, the Apostle handeleth forthwith the question touching purifying, sprong vp after the matters before goyng.q By occasion whereof hee reporteth the fift and most plaine testimonie of Iohn the Baptist, whereby hee witnesseth, that the faithfull are fully purged through the grace of Christ. And that he is the true Messias, in whom the Father hath giuen to the world, whatsoeuer appertayneth to true saluation, and that therefore they which beleeue in Christ are saued, & ⟨image 60⟩contrarily that they which beleeue not are damned.r Vnto these things he knitteth, by a marueilous & a most wise deuise, an other, and a new conference, and the same priuate also, betweene the Lorde and a woman of Samaria. sHe receiued and instructed in the third chapter Nicodemus, a famous man, a Iewe, learned, and a man of holinesse not to be despised:t but now he receiueth & instructeth an obscure woman, a Gentile, vnlearned, and verye greately defiled with heynous faultes, to this ende, least any shoulde gather by the former example, that the Lorde came into the worlde to saue the godlie onelie. For hereby we do vnderstand, that he was borne to saue sinners also, and that not only the Iewes, but the Gentiles also, yea and the very Samaritanes. The conferēce hath in it much pleasātnesse & sweetnesse. The Lorde insinuateth himselfe into the minde of the sinfull woman merueilously: notwithstāding he goeth about 2. thinges chiefly.
mIn the 13, 14, & 15. ver.
nIn the 16. verse.
oFrom the 17. ver. unto ye 22.From the 17. ver. vnto ye 22.
pFrom the 22 verse unto ye 26From the 22 verse vnto ye 26
qFrom the 27 vers. unto the end of the chap.From the 27 vers. vnto the end of the chap.
rWhat followeth.
sWhat went before.
tThe matter contained in the 4. chap.The matter cōtained in the 4. chap.
*The 4. chap.
vFrom the 1. ver unto the 20From the 1. ver vnto the 20
xIn the 20.21, and 22, verses.
yIn the 23. and 24, verses.
zIn the 15, 26 & 27. verses.
The author
Heinrich Bullinger 1504–1575
ReformersZurich
Zwingli's successor at Zurich; author of the Decades and the Second Helvetic Confession.
The disciples faithfully do ye cōmandements, & returning declare vnto the Lorde, howe happely their businesse fell out. Here he sheweth, that the kingdome of the deuill is destroyed by preaching of the Gospell:
And because that can not bee done without the hatred of the worlde, hee exhorteth his disciples also to boldnesse & constantnes, not to be in feare for them selues, but to behaue them selues stoutly, and to confesse the trueth freely.
Herevpō taking occasion by ye outcrie of a certaine gest, which pronounced him blessed, yt may eate breade in the kingdome of God, he exhorteth al men to faith, least they make them selues vnworthy the kingdom of god through vnbeliefe: where ye Lord setteth forth also the coūsel of God touching ye sauing of ye world, yt wt he saith is despised of certaine through the desire
Moreouer it is shewed, what troubles and calamities shall come to passe in the worlde, euen vnto the ende of the worlde, and howe the faithfull ought to beare them selues in the same.
Which thinges being finished the Lorde paynteth foorth, in discharge of his priestly office, counterfayte priestes, of whose corruption hee diligently admonisheth his disciples to beware, and to auoyde.
From that destruction he commeth to the destruction also of all the world, and to the ende of the worlde, and to be briefe defineth & pointeth forth the signes going next before the last day.
And first the resurrection of our Lord is declared by the very Angels of God to certaine deuout women, which came to annoynt the body of our Lorde Iesus.
the Disciples were going to Emaus, the Lorde ioyneth him selfe vnto them in the fourme of a stranger, and proueth vnto them most plainely, as well foorth of the Scriptures, as by the thing it selfe, that he was risen againe from the dead.
Vnto this head Iohn coupleth ye very body of the Euangelicall narration or historie, beginning his historie at the preaching & testimonie of Iohn the Baptist, as also the other three Euangelistes did.
whom he instructeth soundly, fully, and simply in the foundation, as they call it, and in the first principles, knitting together the whole method of sincere doctrin, and
teaching, that he, which desireth to enter into the kingdome of God, must needes first be borne anewe. Because our nature and our first natiuitie hath in it self no light or life.
