Matthew Poole and continuators on Hebrews 12:15

15 Looking diligently, lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up, trouble you, and thereby many be defiled:

To further their Pursuit of Peace and Holiness, he metaphorically proposeth a Caution against what might stop them in it, which he properly specifieth and exemplifieth in Esau, from v. 15, to 18. [non-Latin text not transcribed] notes a very strick and severe inspecting themselves: Its Primitive, [non-Latin text not transcribed], signifieth such a looking to a thing, as those, who, in shooting, aim at the Mark; and the Preposition adds intention to the Action, signifying a most earnest Care in Christians over themselves, in them over others, and in Ministers over them all.

Lest any Person among them should fail of Grace offered in the Gospel to it, and never have it, Tit. 2.11, 12. or apostatize from the Profession of it, by Seduction or Persecution, ch. 4.1. and 10.38. 2 Cor. 6.1. comp. Gal. 1.6. and 3.3.

A Metaphor borrowed from Plants, to which Roots are proper, and which was used by Moses before, Deut. 29.18. A Root bearing a poisonful Herb; intending by it such Persons, whose Nature, Words, and Works, are so bitter unto God, as Gall and Wormwood are to Men, such as apostatized from God to Idols. The Apostle intending hereby the hindring the springing up, and growing of Errors, Heresies, or Immoralities, as Profaneness, Filthiness, &c. which are apt to infect Churches, and, as they spread, to molest, trouble, and disturb them, and to keep them from pursuing Holiness, ch. 3.8. Hosea 12.14. Galat. 1.7. Iames 3.14.

Lest by but one such poisonous Root, a whole Church of Christians may be infected and poisoned, their Sin being as apt to spread and diffuse it self, as Leaven, 1 Cor. 5.6. to taint the whole Lump, Gal. 5.9. and how early, even in the Apostles time, for want of obeying this Caution, were the Primitive Churches corrupted, both in Doctrine and Morals, by loose, filthy Hereticks among them.

Marginal references: Or, fall from.