A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

The Apostles when this Work was committed unto them, would not be diverted from a constant Attendance unto it, by any other Duty, much less any other occasion of Life, Acts 6. 4. See what a Charge our Apostle gives unto Timothy to this purpose, 2 Tim. 4. 1, 2, 3. And a great Example hereof we have in the account he gives concerning his own Ministry in Asia, Acts 20. (1) He declares when he began his Work and Ministry, the first day he came into Asia, ver. 18. that is, on the first opportunity; he omitted no season that he could possibly lay hold upon, but engaged into his Work, as his manner was in every place, that he came unto. And (2) in what manner did he teach? He did it (1) publicly in all Assemblies of the Church, and others also where he might have a quiet opportunity of speaking. And (2) privately from house to house, ver. 20. All places were alike to him and all Assemblies small or great, so he might have advantage of communicating unto them the knowledge of God in Christ. And (3) what did he so declare unto them, or instruct them in? It was the whole counsel of God, ver. 27. The Gospel of the Grace of God, ver. 24. all things that were profitable unto them, ver. 20. in sum, Repentance towards God and Faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ, ver. 21. And (4) How did he dispense the Word unto them? It was by a Declaration of the Will of God, ver. 27. by testifying the necessity of Gospel Duties, ver. 21. by constant Warnings and Admonitions to stir men up unto diligence in Obedience, and to caution them of their dangers, ver. 31. And (5) When, or at what season did he thus lay out ⟨p. 62⟩himself in the discharge of this Duty? He did it night and day, ver. 31. that is, continually upon all occasions and advantages. He was one by whom God watered his Vineyard every moment. And (6) in what outward condition was he, and with what frame of Spirit did he attend his work? He was in many Temptations which befell him by the laying in wait of the Jews, ver. 19. or in continual danger of his Life by the Persecutions they stirred up against him. And as unto himself and the frame of his heart in this work, he carried it on with all humility of Mind and with many Tears, ver. 19, 31. He was not lifted up with conceits of the Glory, Greatness and Power of his Office, of the Authority over all the Churches committed unto him by Christ;