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Back to:
Reformation & Puritan Bible Commentaries
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Subsections
Reformation & Puritan Commentaries on:
The Whole Bible, the Whole OT & Whole NT
Commentaries in Latin:
Whole New Testament Commentaries
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Order of Contents
The Epistles 3
. Romans 35
. Corinthians 10+
. Galatians – Ephesians 12+
. Philippians – Colossians 15
. Thessalonians 20+
. Timothy – Titus 8
. Philemon – Hebrews 18
. General Epistles 1
. James 8
. 1-2 Peter 16
. Letters of John 10
. Jude 11
Revelation 72+
. On the Two Witnesses, Ch. 11
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On the Epistles
Dickson, David – An Exposition of all St. Paul’s Epistles together with an explanation of those other epistles of the apostles St. James, Peter, John & Jude, wherein the sense of every chapter and verse is analytically unfolded and the text enlightened (Romans-Jude) Buy 1659
Dickson was a prominent Scottish covenanter.
*** – ‘Dickson is a writer after our own heart. For preachers he is a great ally. There is nothing brilliant or profound; but everything is clear and well arranged, and the unction runs down like the oil from Aaron’s head. In this volume the observations are brief.’
Fergusson, James – A Brief Exposition of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and the Thessalonians Buy 1656-74
Fergusson was a Scottish covenanter.
*** – ‘He who possesses this work is rich. The author handles his matter in the same manner as Hutcheson and Dickson, and he is of their class–a grand, gracious, savory divine.’
Whitby, Daniel – A Paraphrase & Commentary upon all the Epistles of the New Testament (London [1700])
Whitby (1638–1726) was a strongly Arminian, Anglican minister who later gave evidence of Unitarian tendencies.
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Romans
1500’s
Colet, John – An Exposition on Romans d. 1519 rep. 1874
Colet was a reforming, English, humanist, Roman Catholic priest who was critical of the Church and was a friend of Erasmus.
Luther, Martin – Preface & Commentary on Romans
Luther’s Preface was historically foundational to the Reformation. Luther is good, but he cannot be relied upon in every area of Romans.
Specifically he does not affirm the 3rd Use of the Law (that the Law is a guide to the Christian’s path) and he interprets the motif of the flesh vs. the spirit as the sinful inclinations of a man’s body vs. his spirit, whereas the scriptural phraseology denotes by ‘flesh’ man’s sinful body and soul together and by ‘spirit’, the influence of the Holy Spirit.
For the latter interpretation, why it is correct, and the flow of thought in the passages (Rom. 6-8 especially), see the commentary of John Calvin.
“This indispensable work contains lectures which were first delivered to his students in 1515-16, and shows the process through which Luther went as he grappled with the problems of Roman dogma versus justification by faith.” – Cyril J. Barber
Tyndale, William – A Compendious Introduction, Prologue or Preface unto the Epistle of Paul to the Romans 1526 45 pp.
Vermigli, Peter Martyr – A Most Learned and Fruitful Commentary upon the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans wherein are diligently and most profitably entreated all such matters and chief common places of religion touched in the same Epistle d. 1562
** “Being in black letter, and very long, few will ever read it; but it contains much that will repay the laborious book-worm.” – Spurgeon
Corro, Antonio – A Theological Dialogue, wherein the Epistle of St. Paul the Apostle to the Romans is Expounded 1575
Corro (1527-1591) was originally a Spanish monk who converted to protestantism and became a reformed professor of divinity at Oxford. He wrote the first Spanish grammar in English.
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1600’s
Wilson, Thomas – A Commentary on Romans 1614
Wilson (1563-1622) was a reformed Anglican.
** “Intended for the less-instructed among the preacher’s hearers, and put into the form of a dialogue. It is very solid, but does not contain much which is very striking or original.” – Spurgeon
Ferme, Charles – A Logical Analysis of Romans PoD †1617
Ferme (1565-1617) was a reformed Scottish divine.
Willet, Andrew – A Six-fold Commentary upon Romans 1620
Willet (1562–1621)
** – ‘This work is called by its author [1562-1621] a Hexapla, because he treats his subject under six heads, giving ‘a sixfold use of every chapter, showing:
1. The method of argument;
2. The diverse readings;
3. The explanation of difficult questions and doubtful places;
4. The places of doctrine;
5. Places of confutation;
6. Moral observations.’
Willet is tedious reading; his method hampers him. In all his Commentaries he lumbers along in his six-wheeled wagon.’ – Spurgeon
Day, William – A Paraphrase & Commentary upon the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans 1666
Day (d. 1684) was an Anglican.
Brown, John, of Wamphray – An Exposition of Romans with Large Practical Observations, Delivered in Several Lectures Buy †1679
Brown (1610-1679) was a late Scottish covenanter, exiled in Holland.
** – ‘By a Calvinist of the old school. Heavy, perhaps; but precious.’ – Spurgeon
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Chapters in Romans
Sclater, William
A Key to the Key of Scripture, or an Exposition with Notes upon the Romans chs. 1-3 d. 1626
Sclater (1575-1626) was a reformed puritan.
*** “An antique, but precious book.” – Spurgeon
Lightfoot, John – Hebrew and Talmudical Exercitations upon Some Few Chapters of the Epistle to the Romans on chs. 3, 8, 11
Lightfoot was a mid-1600’s reformed divine who was invited to the Westminster Assembly. He mined the Jewish writings for anything and everything that may be of help in understanding the New Testament. Here are his results. This is the only work of its kind in English.
Parr, Elnathan – A Short View of the Epistle to the Romans 1-2:2, also in The Works Buy 4th ed. 1651
Parr (1577-1622) was reformed.
*** “The style is faulty, but the matter is rich and full of suggestions. We regret that the work is not complete, and is seldom to be met with except in fragments.” – Spurgeon
Manton, Thomas – 24 Sermons on Romans 6 d. 1677
Elton, Edward – The Complaint of a Sanctified Sinner Answered: or An Explanation of the Seventh Chapter of the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans, Delivered in Diverse Sermons 1618
Elton (1569-1624) was reformed.
*** “The style is plain and homely, but the matter is of the choicest kin. This old folio is like an old skin bottle, with a rough exterior, but filled within with the product of the rarest vintage. Such books as this we never tire of reading.” – Spurgeon
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Romans 8
The First Part of Romans 8
Jacomb, Thomas – Sermons on the 8th Chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, verses 1-4 d. 1687 This has been reprinted by Banner of Truth
Jacomb (1622–1687) was an English puritan.
Binning, Hugh – The Sinner’s Sanctuary, Forty sermons on Rom. 8:1-15 d. 1653
Binning (1627-1653) was a Scottish covenanter.
*** “The writer of Binning’s Memoir says: ‘There is a pure stream of piety and learning running through the whole, and a very peculiar turn of thought, which exceeds the common rate of writers on this choice part of the Holy Scriptures.'” – Spurgeon
Lightfoot, John – Hebrew and Talmudical Exercitations upon Some Few Chapters of the Epistle to the Romans on Rom. 8:1-4
Lightfoot was a mid-1600’s reformed divine who was invited to the Westminster Assembly. He mined the Jewish writings for anything and everything that may be of help in understanding the New Testament. Here are his results. This is the only work of its kind in English.
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On the Whole of Romans 8
1500’s
Hedlambe, John – An Exposition of the Whole Eighth Chapter to the Romans, Wherein is perfectly proved our Justification to be by faith only, to the beating down and overthrowing of all erroneous and false opinions to the contrary 1579 48 pp.
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1600’s
Cowper, William, of Galloway – Three Heavenly Treatises upon Romans 8, wherein the counsel of God concerning man’s salvation is so manifested that all men may see the Ancient of Days, the Judge of the World, in his general justice court absolving the Christian from sin and death, which is the first benefit we have by our Lord Jesus Christ 1609 457 pp.
Cowper (1568–1619) was a reformed Scottish bishop.
Parr (1577-1622) was reformed.
*** “The style is faulty, but the matter is rich and full of suggestions. We regret that the work is not complete, and is seldom to be met with except in fragments.” – Spurgeon
Elton (1569-1624) was a reformed, English puritan.
Horton, Thomas – Forty Six Sermons upon the Whole Eighth Chapter of the Epistle of the apostle Paul to the Romans, lately preached Buy 1674
Horton (d. 1673) was an English, reformed puritan.
*** “Full of matter, well, but rather too formally, arranged. The sermons are very prim and orderly.” – Spurgeon
Manton, Thomas – 47 Sermons on Romans 8 383 pp. d. 1677
Hamilton, Alexander – A Cordial for Christians Traveling Heavenward, being the Substance of some Sermons upon the Eighth chapter of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans 1696 232 pp.
Hamilton (d. 1696) was a Scot who preached these sermons in Edinburgh.
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Romans 9-16
Parr, Elnathan
Parr (1577-1622) was reformed.
*** “The style is faulty, but the matter is rich and full of suggestions. We regret that the work is not complete, and is seldom to be met with except in fragments.” – Spurgeon
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Romans 9
Elton, Edward – The Great Mystery of Godliness Opened being an Exposition upon the Whole Ninth Chapter of the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans †1624
Elton (1569-1624) was reformed.
Twisse, William – A Short Survey of the Ninth Chapter to the Romans, so far as it Treats of the Doctrine of Predestination: the Better to Clear Some Passages of the Former Discourse in A Treatise of Mr. Cotton’s Clearing Certain Doubts Concerning Predestination, Together with an Examination Thereof 1646
Goodwin (1594?-1665) was a notable Arminian, whom John Owen and others argued against. Goodwin is nonetheless still often considered a puritan due to his emphasis on practical, godly living.
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Romans 11
Sutton, Thomas – Lectures upon the Eleventh Chapter to the Romans (London, 1632)
Sutton (1585–1623) was an Oxford graduate, English minister and divine.
Draxe (d. 1608) was a reformed puritan.
Lightfoot, John – Hebrew and Talmudical Exercitations upon Some Few Chapters of the Epistle to the Romans on chs. 3, 8, 11
Lightfoot was a mid-1600’s reformed divine who was invited to the Westminster Assembly. He mined the Jewish writings for anything and everything that may be of help in understanding the New Testament. Here are his results. This is the only work of its kind in English.
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Romans 12
Leighton, Robert – An Expository Lecture on Rom. 12:3-12 1600’s
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Romans 13
Hooper, John – Godly and Most Necessary Annotations on the 13th chapter to the Romans 1551
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1 Corinthians
Colet, John – An Exposition on 1 Corinthians d. 1519 rep. 1874
Colet was a reforming, English, humanist, Roman Catholic Priest who as critical of the Church and was a friend of Erasmus.
** “A curiosity and nothing more. This same ancient Dean Colet, the friend of Erasmus, wrote also on the Romans.” – Spurgeon
Lightfoot, John – Hebrew and Talmudical Exercitations upon 1 Corinthians, to which is added a discourse concerning what Bibles were used to be read in the religious assemblies of the Jews See also the table of contents to the Addenda to 1 Cor. 14
Lightfoot was a mid-1600’s reformed divine who was invited to the Westminster Assembly. He mined the Jewish writings for anything and everything that may be of help in understanding the New Testament. Here are his results. This is the only work of its kind in English.
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1 Corinthians 3
Burgess, Cornelius – The Scripture Directory for Church Officers and People, or, a Practical Commentary upon 1 Cor. 3 1659
Burgess (d. 1664) was one of the Westminster divines.
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1 Corinthians 7
Erasmus, Desiderus – An Exhortation to the Diligent study of scripture: An Exposition of 1 Corinthians 7 1529
Luther, Martin – Works, vol. 28: 1 Corinthians 7, 1 Corinthians 15, Lectures on 1 Timothy Buy
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1 Corinthians 11
Fuller, Thomas – Joseph’s Party-Colored Coat: a Commentary on 1 Corinthians 11 1640
Fuller was a reformed Anglican.
See also our page on Head Coverings in Worship
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1 Corinthians 13
Boys, John – The Epistle, 1 Cor. 13 in Works, pp. 204-214
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1 Corinthians 15
1500’s
Luther, Martin – Works, vol. 28: 1 Corinthians 7, 1 Corinthians 15, Lectures on 1 Timothy Buy
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2 Corinthians
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2 Corinthians 1
Sibbes, Richard – A Learned Commentary or Exposition upon 2 Corinthians 1 d. 1635
Burgess, Cornelius – An Expository Commentary, Doctrinal, Controversial and Practical upon 2 Corinthians 1 d. 1677 being 147 sermons
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2 Cor. 4
Sibbes, Richard – Exposition of 2 Cor. 4 d. 1635 180 pp. in Works, 4:307-488
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2 Cor. 5
Rollock, Robert – 5 Sermons on 2 Cor. 5:1-18 d. 1599
Manton, Thomas – 40 Sermons on 2 Cor. 5 d. 1677
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2 Cor. 8-9
Bird, Samuel – Lectures upon the 8th & 9th Chapters of 2 Corinthians 1598
Bird’s (d. 1604) theological persuasion is unknown.
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Galatians
1500’s
Luther, Martin – Commentary on Galatians Reformer
One exception that may be taken to this work is Luther’s teaching that Christ Himself became sin (that is: sinful) on the cross in order to make the Atonement. On the contrary the sacrifice must be pure, righteous and without sin in order to be effectual. There is a legal imputation of sin, but not an infusing thereof. See John Murray on “The Imputation of Adam’s Sin” for a corrective to Luther on this point.
*** “‘I prefer this book of Martin Luther’s (except the Bible) before all the books that I have ever seen, as most fit for a wounded conscience.’ – Bunyan. This is a great historic work, and is beyond criticism, on account of its great usefulness. As a comment its accuracy might be questioned; but for emphatic utterances and clear statements of the great doctrine of the Epistle it remains altogether by itself, and must be judged per se.” – Spurgeon
Prime, John – An Exposition & Observations upon St. Paul to the Galatians, Together with Incident Questions Debated & Motives Removed 1587
Prime (1550-1596) was reformed.
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1600’s
Perkins, William – A Commentary or Exposition upon Galatians 1-5 d. 1602
** “Perkins was justly esteemed by his contemporaries as a master in theology. This commentary is deeply theological, and reads like a body of divinity: truth compels us to confess that we find it dull.” – Spurgeon
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Chapters in Galatians
Torshell, Samuel – The Three Questions of Free Justification, Christian Liberty, The Use of the Law, Explicated in a Brief Comment on St. Paul to the Galatians, from 2:16 – 3:26 1632
Torshell (1604-1650) was English and reformed.
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Ephesians
1500’s
Ridley was reformed.
** “John Bale wrote in 1543: ‘The Commentary which that virtuous learned man, Master Lancelot Ridley, made upon St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians, for the true erudition of his Christian brethren, hath my Lord Bonner here also condemned for heresy. But what the cause is I cannot tell, unless it be for advancing the Gospel as the thing whereby we are made righteous.’ Our author is equally fierce against Anabaptists and Papists, but is not much of a commentator.” – Spurgeon
Hemmingsen, Niels – Ephesians Faithfully Expounded, both for the Benefit of the learned and unlearned. Herein are handled the high mysteries of our Salvation, as may appear by the Table of Commonplaces… 1580
Hemmingsen (1513-1600) was a Lutheran.
** “A Danish divine of high repute in his own day. Some of his works were turned into English; but the translations, like the originals, are now left in undeserved oblivion.” – Spurgeon
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1600’s
Bayne, Paul – An Entire Commentary upon Ephesians d. 1617
** “Sibbes says of this work: ‘The greatest shall find matter to exercise themselves in; the meaner, matter of sweet comfort and holy instruction; and all confess that he hath brought some light to this Scripture.'” – Spurgeon
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Chapters in Ephesians
Goodwin, Thomas †1680
An Exposition of 2:1-11, 14-16
An Exposition of Ephesians 3:16-21
Rollock, Robert – An Exposition of part of the Fifth and Sixth Chapters of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians d. 1598 ‘In a volume containing sundry fragments of expositions.’ – Spurgeon Here is the work in Latin.
** “This renowned Scotchman’s writings generally come to us as translations from the Latin, and have been made preternaturally dull in the process of interpretation; but this appears to have been written in English by himself. It is practical to a high degree, and goes into minute details of the married life, etc. it will not be much appreciated in these days, though Dr. McCrie styles Rollock’s works ‘succinct and judicious.'” – Spurgeon
Goodwin, Thomas – An Exposition of Ephesians 5:30-32 d. 1680
Manton, Thomas – Sermons upon Eph. 5:1-27 325 pp. in Works, vol. 19, p. 169 ff.
Gurnall, William – The Christian in Complete Armour; A Treatise of the Saints’ War against the Devil on Eph. 6:10-20
“This exhaustive exposition by a Puritan writer ably treats the spiritual warfare of the saints and the equipment given them by God to assure the victory.” – Cyril J. Barber
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Latin Commentary on Ephesians
Boyd, Robert – Commentary on the Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians (London, 1652) The end of the volume has indices of words and phrases, and of chief common places and theological questions.
Boyd (1578-1627) was a Scottish covenanter.
“His posthumously published Latin commentary on Ephesians… is an enduring monument to his learning. The work, however, is far more than a commentary and includes discussions of virtually every important locus of a systematic theology… his intention in this was to derive the chief heads of Christian doctrine from Scripture, Ephesians being deliberately chosen for the purpose…” – James Kirk (Dict. of Scot. CH&T)
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Philippians
Ridley, Lancelot – An Exposition in English upon the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians 1550
Ridley (1576) was a reformed Anglican.
Airay, Henry – Lectures upon the whole of Philippians 1618 EEBO
** “Mr. Grosart says: ‘You will look in vain in this commentary for erudite criticism or subtle exegesis in the modern sense: but there seems to us to be an instructively true following up of the Apostolic thoughts, and a quick insight into their bearings and relative force.” – Spurgeon
Daille, John – An Exposition of Philippians Buy d. 1670
Daille was of the reformed tradition, though a hypothetical universalist.
** “Written in a deliciously florid style. Very sweet and evangelical: after the French manner.” – Spurgeon
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Philippians 3
Sibbes, Richard – An Exposition of Philippians 3 1639, This is not in Sibbes’ 7 volume set of Works
Manton, Thomas – Sermons upon Philippians 3:7-21 †1677 175 pp. in Works, vol. 20
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Colossians
1500’s
Ridley, Lancelot – An Exposition in English upon the Epistle of St. Paul to the Colossians, wherein the letter is purely declared, with many good exhortations to flee vice and to take virtue 1548
Ridley (d. 1576) was a reformed Anglican.
Rollock, Robert – Lectures on Colossians EEBO †1599 41 Lectures
** – ‘It is said that when this great divine died the entire population of Edinburgh attended his funeral. His Lectures on Colossians were once very popular, but are now extremely scarce. The style is very simple and colloquial, and the matter far from profound.’ – Spurgeon
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1600’s
Cartwright, Thomas – An Exposition of Colossians in Sundry Sermons d. 1603 EEBO
Cartwright (1534-1603) was an influential and leading English presbyterian.
** “This is but a small affair, consisting of scanty and second rate ‘notes’ by a hearer. Yet what there is of it has the true ring, and is rich in spirituality.” – Spurgeon
Elton, Edward – An Exposition of the Epistle of St Paul to the Colossians delivered in sundry sermons 1615 EEBO
Elton (d. 1624) was a reformed minister near London.
*** “A Puritan work; strongly Calvinistic, popular, and very full.” – Spurgeon
Byfield, Nicholas – An Exposition upon the Epistle to the Colossians 1615
*** “The author lived in intense pain, and died at 44, yet he produced quite a mountain of literature. He writes like an earnest, faithful man, resolved to keep back nothing of the counsel of God; but he too little studies brevity, and consequently he wearies most readers. He is always worth consulting.” – Spurgeon
Dod, John & Robert Cleaver – A Profitable Metaphrase upon the Epistle of Paul to the Colossians appended to Ten Sermons, pp. 265-288 1634
Davenant, John – An Exposition of Colossians, vols. 1, 2 †1641
Davenant was of the reformed tradition, though a hypothetical universalist.
*** “I know no exposition upon a detached portion of Scripture (with the single exception of Owen on the Hebrews) that will compare with it in all points. Leighton is superior in sweetness, but far inferior in depth, accuracy, and discursiveness.” – Charles Bridges, as quoted by Spurgeon
Daille, John – 49 Sermons upon the Whole Epistle of the Apostle St. Paul to the Colossians Buy d. 1670
Daillie (1594-1670) was of the reformed tradition, though a hypothetical-universalitst.
On his work on the Philippians: ** “Written in a deliciously florid style. Very sweet and evangelical: after the French manner.” – Spurgeon
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Chapters in Colossians
Bayne, Paul – Commentary on Colossians 1 & 2 1634
*** “…Edifying and very rare.” – Spurgeon
Lockyer, Nicholas – England faithfully watched with in her wounds: or, Christ as a Father Sitting up with his Children in their Swooning State, which is the sum of several lectures painfully preached upon Colossians 1 1646 Here are his sermons on Col. 1:11-12
*** “Rich, full, simple. A fair specimen of plain Puritan preaching.” – Spurgeon
Manton, Thomas – Christ’s Eternal Existence and the Dignity of his Person Asserted and Proved, in Opposition to the Doctrine of the Socinians 8 sermons on Col. 1:14-20 89 pp. in Works, vol. 1, p. 415 ff.
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1 Thessalonians
Jewel, John – An Exposition upon the Two Epistles of the apostle St. Paul to the Thessalonians 1571
** “Hooker calls Jewel ‘the jewel of bishops’. This work is in the usual style of the first Reformers, but rather more lively than most of them. Many of the topics touched upon were peculiar to the times in which the exposition was written. It will serve as a good specimen of the preaching of the Fathers of the English Church.” – Spurgeon
Rollock, Robert – Lectures upon 1 & 2 Thessalonians d. 1599
** “This renowned Scotchman’s writings generally come to us as translations from the Latin, and have been made preternaturally dull in the process of interpretation; but this appears to have been written in English by himself. It is practical to a high degree, and goes into minute details of the married life, etc. it will not be much appreciated in these days, though Dr. McCrie styles Rollock’s works ‘succinct and judicious.'” – Spurgeon
Sclater, William – An Exposition with Notes upon the First & Second Epistle to the Thessalonians 1619
Sclater (1575-1626) was a reformed puritan.
** “Sclater is antique; but, in the usual Puritanic manner, he gives very instructive disquisitions upon a vast variety of topics suggested by the text.” – Spurgeon
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1 Thessalonians 4
Case, Thomas – Mount Pisgah, or, A Prospect of Heaven, being an Exposition of 1 Thess. 4:13 to the End of the Chapter, divided into Three Parts Buy 1670
Case (d. 1682) was a reformed puritan and Westminster divine.
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2 Thessalonians
1500’s
Jewel, John – An Exposition upon the Two Epistles of the Apostle St. Paul to the Thessalonians 1571
** “Hooker calls Jewel ‘the jewel of bishops’. This work is in the usual style of the first Reformers, but rather more lively than most of them. Many of the topics touched upon were peculiar to the times in which the exposition was written. It will serve as a good specimen of the preaching of the Fathers of the English Church.” – Spurgeon
Tymme, Thomas – The Figure of Antichrist, with the Tokens of the End of the World, most plainly deciphered by a Catholic and Divine Exposition of the Second Epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians, collected out of the Best and Most Approved Divines, both Old & New… (London, 1586)
Tymme (d. 1620) was a reformed, Anglican, archbishop, translator and author.
Rollock, Robert – Lectures upon the First and Second Epistles of Paul to the Thessalonians d. 1599
** “This renowned Scotchman’s writings generally come to us as translations from the Latin, and have been made preternaturally dull in the process of interpretation; but this appears to have been written in English by himself. It is practical to a high degree, and goes into minute details of the married life, etc. it will not be much appreciated in these days, though Dr. McCrie styles Rollock’s works ‘succinct and judicious.'” – Spurgeon
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1600’s
Bradshaw, William – A Plain and Pithy Exposition of the 2 Thessalonians d. 1618
** “As we cannot get a sight of this, perhaps some reader will present us with a copy.” – Spurgeon
Sclater, William – An Exposition with Notes upon the Second Epistle to the Thessalonians 1619
Sclater (1575-1626) was a reformed puritan.
** “Sclater is antique; but, in the usual Puritanic manner, he gives very instructive disquisitions upon a vast variety of topics suggested by the text.” – Spurgeon
Jackson, Timothy – A Brief & Plain, yet Orthodoxal & Methodical Exposition upon St. Paul’s Second Epistle written to the Thessalonians (London, 1621)
Jackson (d. 1636) was an English minister and Cambridge scholar.
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2 Thessalonians 1
Manton, Thomas – Sermons upon 2 Thess. 1:4-12 16 sermons, 152 pp. in Works, vol. 20
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2 Thess. 2: the Antichrist
1500’s
Calvin, John – Commentary on 2 Thess. 2:3-10 †1564 14 pages
Carlile, Christopher – An Interpretation of 2 Thess. 2 which describes the Antichrist, I mean the Pope 1572
Carlile (ca. 1530-1588) was an Anglican, a student of Immanuel Tremellius and was a Hebrew scholar.
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1600’s
Du Moulin, Pierre – The Prophecy in 2 Thess. 2:3-11 1613
Squire, John – A Plain Exposition on 2 Thessalonians 2:1-13, Proving the Pope to be Antichrist, being [28] Lectures 1630
** “Squire works out the point of the Pope’s being Antichrist with very great cogency of reasoning. The exposition of the Epistle is lost in the point aimed at: but that point is of the utmost importance.” – Spurgeon
Hall (1619-1687) was a reformed Anglican.
Guild, William – On 2 Thess. 2:3-9, Antichrist… the Popes of Rome proven to be that Man of Sin… 1655 see chs. 3, 7, 9-11 & 16-18
Guild was a Scottish covenanter.
Manton, Thomas – 18 Sermons on 2 Thess. 2 d. 1677 180 pages
*** “Here Manton smites heavily at Popery. Richard Baxter wrote a commendatory preface to this valuable exposition.” – Spurgeon
Wilkinson, Henry – The Pope of Rome is Antichrist on 2 Thess. 2:3-10 in Puritan Sermons, 6:1-25 †1690
Wilkinson was reformed.
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1 Timothy
1500’s
Luther, Martin – Works, vol. 28: 1 Corinthians 7, 1 Corinthians 15, Lectures on 1 Timothy Buy
Calvin, John – Sermons on the Epistles of St. Paul to Timothy and Titus Buy
*** “Quite a different work from Calvin’s Commentaries.” – Spurgeon
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1 Timothy 4
Du Moulin, Pierre – The Prophecy in 1 Tim. 4:1-4 1613
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2 Timothy
Calvin, John – Sermons on the Epistles of St. Paul to Timothy and Titus Buy
*** “Quite a different work from Calvin’s Commentaries.” – Spurgeon
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Chapters in 2 Timothy
Barlow, John – An Exposition of 2 Timothy 1 1625
Barlow (b. 1580-1-1629/30) was an English protestant minister educated at Oxford. He also wrote an exposition on 2 Tim. 2.
*** “By a master in Israel. Thoroughly practical, deeply experimental, and soundly doctrinal.” – Spurgeon
Hall, Thomas – A Practical and Polemical Commentary on 2 Tim. 3-4 GB 1658
Hall (1632-58)
*** “Hall is often found in union with Barlow, completing the Commentary on 2 Timothy, as he completed Amos. He is a masterly expositor, of the old-fashioned school.” – Spurgeon
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Titus
1500’s
Luther, Martin – Works, vol. 29: Lectures on Titus, Philemon, and Hebrews Buy
Calvin, John – Sermons on the Epistles of St. Paul to Timothy and Titus Buy
*** “Quite a different work from Calvin’s Commentaries.” – Spurgeon
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1600’s
Taylor, Thomas – A Commentary upon the Epistle of St. Paul written to Titus. Preached in Cambridge 1612
Taylor (1576-1632) was a reformed puritan.
*** “The title-page calls Thomas Taylor ‘a famous and most elaborate divine.’ He was a preacher at Paul’s Cross during the reigns of Elizabeth and James I, and a voluminous writer. This Commentary will well repay the reader.”
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Philemon
1500’s
Luther, Martin – Works, vol. 29: Lectures on Titus, Philemon, and Hebrews Buy
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1600’s
Attersoll, William – A Commentary upon the Epistle to Philemon 1612
*** “A long comment upon a short epistle. The pious author labors to keep to his text, and succeeds in bringing out of it a mass of quaint practical teaching.” – Spurgeon
Dyke, Daniel – Two Treatises: The One a Most Fruitful Exposition upon Philemon; the other, the School of Affliction 1614
Dyke was a reformed puritan.
** “Dyke’s remarks are memorably practical and full of common sense. He abounds in proverbs. The work is not very valuable as an exposition of the words, but excels in making use of them.” – Spurgeon
Jones, William – A Commentary upon the Epistles of St. Paul to Philemon and to the Hebrews, together with a compendious explication of the Second and Third Epistles of St. John 1635
Jones was reformed.
*** “Very lively, sprightly, colloquial lectures, by a Suffolk divine, who thinks the Brownists and Dissenters were not persecuted. “Christ was whipped, that was persecution; Christ whipped some out of the temple, that was no persecution.” Despite his intolerance he says some uncommonly racy things.” – Spurgeon
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Hebrews
1500’s
Luther, Martin – Works, vol. 29: Lectures on Titus, Philemon, and Hebrews Buy
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1600’s
Dickson, David – A Short Explanation of the Epistle of Paul to the Hebrews Buy 1635
Dickson was a prominent Scottish covenanter. This work on Hebrews is different than his work on all the epistles.
*** – ‘We need say no more than–get it, and you will find abundance of suggestions for profitable trains of thought.’
Jones, William – A Commentary upon the Epistles of St. Paul to Philemon and to the Hebrews, together with a compendious explication of the Second and Third Epistles of St. John 1635
Jones (1561-1636) was reformed.
** “Very lively, sprightly, colloquial lectures, by a Suffolk divine, who thinks the Brownists and Dissenters were not persecuted. “Christ was whipped, that was persecution; Christ whipped some out of the temple, that was no persecution.” Despite his intolerance he says some uncommonly racy things.” – Spurgeon
Gouge, William – Commentary on Hebrews, vols. 1 (1-5), 2 (6-10), 3 (11-End) Buy 1655
*** “We greatly prize Gouge. Many will think his system of observations cumbrous, and so, perhaps, it is; but upon any topic which he touches he gives outlines which may supply sermons for months.”
Lawson, George – An Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews wherein the Text is cleared, Theopolitica [the city of God] improved, the Socinian comment Examined 1662
Lawson (c.1598-1678) was reformed.
** “Richard Baxter says: ‘I must thankfully acknowledge that I learned more from Mr. Lawson than from any divine that ever I conversed with.”
Owen, John – Exposition of Hebrews, vols. 1 (Prefatory), 2 (chs. 1-4), 3 (5-8), 4 (9-13) †1683 The volumes average about 800 pp.
*** “Out of scores of commendations of this colossal work we select but one. Dr. [Thomas] Chalmers pronounced it ‘a work of gigantic strength as well as gigantic size; and he who hath mastered it is very little short, both in respect to the doctrinal and practical Christianity, of being an erudite and accomplished theologian.'” – Spurgeon
“…with the excercitations, it may be reckoned one of the most valuable systems of doctrinal, practical and experimental divinity, that is to be met with in the English language.” – Edward Williams
Abridgments of Owen (shortest to longest):
Epistle to the Hebrews Preview Buy abridged in one volume by M.J. Tyron, Preface by H. Lockyer, Kregel Publications, 283 pp.
This inexpensive paperback book is NECESSARY. The abridgment covers each verse in about half a page to 2 pages, whereas the original often spends 30-60 pages on each verse. Introductory material to the whole book is not included in this abridgment. The abridgment is great if you simply want to quickly open the volume and find out how Owen interpreted a given verse with some relevant comments. Doing the same in the original may take you all day. Read the abridgment straight through in several sittings and you will have a great view of Owen on the whole book. See the Preview link.
Exposition of Hebrews: Revised and Abridged, vol. 1 (Intro), 2 (1-4), 3 (5-9), 4 (10-13) by Dr. Edward Williams The volumes average about 450 pp., about half the number of the original. The editor’s preface explains his, quite good, philosophy of abridgment.
Williams (1750–1813) was a Welsh nonconformist minister.
Williams: “The reader… may depend upon on it, that all the valuable, useful, and pertinent criticisms; the most forcible arguments in proof of any important point; the most evangelical and sublime sentiments and doctrines; the most close, convincing, and edifying improvements; the most animating and pathetic addresses and exhortations, contained in the other [original work], are preserved in this.”
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Chapters in Hebrews
Dering, Edward – 27 Lectures, or Readings, upon part of the Epistle written to the Hebrews [Heb. 1-6:6] 1577
Dering was reformed and a puritan.
*** “Mainly aimed at the errors of the Church of Rome, and at the practical questions of the Reformation period. A learned but antiquated set of lectures.” – Spurgeon
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Hebrews 11-12
Manton, Thomas – 66 Sermons on Hebrews 11:1-4, 11:4-28, 11:29-31 704 pp. in Works, vol. 13-15
*** “Exhaustive. Manton piles up his matter heaps upon heaps.”
Perkins, William – A Cloud of Faithful Witnesses, leading to the heavenly Canaan, or, a Commentary upon Hebrews 11 d. 1602
** “Good in its day, but now superseded. Very many points are discussed which would now be regarded as ridiculous: as for instance, whether a man may travel in a foreign country. It is terribly prosy.”
Shaw, John – The Catalogue of the Hebrew Saints Canonized by St. Paul [in] Heb. 11, further Explained & Applied 1659
Shaw (1614-1689) was a conforming puritan.
Burroughs, Jeremiah
Moses, his Self-Denial , Delivered in a Treatise upon Heb. 11:24 EEBO Buy 1641
Moses his Choice, with his Eye Fixed upon Heaven: Discovering the Happy Condition of a Self-Denying Heart, a Treatise upon Hebrews 11:25-26 Buy 1650
The Excellency of Holy Courage in Evil Times Buy 1661 on Heb. 11:27
Andrews, G. – Sermons upon the Twelfth Chapter of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews 12 1711 published posthumously, Andrews was a minister in Edinburgh, Scotland
** “Thoroughly Scotch. Sound, but somewhat polix and commonplace.” – Spurgeon
Sylvester, Matthew – The Christian’s Race and Patience, Sermons on Hebrews 12, vol. 1, 2 Buy 1702-8
Sylvester (1636-1708)
** “Not of the first class; yet respectable sermons.” – Spurgeon
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On the General Epistles
Luther, Martin – Works, vol. 30: The Catholic Epistles Buy
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James
1500’s
Hemmingsen, Niels – A Learned and Fruitful Commentary upon James 1577
* “The price which this book fetches is preposterous. It is hard antique reading.” – Spurgeon
Turnbull, Richard – An Exposition upon the Canonical Epistle of St. James, Divided into 28 Lectures or Sermons 1592
Turnbull (d. 1593) was reformed.
** “Old and occupied with Popish controversies. Good, solid, and tedious.” – Spurgeon
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1600’s
Mayer, John – Praxis Theologica: or the Epistle of James Resolved, Expounded and Preached upon 1629
On his whole Bible commentary: ** ‘A rare and valuable author… The six volumes, folio, are a most judicious and able digest of former commentators, enriched with the author’s own notes, forming altogether one of the fullest and best of learned English commentaries; not meant for popular use, but invaluable to the student. He is a link between the modern school, at the head of which I put Poole and Henry, and the older school who mostly wrote in Latin, and were tinctured with the conceits of those schoolmen who gathered like flies around the corpse of Aristotle. He appears to have written before Diodati and Trapp, but lacked opportunity to publish. I fear he will be forgotten, as there is but little prospect of the republication of so diffuse, and perhaps heavy, an author. He is a very Alp of learning, but cold and lacking in spirituality, hence his lack of popularity.’ – Spurgeon
Manton, Thomas – A Practical Commentary, or, an Exposition with Notes on the Epistle of James; delivered in Sunday Weekly Lectures d. 1677 460 pp.
*** “In Manton’s best style. An exhaustive work, as far as the information of the period admitted. Few such books are written now.” – Spurgeon
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James 1
Est (1546 or 7-1625) was an English, protestant minister.
Goodwin, Thomas – A Exposition of James 1:1-5, Patience and her Perfect Work d. 1680
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James 2
Gifford, George – A Godlie, Zealous, and Profitable Sermon upon the Second Chapter of Saint James. Preached at London… (London, 1582)
** – “We have several times met with this writer’s name coupled with that of Brightman as in his day regarded as a very learned writer, but we cannot procure his work [on the Song of Solomon]. Possibly some reader of this catalogue may yet present us with it. We beg to assure him of the gratitude which we already feel, in the form of ‘a lively sense of favors to come’.” – Spurgeon
Morgan, John – A Short Analysis of a Part of the Second Chapter of St. James, from the 14th Verse to the end of the Same. With a Brief Confutation of the Rhemists’ Annotations thereupon written (London, 1588)
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1 Peter
1500’s
Luther, Martin – A Commentary or Exposition upon 1 Peter d. 1546
*** “In Luther’s racy style. One of his best productions. Copies are scarce as white elephants, and consequently expensive.” – Spurgeon
Alley, William – The Poor Man’s Library Rapsodiæ: G.A. Bishop of Exceter upon the First Epistle of Saint Peter, read publicly in the cathedral church of saint Paul, within the city of London 1560
** “A curious old Black Letter Folio. The exposition on Peter is mainly occupied with the questions and controversies of the Reforming period. Do not buy it.” – Spurgeon
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1600’s
Rogers, John – A Godly and Fruitful Exposition upon all the First Epistle of Peter d. 1636
*** “Rogers was a true Boanerges [son of thunder]. His style is earnestly practical and wisely experimental. This is one of the scarcest and liveliest of the Puritan expositions.” – Spurgeon
Ames, William – An Analytical Exposition of both the Epistles of the Apostle Peter 1641
** “Too much divided and subdivided, chopped up and cut into dice pieces and laid in order; for after all, there is very little meat in it. It is an analysis, and little more.” – Spurgeon
Nisbet, Alexander – A Brief Exposition of the First and Second Epistles General of Peter Buy 1658
*** – ‘A judicious and gracious Scotch commentary, after the style of Dickson and Hutcheson.’ – Spurgeon
Leighton, Robert – A Practical Commentary on 1 Peter, vols. 1, 2 Buy d. 1684
Leighton (1611-84) was an evangelical Scottish bishop. His commentary is very good and is full of heart religion.
*** – “Dr. Henry Mills thus wrote of Leighton’s works: ‘There is a spirit in them I never met with in any other human writings, nor can I read many lines in them without being moved.’ We need scarcely commend this truly heavenly work. It is a favorite with all spiritual men.” – Spurgeon
“One of the best expository works on I Peter. Leighton provides his reader with the results of his vast learning without ostentation; his theology is accurate and his eloquence unmatched. Devotional. Anglican.” – Cyril J. Barber
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Chapters in 1 Peter
Byfield, Nicholas – A Commentary upon 1 Pet. 1-3:11 d. 1622
** “Byfield is an able and pious divine, but he is not very vivacious, and neither in manner nor matter is he at all original.” – Spurgeon
Pigg, Oliver – A Comfortable Treatise upon 1 Pet. 4:12-19 1582 87 pp.
Pigg (b. 1551) was an English puritan.
Luther, Martin – A Word in Season: being the Commentary of Dr. Martin Luther on three selected Psalms: viz. the 124th, 125th & 129th, with his commentary on some part of the Fourth & Fifth chapters of the First Epistle of St. Peter. Being of special use for the present times. (London, 1685)
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2 Peter
1500’s
Luther, Martin – A Commentary or Exposition upon 2 Peter d. 1546
*** “In Luther’s racy style. One of his best productions. Copies are scarce as white elephants, and consequently expensive.” – Spurgeon
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1600’s
Symson, Archibald – Exposition upon the Second Epistle General of St. Peter 1632
Simson (1564-1628) was a pastor in Dalkeith, Scotland.
** “Abundance of matter, pithily expressed. Symson is among the oldest and rarest of the English divines.” – Spurgeon
Ames, William – An Analytical Exposition of both the Epistles of the Apostle Peter 1641
Ames was a New England puritan.
** “Too much divided and subdivided, chopped up and cut into dice pieces and laid in order; for after all, there is very little meat in it. It is an analysis, and little more.” – Spurgeon
Adams, Thomas – An Exposition upon 2 Peter d. 1652 EEBO
Adams was a puritan.
*** “Full of quaintnesses, holy wit, bright thought, and deep instruction. We like Adams better in commenting than in preaching. His great work is quite by itself, and in its own way remains unrivalled. We know no richer and racier reading.” – Spurgeon
Nisbet, Alexander – A Brief Exposition of the First & Second Epistles General of Peter Buy 1658
*** – ‘A judicious and gracious Scotch commentary, after the style of Dickson and Hutcheson.’
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Chapters in 2 Peter
Denison, Stephen – An Exposition upon 2 Peter 1, with the Principal Doctrines Naturally Arising from every Verse of the Same Chapter 1622 EEBO
Denison (d. 1649) was a reformed minister in London.
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The Letters of John
Poole, Matthew – Critical Synopsis of the Bible: 1 John – Jude Buy
This is different and much larger than Poole’s Annotations on Scripture. Here Poole gives something of a history of interpretation (from Jewish writers until Christian interpreters of Poole’s own day) on every verse of the Bible.
‘…you will find in Poole’s Synopsis a marvelous collection of all the wisdom and folly of the critics. It is a large cyclopedia worthy of the days when theologians could be cyclopean, and had not shrunk from folios to octavos. Query—a query for which I will not demand an answer—has one of you beaten the dust from the venerable copy of Poole which loads our library shelves?
Yet as Poole spent no less than ten years in compiling it, it should be worthy of your frequent notice—ten years, let me add, spent in Amsterdam in exile for the truth’s sake from his native land. His work is based on an earlier compilation entitled Critici Sacri, containing the concentrated light of a constellation of learned men who have never been excelled in any age or country.’ – Spurgeon
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1 John
Tyndale, William – The Exposition of the First Epistle of St. John d. 1536 80 pp.
Perkins, William – The First Epistle of John in the Form of a Dialogue Between John & the Church in A Case of Conscience Resolved in Works, vol. 1 (of 3)
Cotton, John – A Practical Commentary, or an Exposition with Observations, Reasons, and Uses upon the First Epistle General of John PoD 1652
*** “Calamy puts his imprimatur upon this book, and speaks of the author’s name as ‘deservedly precious among the saints of God.’ In doctrine and experience he is a noble teacher.”
“A Puritan work first published in 1657. So extensive that the reader can virtually develop a systematic theology from its contents.” – Cyril J. Barber
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Chapters in 1 John
Binning, Hugh – Fellowship with God, or, 28 Sermons on 1 John 1 & 2:1-3, wherein the true ground and foundation of attaining, the spiritual way of entertaining fellowship with the Father and the Son and the blessed condition of such as attain to it, are most succinctly and dilucidly explained 1653, in Works, p. 271 ff.
Binning was a Scottish covenanter.
*** “Milk for babes, and meat for men; calls to backsliders, and comforts for mourners. ‘There is no speaking,’ says Durham, ‘after Mr. Binning; truly he had the tongue of the learned, and knew how to speak a word in season.” – Spurgeon
Hardy, Nathanael – The First General Epistle of St. John Unfolded and Applied d. 1670 385 pp. This is only on the first two chapters only, being 59 sermons.
Hardy (1618-70) was reformed and was a puritan.
*** “The Editor of Nichol’s Edition says, ‘This Exposition is only a fragment. It was intended to consist of five parts, corresponding generally with the five chapters of the Epistle; but only two of them were accomplished. In matter, the sermons are purely evangelical; in spirit, they are earnest and affectionate; in manner, they are eloquent and impressive.’ This is rather too ardent a commendation.” – Spurgeon
Manton, Thomas – Sermons upon 1 John 3:1-4, 3:5-24 32 Sermons in Works, vols. 20-21
Cotton, John – Christ the Fountain of Life: or, Sundry choice sermons on part of the 5th chapter of the First Epistle of St. John 1651
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2 John
Marlorate, Augustine – An Exposition of 2 John d. 1560
Marlorate was reformed.
Marlorat (1506-1562) was reformed. His commentaries are particularly valuable as they are compendiums of block quotes from some of the best reformed divines of his day on the passages of that particular Biblical book. See here for an excerpt from his commentary on John.
On his commentary on Matthew: ** – “Marlorate was an eminent French reformer, preacher and martyr. His commentaries contain the cream of the older writers, and are in much esteem, but are very rare. He wrote on the whole New Testament, but we have in English only the Gospels [2-3 John] and Jude [and Revelation 1 & 13].” – Spurgeon
Jones, William – A Commentary upon the Epistles of St. Paul to Philemon and to the Hebrews, together with a compendious explication of the second and third Epistles of St. John 1635
Jones was reformed.
*** “Very lively, sprightly, colloquial lectures, by a Suffolk divine, who thinks the Brownists and Dissenters were not persecuted. “Christ was whipped, that was persecution; Christ whipped some out of the temple, that was no persecution.” Despite his intolerance he says some uncommonly racy things.” – Spurgeon
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3 John
1500’s
Marlorate, Augustine – An Exposition of 3 John d. 1560 14 pp.
Marlorat (1506-1562) was reformed.
On his commentary on Matthew: ** – “Marlorate was an eminent French reformer, preacher and martyr. His commentaries contain the cream of the older writers, and are in much esteem, but are very rare. He wrote on the whole New Testament, but we have in English only the Gospels [2-3 John] and Jude [and Revelation 1 & 13].” – Spurgeon
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1600’s
Jones, William – A Commentary upon the Epistles of St. Paul to Philemon and to the Hebrews, together with a compendious explication of the second and third Epistles of St. John 1635
Jones was reformed.
*** “Very lively, sprightly, colloquial lectures, by a Suffolk divine, who thinks the Brownists and Dissenters were not persecuted. “Christ was whipped, that was persecution; Christ whipped some out of the temple, that was no persecution.” Despite his intolerance he says some uncommonly racy things.” – Spurgeon
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Jude
1500’s
Ridley, Lancelot – An Exposition in the Epistle of Jude the Apostle of Christ wherein he sets plainly before every man’s eyes false apostles, and their crafts, by the which they have long deceived simple Christian people. 1538
On his work on Ephesians: ** “John Bale wrote in 1543: ‘The Commentary which that virtuous learned man, Master Lancelot Ridley, made upon St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians, for the true erudition of his Christian brethren, hath my Lord Bonner here also condemned for heresy. But what the cause is I cannot tell, unless it be for advancing the Gospel as the thing whereby we are made righteous.’ Our author is equally fierce against Anabaptists and Papists, but is not much of a commentator.” – Spurgeon
Luther, Martin – A Commentary or Exposition upon Jude d. 1546
*** “In Luther’s racy style. One of his best productions. Copies are scarce as white elephants, and consequently expensive.” – Spurgeon
Marlorat, Augustine – Commentary on Jude †1562
Marlorat (1506-1562) was reformed. His commentaries are particularly valuable as they are compendiums of block quotes from some of the best reformed divines of his day on the passages of that particular Biblical book. See here for an excerpt from his commentary on John.
** – “Marlorate was an eminent French reformer, preacher and martyr. His commentaries contain the cream of the older writers, and are in much esteem, but are very rare. He wrote on the whole New Testament, but we have in English only the Gospels [2-3 John] and Jude [and Revelation 1 & 13].” – Spurgeon
Turnbull, Richard – An Exposition upon the Canonical Epistle of St. Jude, Divided into Ten Sermons or Lectures 1592
Turnbull (1593) was reformed.
* “Old and occupied with Popish controversies. Good solid, and tedious.” – Spurgeon
Trigge, Francis – A Touchstone, whereby may be Easily Discerned which is the True Catholic Faith, of all them that Profess the Name of Catholics in the Church of England, that they be not deceived, taken out of the Catholic Epistle of St. Jude (London, 1599)
Trigge (c.1547-1606) was reformed.
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1600’s
Perkins, William – A Godly and Learned Exposition upon the Whole Epistle of Jude, containing 66 Sermons d. 1602
** “Perkins was regarded by his contemporaries as a paragon of learning, but his writings fail to interest the generality of readers.” – Spurgeon
*** “This book is in the [British] Museum, but we cannot procure a copy.” – Spurgeon
Otes, Samuel – An Explanation of the General Epistle of Saint Jude in 41 Sermons 1633 525 pp.
** “Of the conforming Puritan style, full of quaintness and singularities of learning. A book by no means to be despised.” – Spurgeon
Manton, Thomas – A Practical Commentary on Jude ToC 1658
*** “Manton at first gave up all idea of printing this book on Jude, when he found that Jenkyn had taken up the subject; but he afterwards changed his mind. He tells us: ‘I consulted with my reverend brother’s book, and when I found any point at large discussed by him, I either omitted it or mentioned it very briefly; so that his labors will be necessary to supply the weakness of mine.” – Spurgeon
Poole, Matthew – Critical Synopsis of the Bible: 1 John – Jude Buy †1679
This is different and much larger than Poole’s Annotations on Scripture. Here Poole gives something of a history of interpretation (from Jewish writers until Christian interpreters of Poole’s own day) on every verse of the Bible.
‘…you will find in Poole’s Synopsis a marvelous collection of all the wisdom and folly of the critics. It is a large cyclopedia worthy of the days when theologians could be cyclopean, and had not shrunk from folios to octavos. Query—a query for which I will not demand an answer—has one of you beaten the dust from the venerable copy of Poole which loads our library shelves? Yet as Poole spent no less than ten years in compiling it, it should be worthy of your frequent notice—ten years, let me add, spent in Amsterdam in exile for the truth’s sake from his native land. His work is based on an earlier compilation entitled Critic Sacri, containing the concentrated light of a constellation of learned men who have never been excelled in any age or country.’ – Spurgeon
Jenkyn, William – An Exposition of Jude †1685 850 pp.
*** “Earnest and popular, but very full, and profoundly learned. A treasure-house of good things.” – Spurgeon
“This work preceded Manton’s monumental treatment. Manton regarded this exposition with such awe that he purposely avoided duplicating any of its material in his own work. Should be purchased if found.” – Cyril J. Barber
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On the Revelation
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Revelation 2-3: the Seven Letters
1500’s
Perkins, William – A Godly and Learned Exposition or Commentary upon the Three First Chapters of the Revelation. Preached in Cambridge 1595 220 pp.
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1600’s
More, Henry – An Exposition of the Seven Epistles to the Seven Churches together with a brief Discourse of Idolatry, with Application to the Church of Rome 1669 140 pp.
More (1614-1687) was an Arminian, Latitudinarian Anglican.
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Revelation: Partial Preterist Commentaries
1500’s
Roman Catholic, in Latin
Henten, John – Enarrationes Vetustissimorum Theologorum, in Acta Quidem Apostolorum et in Omnes D. Pauli ac catholicas epistolas ab Oecumenio : in apocalypsim vero 1545
Henten (1499-1566) was a Roman Catholic.
Salmeron, Alfonso – Disputationum in Epistolas Canonicas, et Apocalypsim: tomus quartus ac omnium operum postremus 1602
Salmeron (1515-1585) was a Roman Catholic, Jesuit.
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1600’s
Roman Catholic, in Latin
Alcazar, Luis – Vestigatio Arcani Sensus in Apocalypsi 1619
Alcazar (1554–1613) was a Roman Catholic,Spanish Jesuit.
“The praeterist view… is said to have been first promulgated in anything like completeness by the Jesuit Alcasar, in his “Vestigatio Arcani Sensus in Apocalypsi” (1604). Very nearly, the same plan was adopted by Grotius. The next great name among this school of interpreters is that of Bossuet the great antagonist of Protestantism.” – Henry Alford, as quoted by Ron Cooke
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Anglicans
Grotius, Hugo – Annotationes In Novum Testamentum, vol. 8: Continens Annotationes In Epistolas Catholicas Et Iohannis Apocalypsin
Grotius (1583-1645) was an Arminian, Latitudinarian, Erastian, Anglican, who wrote a commentary on the whole Bible.
Hammond, Henry – A Paraphrase of Revelation, Annotations on the Revelation The first 12 pages of the Annotations is ‘A Premonition Concerning the Interpretation of the Apocalypse’
Hammond (1605–1660) was an Arminian Anglican.
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Roman Catholic, in French
Bousset, Jacques – L’Apocalypse Avec Une Explication 1690
Bousset (1627-1704) was a Roman Catholic Bishop, supporter of the absolute Divine Right of kings and was an antagonist to Protestantism.
“In 1688, Jesuit-educated and Preterist, Bishop Bossuet dropped a bombshell on Protestants by publishing his scathing indictment of Protestantism, The History of the Variations of the Protestant Churches. Bossuet’s purpose is so doing was to show the lack of unity and succession of Protestant doctrines through the ages (which the Calvinists claimed), unlike the unity and apostolic doctrines of the Catholic Church, thus fulfilling the promise of Jesus in Matt. 16:18. Using the Protestant belief (that there have always been believers who have held to their anti-Catholic doctrines) against them, he proposes arguments proving the unorthodox Christianity of all the groups Protestants claimed as forefathers.” – Rand Winburn
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Revelation: Historicist Commentaries
1500’s
Bullinger, Henry – A Hundred Sermons upon the Apocalypse of Jesus Christ Revealed Indeed by the Angel of the Lord, but seen or received and written by the apostle and Evangelist St. John 1561
Bullinger (1504-1575), the reformer of Zurich, was reformed.
Fulke, William – Prælections upon the Sacred and Holy Revelation of St. John 1573
Fulke (1538-1589) was a reformed Anglican.
Marlorate, Augustine – A Catholic Exposition upon the Revelation of St. John (1574)
Napier, John
Napier’s Narration: or an Epitome of his book on the Revelation.: Wherein are divers mysteries disclosed, touching the four beasts, seven vials, seven trumpets, seven thunders, and seven angels, as also a discovery of Antichrist: together with very probable conjectures touching the time of his destruction, and the end of the world. A subject very seasonable for these last times. (London, 1641)
Napier (1550-1617) was reformed. He was the mathematician who invented logarithms.
Gifford, George – Sermons upon the Whole Book of the Revelation 1599
Gifford (1547-1600) was a Reformed puritan.
Junius, Francis
Annotations on the Revelation of St. John 1599, in The New Testament of our Lord Jesus Christ: Translated out of Greek by Theodore Beza
Junius was a major reformed figure of his day and a professor at the University of Heidelberg.
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1600’s
Cartwright, Thomas – A Plain Explanation of the Whole Revelation of St. John, very necessary and comfortable in these days of trouble and affliction in the Church d. 1603
Birghtman was a reformed puritan.
* “Brightman’s admirers called him ‘the English Prophet,’ and this work they styled the ‘Apocalypse of the Apocalypse’; but it survives only as a noteworthy monument of the failure of the most learned to expound the mysteries of this book. Elliott says ‘his Commentary is one of great vigor both in thought and language, and deservedly one of the most popular with the Protestant Churches of the time.'” – Spurgeon
Dent, Arthur – The Ruin of Rome: or, An Exposition upon the whole Revelation, wherein is plainly showed and proved that the popish religion, together with all the power and authority of Rome, shall ebb and decay more throughout all the churches of Europe… d. 1607 EEBO
Dent (1533-1607) was reformed and a puritan.
Broughton, Hugh – A Revelation of the Holy Apocalypse 1610
Broughton (1549-1612) was a reformed Anglican.
Forbes (1564-1635) was reformed.
Bernard, Richard – A Key of Knowledge for the Opening of the Secret Mysteries of St. John’s Mystical Revelation 1617
Bernard was a reformed puritan.
Mason (1580-1619?) was an Anglican clergyman and writer.
Pareus, David – A Commentary upon the Divine Revelation of the Apostle and Evangelist John d. 1622
Holland was reformed.
Mede, Joseph
This is Mede’s most famous work.
** “There are several other works on the Apocalypse by this author, who, says Elliott, ‘was looked upon and written of as a man almost inspired for the solution of the Apocalyptic mysteries. Yet I think his success was at first over-estimated as an Apocalyptic expositor.'” – Spurgeon
Remains on Some Passages in the Revelation 1650
Durham, James – A Learned and Complete Commentary upon the Book of the Revelation EEBO Buy d. 1658
Durham (1622-58) was a Scottish covenanter and writes in the historicist school of interpretation, which was the nearly universal view of the Scottish covenanters, along with the Reformation and puritan era.
** – ‘After all that has been written, it would not be easy to find a more sensible and instructive work than this old-fashioned exposition. We cannot accept its interpretations of the mysteries, but the mystery of the gospel fills it with sweet savor.’ – Spurgeon
Hicks, William – Apokalypsis Apokalypseos, or, The Revelation Revealed, being a Practical Exposition on the Revelation of St. John (London, 1659)
Hicks (1621-1660) was an English puritan.
Not Recommended: Muggleton (1609–1698) was an English religious thinker who gave his name to Muggletonianism, a Protestant sect which was always small, but survived until the death of its last follower in 1979. He spent his working life as a journeyman tailor in the City of London and was imprisoned twice for his beliefs. He held opinions hostile to all forms of philosophical reason, and had received only a basic education. He encouraged quietism and free-thought amongst his followers, whose beliefs were predestinarian in a manner that was distinct from Calvinism.
More, Henry
More (1614-1687) was an Arminian, Latitudinarian Anglican.
Poole, Matthew – Critical Synopsis of the Bible: Revelation, 3 vols. Buy
This is different and much larger than Poole’s Annotations on Scripture. Here Poole gives something of a history of interpretation (from Jewish writers until Christian interpreters of Poole’s own day) on every verse of the Bible.
‘…you will find in Poole’s Synopsis a marvelous collection of all the wisdom and folly of the critics. It is a large cyclopedia worthy of the days when theologians could be cyclopean, and had not shrunk from folios to octavos. Query—a query for which I will not demand an answer—has one of you beaten the dust from the venerable copy of Poole which loads our library shelves?
Yet as Poole spent no less than ten years in compiling it, it should be worthy of your frequent notice—ten years, let me add, spent in Amsterdam in exile for the truth’s sake from his native land. His work is based on an earlier compilation entitled Critic Sacri, containing the concentrated light of a constellation of learned men who have never been excelled in any age or country.’ – Spurgeon
Knollys, Hanserd
An Exposition of the Whole Book of the Revelation 1689 255 pp.
Knollys was a baptist. The Great Whore of Revelation in ch. 17 is said to be the Papacy and all national Churches (Episcopal, presbyterian, etc.).
Anon. – The Book of the Revelation Paraphrased; with Annotations on Each Chapter. Whereby it is made Plain to the Meanest Capacity (London, 1693)
Cradock, Samuel – A Brief and Plain Exposition and Paraphrase of the Whole Book of the Revelation 1696
** “Dr. Doddridge and Job Orton were very fond of this old author. We are not.” – Spurgeon
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Revelation: Historicism – On the Major Prophetic Portions of Revelation
1600’s
Comenius, Johann – The Revelation Revealed, by Two Apocalyptical Treatises, showing: 1. How near the period of the time is wherein the mystery of God shall be fulfilled. 2. What things are already fulfilled, and what shall shortly follow thereupon, as they are foretold in the Revelation. Translated out of High-Dutch 1651 Has introductory letters by Samuel Hartlib and John Dury. This work especially treats of ch. 16.
Comenius was reformed, see Wiki.
Sherwin, William – A Scheme of the Whole Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, of very great use: with the following summary of Daniel’s Visions, etc., for the right understanding of the parallel of that Book and the Revelation after[wards] Set Down (London, 1671)
Sherwin (1607-1687?) was an Anglican minister who held to Christ personally reigning on earth for the millennium (not recommended).
Hayter was a laymen of unknown theological persuasion. See DNB.
Jurieu (1637-1713) was a French, reformed minister and professor of theology and Hebrew at Sedan; he was a grandson of Pierre Du Moulin and was a prolific author.
The revocation of the Edict of Nantes occurred in 1685, which virtually obliterated the reformed Church from having a public face in France. Jurieu, in this work, predicted that the overthrow of the Papal Antichrist would take place in 1689. The classic Huguenot historian, H.M. Baird, said that “this persuasion, however fanciful the grounds on which it was based, exercised no small influence in forwarding the success of the designs of William of Orange in the invasion of England,” which resulted in the English, Glorious Revolution in 1689.
Cressener, Drue – A Demonstration of the First Principles of the Protestant Applications of the Apocalypse, Together with the Consent of the Ancients Concerning the Fourth Beast in the 7th of Daniel & the Beast in the Revelations (London, 1690)
Cressener (1642?-1718) was an Anglican clergyman and theological writer, known as an interpreter of the Apocalypse.
Fleming, Robert – An Epistolary Discourse Concerning the Rise and Fall of Antichrist 1694 200 pp.
Fleming covers many of the chapters in Revelation and their interpretation in his Discourse.
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Revelation: Historicism – Chapters in Revelation, Chs. 1-10
Phelpes, Charles – A Commentary, or an Exposition with Notes on the Five First Chapters of the Revelation of Jesus Christ (London, 1678)
We do not have any bio info on Phelpes (fl.1670-1682).
Marlorate, Augustine – An Exposition of Revelation 1 & 13 d. 1560
Marlorat (1506-1562) was reformed. His commentaries are particularly valuable as they are compendiums of block quotes from some of the best reformed divines of his day on the passages of that particular Biblical book. See here for an excerpt from his commentary on John.
** – “Marlorate was an eminent French reformer, preacher and martyr. His commentaries contain the cream of the older writers, and are in much esteem, but are very rare. He wrote on the whole New Testament, but we have in English only the Gospels [2-3 John] and Jude [and Revelation 1 & 13].” – Spurgeon
Perkins, William – A Godly and Learned Exposition or Commentary upon the Three First chapters of the Revelation. Preached in Cambridge 1595
More, Henry – An Exposition of the Seven Epistles to the Seven Churches together with a Brief Discourse of Idolatry, with Application to the Church of Rome 1669
More (1614-1687) was an Arminian, Latitudinarian Anglican.
Traheron, Bartholomew – An Exposition of the 4th Chapter of St. John’s Revelation… in sundry readings before his countrymen in Germany. Where in the providence of God is treated with an answer made to the objection of a gentle adversary 1558
Traheron (1510?-1558?) was reformed and was a reformer of the Church of England and an exile under Bloody Mary.
Cowper, William – Patmos: A Commentary on the Revelation of St. John, chapters 4-7 1619
Cowper (1568-1619) was reformed.
** “The simple piety and vigorous style of Cowper have preserved his old-fashioned work, and will preserve it.” – Spurgeon
Burton, Henry – The Sounding of the Two Last Trumpets, the Sixth & Seventh, or Meditations by way of Paraphrase upon the 9th, 10th & 11th Chapters of the Revelation, as containing a Prophecy of these Last Times (London, 1641)
Burton was an Independent, English puritan.
Du Moulin, Pierre – The Prophecies contained in Rev. 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, and prophecies scattered throughout the Apocalypse speaking of the Pope and his seat 1613
Burton (1578-1648) was a reformed puritan.
Guild, William – Antichrist… the Popes of Rome proven to be that Man of Sin… 1655 See chs. 4-6, 8, 11, 13-15 regarding Rev. 9, 13 & 17-18.
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On the Two Witnesses, Ch. 11
Quote
Samuel Rutherford
A Peaceable & Temperate Plea (1642), pp. 126-7
“So Rev. 11, in that universal apostasy under Antichrist, when the gentiles tread upon the outer court of the Temple and the holy City, God stirs up two witnesses to prophesy in sackcloth; that is, some few pastors (for two is the smallest number) and they prophesy and are slain, and yet they rise again. We need not apply this to men in particular, as to John Huss and Jerome of Prague; but certainly, some few spake against Babylon and they were borne down and oppressed and killed, and men of that same spirit rose and spake that same truth as if the very two men who were slain had risen within three days again.”
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Books
Woodcock, Thomas – The Two Witnesses: Discovered in [12] Several Sermons upon the Eleventh Chapter of the Revelation, wherein, after the Prophesy Opened, the Great Question of These Times. Viz. Whether the Two Witnesses are Slain, Yea or No, is Modestly Discussed. April, 1643 (London, 1643)
Woodcock (1614-1651) was a Westminster divine.
T.P. – A Sober Guess Concerning Several Dark Prophesies in the Revelation, especially the 11th Chapter, Extracted out of Several Authors, Expositors on the Apocalypse (London [1662])
T.P. was a minister of the Gospel and references reformed writers.
“These two Witnesses prophecying, were not two individual persons, Enoch and Elias, as Bellarmine and other Papists affirm: But a succession of holy men, not in private, but in public station, stirred up all that time to testify the truth of Christ against Antichrist.
By the two Witnesses in general are meant (says Mr. Mede) all the interpreters and assertors of divine truth, who should by their daily complaints bewail the foul and lamentable pollution of Christs Church: And in particular it is conceived by the two Witnesses to be meant (say learned expositors) the faithful teachers and governors of the Church, both ecclesiastical and political: More especially say the London Ministers in their Jus Divinum Ministerii Anglicani) the true ministers of Jesus Christ, who are called Witnesses of Christ, Acts 1:8, and whose proper office it is to bear witness to truth and holiness, against all heresies, blasphemies, idolatries and ungodliness of Antichrist.
To these witnesses power is given, i.e. authority and commission; yea, the power of Christ is bestowed upon them, by which they are enabled not only to pray and to mourn, but to prophesy, not so much by prediction of things future, as by preaching the everlasting Gospel. It was a mighty power from on high that a few condemned, persecuted ministers should have gifts to be able, and power to be couragious to preach against the Son of Perdition, when all the world wondered after the beast.” – pp. 143-144
Hooke, William – A Discourse Concerning the Witnesses, Relating to the Time, Place, & Manner of their Being Slain (London, 1681) 48 pp.
Hooke (1600 or 1601-1678) was an Anglican clergyman and domestic chaplain to Oliver Cromwell. He was born in London and graduated from Oxford, and spent several years in New England as a pastor. He returned to England in 1656, becoming the domestic chaplain and advisor for his friend Oliver Cromwell and running the Savoy hospital. He remained an advisor to Cromwell’s son Richard until the collapse of the Protectorate. He published several tracts and sermons.
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Contra the Papist View
In English
Willet, Andrew – Synopsis Papismi (London: Thomas Orwin, 1592)
1st Book or Century, 4th Controversy 10th Question, on Antichrist, 2nd Pt., ‘Whether Antichrist be yet Come & How Long He Shall Continue’, pp. 157-60
The 5 Other Popish Sacraments, About the Natures of Christ, 20th Controversy, the Coming of Christ to Judgment, pt. 1, 2nd Question, of the Coming of Enoch & Elias before the day of Judgment, pp. 618-20
Thomas Swadlin, The Scriptures Vindicated from the Unsound Conclusions of Cardinal Bellarmine (1643), p. 193
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In Latin
Ames, William – Bellarminus Enervatus (London: Ioannem Hvmpfridvm, 1633), p. 145
Hommius, Festus – LXX Disputationes Theologicae Adversus Pontificios (Leiden: Ioannem Orlers, 1614), pp. 53-4
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Historical Theology
Peterson, Rodney – Preaching in the Last Days: The Theme Of “Two Witnesses” in the Sixteenth & Seventeenth Centuries (New York: Oxford University Press, 1993)
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Revelation: Historicism – Chapters in Revelation, Chs. 12-22
Herbert, William – A Letter Written by a True Christian Catholic, to a Roman pretended Catholic wherein upon occasion of controversy touching the Catholic Church the 12th, 13th, and 14th Chapters of the Revelation are briefly and truly expounded, which contain the true estate thereof, from the birth of Christ to the end of the world 1586
William Herbert (1553-1593).
Du Moulin, Pierre – The Prophecies contained in Rev. 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, and prophecies scattered throughout the Apocalypse speaking of the Pope and his seat 1613
Taylor (1576-1632) was a reformed puritan.
Marlorate, Augustine – An Exposition of Revelation 1 & 13 d. 1560
Marlorat (1506-1562) was reformed. His commentaries are particularly valuable as they are compendiums of block quotes from some of the best reformed divines of his day on the passages of that particular Biblical book. See here for an excerpt from his commentary on John.
** – “Marlorate was an eminent French reformer, preacher and martyr. His commentaries contain the cream of the older writers, and are in much esteem, but are very rare. He wrote on the whole New Testament, but we have in English only the Gospels [2-3 John] and Jude [and Revelation 1 & 13].” – Spurgeon
Wilkinson, John – An Exposition of the 13th Chapter of the Revelation of Jesus Christ 1619
Cotton, John – An Exposition upon the 13th Chapter of the Revelation d. 1652
Cotton was one of the leading early New England puritans. He was a historicist.
Guild, William – Antichrist… the Popes of Rome Proven to be that Man of Sin… 1655 see chs. 4-6, 8, 11, 13-15 regarding Rev. 9, 13 & 17-18.
The author interprets the Antichrist to be the rise and continuation of the Papacy, the traditional protestant view. The work appears to be helpful.
Burton, Henry – The Seven Vials or a Brief and Plain Exposition upon the 15th and 16th Chapters of the Revelation, very pertinent and profitable for the Church of God in these Last Times 1628
Burton (1578-1648) was a reformed puritan.
Parker, Robert – The Mystery of the Vials Opened: being a Short Exposition upon the Pouring out of the Four Last Vials Mentioned in the 16th Chapter of the Revelation: wherein diverse things relating to times present, past & to come are discovered: as the ruin of Antichrist and the several degrees thereunto; and the shadowing out these times wherein we live are generally surveyed (London, 1650) EEBO says the work is by ‘John Parker’, but this appears to be an error.
Parker (c.1564–1614) was an English Puritan clergyman and scholar. He became minister of a separatist congregation in Holland where he died. Cotton Mather wrote of Parker as “one of the greatest scholars in the English Nation, and in some sort the father of all Nonconformists of our day.”
Cotton, John – The Pouring out of the Seven Vials, or, An Exposition, with Application of the 16th Chapter of the Revelation 1642 EEBO
Cotton was one of the leading early New England puritans. He was a historicist.
Comenius, Johann – The Revelation Revealed, by Two Apocalyptical Treatises, showing: 1. How near the period of the time is wherein the mystery of God shall be fulfilled. 2. What things are already fulfilled, and what shall shortly follow thereupon, as they are foretold in the Revelation. Translated out of High-Dutch 1651 Has introductory letters by Samuel Hartlib and John Dury. This work especially treats of ch. 16.
Comenius was reformed, see Wiki.
Du Moulin, Pierre – The Prophecies contained in Rev. 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, and prophecies scattered throughout the Apocalypse speaking of the Pope and his seat 1613
Garrett, Walter – Demonstratio Luculenta, Nova, or, A New Method of Demonstrating that Rome Christian (and not, Heathen) is the Woman, called ‘Babylon’, in the 17th Chapter of the Revelation (1700)
Guild, William – Antichrist… the Popes of Rome proven to be that Man of Sin… 1655 see chs. 4-6, 8, 11, 13-15 regarding Rev. 9, 13 & 17-18.
Sherwin, William
The Saints’ First Revealed & Covenanted Mercies, Shortly Approaching: As being the main scope of Revelation-Prophesy; opened & resolved by Christ’s Divine Key of Prophesy in the Four Last Chapters Thereof (London, 1676) 12 large pages
Sherwin (1607-1687?) was an Anglican minister who was a Chilialist, holding to Christ personally reigning on earth for the millennium (not recommended).
Baillie, Robert – On Rev. 20, ‘The Thousand Years of Christ’s Visible Reign
upon Earth, is Against Scripture’ 1645 71 paragraphs, being ch. 11 of his Dissuasive from the Errors of the Time
Hall, Joseph – The Revelation Unrevealed Concerning the Thousand-Years Reign of the Saints with Christ upon Earth. Laying forth the weak grounds and strange consequences of that plausible and too-much received opinion… (London, 1650)
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