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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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[<A HREF="MHC40027.HTM">Previous</A>]
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<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP">
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>M A T T H E W.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. XXVIII.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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In the foregoing chapters, we saw the Captain of our salvation engaged
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with the powers of darkness, attacked by them, and vigorously attacking
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them; victory seemed to hover between the combatants; nay, at length,
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it inclined to the enemies' side, and our Champion fell before them;
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behold, God has delivered his strength into captivity, and his glory
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into the enemies' hand. Christ in the grave is like the ark in Dagon's
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temple; the powers of darkness seemed to ride masters, but then the
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Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by
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reason of wine,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+78:61,65">Ps. lxxviii. 61, 65</A>.
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The prince of our peace is in this chapter rallying again, coming out
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of the grave, a Conqueror, yea, more than a conqueror, leading
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captivity captive; though the ark be a prisoner, Dagon falls before it,
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and it proves that none is able to stand before the holy Lord God. Now
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the resurrection of Christ being one of the main foundations of our
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religion, it is requisite that we should have infallible proofs of it;
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four of which proofs we have in this chapter, which are but a few of
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many, for Luke and John give a larger account of the proofs of Christ's
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resurrection than Matthew and Mark do. Here is,
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I. The testimony of the angel to Christ's resurrection,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:1-8">ver. 1-8</A>.
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II. His appearance himself to the women,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:9,10">ver. 9, 10</A>.
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III. The confession of the adversaries that were upon the guard,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:11-15">ver. 11-15</A>.
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IV. Christ's appearance to the disciples in Galilee, and the
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commission he gave them,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:16-20">ver. 16-20</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="Mt28_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt28_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt28_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt28_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt28_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt28_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt28_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt28_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt28_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt28_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Resurrection.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the
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first <I>day</I> of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary
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to see the sepulchre.
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2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of
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the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the
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stone from the door, and sat upon it.
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3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as
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snow:
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4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead
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<I>men.</I>
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5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye:
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for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
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6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the
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place where the Lord lay.
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7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from
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the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there
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shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
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8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and
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great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
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9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met
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them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet,
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and worshipped him.
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10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my
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brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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For the proof of Christ's resurrection, we have here the testimony of
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<I>the angel,</I> and of <I>Christ</I> himself, concerning his
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resurrection. Now we may think that it would have been better, if the
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matter had been so ordered, that a competent number of witnesses should
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have been present, and have seen the stone rolled away by the angel,
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and the dead body reviving, as people saw Lazarus come out of the
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grave, and then the matter had been past dispute; but let us not
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prescribe to Infinite Wisdom, which ordered that the witnesses of his
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resurrection should see him <I>risen,</I> but not see him <I>rise.</I>
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His incarnation was a mystery; so was this <I>second incarnation</I>
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(if we may so call it), this <I>new making</I> of the body of Christ,
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for his exalted state; it was therefore <I>made in secret. Blessed are
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they that have not seen, and yet have believed.</I> Christ gave such
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proofs of his resurrection as were <I>corroborated</I> by the
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scriptures, and by the <I>word</I> which he had <I>spoken</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+24:6,7-44,Mk+16:7">Luke xxiv. 6, 7-44; Mark xvi. 7</A>);
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for here we must <I>walk by faith, not by sight.</I> We have here,</P>
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<P>
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I. The <I>coming</I> of the <I>good women</I> to the
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<I>sepulchre.</I></P>
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<P>
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Observe,
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1. <I>When</I> they came; <I>in the end of the sabbath, as it began to
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dawn toward the first day of the week,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
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This fixes the time of Christ's resurrection.</P>
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<P>
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(1.) He arose the <I>third day</I> after his death; that was the time
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which he had often prefixed, and he kept within it. He was buried in
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the evening of the sixth day of the week, and arose in the morning of
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the first day of the following week, so that he lay in the grave about
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thirty-six or thirty-eight hours. He lay so long, to show that he was
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really and truly dead; and no longer, that he might not <I>see
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corruption.</I> He arose the third day, to answer the type of the
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prophet Jonas
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+12:40"><I>ch.</I> xii. 40</A>),
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and to accomplish that prediction
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ho+6:2">Hos. vi. 2</A>),
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<I>The third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his
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sight.</I></P>
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<P>
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(2.) He arose <I>after the Jewish sabbath,</I> and it was the
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passover-sabbath; all that day he lay in the grave, to signify the
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abolishing of the Jewish feasts and the other parts of the ceremonial
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law, and that his people must be dead to such observances, and take no
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more notice of them than he did when he <I>lay in the grave.</I> Christ
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on <I>the sixth day finished</I> his work; he said, <I>It is
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finished;</I> on the seventh day he rested, and then on the first day
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of the next week did as it were begin a new world, and enter upon new
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work. Let no man therefore judge us now in respect of <I>the new
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moons,</I> or of the <I>Jewish sabbaths,</I> which were indeed a shadow
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of good things to come, but the <I>substance</I> if <I>of Christ.</I>
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We may further observe, that the time of the saints' lying in the
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grave, is a sabbath to them (such as the Jewish sabbath was, which
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consisted chiefly in bodily rest), for there they <I>rest from their
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labours</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+3:17">Job iii. 17</A>);
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and it is owing to Christ.</P>
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<P>
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(3.) He arose upon the <I>first day of the week;</I> on the first day
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of the first week God <I>commanded the light to shine out of
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darkness;</I> on this day therefore did he who was to be the Light of
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the world, shine out of the darkness of the grave; and the seventh-day
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sabbath being buried with Christ, it arose again in the first-day
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sabbath, called the <I>Lord's day</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+1:10">Rev. i. 10</A>),
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and no other day of the week is from henceforward mentioned in all the
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New Testament than this, and this often, as the day which Christians
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religiously observed in solemn assemblies, to the honour of Christ,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+20:19,26,Ac+20:7,1Co+16:2">John xx. 19, 26;
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Acts xx. 7; 1 Cor. xvi. 2</A>.
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If the deliverance of Israel out of the land of the north superseded
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the remembrance of that out of Egypt
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+23:7,8">Jer. xxiii. 7, 8</A>),
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much more doth our redemption by Christ eclipse the glory of God's
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former works. The sabbath was instituted in remembrance of the
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<I>perfecting</I> of the work of creation,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+2:1">Gen. ii. 1</A>.
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Man by his revolt made a breach upon that <I>perfect</I> work, which
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was never perfectly repaired till Christ arose from the dead, and the
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<I>heavens and the earth were</I> again <I>finished,</I> and the
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disordered <I>hosts of them</I> modelled anew, and the day on which
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this was done was justly <I>blessed and sanctified,</I> and the seventh
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day from that. He who on that day arose from the dead, is the same by
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whom, and for whom, all things were at first created, and now anew
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created.</P>
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<P>
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(4.) He arose <I>as it began to dawn</I> toward that day; as soon as it
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could be said that the <I>third day</I> was come, the time prefixed for
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his resurrection, he <I>arose;</I> after his withdrawings from his
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people, he returns with all convenient <I>speed,</I> and <I>cuts the
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work</I> as <I>short in righteousness</I> as may be. He had said to his
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disciples, that though within a little while they <I>should not see
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him,</I> yet again <I>a little while,</I> and they <I>should see
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him,</I> and accordingly he made it as little a while as possible,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+54:7,8">Isa. liv. 7, 8</A>.
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Christ arose <I>when the day began</I> to <I>dawn,</I> because then the
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day-spring from on high did again visit us,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:78">Luke i. 78</A>.
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His passion began in the night; when he hung on the cross the sun was
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darkened; he was laid in the grave in the dusk of the evening; but he
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arose from the grave when the sun was near rising, for he is the
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<I>bright and morning Star</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+22:16">Rev. xxii. 16</A>),
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the <I>true Light.</I> Those who address themselves early in the
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morning to the religious services of the Christian sabbath, that they
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may take the day before them, therein follow this example of Christ,
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and that of David, <I>Early will I seek thee.</I></P>
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<P>
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2. Who they were, that came to the sepulchre; <I>Mary Magdalene and the
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other Mary,</I> the same that attended the funeral, and <I>sat over
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against the sepulchre,</I> as before they <I>sat over against the
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cross;</I> still they studied to express their love to Christ; still
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they were inquiring after him. Then shall we <I>know,</I> if we thus
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<I>follow on to know.</I> No mention is made of the Virgin Mary being
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with them; it is probable that the <I>beloved disciple,</I> who had
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taken her to his own home, hindered her from <I>going to the grave to
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weep there.</I> Their attendance on Christ not only <I>to</I> the
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grave, but <I>in</I> the grave, represents his like care for those that
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are his, when they have <I>made their bed in the darkness.</I> As
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Christ in the grave was beloved of the <I>saints,</I> so the saints in
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the grave are beloved of Christ; for death and the grave cannot slacken
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that bond of love which is between them.</P>
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<P>
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3. What they <I>came to do:</I> the other evangelists say that they
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came to anoint the body; Matthew saith that they came to <I>see the
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sepulchre,</I> whether it was as they left it; hearing perhaps, but not
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being sure, that the chief priests had set a guard upon it. They went,
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to show their good-will in another visit to the dear remains of their
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beloved Master, and perhaps not without some thoughts of his
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resurrection, for they could not have quite forgotten all he had said
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of it. Note, Visits to the grave are of great use to Christians, and
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will help to make it familiar to them, and to take off the terror of
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it, especially visits to the grave of our Lord Jesus, where we may see
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sin buried out of sight, the pattern of our sanctification, and the
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great proof of redeeming love shining illustriously even in that
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<I>land of darkness.</I></P>
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<P>
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II. The appearance of an angel of the Lord to them,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:2-4"><I>v.</I> 2-4</A>.
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We have here an account of the manner of the resurrection of Christ, as
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far as it was fit that we should know.</P>
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<P>
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1. There was a <I>great earthquake.</I> When he died, the earth that
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<I>received him,</I> shook for fear; now that he arose, the earth that
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<I>resigned him,</I> leaped for joy in his exaltation. This earthquake
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did as it were <I>loose</I> the bond of death, and <I>shake off</I> the
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fetters of the grave, and introduce the <I>Desire of all nations,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Hag+2:6,7">Hag. ii. 6, 7</A>.
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It was the <I>signal</I> of Christ's victory; notice was hereby given
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of it, that, when the <I>heavens rejoiced,</I> the <I>earth</I> also
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might be <I>glad.</I> It was a <I>specimen</I> of the <I>shake</I> that
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will be given to the earth at the general resurrection, when mountains
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and islands shall be removed, that the earth may no longer <I>cover her
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slain.</I> There was a <I>noise and a shaking</I> in the valley, when
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the <I>bones were to come together, bone to his bone,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+37:7">Ezek. xxxvii. 7</A>.
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The kingdom of Christ, which was now to be set up, made the earth to
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quake, and <I>terribly shook it.</I> Those who are sanctified, and
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thereby raised to a spiritual life, while it is in the doing find an
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earthquake in their own bosoms, as Paul, who <I>trembled</I> and was
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<I>astonished.</I></P>
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<P>
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2. The <I>angel of the Lord descended from heaven.</I> The angels
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frequently attended our Lord Jesus, at his birth, in his temptation, in
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his agony; but upon the cross we find no angel attending him: when his
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Father <I>forsook him,</I> the angels withdrew from him; but now that
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he is resuming the glory he had before the foundation of the world,
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now, behold, the <I>angels of God worship him.</I></P>
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<P>
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3. He came, and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
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Our Lord Jesus could have <I>rolled back the stone</I> himself by his
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own power, but he chose to have it done by an angel, to signify that
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having undertaken to make satisfaction for our sin, imputed to him, and
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being under arrest pursuant to that imputation, he did not <I>break
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prison,</I> but had a fair and <I>legal discharge,</I> obtained from
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heaven; he did not break prison, but an officer was sent on purpose to
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<I>roll away the stone,</I> and so to open the prison door, which would
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never have been done, if he had not made a <I>full satisfaction.</I>
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But being delivered for our offences, to complete the deliverance, he
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was <I>raised again for our justification;</I> he died to pay our debt,
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and rose again to take out our acquittance. The <I>stone</I> of our
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sins was <I>rolled</I> to the door of the grave of our Lord Jesus (and
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we find the rolling of a great stone to signify the <I>contracting of
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guilt,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+14:33">1 Sam. xiv. 33</A>);
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but to demonstrate that divine justice was satisfied, an angel was
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commissioned to roll back the stone; not that the angel <I>raised him
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from the dead,</I> any more than those that <I>took away the stone</I>
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from Lazarus's grave raised him, but thus he intimated the consent of
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Heaven to his release, and the joy of Heaven in it. The enemies of
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Christ had sealed the stone, resolving, like Babylon, not to <I>open
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the house of his prisoners; shall the prey be taken from the
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mighty?</I> For this was <I>their hour;</I> but all the powers of death
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|
and darkness are under the control of the God of light and life. An
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angel from heaven has power to <I>break the seal,</I> though it were
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|
the <I>great seal of Israel,</I> and is able to <I>roll away the
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stone,</I> though ever so great. Thus the <I>captives of the mighty are
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taken away.</I> The angel's <I>sitting</I> upon the <I>stone,</I> when
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he had <I>rolled it away,</I> is very observable, and bespeaks a secure
|
|
triumph over all the obstructions of Christ's resurrection. There he
|
|
sat, defying all the powers of hell to roll the stone to the grave
|
|
again. Christ erects his seat of rest and seat of judgment upon the
|
|
opposition of his enemies; <I>the Lord sitteth upon the floods.</I> The
|
|
angel sat as a guard to the grave, having frightened away the enemies'
|
|
<I>black</I> guard; he sat, expecting the women, and ready to give them
|
|
an account of his resurrection.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. That his <I>countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as
|
|
snow,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
This was a visible representation, by that which we call
|
|
<I>splendid</I> and <I>illustrious,</I> of the <I>glories</I> of the
|
|
invisible world, which know no <I>difference of colours.</I> His look
|
|
upon the keepers was like <I>flashes of lightning; he cast forth
|
|
lightning, and scattered them,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+144:6">Ps. cxliv. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
The <I>whiteness</I> of his raiment was an emblem not only of purity,
|
|
but of joy and triumph. When Christ died, the court of heaven <I>went
|
|
into keep mourning,</I> signified by the <I>darkening of the sun;</I>
|
|
but when he arose, they again put on the <I>garments of praise.</I> The
|
|
glory of this angel represented the glory of Christ, to which he was
|
|
now risen, for it is the same description that was given of him in his
|
|
transfiguration
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+17:2"><I>ch.</I> xvii. 2</A>);
|
|
|
|
but when he conversed with his disciples after his resurrection, he
|
|
drew a veil over it, and it bespoke the glory of the saints in their
|
|
resurrection, when they shall be <I>as the angels of God in
|
|
heaven.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
5. That <I>for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead
|
|
men,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
They were <I>soldiers,</I> that thought themselves hardened against
|
|
fear, yet the very sight of an angel struck them with terror. Thus
|
|
<I>when</I> the Son of <I>God arose to judgment, the stout-hearted were
|
|
spoiled,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+76:5,9">Ps. lxxvi. 5, 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, The resurrection of Christ, as it is the joy of his friends, so
|
|
it is the terror and confusion of his enemies. <I>They did shake;</I>
|
|
the word <B><I>eseisthesan</I></B> is the same with that which was used
|
|
for the earthquake,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>,
|
|
|
|
<B><I>seismos</I></B>. When the <I>earth</I> shook, these <I>children
|
|
of the earth,</I> that had their portion in it, <I>shook too;</I>
|
|
whereas, those that have their happiness in things above, <I>though the
|
|
earth be removed, yet are without fear.</I> The keepers became <I>as
|
|
dead men,</I> when he whom they kept guard upon became alive, and they
|
|
whom they kept guard against revived with him. It struck a terror upon
|
|
them, to see themselves baffled in that which was their business here.
|
|
They were posted here, to <I>keep a dead man in his grave</I>--as easy
|
|
a piece of service surely as was ever assigned them, and yet it proves
|
|
too hard for them. They were told that they must expect to be assaulted
|
|
by a company of feeble faint-hearted disciples, who for fear of them
|
|
would soon <I>shake</I> and become as <I>dead men,</I> but are amazed
|
|
when they find themselves attacked by a <I>mighty angel,</I> whom they
|
|
dare not look in the face. Thus doth God <I>frustrate</I> his enemies
|
|
by <I>frightening them,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+9:20">Ps. ix. 20</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. The message which this angel delivered to the women,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:5-7"><I>v.</I> 5-7</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. He <I>encourages them against their fears,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
To come near to graves and tombs, especially in silence and solitude,
|
|
has something in it <I>frightful,</I> much more was it so to those
|
|
women, to find an angel at the sepulchre; but he soon makes them easy
|
|
with the word, <I>Fear not ye.</I> The keepers shook, and became as
|
|
dead men, but, <I>Fear not ye.</I> Let the sinners in Zion be afraid,
|
|
for there is cause for it; but, <I>Fear not, Abraham,</I> nor any of
|
|
the faithful seed of Abraham; why should the daughters of Sarah, that
|
|
<I>do well,</I> be afraid <I>with any amazement?</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+3:6">1 Pet. iii. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
"<I>Fear not ye.</I> Let not the news I have to tell you, be any
|
|
surprise to you, for you were told before that your Master would rise;
|
|
let it be no terror to you, for his resurrection will be your
|
|
consolation; fear not any hurt, that I will do you, nor nay evil
|
|
tidings I have to tell you. <I>Fear not ye, for I know that ye seek
|
|
Jesus.</I> I know you are friends to the cause. I do not come to
|
|
frighten you, but to encourage you." Note, Those that <I>seek
|
|
Jesus,</I> have no reason to be <I>afraid;</I> for, if they seek him
|
|
diligently they shall <I>find him,</I> and shall find him their
|
|
<I>bountiful Rewarder.</I> All our believing enquiries after the Lord
|
|
Jesus are observed, and taken notice of, in heaven; <I>I know that ye
|
|
seek Jesus;</I> and shall certainly be answered, as these were,<I> with
|
|
good words, and comfortable words. Ye seek Jesus that was
|
|
crucified.</I> He mentions his being crucified, the more to commend
|
|
their love to him; "You seek him still, though <I>he was crucified;</I>
|
|
you retain your kindness for him notwithstanding." Note, True believers
|
|
love and seek Christ, not only <I>though</I> he was crucified, but
|
|
<I>because</I> he was so.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. He <I>assures them of the resurrection of Christ;</I> and there was
|
|
enough in that to silence their fears
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>);
|
|
|
|
He <I>is not here, for he is risen.</I> To be told <I>He is not
|
|
here,</I> would have been no welcome news to those who sought him, if
|
|
it had not been added, <I>He is risen.</I> Note, It is matter of
|
|
comfort to those who seek Christ, and miss of finding him where they
|
|
expected, that <I>he is risen:</I> if we find him not in sensible
|
|
comfort, yet <I>he is risen.</I> We must not hearken to those who say,
|
|
<I>Lo, here is Christ, or, Lo, he is there,</I> for he is not
|
|
<I>here,</I> he is not <I>there,</I> he is <I>risen.</I> In all our
|
|
enquiries after Christ, we must remember that he is <I>risen;</I> and
|
|
we must seek him as one <I>risen.</I>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Not with any <I>gross carnal</I> thoughts of him. There were those
|
|
that <I>knew Christ after the flesh;</I> but now henceforth know we him
|
|
so no more,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:16">2 Cor. v. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is true, he had a body; but it is now a <I>glorified body.</I> They
|
|
that make pictures and images of Christ, forget that <I>he is not here,
|
|
he is risen;</I> our communion with him must be spiritual, by faith in
|
|
his word,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+10:6-9">Rom. x. 6-9</A>.
|
|
|
|
(2.) We must seek him with great <I>reverence</I> and <I>humility,</I>
|
|
and an awful regard to his glory, for <I>he is risen.</I> God has
|
|
<I>highly exalted him,</I> and <I>given him a name above every
|
|
name,</I> and therefore every knee and every soul must <I>bow before
|
|
him.</I>
|
|
|
|
(3.) We must seek him with a <I>heavenly mind;</I> when we are ready to
|
|
make this world our home, and to say, <I>It is good to be here,</I> let
|
|
us remember our Lord Jesus <I>is not here, he is risen,</I> and
|
|
therefore let not our <I>hearts</I> be <I>here,</I> but let them
|
|
<I>rise too,</I> and <I>seek the things that are above,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+3:1-3,Php+3:20">Col. iii. 1-3; Phil. iii. 20</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Two things the angel refers these women to, for the confirmation of
|
|
their faith, touching Christ's resurrection.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] To his <I>word</I> now <I>fulfilled,</I> which they might
|
|
<I>remember; He is risen, as he said.</I> This he vouches as the proper
|
|
object of faith; "He said that he <I>would rise,</I> and you know that
|
|
he is the <I>Truth</I> itself, and therefore have reason to expect that
|
|
he <I>should rise;</I> why should you be backward to <I>believe</I>
|
|
that which he told you would be?" Let us never think that strange, of
|
|
which the word of Christ has raised our expectations, whether the
|
|
<I>sufferings of this present time,</I> or the <I>glory</I> that is
|
|
<I>to be revealed.</I> If we remember what Christ hath said <I>to
|
|
us,</I> we shall be the less surprised at what he does <I>with us.</I>
|
|
This angel, when he said. <I>He is not here, he is risen,</I> makes it
|
|
to appear that he preaches no other gospel than what they had already
|
|
received, for he refers himself to the word of Christ as sufficient to
|
|
bear him out; <I>He is risen, as he said.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] To his <I>grave</I> now <I>empty,</I> which they might <I>look
|
|
into; "Come, see the place where the Lord lay.</I> Compare what you
|
|
have <I>heard,</I> with what you <I>see,</I> and, putting both
|
|
together, you will <I>believe.</I> You see that <I>he is not here,</I>
|
|
and, remembering what he said, you may be satisfied that <I>he is
|
|
risen;</I> come, <I>see the place,</I> and you will see that he is not
|
|
there, you will see that he could not be stolen thence, and therefore
|
|
must conclude that he is risen." Note, It may be of use to affect us,
|
|
and may have a good influence upon us, to come, and with an eye of
|
|
faith <I>see the place where the Lord lay.</I> See the marks he has
|
|
there left of his love in condescending so low for us; see how
|
|
<I>easy</I> he has made that <I>bed,</I> and how <I>lightsome,</I> for
|
|
us, by lying in it himself; when we look into the grave, where we
|
|
expect we must lie, to take off the terror of it, let us look into the
|
|
grave where the Lord lay; the place where <I>our Lord</I> lay, so the
|
|
Syriac. The angels own him for <I>their</I> Lord, as well as <I>we;</I>
|
|
for the <I>whole family,</I> both in heaven and earth, is <I>named from
|
|
him.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. He <I>directs them</I> to go <I>carry the tidings</I> of it to his
|
|
disciples
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>);
|
|
|
|
Go <I>quickly, and tell his disciples.</I> It is probable that they
|
|
were for entertaining themselves with the sight of the sepulchre and
|
|
discourse with the angels. It was good to be here, but they have other
|
|
work appointed them; <I>this is a day of good tidings,</I> and though
|
|
they have the <I>premier seisin</I> of the comfort, the <I>first
|
|
taste</I> of it, yet they must not have the <I>monopoly</I> of it, must
|
|
not hold their peace, any more than those lepers,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ki+7:9">2 Kings vii. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
They must go <I>tell the disciples.</I> Note, Public usefulness to
|
|
others must be preferred before the pleasure of secret communion with
|
|
God ourselves; for <I>it is more blessed to give than to receive.</I>
|
|
Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The <I>disciples</I> of Christ must first be <I>told the news;</I>
|
|
not, Go, tell the <I>chief priests</I> and the <I>Pharisees,</I> that
|
|
they may be <I>confounded;</I> but, Tell the disciples, that they may
|
|
be <I>comforted.</I> God anticipates the joy of his friends more than
|
|
the <I>shame</I> of his enemies, though the perfection of both is
|
|
reserved for hereafter. <I>Tell his disciples;</I> it may be they will
|
|
believe your report, however tell them,
|
|
|
|
[1.] That they may encourage themselves under their present sorrows and
|
|
dispersions. It was a dismal time with them, between grief and fear;
|
|
what a cordial would this be to them now, to hear, <I>their Master is
|
|
risen!</I>
|
|
|
|
[2.] That they may enquire further into it themselves. This alarm was
|
|
sent them, to awaken them from that strange stupidity which had seized
|
|
them, and to raise their expectations. This was to set them on seeking
|
|
him, and to prepare them for his appearance to them. General hints
|
|
excite to closer searches. They shall now hear of him, but shall very
|
|
shortly see him. Christ discovers himself <I>gradually.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The <I>women</I> are sent to tell it to them, and so are made, as
|
|
it were, the <I>apostles of the apostles.</I> This was an honour put
|
|
upon them, and a recompence for their constant affectionate adherence
|
|
to him, at the cross, and in the grave, and a rebuke to the disciples
|
|
who forsook him. Still God chooses the weak things of the world, to
|
|
confound the mighty, and puts the treasure, not only into
|
|
<I>earthen</I> vessels, but here into the <I>weaker</I> vessels; as
|
|
<I>the woman, being deceived</I> by the suggestions of an evil angel,
|
|
<I>was first in the transgression</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+2:14">1 Tim. ii. 14</A>),
|
|
|
|
so these women, being duly informed by the instructions of a good
|
|
angel, were first in the belief of the redemption from transgression by
|
|
Christ's resurrection, that that reproach of their sex might be rolled
|
|
away, by putting this in the balance against it, which is their
|
|
perpetual praise.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) They were bid to <I>go quickly</I> upon this errand. Why, what
|
|
haste was there? Would not the news keep cold, and be welcome to them
|
|
at any time? Yes, but they were now overwhelmed with grief, and Christ
|
|
would have this cordial hastened to them; when Daniel was humbling
|
|
himself before God for sin, the angel Gabriel was caused to fly
|
|
<I>swiftly</I> with a message of comfort,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Da+9:21">Dan. ix. 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
We must always be ready and forward;
|
|
|
|
[1.] To obey the commands of God,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+119:60">Ps. cxix. 60</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] To do good to our brethren, and to carry comfort to them, as those
|
|
that felt from their afflictions; <I>Say not, Go, and come again, and
|
|
to-morrow I will give;</I> but now quickly.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(4.) They were directed to appoint the disciples to <I>meet him in
|
|
Galilee.</I> There were other appearances of Christ to them before that
|
|
in <I>Galilee,</I> which were sudden and surprising; but he would have
|
|
one to be solemn and public, and gave them notice of it before. Now
|
|
this general rendezvous was appointed in Galilee, eighty or a hundred
|
|
miles from Jerusalem;
|
|
|
|
[1.] <I>In kindness</I> to those of his disciples that remained in
|
|
Galilee, and <I>did not</I> (perhaps they <I>could not</I>) come up to
|
|
Jerusalem; into that country therefore he would go, to manifest himself
|
|
to his friends there. <I>I know thy works, and where thou dwellest.</I>
|
|
Christ knows where his disciples dwell, and will visit there. Note, The
|
|
exaltation of Christ doth not make him forget the meaner and poorer
|
|
sort of his disciples, but even to them that are at a distance from the
|
|
plenty of the means of grave he will graciously <I>manifest
|
|
himself.</I>
|
|
|
|
[2.] In consideration of the weakness of his disciples that were now at
|
|
Jerusalem, who as yet were <I>afraid of the Jews,</I> and durst not
|
|
appear publicly, and therefore this meeting was adjourned to Galilee.
|
|
Christ knows our fears, and considers our frame, and made his
|
|
appointment where there was least danger of disturbance.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Lastly,</I> The angel solemnly affirms upon his word the truth of
|
|
what he had related to them; "<I>Lo, I have told you,</I> you may be
|
|
assured of it, and depend upon it; <I>I</I> have told you, who dare not
|
|
tell a lie." <I>The word spoken by angels was stedfast,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+2:2">Heb. ii. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
God had been wont formerly to make known his mind to his people by the
|
|
ministration of angels, as at the giving of the law; but as he intended
|
|
in gospel times to lay aside that way of communication (for <I>unto the
|
|
angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come,</I> nor
|
|
appointed them to be the preachers of the gospel), this angel was
|
|
<I>now</I> sent to certify the resurrection of Christ to the disciples,
|
|
and so leave it in their hands to be published to the world,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+4:7">2 Cor. iv. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
In saying, <I>Lo, I have told you,</I> he doth, as it were, discharge
|
|
himself from the blame of their unbelief, if they should not receive
|
|
this record, and throw it upon them; "<I>I have done my errand,</I> I
|
|
have faithfully delivered my message, now look you to it, believe it at
|
|
your peril; whether you will hear or whether you will forbear, <I>I
|
|
have told you.</I>" Note, Those messengers from God, that discharge
|
|
their trust faithfully, may take the comfort of that, whatever the
|
|
success be,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+20:26,27">Acts xx. 26, 27</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. The women's <I>departure</I> from the <I>sepulchre,</I> to bring
|
|
notice to the disciples,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
And observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. What frame and temper of spirit they were in; They <I>departed with
|
|
fear and great joy;</I> a strange mixture, fear and joy at the same
|
|
time, in the same soul. To hear that Christ was risen, was matter of
|
|
joy; but to be led into his grave, and to see an angel, and talk with
|
|
him about it, could not but cause fear. It was good news, but they were
|
|
<I>afraid</I> that it was too <I>good</I> to be true. But observe, it
|
|
is said of their <I>joy,</I> I was <I>great</I> joy; it is not said so
|
|
of their fear. Note,
|
|
|
|
(1.) Holy fear has joy attending it. They that serve the Lord with
|
|
<I>reverence,</I> serve him with <I>gladness.</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Spiritual joy is mixed with trembling,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+2:11">Ps. ii. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is only perfect love and joy that will cast out all fear.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. What haste they made; <I>They did run.</I> The fear and joy together
|
|
quickened their pace, and added wings to their motion; the angel bid
|
|
them <I>go quickly,</I> and they <I>ran.</I> Those that are sent on
|
|
God's errand must not loiter, or lose time; where the <I>heart</I> is
|
|
<I>enlarged</I> with the glad tidings of the gospel, the feet will
|
|
<I>run the way of God's commandments.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. What errand they went upon; They ran, to <I>bring his disciples
|
|
word.</I> Not doubting but it would be joyful news to them, they ran,
|
|
to comfort them with the same comforts wherewith they themselves were
|
|
comforted of God. Note, The disciples of Christ should be forward to
|
|
communicate to each other their experiences of sweet communion with
|
|
heaven; should tell others what God has <I>done for their souls,</I>
|
|
and spoken to them. Joy in Christ Jesus, like the ointment of the right
|
|
hand, will betray itself, and fill all places within the lines of its
|
|
communication with its odours. When Samson found honey, he brought it
|
|
to his parents.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. Christ's appearing to the women, to confirm the testimony of the
|
|
angel,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:9,10"><I>v.</I> 9, 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
These zealous good women not only heard the first tidings of him, but
|
|
had the first sight of him, after his resurrection. The angel directed
|
|
those that would see him, to go to Galilee, but before that time came,
|
|
even <I>here also,</I> they <I>looked after him</I> that lives, and
|
|
sees them. Note, Jesus Christ is often better than his word, but never
|
|
worse; often anticipates, but never frustrates, the believing
|
|
expectations of his people.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Here is,
|
|
|
|
1. Christ's surprising appearance to the women; <I>As they went to tell
|
|
his disciples, behold, Jesus met them.</I> Note, God's gracious visits
|
|
usually meet us in the way of duty, and to those who use what they have
|
|
for others' benefit, more shall be given. This interview with Christ
|
|
was unexpected, <I>or ever they were aware,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=So+6:12">Cant. vi. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, Christ is nearer to his people than they imagine. They needed not
|
|
<I>descend into the deep,</I> to fetch Christ thence; he <I>was not
|
|
there, he was risen;</I> nor <I>go up to heaven,</I> for he <I>was not
|
|
yet ascended:</I> but Christ was <I>high them,</I> and still in <I>the
|
|
word is nigh us.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The salutation wherewith he accosted them; <I>All
|
|
hail</I>--<B><I>chairete</I></B>. We use the old <I>English form of
|
|
salutation,</I> wishing <I>all health</I> to those we meet; for so
|
|
<I>All hail</I> signifies, and is expressive of the Greek form of
|
|
salutation here used, answering to that of the Hebrew, <I>Peace be unto
|
|
you.</I> And it bespeaks,
|
|
|
|
(1.) The good-will of Christ to us and our happiness, even since he
|
|
entered upon his state of exaltation. Though he is advanced, he wishes
|
|
us as well as ever, and is as much concerned for our comfort.
|
|
|
|
(2.) The freedom and holy familiarity which he used in his fellowship
|
|
with his disciples; for he called them <I>friends.</I> But the Greek
|
|
word signifies, <I>Rejoice ye.</I> They were affected both with
|
|
<I>fear</I> and <I>joy;</I> what he said to them tended to encourage
|
|
their joy
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>Rejoice ye,</I> and to silence their fear
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>Be not afraid.</I> Note, It is the will of Christ that his people
|
|
should be a cheerful joyful people, and his resurrection furnishes them
|
|
with abundant matter for joy.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. The affectionate respect they paid him; <I>They came, and held him
|
|
by the feet, and worshipped him.</I> Thus they expressed,
|
|
|
|
(1.) The <I>reverence</I> and <I>honour</I> they had <I>for</I> him;
|
|
they threw themselves at his feet, put themselves into a posture of
|
|
adoration, and <I>worshipped him</I> with humility and godly fear, as
|
|
the Son of God, and now exalted.
|
|
|
|
(2.) The <I>love</I> and <I>affection</I> they had <I>to</I> him; they
|
|
<I>held him, and would not let him go,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=So+3:4">Cant. iii. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
How <I>beautiful</I> were the <I>feet of the Lord Jesus</I> to them!
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+52:7">Isa. lii. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
(3.) The <I>transport of joy</I> they were in, now that they had this
|
|
further assurance of his resurrection; they welcomed it with both arms.
|
|
Thus we must embrace Jesus Christ offered us in the gospel, with
|
|
<I>reverence</I> cast ourselves at his feet, by faith <I>take hold</I>
|
|
of him, and with love and joy lay him near our hearts.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. The encouraging words Christ said to them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
We do not find that they said any thing to him, their affectionate
|
|
embraces and adorations spoke plainly enough; and what he said to them
|
|
was no more than what the angel had said
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:5,6"><I>v.</I> 5, 7</A>);
|
|
|
|
for he will <I>confirm the word of his messengers</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+44:26">Isa. xliv. 26</A>);
|
|
|
|
and his way of <I>comforting</I> his people, is, by his Spirit to speak
|
|
over again to their hearts the same that they had heard before from
|
|
<I>his angels,</I> the ministers. Now observe here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) How he rebukes their fear; <I>Be not afraid.</I> They must not
|
|
fear being imposed upon by these repeated notices of his resurrection,
|
|
nor fear any hurt from the appearance of one from the dead; for the
|
|
news, though strange, was both <I>true</I> and <I>good.</I> Note,
|
|
Christ arose from the dead, to silence his people's fears, and there is
|
|
enough in that to silence them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) How he repeats their message; "<I>Go, tell my brethren,</I> that
|
|
they must prepare for a journey into Galilee, and there <I>they shall
|
|
see me.</I>" If there be any communion between our souls and Christ, it
|
|
is he that <I>appoints the meeting,</I> and he will observe the
|
|
appointment. Jerusalem had forfeited the honour of Christ's presence,
|
|
it was a <I>tumultuous</I> city, therefore he adjourns the meeting to
|
|
Galilee. <I>Come, my beloved, let us go forth,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=So+7:11">Cant. vii. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
But that which is especially observable here, is, that he calls his
|
|
disciples <I>his brethren.</I> Go, tell <I>my brethren,</I> not only
|
|
those of them that were akin to him, but all the rest, for they are all
|
|
his brethren
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+12:50"><I>ch.</I> xii. 50</A>),
|
|
|
|
but he never called them so till after his resurrection, here and
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+20:17">John xx. 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
Being by the resurrection himself declared to be the <I>Son of God with
|
|
power,</I> all the children of God were thereby declared to be <I>his
|
|
brethren.</I> Being the <I>First-begotten from the dead,</I> he is
|
|
become the <I>First-born among many brethren,</I> even of all that are
|
|
planted together in the likeness of his resurrection. Christ did not
|
|
now converse so constantly and familiarly with his disciples as he had
|
|
done before his death; but, lest they should think him grown strange to
|
|
them, he gives them this endearing title, <I>Go to my brethren,</I>
|
|
that the scripture might be fulfilled, which, speaking of his entrance
|
|
upon his exalted state, saith, <I>I will declare thy name unto my
|
|
brethren.</I> They had shamefully <I>deserted</I> him in his
|
|
sufferings; but, to show that he could forgive and forget, and to teach
|
|
us to do so, he not only continues his purpose to <I>meet</I> them, but
|
|
calls them <I>brethren.</I> Being all <I>his brethren,</I> they were
|
|
<I>brethren</I> one to another, and must love as brethren. His owning
|
|
them for his brethren put a great honour upon them, but withal gave
|
|
them an example of humility in the midst of that honour.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mt28_11"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt28_12"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt28_13"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt28_14"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt28_15"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Resurrection.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came
|
|
into the city, and showed unto the chief priests all the things
|
|
that were done.
|
|
12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken
|
|
counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
|
|
13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him
|
|
<I>away</I> while we slept.
|
|
14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade
|
|
him, and secure you.
|
|
15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and
|
|
this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
For the further proof of the resurrection of Christ, we have here the
|
|
confession of the adversaries that were upon the guard; and there are
|
|
two things which strengthen this testimony--that they were
|
|
<I>eye-witnesses,</I> and did themselves see the glory of the
|
|
resurrection, which none else did--and that they were <I>enemies,</I>
|
|
set there to oppose and obstruct his resurrection. Now observe
|
|
here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. How this testimony was <I>given in</I> to the chief priests
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>when</I> the women <I>were going</I> to bring that news to the
|
|
disciples, which would <I>fill their hearts with joy,</I> the soldiers
|
|
went to bring the same news to the chief priests, which would <I>fill
|
|
their faces with shame. Some of the watch,</I> probably those of them
|
|
that commanded in chief, <I>came into the city,</I> and brought to
|
|
those who employed them, the report of their disappointment. <I>They
|
|
showed to the chief priests all the things that were done;</I> told
|
|
them of the earthquake, the descent of the angel, the rolling of the
|
|
stone away, and the coming of the body of Jesus alive out of the grave.
|
|
Thus the <I>sign</I> of the prophet Jonas was brought to the chief
|
|
priests with the most clear and incontestable evidence that could be;
|
|
and so the utmost means of conviction were afforded them; we may well
|
|
imagine what a mortification it was to them, and that, like the enemies
|
|
of the Jews, they were <I>much cast down in their own eyes,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ne+6:16">Neh. vi. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
It might justly have been expected that they should now have believed
|
|
in Christ, and repented their putting him to death; but they were
|
|
obstinate in their infidelity, and therefore sealed up under it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. How it was baffled and stifled by them. They called an assembly,
|
|
and considered what was to be done. For their own parts, they were
|
|
resolved not to believe that Jesus was risen; but their care was, to
|
|
keep others from believing, and themselves from being quite ashamed
|
|
from their disbelief of it. They had put him to death, and there was no
|
|
way of standing to what they had done, but by confronting the evidence
|
|
of his resurrection. Thus they who have sold themselves to work
|
|
wickedness, find that one sin draws on another, and that they have
|
|
plunged themselves into a wretched necessity of <I>adding iniquity to
|
|
iniquity,</I> which is part of the curse of Christ's persecutors,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+69:27">Ps. lxix. 27</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
The result of their debate was, that those soldiers must by all means
|
|
be bribed off, and hired not to tell tales.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. They <I>put money into their hands;</I> and what wickedness is it
|
|
which men will not be brought to by the love of money? They <I>gave
|
|
large money,</I> probably a great deal more than they gave to Judas,
|
|
unto <I>the soldiers.</I> These chief priests loved their money as well
|
|
as most people did, and were as loth to part with it; and yet, to carry
|
|
on a malicious design against the gospel of Christ, they were very
|
|
prodigal of it; they gave the soldiers, it is likely, as much as they
|
|
asked, and they knew how to improve their advantages. Here was <I>large
|
|
money</I> given for the advancing of that which they knew to be a lie,
|
|
yet many grudge a little money for the advancement of that which they
|
|
know to be the truth, though they have a promise of being reimbursed in
|
|
the resurrection of the just. Let us never starve a good cause, when we
|
|
see a bad one so liberally supported.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. They <I>put a lie into their mouths</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we
|
|
slept;</I> a sorry shift is better than none, but this is a sorry one
|
|
indeed.
|
|
|
|
(1.) The sham was <I>ridiculous,</I> and carried along with it its own
|
|
confutation. If <I>they slept,</I> how could they know any thing of the
|
|
matter, or say who came? If <I>any one</I> of them was awake to
|
|
<I>observe it,</I> no doubt, he would awake them all to <I>oppose
|
|
it;</I> for that was the only thing they had in charge. It was
|
|
altogether improbable that a company of poor, weak, cowardly,
|
|
dispirited men should expose themselves for so inconsiderable an
|
|
achievement as the rescue of the dead body. Why were not the houses
|
|
where they lodged diligently searched, and other means used to discover
|
|
the dead body; but this was so thin a lie as one might easily see
|
|
through. But had it been ever so plausible,
|
|
|
|
(2.) It was a wicked thing for these priests and elders to hire those
|
|
soldiers to tell a deliberate lie (if it had been in a matter of ever
|
|
so small importance), against their consciences. Those know not what
|
|
they do, who draw others to commit one wilful sin; for that may debauch
|
|
conscience, and be an inlet to many. But,
|
|
|
|
(3.) Considering this as intended to overthrow the great doctrine of
|
|
Christ's resurrection, this was a sin against the last remedy, and was,
|
|
in effect, a blasphemy <I>against the Holy Ghost,</I> imputing
|
|
<I>that</I> to the roguery of the disciples, which was done by <I>the
|
|
power of the Holy Ghost.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
But lest the soldiers should object the penalty they incurred by the
|
|
Roman law for <I>sleeping upon the guard,</I> which was very severe
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+12:19">Acts xii. 19</A>),
|
|
|
|
they promised to interpose with the governor; "<I>We will persuade him,
|
|
and secure you.</I> We will use our own interest in him, to get him not
|
|
to take notice of it;" and they had lately found how easily they could
|
|
manage him. If really these soldiers had slept, and so suffered the
|
|
disciples to steal him away, as they would have the world believe, the
|
|
priests and elders would certainly have been the forwardest to solicit
|
|
the governor to punish them for their treachery; so that <I>their</I>
|
|
care for the soldiers' safety plainly gives the lie to the story. They
|
|
undertook to <I>secure</I> them from the sword of Pilate's justice, but
|
|
could not secure them from the sword of God's justice, which hangs over
|
|
the head of those that love and make a lie. <I>They</I> promise more
|
|
than they can perform who undertake to save a man harmless in the
|
|
commission of a wilful sin.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Well, thus was the plot laid; now what success had it?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] Those that were <I>willing to deceive,</I> took the money, and did
|
|
as they were taught. They cared as little for Christ and his religion
|
|
as the chief priests and elders did; and men that have no religion at
|
|
all, can be very well pleased to see Christianity run down, and lend a
|
|
hand to it, if need be, to serve a turn. They <I>took the money;</I>
|
|
that was it they aimed at, and nothing else. Note, Money is a bait for
|
|
the blackest temptation; mercenary tongues will sell the truth for
|
|
it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
The great argument to prove Christ to be the Son of God, is, his
|
|
resurrection, and none could have more convincing proofs of the truth
|
|
of that than these soldiers had; they saw the angel descend from
|
|
heaven, saw the stone rolled away, saw the body of Christ come out of
|
|
the grave, unless the consternation they felt hindered them; and yet
|
|
they were so far from being convinced by it themselves, that they were
|
|
hired to belie him, and to hinder others from believing in him. Note,
|
|
The most sensible evidence will not convince men, without the
|
|
concurring operation of the Holy Spirit.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] Those that were willing to be deceived, not only credited, but
|
|
propagated, the story; This <I>saying is commonly reported among the
|
|
Jews until this day.</I> The sham took well enough, and answered the
|
|
end. The Jews, who persisted in their infidelity, when they were
|
|
pressed with the argument of Christ's resurrection, had this still
|
|
ready to reply, <I>His disciples came, and stole him away.</I> To this
|
|
purport was the solemn narrative, which (as Justin Martyr relates in
|
|
his dialogue with Typho the Jew) the great sanhedrim sent to all the
|
|
Jews of the dispersion concerning this affair, exciting them to a
|
|
vigorous resistance of Christianity--that, <I>when they had crucified,
|
|
and buried him, the disciples came by night, and stole him out of the
|
|
sepulchre,</I> designing thereby not only to overthrow the truth of
|
|
Christ's resurrection, but to render his disciples odious to the world,
|
|
as the greatest villains in nature. When once a lie is raised, none
|
|
knows how far it will spread, nor how long it will last, nor what
|
|
mischief it will do. Some give another sense of this passage, <I>This
|
|
saying is commonly reported,</I> that is, "Notwithstanding the artifice
|
|
of the chief priests, thus to impose upon the people, the collusion
|
|
that was between them and the soldiers, and the money that was given to
|
|
support the cheat, were commonly <I>reported</I> and whispered among
|
|
the Jews;" for one way or other <I>truth will out.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Mt28_16"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt28_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt28_18"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Mt28_19"> </A>
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<A NAME="Mt28_20"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Apostolic Commission.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a
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mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
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17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some
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doubted.
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18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is
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given unto me in heaven and in earth.
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19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in
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the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
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20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
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commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, <I>even</I> unto the end
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of the world. Amen.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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This evangelist passes over several other appearances of Christ,
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recorded by Luke and John, and hastens to this, which was of all other
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the most solemn, as being promised and appointed again and again before
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his death, and after his resurrection. Observe,</P>
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<P>
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I. How the disciples attended his appearance, according to the
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|
appointment
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>);
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<I>They went into Galilee,</I> a long journey to go for one sight of
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Christ, but it was worth while. They had seen him several times at
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Jerusalem, and yet they went into Galilee, to see him there.</P>
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<P>
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1. Because he appointed them to do so. Though it seemed a needless
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thing to go into Galilee, to see him whom they might see at Jerusalem,
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especially when they must so soon come back again to Jerusalem, before
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his ascension, yet they had learned to obey Christ's commands and not
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object against them. Note, Those who would maintain communion with
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Christ, must attend him there where he has appointed. Those who have
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met him in one ordinance, must attend him in another; those who have
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seen him at Jerusalem, must go to Galilee.</P>
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<P>
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2. Because that was to be a public and general meeting. They had seen
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him themselves, and conversed with him in private, but that should not
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excuse their attendance in a solemn assembly, where many were to be
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gathered together to see him. Note, Our communion with God in secret
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must not supersede our attendance on public worship, as we have
|
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opportunity; for <I>God loves the gates of Zion,</I> and so must we.
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The place was a <I>mountain in Galilee,</I> probably the same mountain
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on which he was transfigured. There they met, for privacy, and perhaps
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|
to signify the exalted state into which he was entered, and his
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advances toward the upper world.</P>
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<P>
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II. How they were affected with the appearance of Christ to them,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
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Now was the time that he was <I>seen of above five hundred brethren at
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once,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+15:6">1 Cor. xv. 6</A>.
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Some think that they saw him, at first, at some distance, above in the
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air, <B><I>ephthe epano</I></B>--<I>He was seen above, of five hundred
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brethren</I> (so they read it); which gave occasion to some to doubt,
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till he <I>came nearer</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>),
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|
|
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and then they were satisfied. We are told,</P>
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<P>
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1. That they <I>worshipped him;</I> many of them did so, nay, it should
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|
seem, they all did that, they gave divine honour to him, which was
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|
signified by some outward expressions of adoration. Note, All that see
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the Lord Jesus with an eye of faith are obliged to <I>worship
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|
him.</I></P>
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<P>
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2. But <I>some doubted,</I> some of those that were then present. Note,
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|
Even among those that <I>worship</I> there are some that <I>doubt.</I>
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|
The faith of those that are sincere, may yet be very weak and wavering.
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|
They <I>doubted,</I> <B><I>edistasan</I></B>--<I>they hung in
|
|
suspense,</I> as the scales of the balance, when it is hard to say
|
|
which preponderates. These doubts were afterward removed, and their
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|
faith grew up to a full assurance, and it tended much to the honour of
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|
Christ, that the disciples <I>doubted</I> before they <I>believed;</I>
|
|
so that they cannot be said to be credulous, and willing to be imposed
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|
upon; for they first <I>questioned,</I> and <I>proved all things,</I>
|
|
and then <I>held fast</I> that which was <I>true,</I> and which they
|
|
found to be so.</P>
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|
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<P>
|
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III. What Jesus Christ said to them
|
|
|
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:18-20"><I>v.</I> 18-20</A>);
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<I>Jesus came, and spoke unto them.</I> Though there were those that
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|
doubted, yet, he did not therefore reject them; for he will not
|
|
<I>break the bruised reed.</I> He did not stand at a distance, but
|
|
<I>came near,</I> and gave them such convincing proofs of his
|
|
resurrection, as turned the wavering scale, and made their faith to
|
|
triumph over their doubts. <I>He came, and spoke</I> familiarly <I>to
|
|
them,</I> as one friend speaks to another, that they might be fully
|
|
satisfied in the commission he was about to give them. He that <I>drew
|
|
near</I> to God, to speak for us to him, <I>draws near</I> to us, to
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|
speak from him to us. Christ now delivered to his apostles the great
|
|
charter of his kingdom in the world, was sending them out as his
|
|
ambassadors, and here gives them their credentials.</P>
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|
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|
<P>
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|
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|
In opening this great charter, we may observe two things.</P>
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|
<P>
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|
1. The commission which our Lord Jesus received himself from the
|
|
Father. Being about to <I>authorize</I> his apostles, if any ask by
|
|
what authority he doeth it, and who gave him that authority, here he
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|
tells us, <I>All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth;</I> a
|
|
very great word, and which none but he could say. Hereby he asserts his
|
|
universal dominion as Mediator, which is the great foundation of the
|
|
Christian religion. He has <I>all power.</I> Observe,
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|
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|
(1.) <I>Whence</I> he hath this power. He did not assume it, or usurp
|
|
it, but it was <I>given</I> him, he was legally entitled to it, and
|
|
invested in it, by a grant from him who is the Fountain of all being,
|
|
and consequently of all power. God <I>set him King</I>
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|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+2:6">Ps. ii. 6</A>),
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|
inaugurated and enthroned him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:32">Luke i. 32</A>.
|
|
|
|
As God, equal with the Father, all power was originally and essentially
|
|
<I>his;</I> but as Mediator, as God-man, <I>all power</I> was <I>given
|
|
him;</I> partly in <I>recompence</I> of his work (because he humbled
|
|
himself, therefore God thus <I>exalted him</I>), and partly in
|
|
<I>pursuance</I> of his design; he had this <I>power</I> given him
|
|
<I>over all flesh,</I> that he might <I>give eternal life to as many as
|
|
were given him</I>
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|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+17:2">John xvii. 2</A>),
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|
|
for the more effectual carrying on and completing our salvation. This
|
|
power he was now more signally invested in, upon his resurrection,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+13:3">Acts xiii. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
He had power before, <I>power to forgive sins</I>
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|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+9:6"><I>ch.</I> ix. 6</A>);
|
|
|
|
but now <I>all power</I> is given him. He is now going to <I>receive
|
|
for himself a kingdom</I>
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|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+19:12">Luke xix. 12</A>),
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|
|
to sit down <I>at the right hand,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+110:1">Ps. cx. 1</A>.
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|
|
Having purchased it, nothing remains but to take possession; it is
|
|
<I>his own</I> for ever.
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|
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|
(2.) <I>Where</I> he has this power; in <I>heaven and earth,</I>
|
|
comprehending the universe. Christ is the sole universal Monarch, he
|
|
is <I>Lord of all,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+10:36">Acts x. 36</A>.
|
|
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|
He has all <I>power in heaven.</I> He has power of dominion over the
|
|
angels, they are all his humble servants,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+1:20,21">Eph. i. 20, 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
He has power of intercession with his Father, in the virtue of his
|
|
satisfaction and atonement; he intercedes, not as a suppliant, but as a
|
|
demandant; <I>Father, I will.</I> He has <I>all power on earth</I> too;
|
|
having prevailed with God, by the sacrifice of atonement, he prevails
|
|
with men, and deals with them as one having authority, by the ministry
|
|
of reconciliation. He is indeed, in all causes and over all persons,
|
|
supreme Moderator and Governor. <I>By him kings reign.</I> All souls
|
|
are his, and to him <I>every</I> heart and <I>knee must bow,</I> and
|
|
<I>every tongue confess</I> him to be the <I>Lord.</I> This our Lord
|
|
Jesus tells them, not only to satisfy them of the authority he had to
|
|
commission them, and to bring them out in the execution of their
|
|
commission, but to take off the offence of the cross; they had no
|
|
reason to be ashamed of <I>Christ crucified,</I> when they saw him
|
|
<I>thus glorified.</I></P>
|
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|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The commission he gives to those whom he sent forth; <I>Go ye
|
|
therefore.</I> This commission is given,
|
|
|
|
(1.) To the <I>apostles</I> primarily, the chief ministers of state in
|
|
Christ's kingdom, the architects that laid the foundation of the
|
|
church. Now those that had followed Christ in the regeneration, were
|
|
<I>set on thrones</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+22:30">Luke xxii. 30</A>);
|
|
|
|
<I>Go ye.</I> It is not only a word of command, like that, <I>Son, go
|
|
work,</I> but a word of encouragement, <I>Go,</I> and <I>fear not, have
|
|
I not sent you?</I> Go, and make a business of this work. They must not
|
|
<I>take state,</I> and issue out summons to the nations to attend upon
|
|
them; but they must go, and bring the gospel to their doors, <I>Go
|
|
ye.</I> They had doted on Christ's <I>bodily presence,</I> and hung
|
|
upon <I>that,</I> and built all their joys and hopes upon <I>that;</I>
|
|
but now Christ discharges them from further attendance on his person,
|
|
and sends them abroad about other work. <I>As an eagle stirs up her
|
|
nest, flutters over her young,</I> to excite them to fly
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+32:11">Deut. xxxii. 11</A>),
|
|
|
|
so Christ stirs up his disciples, to disperse themselves over all the
|
|
world.
|
|
|
|
(2.) It is given to their successors, the ministers of the gospel,
|
|
whose business it is to transmit the gospel from age to age, to the end
|
|
of the world in time, as it was theirs to transmit it from nation to
|
|
nation, to the end of the world in place, and no less necessary. The
|
|
Old-Testament promise of a gospel ministry is made to a succession
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+59:21">Isa. lix. 21</A>);
|
|
|
|
and this must be so understood, otherwise how could Christ be with them
|
|
always to the <I>consummation of the world?</I> Christ, at his
|
|
ascension, gave not only apostles and prophets, but <I>pastors and
|
|
teachers,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:11">Eph. iv. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
Now observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] How far his commission is extended; to <I>all nations.</I> Go, and
|
|
disciples <I>all nations.</I> Not that they must go all together into
|
|
every place, but by consent disperse themselves in such manner as might
|
|
best <I>diffuse</I> the light of the gospel. Now this plainly signifies
|
|
it to be the will of Christ, <I>First,</I> That the covenant of
|
|
peculiarity, made with the Jews, should now be cancelled and
|
|
disannulled. This word broke down the middle wall of partition, which
|
|
had so long excluded the Gentiles from a visible church-state; and
|
|
whereas the apostles, when first sent out, were forbidden to go into
|
|
the way of the Gentiles, now they were sent to <I>all nations.
|
|
Secondly,</I> That salvation by Christ should be offered to all, and
|
|
none excluded that did not by their unbelief and impenitence exclude
|
|
themselves. The salvation they were to preach is a <I>common
|
|
salvation;</I> whoever will, let him come, and take the benefit of the
|
|
<I>act of indemnity;</I> for there is no difference of Jew or Greek in
|
|
Christ Jesus. <I>Thirdly,</I> That Christianity should be twisted in
|
|
with national constitutions, that the kingdoms of the world should
|
|
become Christ's kingdoms, and their kings the church's
|
|
nursing-fathers.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] What is the principal intention of this commission; to
|
|
<I>disciple</I> all nations. <B><I>Matheteusate</I></B>--"<I>Admit them
|
|
disciples;</I> do your utmost to make the nations Christian nations;"
|
|
not, "Go to the nations, and denounce the judgments of God against
|
|
them, as Jonah against Nineveh, and as the other Old-Testament
|
|
prophets" (though they had reason enough to expect it for their
|
|
wickedness), "but go, and <I>disciple them.</I>" Christ the Mediator is
|
|
setting up a kingdom in the world, bring the nations to be his
|
|
subjects; setting up a school, bring the nations to be his scholars;
|
|
raising an army for the carrying on of the war against the powers of
|
|
darkness, enlist the nations of the earth under his banner. The work
|
|
which the apostles had to do, was, to set up the Christian religion in
|
|
all places, and it was honourable work; the achievements of the mighty
|
|
heroes of the world were nothing to it. They conquered the nations for
|
|
themselves, and made them miserable; the apostles conquered them for
|
|
Christ, and made them happy.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[3.] Their instructions for executing this commission.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> They must <I>admit disciples</I> by the <I>sacred rite of
|
|
baptism;</I> "Go into all nations, preach the gospel to them, work
|
|
miracles among them, and persuade them to come in themselves, and bring
|
|
their children with them, into the church of Christ, and then admit
|
|
them and theirs into the church, by washing them with water;" either
|
|
dipping them in the water, or pouring or sprinkling water upon them,
|
|
which seems the more proper, because the thing is most frequently
|
|
expressed so, as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+44:3">Isa. xliv. 3</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>I will pour my Spirit on thy seed.</I> And,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Tit+3:5,6">Tit. iii. 5, 6</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>Which he shed on us abundantly.</I> And,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+36:25">Ezek. xxxvi. 25</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>I will sprinkle clean water upon you.</I> And,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+52:15">Isa. lii. 15</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>So shall he sprinkle many nations;</I> which seems a prophecy of
|
|
this commission to <I>baptize the nations.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> This baptism must be administered <I>in the name of
|
|
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.</I> That is,
|
|
|
|
1. <I>By authority from heaven,</I> and not <I>of man;</I> for his
|
|
ministers act by authority from the three persons in the Godhead, who
|
|
all concur, as to our <I>creation,</I> so to our <I>redemption;</I>
|
|
they have their commission under the great seal of heaven, which puts
|
|
an honour upon the ordinance, though to a carnal eye, like him that
|
|
instituted it, it has <I>no form or comeliness.</I>
|
|
|
|
2. <I>Calling upon the name</I> of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
|
|
Every thing is sanctified by prayer, and particularly the waters of
|
|
baptism. The prayer of faith obtains the presence of God with the
|
|
ordinance, which is its lustre and beauty, its life and efficacy. But,
|
|
|
|
3. It is <I>into the name</I> (<B><I>eis to onoma</I></B>) of
|
|
<I>Father, Son, and Holy Ghost;</I> this was intended as the
|
|
<I>summary</I> of the first principles of the Christian religion, and
|
|
of the new covenant, and according to it the ancient creeds were drawn
|
|
up. By our being baptized, we solemnly profess,
|
|
|
|
(1.) Our <I>assent</I> to the scripture-revelation concerning <I>God,
|
|
the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.</I> We confess our belief that there
|
|
is a God, that there is but <I>one God,</I> that in the Godhead there
|
|
is a <I>Father</I> that <I>begets,</I> a <I>Son</I> that is
|
|
<I>begotten,</I> and a Holy <I>Spirit</I> of both. We are baptized, not
|
|
into the <I>names,</I> but into the <I>name,</I> of Father, Son, and
|
|
Spirit, which plainly intimates that <I>these three are one,</I> and
|
|
<I>their name one.</I> The distinct mentioning of the <I>three
|
|
persons</I> in the Trinity, both in the <I>Christian baptism</I> here,
|
|
and in the <I>Christian blessing</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+13:14">2 Cor. xiii. 14</A>),
|
|
|
|
as it is a full proof of the doctrine of the Trinity, so it has done
|
|
much towards preserving it pure and entire through all ages of the
|
|
church; for nothing is more great and awful in <I>Christian
|
|
assemblies</I> than these two.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Our <I>consent</I> to a covenant-relation to God, <I>the Father,
|
|
Son, and Holy Ghost.</I> Baptism is a <I>sacrament,</I> that is, it is
|
|
<I>an oath; super sacramentum dicere,</I> is <I>to say upon oath.</I>
|
|
It is an oath of <I>abjuration,</I> by which we renounce the world and
|
|
the flesh, as rivals with God for the throne in our hearts; and an oath
|
|
of <I>allegiance,</I> by which we resign and give up <I>ourselves</I>
|
|
to God, to be <I>his,</I> our own selves, our whole selves, <I>body,
|
|
soul, and spirit,</I> to be governed by his will, and made happy in his
|
|
favour; <I>we become his men,</I> so the form of homage in our law
|
|
runs. Therefore <I>baptism</I> is applied to <I>the person,</I> as
|
|
<I>livery</I> and <I>seisin</I> is given of the premises, because it is
|
|
the person that is <I>dedicated</I> to God.
|
|
|
|
[1.] It is into the name of <I>the Father,</I> believing him to be the
|
|
<I>Father of our Lord Jesus Christ</I> (for that is principally
|
|
intended here), by <I>eternal generation,</I> and <I>our Father,</I> as
|
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our Creator, Preserver, and Benefactor, to whom therefore we resign
|
|
ourselves, as our absolute <I>owner</I> and <I>proprietor,</I> to
|
|
actuate us, and dispose of us; as our supreme <I>rector</I> and
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|
<I>governor,</I> to rule us, as free agents, by his law; and as our
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<I>chief good,</I> and <I>highest</I> end.
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[2.] It is into the name of <I>the Son,</I> the <I>Lord Jesus
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Christ,</I> the <I>Son of God,</I> and <I>correlate</I> to the Father.
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Baptism was in a particular manner administered <I>in the name of the
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Lord Jesus,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+8:16,19:5">Acts viii. 16; xix. 5</A>.
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In baptism we <I>assent,</I> as Peter did, <I>Thou art Christ, the Son
|
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of the living God</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+16:16"><I>ch.</I> xvi. 16</A>),
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and <I>consent,</I> as Thomas did, <I>My Lord, and my God,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+20:28">John xx. 28</A>.
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We take Christ to be our Prophet, Priest, and King, and give up
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ourselves to be taught, and saved, and ruled, by him.
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|
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[3.] It is into the name of <I>the Holy Ghost.</I> Believing the
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|
Godhead of the Holy Spirit, and his agency in carrying on our
|
|
redemption, we give up ourselves to his conduct and operation, as our
|
|
sanctifier, teacher, guide, and comforter.</P>
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<P>
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|
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<I>Thirdly,</I> Those that are thus baptized, and enrolled among the
|
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disciples of Christ, must be taught
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>);
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<I>Teaching them to observe all thing, whatsoever I have commanded
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you.</I> This denotes two things.</P>
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|
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<P>
|
|
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1. The duty of <I>disciples,</I> of all <I>baptized Christians;</I>
|
|
they must observe all things whatsoever Christ has commanded, and, in
|
|
order to that, must submit to the teaching of those whom he sends. Our
|
|
admission into the visible church is in order to something further;
|
|
when Christ hath <I>discipled</I> us, he hath not <I>done with us;</I>
|
|
he <I>enlist</I> soldiers that he may <I>train them</I> up for his
|
|
service.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
All that are baptized, are thereby obliged,
|
|
|
|
(1.) To make the command of Christ their rule. There is a <I>law of
|
|
faith,</I> and we are said to be <I>under the law to Christ;</I> we are
|
|
by baptism <I>bound,</I> and must <I>obey.</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) To <I>observe</I> what Christ has commanded. Due <I>obedience</I>
|
|
to the commands of Christ requires a diligent observation; we are in
|
|
danger of missing, if we take not <I>good heed:</I> and in all our
|
|
obedience, we must have an eye to the command, and do what we do as
|
|
unto the Lord.
|
|
|
|
(3.) To observe <I>all things,</I> that he has commanded, without
|
|
exception; all the <I>moral</I> duties, and all the <I>instituted</I>
|
|
ordinances. Our obedience to the laws of Christ is not <I>sincere,</I>
|
|
if it be not universal; we must <I>stand complete in his whole
|
|
will.</I>
|
|
|
|
(4.) To confine themselves to the commands of Christ, and as not to
|
|
<I>diminish</I> from them, so not to <I>add</I> to them.
|
|
|
|
(5.) To learn their duty according to the law of Christ, from those
|
|
whom he has appointed to be teachers in his school, for
|
|
<I>therefore</I> we were entered into his school.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The duty of the apostles of Christ, and his ministers; and that is,
|
|
to <I>beach</I> the commands of Christ, to expound them to his
|
|
disciples, to press upon them the necessity of obedience, and to assist
|
|
them in applying the general commands of Christ to particular cases.
|
|
They must teach <I>them,</I> not their own inventions, but the
|
|
institutions of Christ; to them they must religiously adhere, and in
|
|
the knowledge of <I>them</I> Christians must be <I>trained up.</I> A
|
|
<I>standing</I> ministry is hereby <I>settled</I> in the church, for
|
|
the <I>edifying</I> of the body of Christ, <I>till we all come to the
|
|
perfect man,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:11-13">Eph. iv. 11-13</A>.
|
|
|
|
The heirs of heaven, till they come to age, must be <I>under tutors and
|
|
governors.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. Here is the assurance he gives them of his spiritual presence with
|
|
them in the execution of this commission; <I>And lo, I am with you
|
|
always, even unto the end of the world.</I> This exceeding great and
|
|
precious promise is ushered in with a <I>behold,</I> to strengthen
|
|
their faith, and engage their observation of it. "Take notice of this;
|
|
it is what you may assure yourselves of and venture upon." Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The favour promised them; <I>I am with you.</I> Not, <I>I will
|
|
be</I> with you, but <I>I am</I>--<B><I>ego eimi</I></B>. As God sent
|
|
Moses, so Christ sent his apostles, by this name, <I>I am;</I> for he
|
|
is God, to whom past, present, and to come, are the same. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+1:8">Rev. i. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
He was now about to leave them; his bodily presence was now to be
|
|
removed from them, and this grieved them; but he assures them of his
|
|
<I>spiritual</I> presence, which was more expedient for them than his
|
|
bodily presence could be; <I>I am with you;</I> that is, "My Spirit is
|
|
with you, the Comforter shall <I>abide with you,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:7">John xvi. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
I am <I>with you,</I> and not <I>against you:</I> with you to take your
|
|
part, to be on your side, and to <I>hold</I> with you, as Michael our
|
|
prince is said to do,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Da+10:21">Dan. x. 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
I am <I>with you,</I> and not <I>absent from you,</I> not at a
|
|
distance; I am a very <I>present help,</I>"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+46:1">Ps. xlvi. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
Christ was now sending them to set up his kingdom in the world, which
|
|
was a great undertaking. And then doth he seasonably promise them his
|
|
presence with them,
|
|
|
|
[1.] To <I>carry them</I> on through the difficulties they were likely
|
|
to meet with. "I am with you, to <I>bear you up,</I> to plead your
|
|
cause; with you in all your services, in all your sufferings, to bring
|
|
you through them with comfort and honour. <I>When you go through the
|
|
fire or water, I will be with you.</I> In the pulpit, in the prison,
|
|
<I>lo, I am with you.</I>"
|
|
|
|
[2.] To <I>succeed</I> this great undertaking; "Lo, <I>I am with
|
|
you,</I> to make your ministry effectual for the discipling of the
|
|
nations, for the <I>pulling down</I> of the strong holds of Satan, and
|
|
the setting up of stronger for the Lord Jesus." It was an unlikely
|
|
thing that they should unhinge national constitutions in religion, and
|
|
turn the stream of so long a usage; that they should <I>establish</I> a
|
|
doctrine so directly contrary to the genius of the age, and persuade
|
|
people to become the disciples of a <I>crucified</I> Jesus; but <I>lo,
|
|
I am with you,</I> and therefore you shall <I>gain your point.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The continuance of the favour, <I>always, even unto the end of the
|
|
world.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] They shall have his <I>constant</I> presence; <I>Always,</I>
|
|
<B><I>pasas tas hemeras</I></B>--<I>all days,</I> every day. "I will be
|
|
with you on sabbath days and week days, fair days and foul days, winter
|
|
days and summer days." There is no day, no hour of the day, in which
|
|
our Lord Jesus is not present with his churches and with his ministers;
|
|
if there were, that day, that hour, they were undone. Since his
|
|
resurrection he had appeared to them <I>now and then,</I> once a week
|
|
it may be, and scarcely that. But he assures them that they shall have
|
|
his spiritual presence continued to them without intermission. Wherever
|
|
we are the word of Christ is nigh us, even <I>in our mouth,</I> and the
|
|
Spirit of Christ nigh us, even <I>in our hearts.</I> The <I>God of
|
|
Israel,</I> the <I>Saviour,</I> is sometimes <I>a God that hideth
|
|
himself</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+45:15">Isa. xlv. 15</A>),
|
|
|
|
but never a God that absenteth himself; sometimes <I>in the dark,</I>
|
|
but never <I>at a distance.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] They shall have his perpetual presence, even to <I>the end of the
|
|
world.</I> There is a world before us, that will never have an end, but
|
|
this is hastening towards its period; and even till then the Christian
|
|
religion shall, in one part of the world or other, be <I>kept up,</I>
|
|
and the presence of Christ continued with his ministers. I am with you
|
|
<I>to the end of the world,</I> not with your persons, they died
|
|
quickly, but, <I>First,</I> With <I>you and your writings.</I> There is
|
|
a divine power going along with the scripture of the New Testament, not
|
|
only preserving them in being, but producing strange effects by them,
|
|
which will continue to the end of time. <I>Secondly,</I> With you and
|
|
<I>your successors;</I> with you and all the ministers of the gospel in
|
|
the several ages of the church; with all to whom this commission
|
|
extends, with all who, being duly called and sent, thus <I>baptize</I>
|
|
and thus <I>teach.</I> When the <I>end of the world</I> is come, and
|
|
the kingdom delivered up to God, even the Father, there will then be no
|
|
further need of ministers and their ministration; but till then they
|
|
shall continue, and the great intentions of the institution shall be
|
|
answered. This is an encouraging word to all the faithful ministers of
|
|
Christ, that what was said to the apostles, was said to them all, <I>I
|
|
will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
Two solemn farewells we find our Lord Jesus giving to his church, and
|
|
his parting word at both of them is very encouraging; one was here,
|
|
when he closed up his personal converse with them, and then his parting
|
|
word was, "<I>Lo, I am with you always;</I> I leave you, and yet still
|
|
I am with you;" the other was, when he closed up the canon of the
|
|
scripture by the pen of his beloved disciple, and then his parting word
|
|
was, "<I>Surely, I come quickly.</I> I leave you for awhile, but I will
|
|
be with you again shortly,"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+22:20">Rev. xxii. 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
By this it appears that he did not part in anger, but in love, and that
|
|
it is his will we should keep up both our communion with him and our
|
|
expectation of him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
There is one word more remaining, which must not be overlooked, and
|
|
that is <I>Amen;</I> which is not a cipher, intended only for a
|
|
concluding word, like <I>finis</I> at the end of a book, but it has its
|
|
significancy.
|
|
|
|
1. It bespeaks Christ's confirmation of this promise, <I>Lo, I am with
|
|
you.</I> It is his <I>Amen,</I> in whom all the promises are <I>Yea and
|
|
Amen, "Verily</I> I am, and will be, with you; I the Amen, the faithful
|
|
Witness, do assure you of it." Or,
|
|
|
|
2. It bespeaks the church's concurrence with it, in their desire, and
|
|
prayer, and expectation. It is the evangelist's <I>Amen--So be it,</I>
|
|
blessed Lord. Our <I>Amen</I> to Christ's promises turns them into
|
|
prayers. Hath Christ promised to be present with his ministers,
|
|
present in his word, present in the assemblies of his people, though
|
|
but two or three are gathered together in his name, and this <I>always,
|
|
even to the end of the world?</I> Let us heartily say <I>Amen</I> to
|
|
it; believe that it <I>shall be so,</I> and pray that it <I>may be
|
|
so:</I> Lord, <I>Remember this word unto thy servants, upon which thou
|
|
hast caused us to hope.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
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