Matthew Poole and continuators on Mark 14

2 But they said, not on the feast-day, lest there be an uproar of the people.

Matthew saith the same, only he bringeth it in, as said to the Disciples by Christ. This must be said upon that day in the Week, which we call Tuesday,) for Friday was the Passover Day, when began the Feast of Unleavened Bread. See other things in the Notes on Matth. 26.1, 2, 3.

9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done, shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

See the Notes on Matth. 26.6, 7, 8, &c. where this piece of History is fully considered, with the differing circumstances related by our Evangelist, and by St. Iohn.

11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him mony. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.

See the Notes on Matth. 26.14, 15, 16.

16 And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

See the Notes on Matth. 26.17, 18, 19.

21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it it is writen of him: but wo to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed: good were it for that man, if he had never been born.

See the Notes on Matth▪ 26.20, 21, 22, 23.24, 25. where is opened whatever is necessary for the understanding of these Words, in which nothing of moment is varied, save only that Matthew reporteth Iudas as being at this time particularly discovered. Iohn hath nothing of this, unless the Supper mentioned, Chap. 13. where this Supper, of which more shall be said in its order.

26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

See the Notes on Matth. 26.26, 27, 28, 29, 30. where the very small differences betwixt our Evangelist and Matthew, and Luke are also considered.

Marginal references: Or, A Psalm.

31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

See the Notes on all the discourse Matth. 26.31, 32, 33, &c.

42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.

See the Notes on Matth. 26.36. to v. 46.

45 And assoon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master, and kissed him.

See the Notes on Matth. 26.47, 48, 49, 50.

50 And they all forsook him, and fled.

Having to compleat the History of the Passion, especially as to what is said of it by Matthew, Mark, and Luke, in my Notes on Matthew, considered all passages relating to what Matthew saith, the things here mentioned being opened in our Notes on Matth. 26.47, 48, 49.50. need not here again be inlarged upon.

52 And he left the linnen cloth, and fled from them naked.

This part of the History is only recorded by Mark: what hath made some affirm that this was St. Iohn, I cannot tell. Iohn was one of the eleven, that were with Christ, when Iudas came, and tho we find him asleep a little before, yet we read not that he was gone to bed, nor can conceive there was any, at or near the place. The garment in which he was, in all probability, was a Night garment. It is certain it was a loose garment, he could not else when he was apprehended, have so soon quit himself of it, and being quit of that it seemeth he was quit of all, for the Text saith, he fled from them naked, nor doth the Text give him the honour to call him a Disciple of Christ at large. Probably, it was some young man, who being in his Bed, and hearing the noise of the multitude, going by his lodging with Swords and Staves, got up, slipt on his Night garment, and followed them, to see what the matter was, and they having apprehended Christ, he followed them. And possibly his unusual habit, made them take the more notice of him, staying when the Disciples were all fled. Nor can the reason be well given why Mark should record such a passage, unless it were to tell us what we must expect, from the rage of Persecutors, viz. That our own innocency should not defend us. This young Man was not concerned in Christ, only came as a Spectator, without any Arms. But the Sword of Persecution, useth not to distinguish perfectly. The Basilisk (they say) will fly at the picture of a Man.

65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesie, And the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

This History of our Saviours examination before the High Priest we had Matth. 26. from v. 57. to 69. See the Notes there. It should seem the High Priests, and Council were very eager upon this thing. This Council seems to have sat up all Night, for early in the Morning they carried him (condemned by them) to Pilate, and before twelve, they brought him out of the City to be Crucified. These wretched Hypocrites, had but the evening before been taking the Passover. It was now the Feast of Vnleavened Bread. This was now the first Fruit of their thanksgiving to God, for bringing them out of the Land of Aegypt. Besides that their keeping a Court of Judgment in a capital case, on an Holyday, or in the Night, were things against all rules of order. But the rage of Persecutors can be neither bounded by the Laws of God or Men. If the Servants of God still be thus treated, they are in this more like Christ, who hath told them, That the Disciple is not above his Master. But see further in the Notes on Matth. 26.

72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept .

All four Evangelists give us an account of this History of Peter's denial of his Master. We have considered what they all say to compleat the History, in our Notes on Matth. 26.69, 70, 71, 72, &c. To which I see no reason to add any thing but the observation. 1. How contemptible means God often useth to take down our Pride, and self-confidences. Peter a great Apostle is here humbled by the means of two Maids. 2. How naturally one Sin draws on another. Peter first telleth a Lye, then to Lying, addeth Swearing, and Cursing. 3. How necessary it is for those that would keep from Sin, to keep out of Sinners company. I am (saith David) a companion of them that fear thee. 4. How profitable Words from God are for the time to come, tho at present we find not the use, and advantage of them. 5. How different the Sinnings of Reprobates, and Saints are, as to the consequences and issues. Iudas Sins, repents, and hangs himself. Peter goeth out and weepeth bitterly. Iudas repented unto Death. Peter repenteth unto Life. See more with reference to this History, in our Notes on Matth. 26.75. Thus far we have heard Christs trial, before the Ecclesiastical Court of the Iews. Thus far what he said Chap. 10.33. is made good. He is delivered to the chief Priests, and the Scribes, and they have (as we have heard) condemned him to Death, but he also said there.—And they shall deliver him to the Gentiles, And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him. We must see those Words verified in the insuing part of the History, in the next Chapter.

Marginal references: Or, he [illegible: 1 word] abund[illegible: 3 letters]. Or, he began weep.