A89915:1841
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.
There were three sorts of citizens in the old Church of the Jews, Israelites, proselytes and religious men. Israelites were of the seed of Abraham, those were bound to circumcision necessarilyg. Proselytes, were Gentiles converted to the Jewish religion, those for the strengthening of their faith did subject themselves also to circumcision and the ceremonial law. Now there were certain religious men of the Gentiles converted, and embraced the covenant of God, but were not subject to circumcision: such were Naaman, and the Eunuch and others.
There were three sorts of citizens in the old Church of the Iewes, Isralites, proselites and religious men. Isralites were of the seede of Abraham, those were bound to circumcision necessarilyg. Proselites, were Gentiles conuerted to the Iewish religion, those for the strengthning of their faith did subiect themselues also to circumcision and the ceremoniall law. Now there were certaine religious men of the Gentiles conuerted, and embraced the couenant of God, but were not subiect to circumcision: such were Naaman, and the Eunuch and others.
1Now this circumcision after the coming of Christ was abolished. 1. Because all effusion of blood must cease when Christs blood was shed. 2. The partition wall was now taken down, and therefore there needed no sign of difference. 3. The priesthood was changed, and therefore the rites belonging to it also. Object. But Christ himself is said to be the Minister of circumcisioni. Solut. That was true. 1. As he was given to the Jews by expiation to perform what was promised to their fathers. 2. He was a minister not of the Law (which he abolished and fulfilled in his coming) but of the Jews among whom he was conversant: for he preached not to the Gentiles. He was a minister of circumcision, that is, he was a Preacher among the Jews, as Peter was the Apostle of circumcision. Thus of circumcision made with hands.