The Epistle of PAUL the Apostle to TITUS. (Acts 19, 11.) THE genuineness of this epistle is attested by a large body of evidence, part of which consists in its being quoted by several of the Christian fathers. The objections of modern critics rest entirely upon the difficulty of ascertaining its proper date, and accounting for its peculiarities. These it shares in common with the first epistle to Timothy, to which it bears a great resemblance, from which we are led to infer that it was written about the same time as that epistle. It has never been supposed for one moment that the visit to Crete alluded to in this epistle was that made at the time when Paul visited it as a prisoner on his voyage to Rome, the circumstances under which he then was not admitting it. It must have been some other. If then we set aside the hypothetic route after Paul's first imprisonment, probable as that is, and including, in the words of Paley, "a great number of remote and independent circumstances without contradiction," no time during the period of time covered by the book of Acts seems so fitting for the writing of the epistle as towards the close of Paul's abode of three years at Ephesus, perhaps a few months before he wrote the epistle to Timothy, the visit to Crete having taken place some time previous. If this may seem not to agree with his intended wintering at Nicopolis in Epirus, it must be borne in mind that, as Paul was driven from Ephesus sooner than he intended, his plans might be disarranged. Its date would therefore be about the year 52. The object of the epistle seems to have been chiefly to lay down regulations for the private conduct of the Cretan Christians, to let them know that their liberty as Christians was an emancipation from the lusts of the flesh, not licence to commit evil, that it imposed on them new obligations, while it communicated greater power to act according to them. As such, this epistle is useful throughout all times. Titus is not named in the book of Acts, which strengthens the probability that a visit to Crete might have taken place, and Titus left there, although unrecorded by Luke. a Or, for. a...The mystery 1 PAUL a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2ain hope of eternal life, which God, that which hath been Salutation, 1 cannot lie, promised before the world began; but hath in due times manifested his word through preaching," which is comis made mani-mitted unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; 4to Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. from ages-5. and from gene rations, but now fest...Col. 1, 26. b2 Co. 2, 13; and 7, 14; and 8, 6, 16. Ga. 2, 3. B Or, left undone. c (Paul and Barnabas) ordained church, & mended them to 14, 23. B Qualifications of 16. Desiring to be law, understanding neither what whereof they af teachers of the they say, nor firm. 1 Ti. 1, 7. i Epimenides. The expression seems to have been proverbial. Burton. Mat. 15, 9. Col. 2, 22. 1 Ti. 1, 4; and 4, 7; and 6, 20. ...Ungodly men, turning the grace lasciviousness, & Lord God, and denying the only 5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: if any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of riot, or unruly. teachers, 57For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not them elders in given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, every aly with just, holy, temperate holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, fasting......com- that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the the Lord....Ac. gainsayers. 10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. 12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, "The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies." 13 This witness is true. Or, void of judgWherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; 14 not y Or, good things. giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. 15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.' 16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny to hospitality... him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. d 1 Ti. 3, 2. e Le. 10, 9. f...Sober, of good (or, modest) behaviour, given patient, not a brawler, not co 2, 3. UT speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2that the aged vetous. 1 Ti. 3,2men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in pa-Or, holy women. | g...Apt to teach. 1 Ti. 3, 2. Various social tience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour ed, 1-10. e Or, wise. n Ge. 3, 16. 1 Co. 14, 34. Ep. 5, 22. Col. 3, 18. 1 Pe. 3, 1. were sometimes dark ness, but NCW are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light. Ep. 5, 8. wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to For ye be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Young men likewise exhort to be 'sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you." 9 Exhort servants? to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not "answering_again; 10 not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the o... An example doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. . Or, discreet. of the believers in word, in conversation,in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Ti. 4, 12. P...... Christianity offering to all v...The grace of God that bringeth salvation.... Ch. 2, 11. μ Or, pity. ...Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all the same hopes, same holiness That with from all, 12 requires the well doing ye 15. may put to silence the igno rance of foolish 15 8 5 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no men. 1 Pe. 2, 15. man despise thee. into the king- v Gr., richly. now 3ED. & 5. Cod 3 PUT them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey justiñed by his magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. 3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another." But after that the kindness" and "love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly "through Jesus Christ our Saviour; and 6, 20. 2 Ti. 7that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works." These things are good and profitable unto men. 9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain." o A man that is an heretic, after the first and second admonition reject; 11 knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. 12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus," be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. 14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. 15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. It was written to Titus from Ephesus. 10 a... Them which b Ac. 20, 4. Ep. 13 Bring 6, 21. Col. 4, 7. 2 Ti. 4, 12. Ac. 18, 24; and 19, 1. 1 Co. 1, 12; and 16, 12. Or, profess honest trades. The Epistle of PAUL the Apostle to PHILEMON. (Acts 28, 30.) THE testimony of antiquity proves the universal reception of this epistle as the production of St. Paul. It bears evidence that it was written from Rome during Paul's first imprisonment there, and about the same time that the epistle to the Colossians was written. The occasion of it is wholly a private one, viz., to reconcile Philemon, a rich inhabitant of Colosse, to his fugitive slave, Onesimus, who had been converted by St. Paul at Rome. This object the apostle accomplishes in a manner peculiarly graceful and forcible, omitting no consideration likely to influence Philemon, and pressing them with an eloquence and tenderness such as makes it impossible to think they were any thing else than irresistible. The self-denial of Paul is also conspicuous, as well as his fine sense of honour and true courtesy and delicacy, which would not allow him to force Philemon to comply by retaining Onesimus, whose gratitude and assiduity had no doubt won the heart of the apostle, and who might have been very useful to him. Perhaps remaining with the apostle might also be more agreeable to Onesimus, who, by thus consenting to return to his master, shewed himself under the influence of the principles which the apostle ever inculcated, that all men should cheerfully fulfil the duties of the state in which they were, so long as it pleased God to continue them in it. a Ep. 3, 1; and 4, 1. 1, 4. d Ac. 7, 58; and PAUL 9 d lowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ. Col. 1, 7. i...Labouring fervently for you hath a great zeal for you...... Col. 4, 12, 13. a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Phi- |...Our dear fellemon our dearly beloved, and fellow labourer, and to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: 3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. b (In) the minis4I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, 5 heartry which thou hast received... ing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward Col. 4, 17. all saints; that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of in prayers....he e Ep. 1, 15. Col. the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11 which in time past was to thee un9, 18. 2 Co. 12, 2. profitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 12 whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: 13 whom I would c. 12, 12, 25; have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the Gospel: 14 but without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. 15 For soldier that kept perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him him......and......for ever; 16 not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, years in his own specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? 17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. Ac. 19, 29; and 8 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account. 19 Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. 20 Yea, sus I have be- brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. 21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. 22 But withal prepare me also am Col. 4, 14. 2 Ti. lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. 23 There salute thee Epaphras," my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; 24 Marcus, Aristarchus,' Demas," Lucas," my fellowlabourers. 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. e...Paul was suf fered to dwell by himself with a dwelt two whole hired house.... Ac. 28, 16, 30. f...In Christ Je gotten...through the gospel...... 1 Co. 4, 15. g I rejoice that I have confidence in you in all things. 2 Co. 7, 16. 18 Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant. and 15, 37. Col. 4, 10. 2 Ti. 4, 11. 1 Pe. 5, 13. 20, 4; and 27, 2, Col. 4, 10. 4, 10. 254, The Epistle of PAUL the Apostle to the HEBREWS. (Acts, 31) 28, SCARCELY any portion of the New Testament has given rise to so much controversy as this epistle, especially as to who was its author. For an examination of the whole subject the reader may consult the work of Professor Stuart, and the article on this epistle in Kitto's Cyclopædia. In the absence of certainty there is the highest probability that it was written by Paul after his release from imprisonment at Rome, but before he had left Italy (ch. xiii., 24). No one was so fitted as Paul to write to the Hebrews; his intimate acquaintance with the mind of his countrymen, and his perfect knowledge of all points of Jewish doctrine, rendered the pupil of Gamaliel the best adapted of all the first teachers of Christianity to convince the Jews. When therefore the proper time for addressing his kinsmen according to the flesh seemed to have arrived, the great apostle of the Gentiles writes, and sends this letter to the Hebrews of Palestine. Justly fearing that the minds of his countrymen would be but little softened towards him on account of his two years' imprisonment, and unwilling to needlessly arouse the prejudices which a name so obnoxious might excite, St. Paul, with his characteristic prudent dealing with men, does not obtrude his name formally, nor address any particular persons, while he says enough to identify himself as the writer. The epistle is a masterly supplement to the epistles to the Romans and the Galatians, and cannot have been thoughtfully perused by those to whom it was addressed without leading them to see that the whole design of the Mosaic economy was to foreshadow Christ, the real end and object of all the ceremonial observances. The epistle contains several allusions to the approaching war (ii., 1; x., 32—37; xii., 4; xiii., 14); a war which ended in the entire removal of the Jewish polity, and the establishment upon its ruins, and in its stead, of the new dispensation of the Gospel. Christ sent a...In a vision... c Ps. 2, 8. Mat, 3. Ep.3, 9. Col. 21, 38. Jno. 1. 1. 16. d He that hath seen me hath seen the Father ...Jno. 14, 9. d among many brethren...Ro. 8, 29. Col. 1, 18. k Ps. 104, 4. 1 Ps. 45, 6. And they that dwell therein shall die in like manner, but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righte ousness shall not be abolished. Is. 51, 6. OD, who at sundry times and in divers manners" spake in time past The firstborn unto the fathers by the prophets, 2hath in these last days' spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of i Ps. 97, 7. his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholdings Or, unto. all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 5 Form Ps. 102, 25. unto which of the angels said he at any time, "THOU ART MY SON, THIS n. DAY HAVE I BEGOTTEN THEE?" And again, "I WILL BE TO HIM A FATHER, AND HE SHALL BE TO ME A SON?" 6a And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten" into the world, he saith, "AND LET ALL THE ANGELS of God WORSHIP HIM." 7 And of the angels he saith," "WHO MAKETH HIS ANGELS SPIRITS, AND HIS MINISTERS A FLAME OF FIRE.' 8 But unto the Son he saith,' "THY THRONE, O God, is for ever and ever: A SCEPTRE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS is THE SCEPTRE OF THY KINGDOM. 9 THOU HAST LOVED RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND HATED INIQUITY; THEREFORE GOD, even THY GOD, HATH ANOINTED THEE WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS ABOVE THY FELLOWS." 10 And, "THOU, LORD, IN THE BEGINNING HAST LAID THE FOUNDATION OF THE EARTH; AND THE HEAVENS ARE THE WORKS OF THINE HANDS: THEY SHALL PERISH; BUT THOU REMAINEST; AND THEY ALL SHALL WAX OLD AS DOTH A GARMENT; 12 AND AS A VESTURE SHALT THOU FOLD THEM UP, AND THEY SHALL BE CHANGED:" BUT THOU ART THE SAME, AND THY YEARS SHALL NOT FAIL.' 3 But to which of the angels said he at any time, "SIT ON MY RIGHT HAND, 4, 27. Ps. 2, 7. UNTIL I MAKE THINE ENEMIES THY FOOTSTOOL ?" 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation." 92 Sa. 7, 14. 2 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels? was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;" 3 how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and e That at the every knee name of Jesus should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. Ph. 2, 10. f .Thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed......Ac. Ac. 13, 33. 1 Ch. 17, 13; and 22, 10; and 28, 6. a Or, When he bringeth again. 13 11 7... If they escapfused him that spake on earth, ed not who re 25. & Or, distributions. m... The dispenness of times... sation of the ful Ep. 1, 10. n Ps. 8, 4; and 144, 3. Or a little while inferior to. was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them Our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abo lished death, & brought life and immortality light......2 Ti. 1, 10. to ...But ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Ro. 8, 15. Gr. he taketh not hold of angels, but of the seed of Abraham he taketh hold. on y Who can have much more shall not we escape, 5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come,m if we turn away from him that whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying," The human naspeaketh from ture the subject heaven. Ch. 12, of prediction & "WHAT IS MAN, THAT THOU ART MINDFUL OF HIM? OR THE SON fitting, because OF MAN, THAT THOU VISITEST HIM? 7THOU MADEST HIM A it enables Him LITTLE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS; THOU CROWNEDST HIM WITH to be a more effectual high GLORY AND HONOUR, AND DIDST SET HIM OVER THE WORKS OF priest, 10-18. THY HANDS: STHOU HAST PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET." For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing" that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.? 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels Sfor the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. the ignorant, & 11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one :" for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying, "I WILL DECLARE THY NAME UNTO MY BRETHREN, IN THE MIDST OF THE CHURCH WILL Ch. 4, 15, 16. I SING PRAISE UNTO THEE." 13 And again, "I WILL PUT MY TRUST IN HIM. And again, "BEHOLD I AND THE CHILDREN WHICH GOD HATH GIVEN ME. 14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same;" that through death he might de- My der his feet. The stroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 and deliver last enemy that them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.* shall be destroy-16 For verily "he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful" and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour exalted with his them that are tempted.* o Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given ven and in earth. Mat. 28, 18. unto me in hea p He must reign till he hath put all enemies un el is death. 1 Co. 15, 25, 26. Or, by. q Him hath God right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to to Israel, and give repentance 3 consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ HEREFORE, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, Jesus; who was faithful to him that "appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. 3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. 4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. 5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; but Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the Is. 8, 18. Jno. hope firm unto the end. Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, "TO-DAY, IF YE WILL HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDENS NOT YOUR HEARTS, AS IN THE PROVOCATION, IN THE DAY OF TEMPTATION IN THE WILDERNESS: WHEN YOUR ...Was made in FATHERS TEMPTED ME, PROVED ME, AND SAW MY WORKS FORTY YEARS. WHEREFORE I WAS GRIEVED WITH THAT GENERATION, AND SAID, THEY DO 11 So ALWAY ERR IN their HEART; AND THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN MY WAYS. became obedient I SWARE IN MY WRATH, 'They shall not ENTER INTO MY REST.") 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in |