A89915:130
An exposition upon the Epistle to the Colossians Wherein, not only the text is…An exposition vpon the Epistle to the Colossians Wherein, not onely the text is…
An exposition upon the Epistle to the Colossians Wherein, not only the text is methodically analysed, and the sense of the words, by the help of writers, both ancient and modern is explained: but also, by doctrine and use, the intent of the holy Ghost is in every place more fully unfolded and urged. ... Being, the substance of near seven years week-days sermons, of N. Byfield, late one of the preachers for the city of Chester.An exposition vpon the Epistle to the Colossians Wherein, not onely the text is methodically analysed, and the sence of the words, by the help of writers, both ancient and moderne is explayned: but also, by doctrine and vse, the intent of the holy Ghost is in euery place more fully vnfolded and vrged. ... Being, the substance of neare seuen yeeres weeke-dayes sermons, of N. Byfield, late one of the preachers for the citie of Chester.
London: printed by Edward for Nathaniel Butter, 1617
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.
TWO things are worthy our consideration in this Epistle, the Author and the Matter: 1the Author was PAUL, concerning whom memorable things are recorded: he was an Hebrew, of the Hebrews, of the tribe of Benjamin, aa Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, circumcised the 8. day, brought up in the knowledge of the Law, and Pharisaical institutions, by Gamaliel, a great Doctor among the Jews,b acquainted also with the languages of foreign nations, as his quoting of the authorities of Greek Poets shows:c and in his youth, for the righteousness external, which was after the Law, he was unrebukeabled and full of zeal, but withal a violent and blasphemous persecutor.e His calling was exceeding glorious, his Office unto which he was called, was great and honourable, (viz.) to be Legate of CHRIST,f the Doctor of the Gentiles,g the Minister of God, of Christ, of the Spirit, of the new Testament, of the Gospel of reconciliation and of righteousness;h He was famous for his labour in the Word, by which he caused the Gospel to run from Jerusalem to Illyricum with admirable swiftnessi, as also for his faithfulness of mind, for his pure conscience, for his affection to the faithful, for his humanity and courtesy, for his continency, for his humility, for his care for the Churches, for his honest conversation, innocency and constancyk