Ver. 1. Be strong] Together with the word there goes forth a power, as Luke 5:17. Exhortations are God’s means to make us such as he requireth us to be. In the grace that is in Christ Jesus] Weak grace may evidence pardon of sin; but it is strong grace that can overcome the temptations of Satan, 1 John 2:12,14, and bear up the heart in strong consolation, The blessing upon man in the first creation was, “Increase and multiply”; in the second, “Grow in grace, be strong,” &c. Θαττον αν ειδης την καρδιαν η τα εν τη καρδια.
Ver. 2. Commit them to faithful men] No talent is given us for private and proper use, but that we be trading and transmitting it also to others. Synesius speaks of some, who having a treasure of abilities in them, yet would as soon part with their hearts as with their meditations, &c., the canker of whose great skill shall be a witness against them.
Ver. 3. Endure hardship] Never dream of a delicacy; think not to find God in the gardens of Egypt, whom Moses found not but in the burning bush. Many love Canaan, but loathe the wilderness; commend the country, but look upon the conquest as impossible; would sit in the seat of honour with Zebedee’s children, but not drink the cup of affliction. These deceive themselves. As a good soldier, &c.] Christ saith to us (as the Black Prince’s father sent to him, fighting as it were in blood to the knees, and in a great distress), Either vanquish or die; as the Prince of Orange said to his soldiers at the battle of Newport, when they had the sea on the one side, and the Spaniards on the other, If you will live, you must either eat up these Spaniards or drink up this sea.
Ver. 4. With the affairs] Or, gainful negotiations with marriage matters, say the Papists here, but without all show of sense. The Council of Chalcedon strictly forbiddeth ministers to meddle in worldly matters: Clericus in oppido, piscis in arido. (Canon 31.) The apostle seemeth to allude to the Roman soldiers, who might not be tutors to other men’s persons, proctors of other men’s causes; they might not meddle with husbandry, merchandise, &c.
Ver. 5. Except we strive lawfully] Tam circa ciborum quam continentiae ac honestatis rationem, saith Cassianus, except for matter and manner he observe the laws of wrestling, both for preparation and execution. Aristotle saith, Not he that had a strong body, but he that ran well had the crown in the Olympic games; it was not he that had an athletic ability, but he that wrestled best, that get the garland.
Ver. 6. The husbandman labouring first] Spes alit agricolas. Nae illi falsi sunt (saith Salhst, in Jugur.) qui diversissimas res expectant, ignaviae voluptatem, et praemia virtutis. They are utterly out, that think to have the pleasure of sloth and the guerdon of goodness. A reward, requital, or recompence. ŒD
Ver. 7. Consider what I say] Apply to thyself these forementioned similes, and so buckle close to thy business. And the Lord give thee] Unless God open Hagar’s eyes, she cannot see the fountain that is hard by. Rebecca cooks the venison, but Isaac only blesseth.
Ver. 8. Remember that Jesus] Remember it for thine encouragement; that Christ, for a reward of his sufferings, was both raised and exalted, Philippians 2:9.
Ver. 9. But the word of God is not bound] It runs and is glorified, 2 Thessalonians 3:1, being free and not fettered. I preach, though a prisoner, saith Paul; so did Bradford and other martyrs. Within a few days of Queen Mary’s reign, almost all the prisons in England were become right Christian schools and churches (saith Mr Fox), so that there was no greater comfort for Christian hearts than to come to the prisons to behold their virtuous conversation, and to hear their prayers, preachings, &c. The Earl of Derby’s accusation in the Parliament house against Mr Bradford was, that he did more hurt (so he called good evil) by letters and conferences in prison, than ever he did when he was abroad by preaching.
Ver. 10. That they may also obtain] viz. By my pains in preaching, though bound, and by example of my patience in suffering bonds, &c.
Ver. 11. It is a faithful saying] A sound and a sure assertion, Romans 8:17. Afflictions are the praeludia triumphi, prelide of a triumph. If we be dead] As Christ, 2 Timothy 2:8. Or, for Christ, if we be in deaths often, and at length lose our lives for his name’s sake.
Ver. 12. If we suffer] No wearing the crown but by bearing the cross first. Ne Iesum quidem audias gloriosum, nisi videris prius crucifixum, saith Luther (Epist. ad Melancthon). Christ himself was not glorified till first crucified. Queen Elizabeth is said to have swam to her crown through a sea of sorrow; so must we. If we deny him] [See Trapp on “Mt 10:33”] God usually retaliates, pays men home in their own coin, proportions jealousy to jealousy, provocation to provocation, Deuteronomy 22:21 Isa 66:3,4.