$1. The word of exhortation, what. §2. To suffer it, what. $3. In what sense a few words. $4 Timothy's imprisonment, and liberty. 15. Paul charges the brethren to salute the eldersand saints in his name, 6. The salutation of the saints in Italy, to the Hebrews. $7. The general solemn close. §8. The sub⚫scription.

§1. “AND I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation." He subjoins this tender address, to caution them against losing the benefit of it, through negligence or prejudice. (Τον λογον της παρακλMOENS) the word of exhortation or of consolation; for it yoɛws) is used to signify both. Wherefore the phrase denotes, the truth and doctrine of the gospel applied to the edification of believers, whether by way of exhortation or consolation; the one constantly including the other.

Most think, that the apostle intends peculiarly, the hortatory part of the epistle, in chap. vi, 10, 12, 13. But I see no just reason. why the whole epistle may not be intended; for the nature of it in general is parvenetical; that is, "a word of exhortation," as hath been often observed. The whole epistle is intended in the next words: "for I have written a letter unto you in a few words;" and there is in the doctrinal part of it, that which was as hard to be borne by the Hebrews as any thing in those which are preceptive or hortatory. And I would not exclude the notion of consolation; because that is the proper effect of the doctrine of the gospel.

Note. When ministers take care, that the word which they deliver is a word tending to the edification and consolation of the church, they may, with confidence, press the entertainment of it by the people; though it should contain things, which, by reason of their weakness or prejudices, may be some way griev ous to them.

§2. (Avexerde) suffer, or bear this word; that is, in

the first place, he cautions them to take heed that no prejudices, or inveterate opinions, no apprehensions of severity in its admonitions and threatenings, should provoke them against it, render them impatient under it, and so cause them to lose the benefit of it. But there is more intended, namely, that they should "bear and receive it, as a word of exhortation;" so as to improve it to their edification. A necessary caution; for neither Satan, nor the corruption of men's own hearts, will be wanting, to suggest to them such exceptions and prejudices against it, as may render it useless.

§3. "For I have written a letter unto you in few "words;" for, considering the importance of the cause wherein he was engaged; the necessity there was to unfold the whole design and mystery of the covenant, and institutions of the law, with the office of Christ; considering the great contests that were amongst the Hebrews, about these things; and the danger either of their eternal ruin, through a misapprehension of them, all that he hath written may well be esteemed but a "few words;" and of which none could have been spared. He hath, in this matter sent them (die Beaxewv) a brief compendium of the doctrine of the law and the gospel.

$4. "Know ye, that our brother Timothy is set at liberty, with whom if he come shortly, I will see you." Timothy was his perpetual companion in all his travels, labors, and sufferings; serving him as a son his father, unless when he sent him to any special work for the church: and being with him in Judea, he was well known there; as also his worth and usefulness. He seems not to have gone to Rome with Paul, when the latter was sent thither a prisoner, but probably followed him not long after; and there, as is most

likely, being taken notice of, either as an associate of the apostle's, or for preaching the gospel, he was castinto prison. Of this the Hebrews had heard, and were, no doubt, affected with it; therefore, the apostle gives them notice of his being dismissed out of prison, as a matter wherein he knew they would rejoice. The release of Timothy would be good news to them. He doth not seem to have been present with the apostle, at the despatch of this epistle, for he knew not his mind directly, about his going into Judea; only he apprehended that he had a resolution so to do. And herein he acquaints them with his own resolution, to give them a visit; which, that he might do, he had before desired their prayers for him. However, he seems to intimate that if Timothy, whose company he desired in his travels, could not come speedily, he knew not whether his work would permit him to do so. What was

the event of this resolution God only knows.

$5. "Salute all them, that have the rule over you, and all the saints." This is given in charge to them to whom the epistle was sent. For though it was written for the use of the whole church, yet the messengers, by whom it was carried, delivered and committed it, according to the apostle's direction, to some of the brethren by whom it was to be presented and communicated to the church. To these brethren he peculiarly gives in charge to salute both their elders, and all the rest of the saints, or members of the church in his name. To "salute" in the name of another is to represent his kindness and affection; which the apostle desires, for the preservation and continuation of entire love between them. Who these rulers were, whom they are enjoined to salute, hath been fully declared, verse 17; and to call the members of the church "saints," was usual with our apostle.

§6. "They of Italy salute you." Those that were with him in Italy; for there were then many Christians, both of Jews and Gentiles. Some of those, no doubt, were continually with the apostle; who knowing his design of sending a letter to the Hebrews, desired to be remembered to them, it being probable, that many of them were their countrymen, and well known to them.

$7. "Grace be with you all, Amen." This was the constant close of all his epistles. This he wrote with his own hand, and would have it esteemed an assured token, whereby an epistle might be known to be his, 2 Thes. iii, 17, 18. He varieth sometimes in his expressions; but this is the substance of all his subscriptions; "Grace be with you all. By "grace" he intends the whole good will of God by Jesus Christ, and all the blessed effects of it; and which he prays may be communicated to them.

§8. The subscription in our books is "written to the Hebrews, from Italy, by Timothy." This is partly untrue; as that it was sent by Timothy; being expressly contrary to what the apostle speaks concerning him immediately before. But these subscriptions have been sufficiently proved, by many, to be spurious; being the additions of some unskilful transcribers in after ages.

Τω Θεω δοξα.

INDEX.

THE nature of an expository work precludes the necessity of
referring in an Index to many things that otherwise would de-
serve a place. The Text itself will often be the easiest refer-
ence; and the Editor presumes, that the method he has adopted
in summing up the contents of each verse or paragraph ex-
pounded, will save the inquisitive reader much time and trouble.
N. B. The first number refers to the volume-the second to
the page.