PREFACE to the NEW TESTAMENT
1. For many years I have had a desire of setting down and laying together, what has
occurred to my mind, either in reading, thinking, or conversation, which might assist
serious persons, who have not the advantage of learning, in understanding the New
Testament. But I have been continually deterred from attempting any thing of this kind, by
a deep sense of my own inability: of my want, not only of learning for such a work, but
much more, of experience and wisdom. This has often occasioned my laying aside the
thought. And when, by much importunity, I have been prevailed upon to resume it, still I
determined to delay it as long as possible, that (if it should please God) I might finish
my work and my life together.
2. But having lately had a loud call from God to arise and go hence, I am convinced
that if I attempt any thing of this kind at all, I must not delay any longer. My day is
far spent, and (even in a natural way) the shadows of the evening come on apace. And I am
the rather induced to do what little I can in this way, because I can do nothing else:
being prevented, by my present weakness, from either travelling or preaching. But, blessed
be God, I can still read, and write, and think. O that it may be to his glory!
3. It will be easily discerned, even from what I have said already, and much more from
the notes themselves, that they were not principally designed for men of learning; who are
provided with many other helps: and much less for men of long and deep experience in the
ways and word of God. I desire to sit at their feet, and to learn of them. But I write
chiefly for plain unlettered men, who understand only their mother tongue, and yet
reverence and love the word of God, and have a desire to save their souls.
4. In order to assist these in such a measure as I am able, I design first to set down
the text itself, for the most part, in the common English translation, which is, in
general, (so far as I can judge) abundantly the best that I have seen. Yet I do not say it
is incapable of being brought, in several places, nearer to the original. Neither will I
affirm, that the Greek copies from which this translation was made, are always the most
correct. And therefore I shall take the liberty, as occasion may require, to make here and
there a small alteration.
5. I am very sensible this will be liable to objections: nay, to objections of quite
opposite kinds. Some will probably think, the text is altered too much; and others, that
it is altered too little. To the former I would observe, that I never knowingly, so much
as in one place, altered it for altering sake: but there, and there only, where first, the
sense was made better, stronger, clearer, or more consistent with the context: secondly,
where the sense being equally good, the phrase was better or nearer the original. To the
latter, who think the alterations too few, and that the translation might have been nearer
still, I answer, this is true: I acknowledge it might. But what valuable end would it have
answered, to multiply such trivial alterations as add neither clearness nor strength to
the text ? This I could not prevail upon myself to do: so much the less because there is,
to my apprehension, I know not what, peculiarly solemn and venerable in the old language
of our translation. And suppose this a mistaken apprehension, and an instance of human
infirmity; yet, is it not an excusable infirmity, to be unwilling to part with what we
have been long accustomed to; and to love the very words by which God has often conveyed
strength or comfort to our souls!
6. I have endeavoured to make the notes as short as possible that the comment may not
obscure or swallow up the text: and as plain as possible, in pursuance of my main design,
to assist the unlearned reader: for this reason I have studiously avoided, not only all
curious and critical inquiries, and all use of the learned languages, but all such methods
of reasoning and modes of expression as people in common life are unacquainted with: for
the same reason, as I rather endeavour to obviate than to propose and answer questions, so
I purposely decline going deep into many difficulties, lest I should leave the ordinary
reader behind me.
7. I once designed to write down barely what occurred, to my own mind, consulting none
but the inspired writers. But no sooner was I acquainted with that great light of the
Christian world, (lately gone to his reward,) Bengelius, than I entirely changed my
design, being thoroughly convinced it might be of more service to the cause of religion,
were I barely to translate his Gnomon Novi Testamenti, than to write many volumes upon it.
Many of his excellent notes I have therefore translated. Many more I have abridged,
omitting that part which was purely critical, and giving the substance of the rest. Those
various readings likewise, which he has showed to have a vast majority of ancient copies
and translations on their side, I have without scruple incorporated with the text; which,
after his manner, I have divided all along (though not omitting the common division into
chapters and verses, which is of use on various accounts) according to the matter it
contains, making a larger or smaller pause, just as the sense requires. And even this is
such a help in many places, as one who has not tried it can scarcely conceive.
8. I am likewise indebted for some useful observations to Dr. Heylin's Theological
Lectures: and for many more to Dr. Guyse, and to the Family Expositor of the late pious
and learned Dr. Doddridge It was a doubt with me for some time, whether I should not
subjoin to every note I received from them the name of the author from whom it was taken;
especially considering I had transcribed some, and abridged many more, almost in the words
of the author. But upon farther consideration, I resolved to name none, that nothing might
divert the mind of the reader from keeping close to the point in view, and receiving what
was spoken only according to its own intrinsic value.
9. I cannot flatter myself so far (to use the words of one of the above - named
writers) as to imagine that I have fallen into no mistakes in a work of so great
difficulty. But my own conscience acquits me of having designedly misrepresented any
single passage of Scripture, or of having written one line with a purpose of inflaming the
hearts of Christians against each other. God forbid that I should make the words of the
most gentle and benevolent Jesus a vehicle to convey such poison. Would to God that all
the party names, and unscriptural phrases and forms, which have divided the Christian
world, were forgot: and that we might all agree to sit down together, as humble, loving
disciples, at the feet of our common Master, to hear his word, to imbibe his Spirit, and
to transcribe his life in our own!
10. Concerning the Scriptures in general, it may be observed, the word of the living
God, which directed the first patriarchs also, was, in the time of Moses, committed to
writing. To this were added, in several succeeding generations, the inspired writings of
the other prophets. Afterward, what the Son of God preached, and the Holy Ghost spake by
the apostles, the apostles and evangelists wrote. - This is what we now style the Holy
Scripture: this is that word of God which remaineth for ever: of which, though heaven and
earth pass away, one jot or tittle shall not pass away. The Scripture therefore of the Old
and New Testament, is a most solid and precious system of Divine truth. Every part thereof
is worthy of God; and all together are one entire body, wherein is no defect, no excess.
It is the fountain of heavenly wisdom, which they who are able to taste, prefer to all
writings of men, however wise, or learned, or holy.
11. An exact knowledge of the truth was accompanied in the inspired writers with an
exactly regular series of arguments, a precise expression of their meaning, and a genuine
vigour of suitable affections. The chain of argument in each book is briefly exhibited in
the table prefixed to it, which contains also the sum thereof, and may be of more use than
prefixing the argument to each chapter; the division of the New Testament into chapters
having been made in the dark ages, and very incorrectly; often separating things that are
closely joined, and joining those that are entirely distinct from each other.
12. In the language of the sacred writings, we may observe the utmost depth, together
with the utmost ease. All the elegancies of human composures sink into nothing before it:
God speaks not as man, but as God. His thoughts are very deep: and thence his words are of
inexhaustible virtue. And the language of his messengers also is exact in the highest
degree: for the words which were given them accurately answered the impression made upon
their minds: and hence Luther says, "Divinity is nothing but a grammar of the
language of the Holy Ghost." To understand this thoroughly, we should observe the
emphasis which lies on every word; the holy affections expressed thereby, and the tempers
shown by every writer. But how little are these, the latter especially, regarded? Though
they are wonderfully diffused through the whole New Testament, and are in truth a
continued commendation of him who acts, or speaks, or writes.
13. The New Testament is all those sacred writings in which the New Testament or
covenant is described. The former part of this contains the writings of the evangelists
and apostles: the latter, the revelation of Jesus Christ. In the former is, first, the
history of Jesus Christ, from his coming in the flesh to his ascension into heaven; then
the institution and history of the Christian Church, from the time of his ascension. The
revelation delivers what is to be, with regard to Christ, the Church, and the universe,
till the consummation of all things.
BRISTOL HOT - WELLS, January 4, 1754.
This computer version of "Wesley's Explanatory Notes" was produced by Sulu
Kelley and Bill Brown. Beyond this, if favorable response is recieved, we may work on Adam
Clarke's Commentary or J. Agar Beet's Commentaries. Also, we are open to suggestions on
other works. Please write to show your support and to give us your opinions. We need your
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Sulu Kelley William Brown
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