Matthew 26

Christ again foretells his death,1. About whch the Ruler of the Jews take counsel,3. Is anointed by a women at Bethany, 6. Whose deed he defendeth and commends,10. Judas selleth Christ, 14. Christ cuseth the Passover to be prepared, and eats the same with his Disciples,and foretelleth the treason of Judas, 17. Afterwards institutes his supper,26. Foretells his disciples of their scattering, and Peter of his fall, 31. Enters upon his Passion in a Garden, with great anguish, and earnest prayer admonishing his Disciples, who slept, to watch and pray,36. Is betrayed by Judas with a kiss, and apprehended by the Jews, 47. Reproves Peter for cutting off the ear of the high Priest servant,51. Is brought to Ciaphas before the council,57 accused by false witness, 59. Acknowledgeth that he is the Christ, 63.Is therefore condemed as a blasphemer, and repraochfully mis – handled, 65. Peter denyeth Christ, 69 cometh to acknowledge and lament his fall,75.

1. And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these words, [Namely, hitherto related in the former chapter: so that Christ having thus far fulfilled his Prophetical Office, begins now to enter further into his Priestly Office] that he said unto his Disciples

2. Ye know that after two days is the Passover [Pascha is an Hebrew word signifying a passing by or passing over, from which was denominated the first of the three great yearly Feasts of the Jews, kept on the four teenth day of the first Moneth, (agreeing for the most part with our March: instituted) in remembrance of the deliverance of the children of Israel out of Egypt: and especially for that the destroying Angel, which killed the first born of Egyptians, passed the houses of the Israelites. see hereof Exod 12. At which time Christ would also slain; because the killing of the Paschal Lamb, was type thereof. See 1 Cor 5 ver. 7,8,] and the Son of man shall be delivered over to be crucified.

3. Then (there) gathered together the chief Priest and Scribes, and the Elders of the people, [Of all these at that time, consisted the high or great Council of the Jews, by which the weightiest matter were handled and transacted, whereof the highst Priests was the head and chief] in the Hall of high Priest, [or in the Court, or in the Palace] who was called Caiphas. [of this Caiphas, se also John 11 verse 49. and in Josephus, Antiq. lib. 18. cap. 3.6.]

4. And consulted together, to take Jesus by subtility and kill (him). [Because they durst not do it openly for fear of the people.]

5. But they said: Not on the Feast, [That is, let us not tarry till the Feast, but prevent the same, like as also it happened] that there be not an uproar among the people.

6. Now when Jesus was at Bethany, at the house of Simon the Leper. [Not that he was the a Leper; for such might not dwell in the Cities or Villages neigther might men eat or converse with them, Numbe.5 ver.2 but that either he had been seen such, or had such a sirname from his ancestors]

7. There came to him a woman, having an Alabaster boxe of very precious ointment, [Gr. of am heavy price, which is exprest, Mark 14..]and poured it out upon his head, as he sate at (the Table)

8. And his Disciple seeing (that) took it very ill, saying, Wherefore is this loss?

9. For this ointment might have been sold dear, [Gr.for much] and the money given to the poor.

10. But Jesus understanding (this), said unto the, Why trouble ye this women? For she hath wrought a good work upon me. [That is, that which she hath done unto to me is well done]

11. For the poor have always with you, but me ye have not always [Namely,according to my bodily precence; for according to his Godhead and grace, he always abideth with us, Matth 28.20.]

12. For when she pouredd [Gr. cast] this anointment on my body, she did it for (a preparation to) my bural. [Not that this woman had such intent but that Gods Providence so ordered the same, that this body should be anointed just before his death: like as the dead bodies or person of dignity, are so prepared for their burial Gen.50.2. see likewise Mark 14:8. and the Greek word also imports so much.]

13. Verily i say unto you, Wheresoever this Gospel shall be preached in the whole worls, (there) shall also for memorial of het he spoken of that which she hath done.

14. Then went one of the twelve called Judas Iscarioth to the chief Priests,

15. And sold, What will give ye me, and i will deliver him over unto you, [Namely, privily, without trouble, and without knowledge of thepeople] and they appointed unto him, [or promised, or weighed unto (him) like as this word is also sometimes taken; because in former times mony was used to be weighed out unto (men) Genesis 23:16. 1 KiNGS 20.39.] thirty silver [Gr.silvershilings.d hhen it is thus set alone, commonly signifies a shekel, which was either of the sanctuary, in value about half a Ricks dollar, or an ordinary one, worth half so much. And thus was the price wherewith satisfaction was made for a slave which was killed by another Ox. Exod 21. verse 32. And it seems that they valued Christ at no more then a slave used to be valued, as God seems to complain hereof, Zach 11 verse 12,13. and the same is shewed in the following chapter, verse 9]

16. Sand from thenceforth he sought opportunity [or a sit time] that he might deliver him over

17. And on the first (day) of unleavened (bread), [That is, on that day, in which the Jews were begin to eat unleavened bread at eveining; and to kill the Paschal Lamb] came the Disciples to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the Passover?

18. And he said; Go into the City to such a one. [so we speak when we set forth a person by certain tekens, whose name we do not express, Ruth 4:1. The tokens of this man are set forth , Mark 14:13. Luke 22 verse 10.] and say unto him, the Master saith my time is near, i will keep the Passover with thee, with my Disciples.

19. And the Disciples did as Jesus had commanded them, and made ready the Passover. [that is, the Paschal Lamb. An improper manner of speaking, very usual in the holy Scripture, when Sacraments are spoken of.

20. And when it was become Evening, he state down with twelve. [Thefore Christ did eat the Passeover at the due time, on the evening of the fourteenth day, as had commanded, Exod 12. verse 6.18. Leviticus 23:5. But the Jews at that time, did not eat the same till the next day evening, as appears by the whole story, and especially John 18 ver. 28. Which come to pass through an old custo, wherby when the fourteenth day fell on the day before the Sabbath, they put off the same to the following sabbath, that they might no be necessitated to rest from their work two days one after the another. Therefore Christ is the true Passover, offered up for our sins on the verey day ordained by God]

21. And as they did eat, he said, Verily i say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

22. And they being grown very sad, every one of them began to say unto him, It is i, Lord?

23. And he answering, said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. [That is, one that daily eats with me, which is my co- - habitant, and fellow – border. See Psalm 41. verse 10 Mark 14 verse 20. John 13:18. Not that Christ just then dipped in together with him: for so the Disciples would have been able to know undoubtedly who he was.]

24. The Son of man goeth away indeed, s it is w buhht wo unto that manby whom the Son of man is betrayed: it were good for him, if that man had not been born. [Therfore Gods Providence doth not acquit those men that do evil]

25. And Judas which betrayed him, answered an said, Is it i, Rabbi? He said unto him, Thou hast said it. [This is a manner of speaking, when men will not say a thing downright, but notwithstanding do not deny it. See hereafter verse 64,65. Compare it with Marl 14.62.]

26. And they did eat, [That is, as after the eating of the Paschal Lamb, they sate yet at the Table] Jesus took the bread, and having blessed he brake it, [Lu.cap.22 verse 19. and Paul, 1 Cor 11.24. instead of having blessed, use the word having given thanks: like as some Greek Copies have here also. So that to bless and thank or give thanks, are taken for one and the same thing, and signifie to separate the btread, as also after wards the wine, from the common use, and by thanksgiving to God to sanctifie, or apply it to an holy use:as Gen.2.3. the seventh day is allowed and blessed by God] and gave it to the Disciples, and said, Take, eat, [namely , bread, as the thing it self sheweth , and Paul declareth, 1 Cor.10.16.] is my body. [that is, a sign of my body, according toamsnner of speaking usual in the Sacraments: like as before the Lamb is called a Passover, verse 19. The bread, the communion of the body of Christ, 1 Cor. 10.16. and the cup thhe New Testament, 1 Cor 11.25. because thay are signs and seals of our spiritual communion with Christ, and of the New Testament, which is confirmed with his bloud]

27. And hhe took the cup, and having given thanks, gave (it) to them, [Namely, the cuo] saying, Drink ye all out of it.

28. For that is my blood, [That is, a sign of my blood as before, verse 26. the bread is called his body] the (blood) of the New Testament, which is shed from many, [that is, shall be shed very shortly: see hereof, Heb.9. 14,15,&c. where their Apostle gives a large exposition of this blood of the New Testament with an opposition of it to the blood of the New Testament] for the forgiveness of sins.

29. And i say unto you, that from henece forth i will not brink of the fruit of the Vine, until that day, when i shall drinkthe same new with you in the kingdom of my Father. [Some understand this of the time of fourty days after ressurection, inwhich he did eat and drink with the Disciples, Acts 10 verse 41. Others of the eternal joy everlasting life, which is every where compared to a feast, Math.8.22. Luke 22:29. Rev19.9]

30. And where they had an hymn. [According to the custom of the Jews, who then used to sing certain Psalms, as some concieve from the 113 unto the 119] they went out of the mount Olive.

31. Then said Jesus unto the, Ye shall all be offended at me this night. [Gr. in me] For there is written, i will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall he scattered

32. But after that i shall be risen, i will go before you towards Galilee.

33. But Peter answering, said unto him,Although even all should be offended at thee, i will never be offended.

34. And Jesus said unto him, Verily is say unto thee that in this very night, before the cork shall have crowed [that is, before the morning cometh, when the cocks commonly begin to crow the last time.] thou shalt deny me thrice.

35. Peter said unto him, Although i should also die with thee, yet i will in no wise deny thee. Likewise also said all the Disciples.

36. Then Jesus wnet with them into a place [or Village; namely, of houses and gardens, John chap 18.verse 1 faith, that is a garden, where Christ used to pray] called Gethsemane, and said to the Disciples , sit down here until i go and shall have prayed there.

37. And taking with him Peter, andthe two sons of Zebedee, [Namely, James and John, Mark 10. verse 35.] he began to be sad , and in great anguish [By these words is given to understand an extream grief and distress; which wrung the boudy sweat from him,Luke 22:44. and arose not so much fear and apprehension of the cruel death at hand, which even many Martyrs have ubdergone without fear; as indeed from the previous sense of the burden of the wrath of God, and the pains of Hell which he sufferd for us upon the croos, Isa 53. verse 4,5,6. Galatians 3:13.]

38. Then said be unto them, My soul iswholly sorrowful even unto death: [Or on all sides; that is, as it were compassed about with sorrow] carry ye here and eatch with me.

39. And being past little, he fell upon his face? praying, and saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup [That is, this bitter passion. See Matth 20.22] pass from me, [or pass by, go away] yet not as i will, but as thou (wilt). [i.e not accroding to the inclination which is implanted in human nature to avoid its own destruction, which therefore i submit to thy will in all things. And therefore this inclination of Christ was without sin]

40. And he came to the Disciples and found them sleeping, and said unto Peter, can ye not then [GR.so] watch with me one hour?

41. Watch and pray, that ye come not into temptation; The Spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh ie weak. [That is, your will indeed is good, but is hindred by your natural frailty]

42. Again, the second time going away, he prayed, saying, my Father, if this cup may not pass from me, except i drink it, thy will be done.

43. And coming (to the) he found them asleep again: For eyes were grown heavy. [Namely, with drouziness, through grief and watching.]

44. And leaving them,he went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

45. Then come the Disciples, and said unto them, sleep on (now), and take your rest: [This he saith by way of reproof, like as men oftentimes seem permit one thing at lenght when it is too late and past remedy, from which they disswaded him in vain] Behold, the hour is come nigh, and the Son of man id delievered over into the hands of sinners.

46. Arise, let us go, behold, he is at hand that betrayeth me.

47. And while he spake, behold, Judas on the twelve came, and with hin a great multitude, [Namely, a whole band of solders, with the servants of the chief Priests and Scribes. See John 18:3.] with swords and staves,(sent) from the chief Priests, an Elders of the people.

48. And he that betrayed him, had given them a token, saying, He whom i shall kiss, the same is he, lay hold on him.

49. And straightway coming to Jesus, he said, Hail Rabbi, and he kissed him.

50. But Jesus said unto him, Friend, [Gr. companion] Wherefore are thou here? Then came thye near, and laid hands on Jesus, and tool him.

51. And behold, one of those which were with Jesus, [Namely Peter, John 18:10] stretching forth the hand, drew his sword, and striking the servant of thehigh Priest, cut off his ear.[ Gr. took away his ear. [Gr. took away his ear]

52. Then Jesus said unto him, Turn thy sword again into its place: For all that take the sword [Namely without a lawful call, or order for it] shall perish by the sword.[Namely, by order and command of the Magistrate,to whom the sword is given, for this end, punish murdererd with death, Genesis 9. verse 6. Rom.13.4]

53. Or thinkest thou that cannot now pray my Father, and he shall set by me [or assist me with] more then twelve Legions of Angels. [Alegion with the Romanes was Regiment of souldiers constisting of some thousands, sometimes four, sometimes six, and sometimes more]

54. How then should the scriptures be filfilled, (which say) that it must so come to pass?

55. At the same hour spake Jesus to the companies; Ye are gone out as against a murderer, [or high – way – robber] with swords and staves for take me: i sate daily with you, teaching in the Temple, and ye laid not hold on me.

56. But all is done, that the Scriptures of the Prophet might be fulfulled. Theb all the Disciples fles, forsaking him.

57. Now they had taken Jesus, led (him) away to Caiphas the high Priest, [Namely, after that they had first brought him Annas, which was Caiaphas father in law, John 18:13.] where the Scribes and Elders were assembled

58. And Peter followed him from afar, even unto the high Priest Hall, [or even into the Place] and being gone in , be sate with the servant to see the end.

59. And the chief Priests, and Elders , and all the great Council, sought false witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death; and found none. [Namely, that with any shew could be produced to condemn him thereupon,]

60. And although there came many false witnesses, (yet) found they none.

61. But al last there came two false witnesses, and said, This (fellow) said, i can break down the Temple of God, and build up the same in three days. [This was a perverting of the words of Christ John 2:19 For Christ said unto there, i can break down the Temple, etc. but break ye down the Temple, etc. understandingg it of the Temple of his body]

62. And the Priest arising, said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? What doe these witness against thee?

63. But Jesus held his peice [Thereby to give to understand that this matter was so groundless, that it was not worthy to be answered] And the high Priest answering, said unto him, i adjure thee living God, that thou tell us, whether thou art the Christ the Son of God?

64. Jesus said unto him, Thou hast said it [see before verse 25] But i say unto you, from henceforth ye shall see the Son of man sitting at the right (hand) of the power (of God), and coming on the clouds of Heaven. [That is, ye shall then fine indeed that i am the Son of God, especially when thou must appear before me to be judged.]

65. Then the high Priest rent his cloaths, [This the Jews used to do when they would shew an extream grief, or displeasure on certain occassions; as hearing of blasphemy, &c. see 2 Kings 19 verse 1.] saying, he hath blasphemed (God), what need have we yet of witness? behold, now ye have hheard his blaspheming (of God)

66. What think ye? And they answering, said, He is gulty of death.

67. Then they spit in his face, and smote him with fists.

68. And others gave him blows on the cheeks, [Otherswise, smote him sticks or rods] saying, Prophesie unro us, O Christ, who it is that smote thee?

69. And Peter sate without in the Hall, [Namely, without the place where the Jewish Council was assembled, before the Christ stood, as appers by verse 71.75.] and a maid – servant come to him, saying, Thou wast also with Jesus the Galileen. [So he is here called, because he was brought in Nazareth, which was a City of Galilee. see verse 71 and Matth 2.23.]

70. But he denyed it before (them) all, saying, i know not what thou sayeth

71. And as he went out into the Parch, [or Pertal, fore – house] another (maid – servant) saw him, and said to those that (were) there, This (fellow) was also with Jesus the Nazarite.

72. And he denyed it again with an oath, (saying) i know not the man.

73. And a little after, they that stood there coming to (him) said unto Peter; Truly, thou art likewise of them; for thy speech also maketh thee manifest. [Namely, thou art a Ggalileean, like as Mark chap 14.70. and Luke chap 22.59. de express.]

74. Then begin to curse (himself) [that is, wishing the curse or vengeance of God upon himself, if he knew him] and to swear, i dot know the man.

75. And presently the cock crew: and Peter remembred the word of Jesus, [Namely, after that Christ had looked him] see Luke 22:61.] who had said unto him, Before the cock shall crowed, thou shalt deny me thrice. And giving forth, he wept bitterly.