A17385:1154
A17385:1154
A commentary upon the three first chapters of the first Epistle general of St. Peter Wherein are most judiciously and profitably handled such points of doctrine as naturally flow from the text. Together with a very useful application thereof: and many good rules for a godly life. By Nicholas Byfield preacher of Gods Word at Isleworth in Middlesex. To which is now newly added an alphabetical table, not formerly published.A commentary upon the three first chapters of the first Epistle generall of St. Peter VVherin are most judiciously and profitably handled such points of doctrine as naturally flow from the text. Together with a very usefull application thereof: and many good rules for a godly life. By Nicholas Byfield preacher of Gods Word at Isleworth in Middlesex. To which is now newly added an alphabeticall table, not formerly published.
London: printed by Miles Flesher and Robert Young, 1637
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.
3. Their traditions were of the first sort, and so condemned in Scriptures.
Secondly, we may note, that Christians, when their hearts are turned unto God, do see a wonderful glory in spiritual things. They see that, which the Prophets desired to see, and could not, Mat. 13 16,17. 2 Cor. 3.16, 17, 18. which is one difference between the knowledge of the godly, and the knowledge of the wicked. For wicked men have but a dark glimmering knowledge that tends to baseness and bondage: and this should teach us to pray for the spirit of wisdom, and revelation, to know the riches tha• is in Christ Jesus; being daily careful, that the god of this world do not hide the glorious Gospel of Christ from us.
Secondly, we may note, that Christians, when their hearts are turned unto God, doe see a wonderfull glory in spirituall things. They see that, which the Prophets desired to see, and could not, Mat. 13 16,17. 2 Cor. 3.16, 17, 18. which is one difference betweene the knowledge of the godly, and the knowledge of the wicked. For wicked men have but a dark glimmering knowledge that tends to basenesse and bondage: and this should teach us to pray for the spirit of wisdome, and revelation, to know the riches tha• is in Christ Jesus; being daily carefull, that the god of this world doe not hide the glorious Gospell of Christ from us.
1This word report belongs principally to the first times, before the Scriptures of the New Testament were written, and so the word was sure enough being delivered by Apostolical men, who confirmed it by miracles. And if the word do also belong to our times, then God• Ministers are said to report Gods will unto us, as Ambassadors do the wills of Princes by the instructions given in their commissions; or as Lawyers report the law out of their great Charter, or Statute-books; or as Physicians report their remedies out of the books of practice, and tried experiments.
1This word report belongs principally to the first times, before the Scriptures of the New Testament were written, and so the word was sure enough being delivered by Apostolicall men, who confirmed it by miracles. And if the word doe also belong to our times, then God• Ministers are said to report Gods will unto us, as Embassadors doe the wills of Princes by the instructions given in their commissions; or as Lawyers report the law out of their great Charter, or Statute-books; or as Physitians report their remedies out of the books of practice, and tryed experiments.
It is true, that the doctrine of holy things is like unto a report, 1. In respect of wicked men, who pass all over as a tale that is told, or respect it at best, but as a nine days wonder. 2. In respect of godly men, who receive it but by pieces and degrees, not as one continued story, but as a report. 3. In respect of the matter of happiness, it is so removed from our natures, and we have so little right unto it, that it comes to us as a report, not a• any thing we knew before, or could expect or look for 4. In respect of the opportunity of it; if we take not hold of it in the very season, it will be gone. The Lord doth not every day set before us life and death, but only at some times, and then how soon is the voice gone, if our hearts open not to receive it?
It is true, that the doctrine of holy things is like unto a report, 1. In respect of wicked men, who passe all over as a tale that is told, or respect it at best, but as a nine dayes wonder. 2. In respect of godly men, who receive it but by peeces and degrees, not as one continued story, but as a report. 3. In respect of the matter of happinesse, it is so removed from our natures, and we have so little right unto it, that it comes to us as a report, not a• any thing we knew before, or could expect or looke for 4. In respect of the opportunity of it; if wee take not hold of it in the very season, it will be gone. The Lord doth not every day set before us life and death, but onely at some times, and then how soone is the voice gone, if our hearts open not to receive it?
Thus of the things contained in Gods answer, as they are barely propounded. Now in the words that follow, they are further commended to us.
First, by the efficient causes of them.
By them which preached the Gospel unto you.
By them which preached the Gospell unto you.
The Gospel is diversly accepted in Scripture. Sometimes it signifies the ⟨p. 91⟩history of the life and death of Christ: so in the title of every Evangelist his book, and so 2 Tim. 2.8. Mat. 26.13. Sometimes it signifies the glorious tidings of Christ come in the flesh, and of salvation in him: so it was promised by the Prophets, Rom. 1.2. Act. 13.32. but most usually it signifies in general the joyful news of happiness eternal, through the favour of God in Christ Jesus, notwithstanding our misery in our selves; and this was called the promise in the Old Testament, and the Gospel in the new.
The Gospell is diversly accepted in Scripture. Sometimes it signifies the ⟨p. 91⟩history of the life and death of Christ: so in the title of every Evangelist his booke, and so 2 Tim. 2.8. Mat. 26.13. Sometimes it signifies the glorious tidings of Christ come in the flesh, and of salvation in him: so it was promised by the Prophets, Rom. 1.2. Act. 13.32. but most usually it signifies in generall the joyfull newes of happinesse eternall, through the favour of God in Christ Jesus, notwithstanding our misery in our selves; and this was called the promise in the Old Testament, and the Gospell in the new.
The Greek word properly signifieth good news; and in the New Testament the word is used to express that most happy news of God reconciled in Christ, and of perfect happiness in him.
The Greek word properly signifieth good newes; and in the New Testament the word is used to expresse that most happy newes of God reconciled in Christ, and of perfect happinesse in him.
Now because this news contains the more excellent part of Gods word, therefore I will consider of it more exactly. This heavenly news is the more admirable, if we consider, 1. What it is that the Gospel doth signify. 2. How we are assured of the news in the Gospel. 3. What are the effects of it. 4. What is required in the persons that have any part in this news.
Now because this newes contains the more excellent part of Gods word, therefore I will consider of it more exactly. This heavenly newes is the more admirable, if we consider, 1. What it is that the Gospell doth signifie. 2. How we are assured of the newes in the Gospell. 3. What are the effects of it. 4. What is required in the persons that have any part in this newes.
Then I would resolve certain questions; and lastly, make some use of all.
Then I would resolve certaine questions; and lastly, make some use of all.
For the first: the Gospel brings news unto forlorn men.
For the first: the Gospell brings newes unto forlorne men.
1. Of peace and reconciliation with God. The Gospel of peace,1 2. Of remission and forgiveness of our sins, Act, 10.43. 3. Of freedom from death and condemnation. 4. Of a divine and most sufficient righteousness to be revealed from heaven, Rom. 1.16, 17. 5. Of eternal life: The Gospel of the Kingdom, Mat. 9.35. and all for Christ Jesus sake the son of David, Rom. 1.23.
1. Of peace and reconciliation with God. The Gospell of peace,1 2. Of remission and forgivenesse of our sins, Act, 10.43. 3. Of freedome from death and condemnation. 4. Of a divine and most sufficient righteousnesse to be revealed from heaven, Rom. 1.16, 17. 5. Of eternall life: The Gospell of the Kingdome, Mat. 9.35. and all for Christ Jesus sake the son of David, Rom. 1.23.
1. By the testimony of the Spirit.1 2. By the vaticinies of the Prophets. 3. By the miracles that first confirmed it. 4. By the testimony of Christ himself, that in our nature preached it, Mat. 4.13. 5. By the word of God, or of the Apostles.
1. By the testimony of the Spirit.1 2. By the vaticinies of the Prophets. 3. By the miracles that first confirmed it. 4. By the testimony of Christ himselfe, that in our nature preached it, Mat. 4.13. 5. By the word of God, or of the Apostles.