Bibelkommentare

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Be strong — Together with the word there goes forth a power, as Luke 5:17 . Exhortations are God’s means to make us such as he requireth us to be.

In the grace that is in Christ Jesus — Weak grace may evidence pardon of sin; but it is strong grace that can overcome the temptations of Satan, 1 John 2:12 ; 1 John 2:14 , and bear up the heart in strong consolation, Θαττον αν ειδης την καρδιαν η τα εν τη καρδια . The blessing upon man in the first creation was, "Increase and multiply;" in the second, "Grow in grace, be strong," …

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And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Commit them to faithful men — No talent is given us for private and proper use, but that we be trading and transmitting it also to others. Synesius speaks of some, who having a treasure of abilities in them, yet would as soon part with their hearts as with their meditations, …, the canker of whose great skill shall be a witness against them.

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Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Endure hardship — Never dream of a delicacy; think not to find God in the gardens of Egypt, whom Moses found not but in the burning bush. Many love Canaan, but loathe the wilderness; commend the country, but look upon the conquest as impossible; would sit in the seat of honour with Zebedee’s children, but not drink the cup of affliction. These deceive themselves.

As a good soldier, … — Christ saith to us (as the Black Prince’s father sent to him, fighting as it were in blood to the knees, and in a great distress), Either vanquish or die; as the Prince of Orange said to his soldiers at the battle of Newport, when they had the sea on the one side, and the Spaniards on the other, If you will live, you must either eat up these Spaniards or drink up this sea.

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No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

With the affairs — Or, gainful negotiations with marriage matters, say the Papists here, but without all show of sense. The Council of Chalcedon strictly forbiddeth ministers to meddle in worldly matters: Clericus in oppido, piscis in arido. (Canon 31.) The apostle seemeth to allude to the Roman soldiers, who might not be tutors to other men’s persons, proctors of other men’s causes; they might not meddle with husbandry, merchandise, …

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And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

Except we strive lawfully — Tam circa ciborum quam continentiae ac honestatis rationem, saith Cassianus, except for matter and manner he observe the laws of wrestling, both for preparation and execution. Aristotle saith, Not he that had a strong body, but he that ran well had the crown in the Olympic games; it was not he that had an athletic ability, but he that wrestled best, that get the garland.

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The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

The husbandman labouring first — Spes alit agricolas. Nae illi falsi sunt (saith Salhst, in Jugur.) qui diversissimas res expectant, ignaviae voluptatem, et praemia virtutis. They are utterly out, that think to have the pleasure of sloth and the guerdon A reward, requital, or recompence. ŒD of goodness.

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Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

Consider what I say — Apply to thyself these forementioned similes, and so buckle close to thy business.

And the Lord give thee — Unless God open Hagar’s eyes, she cannot see the fountain that is hard by. Rebecca cooks the venison, but Isaac only blesseth.

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Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

Remember that Jesus — Remember it for thine encouragement; that Christ, for a reward of his sufferings, was both raised and exalted, Philippians 2:9 .

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