Page:An Exposition of the Old and New Testament (1828) vol 6.djvu/13

Rh had now quitted his place, whatever it was, for the sake of which that title was given him; or, he was now grown into years, and despised such titles of respect more than he had done; or Luke was grown more intimate with him, and therefore could address him with the more freedom. It was usual with the ancients, both christian and heathen writers, thus to inscribe their writings to some particular persons. But the directing some of the books of the scripture so, is an intimation to each of us to receive them as if directed to us in particular, to us by name; for whatsoever things were written before time, were written for our learning.

2. His gospel is here called the former treatise which he had made, which he had an eye to in writing this, intending this for a continuation and confirmation of that, τὸν πρῶτον λόγον—the former word. What is written of the gospel, is the word as truly as what was spoken; nay, we know no unwritten word that we are to give credit to, but as it agrees with that which is written. He made the former treatise, and now is divinely inspired to make this, for Christ's scholars must go on toward perfection, Heb. 6. 1. And therefore their guides must help them on, must still teach the people knowledge, (Eccl. 12. 9.) and not think that their former labours, though ever so good, will excuse them from further labours; but they should rather be quickened and encouraged by them, as St. Luke here, who, because he had laid the foundation in a former treatise, will build upon it in this. Let not this therefore drive out that; let not new sermons and new books make us forget old ones, but put us in mind of them, and help us to improve them.

3. The contents of his gospel were, that, all that, which Jesus began both to do and teach; and the same is the subject of the writings of the other three evangelists. Observe, (1.) Christ both did and taught. The doctrine he taught was confirmed by the miraculous works he did, which proved him a teacher come from God, John 3. 2. And the duties he taught were copied out in the holy gracious works he did, for he hath left us an example, and that such as proves him a teacher come from God too, for by their fruits ye shall know them. Those are the best ministers, that both do and teach, whose lives are a constant sermon. (2.) He began both to do and teach; he laid the foundation of all that was to be taught and done in the christian church. His apostles were to carry on and continue what he began, and to do and teach the same things. Christ set them in, and then left them to go on, but sent his Spirit to empower them both to do and teach. It is a comfort to those who are endeavouring to carry on the work of the gospel, that Christ himself began it. The great salvation at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, Heb. 2. 3. (3.) The four evangelists, and Luke particularly, have handed down to us all that Jesus began both to do and teach; not all the particulars, the world could not have contained them; but all the heads, samples of all, so many, and, in such variety, that by them you may judge of the rest. We have the beginnings of his doctrine, (Matt. 4. 17.) and the beginnings of his miracles, John 2. 11. Luke had spoken, had treated, of all Christ's sayings and doings, had given us a general idea of them, though he had not recorded each in particular.

4. The period of the evangelical story is fixed to the day in which he was taken up, v. 2. Then it was that he left this world, and his bodily presence was no more in it. St. Mark's gospel concludes with the Lord's being received up into heaven, (Mark 16. 19.) and so does St. Luke's, Luke 24. 51. Christ continued doing and teaching to the last, till he was taken up to the other work he had to do within the veil.

II. The truth of Christ's resurrection is maintained and evidenced, v. 3. That part of what was related in the former treatise, was so material, that it was necessary to be upon all occasions repeated. The great evidence of his resurrection, was, that he shewed himself alive to his apostles; being alive, he shewed himself so, and he was seen of them. They were honest men, and one may depend upon their testimony; but the question is, whether they were not imposed upon, as many a well-meaning man is. No, they were not; for,

1. The proofs were infallible, τεκμήρια—plain indications, both that he was alive, (he walked and talked with them, he ate and drank with them,) and that it was he himself, and not another, for he shewed them again and again the marks of the wounds in his hands, and feet, and side; which was the utmost proof the thing was capable of, or required.

2. They were many, and often repeated; he was seen by them forty days; not constantly residing with them, but frequently appearing to them, and bringing them by degrees to be fully satisfied concerning it, so that all their sorrow for his departure was done away by it. Christ's staying upon earth so long after he was entered upon his state of exaltation and glory, to confirm the faith of his disciples, and comfort their hearts, was such an instance of condescension and compassion to believers, as may fully assure us, that we have a high-priest that is touched with the feeling of our infirmities.

III. A general hint given of the instructions he furnished his disciples with, now that he was about to leave them. Since he breathed on them, and opened their understandings, they were better able to receive them.

1. He instructed them concerning the work they were to do; He gave commandments to the apostles whom he had chosen. Note, Christ's choice is always attended with his charge. Those whom he elected into the apostleship, expected he should give them preferments, but, instead of that, he gave them commandments. When he took his journey, and gave authority to his servants, and to every one his work, (Mark 13. 34.) he gave them commandments through the Holy Ghost, which he was himself filled with as Mediator, and which he had breathed into them. In giving them the Holy Ghost, he gave them his commandments; for the Comforter will be a commander; and his office was ''to bring to their remembrance what Christ had said. He charged those that were apostles by the Holy Ghost;'' so the words are placed. It was their receiving the Holy Ghost, that sealed their commission, John 20. 22. He was not taken up till after he had given them their charge, and so finished his work.

2. He instructed them concerning the doctrine they were to preach; He spake to them of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. He had given them a general idea of that kingdom, and the certain time it should be set up in the world; (in his parable, Mark 13.) but here he let them more into the nature of it, as a kingdom of grace in this world, and of glory in the other; and opened to them that covenant which is the great charter by which it is incorporated. Now this was intended, (1.) To prepare them to receive the Holy Ghost, and to go through that which they were designed for. He tells them in secret what they must tell the world; and they shall find that the Spirit of truth, when he comes, will say the same. (2.) To be one of the proofs of Christ's resurrection; so it comes in here; the disciples, to whom he shewed himself alive, knew that it was he, not only by what he shewed them, but by what he said to them. None but he could speak thus clearly, thus fully, of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. He did not entertain them with discourses of politics or the kingdoms of men,