I SHALL only give my conjecture on the Words, the Apostle seems to me to have respect unto Church-Order, with Decency therein, in both these Expressions, shall purchase to themselves a good Degree, and great confidence in the Faith: [Greek or Hebrew] is of the same signification with [Greek or Hebrew], which is a Seat raised in an Assembly to hear or speak. So saith the Schol. on Sophoc. Oed. [Greek or Hebrew]. The place where the Assembly (or Church) met, was divided round about with Seats in Degrees, some above others, where all that met might without trouble hear him that stood in the midst as they sate. And countenance is given hereunto by what is observed concerning the custom of sitting in the Jewish Synagogues. So Ambrose; Traditio est Synagogae, ut sedentes disputarent, Siniores dignitate in Cathedris, subsequentes in subselliis, novissimi in pavimento; It is the Tradition or Order of the Synagogue, that the Elders in Dignity (or Office) should discourse sitting in Chairs; the next Order on Forms or Benches, and the last on the Floor. So speaks Philo before him; [Greek or Hebrew], when we meet in sacred places, places of Divine Worship, the younger sort according to their Quality sit in Orders under the Elders. And this James the Apostle hath respect unto in the Primitive Assemblies of the Christian Jews. For reproving their partiality in accepting of Mens Persons, preferring the Rich immoderately before the Poor, he instanceth in their disposing of them unto Seats in their Assemblies. They said unto the Rich Man, [Greek or Hebrew], sit thou here in a good place; that is in [Greek or Hebrew], in the best degree; and to the Poor, stand thou there on the floor, or sit at my foot-stool, without respect unto those other Qualifications whereby they were to be distinguished. Wherefore, the Apostle having respect unto Church-Assemblies, and the Order to be observed in them, the [Greek or Hebrew] here intended, may signify no more but a place of some eminency in the Church-Assemblies, which is due unto such Deacons, where with boldness and confidence they may assist in the management of the Affairs of the Church, which belongs unto the Profession of the Faith which is in Christ Jesus.
I SHALL only give my conjecture on the Words, the Apostle seems to me to have respect unto Church-Order, with Decency therein, in both these Expressions, shall purchase to themselves a good Degree, and great confidence in the Faith: 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 is of the same signification with 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, which is a Seat raised in an Assembly to hear or speak. So saith the Schol. on Sophoc. Oed. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. The place where the Assembly (or Church) met, was divided round about with Seats in Degrees, some above others, where all that met might without trouble hear him that stood in the midst as they sate. And countenance is given hereunto by what is observed concerning the custom of sitting in the Jewish Synagogues. So Ambrose; Traditio est Synagogae, ut sedentes disputarent, Siniores dignitate in Cathedris, subsequentes in subselliis, novissimi in pavimento; It is the Tradition or Order of the Synogogue, that the Elders in Dignity (or Office) should discourse sitting in Chairs; the next Order on Forms or Benches, and the last on the Floor. So speaks Philo before him; 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, when we meet in sacred places, places of Divine Worship, the younger sort according to their Quality sit in Orders under the Elders. And this James the Apostle hath respect unto in the Primitive Assemblies of the Christian Jews. For reproving their partiality in accepting of Mens Persons, preferring the Rich immoderately before the Poor, he instanceth in their disposing of them unto Seats in their Assemblies. They said unto the Rich Man, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, sit thou here in a good place; that is in 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, in the best degree; and to the Poor, stand thou there on the floor, or sit at my foot-stool, without respect unto those other Qualifications whereby they were to be distinguished. Wherefore, the Apostle having respect unto Church-Assemblies, and the Order to be observed in them, the 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 here intended, may signifie no more but a place of some eminency in the Church-Assemblies, which is due unto such Deacons, where with boldness and confidence they may assist in the management of the Affairs of the Church, which belongs unto the Profession of the Faith which is in Christ Jesus.
