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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadWilliam Burkitt Notes and Observations - Romans 1:2 - 1:2
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That is, Which gospel God had promised before by his holy prophets speaking in the holy scriptures.
Where note, 1. The antiquity of the gospel, how ancient that doctrine is, even as old as the prophets themselves; nay, as old as Adam himself. The gospel, or glad tidings of a Saviour, was first preached to Adam by God himself, Gen_3:15 next to Abraham, Genesis 15 then it was predicted by all the prophets which have been since the word began. The gospel which we preach can by no means fall under the charge and imputation of novelty: it is no new or modern doctrine, but almost as old as the word itself: Which gospel he had promised before by his holy prophets.
Behold then a great correspondency, a sweet agreement and harmony, between the Old and New Testament, between the prophets and apostles; though great difference in the manner and measure of revalation. For, as one says, the Old Testament is the hiding of the New; the New Testament is the opening of the Old. The Old Testament is the New Testament veiled; the New Testament is the Old revealed.
Note, 2. The venerable title given to the scriptures: they are called the holy Scriptures: Which he had promised before by his prophets speaking in the holy scriptures.
The scriptures are holy in several respects.
1. In regard of their author and inditer, the Holy Spirit of God.
2. In regard of the penmen and writers of them, holy men of God.
3. In regard of the subject-matter contained in them, the holy will of God.
4. In regard of their design, to make us holy both in heart and life.
And, if the word of God be an holy word, than let it be treated by us in all holy deference and regard.
Lord! what an impious liberty do some men take, in this wanton age, to furnish out a jest in scripture-attire, and in their jocular humour to make light and irreverent applications of scripture phrases and sentences!
They lay their schemes of ridiculous mirth in the Bible, and play the buffoons with the most serious things in the world. These men bring forth scripture as the Philistines brought forth Sampson, only to make them sport; but they shall ere long find Almighty God in earnest, though they were in jest. He that has magnified his word above all his name, will not brook it, that any man should make it vile and contemptible, by rendering it the theme of his giddy mirth and profane drollery.