Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 10:23

23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: For verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, until the Son of man be come.

Whether this Text at all warranteth Ministers flight in a time of Persecution I doubt, it seemeth to be a special Command given to the Apostles, that they might have a time before the coming of Christ here spoken of, to Preach the Gospel all over the Cities of Israel. But that in some Cases it is lawful to fly, I do not at all doubt, (tho I do question whether it be to be warranted from this Text) what those Cases are, is largely Discoursed, particularly by Mr. Torshell. Generally it is said, wherever the Glory of God, Or, the good of others calls to us for such a flight▪ But what may be judged in such Cases, is a more particular Question. Augustine to Honoratus speaketh well in the Case. Ministers ought not to fly rashly, nor out of Cowardise, nor that they might live elsewhere Lazily, nor when their flight will betray the Church of God. Not where the Persecution is General, but where the Persecution is particular, against some of them, and there will be enough left for the Care of the Church in their absence, and with the Consent of the Church they may fly. But this is too large a Case to be spoken to here: Especially, considering (as I said) that I do not think that any f[illegible: 1 letter]ght is to be justified from this Text, the Precept being particu[illegible: 1 letter]ar for special Reasons. Vntil the Son of Man come. There is a wonderful Variety of Interpreters Senses of this Text founded upon the various Comings of Christ mentioned in Holy Writ: He was already come in the Flesh, so as it speaking of a time to come, could not be meant of that: Nor can it be unde[illegible: 2 letters]tood of his second coming to Iudgment, for they have gone through the Cities of Israel long ago. Christ is therefore said in Scripture to come, when he appeareth in some great work of Providence, whether of Iudgment or Mercy. This makes some interpret it of the Destruction of Ierusalem; in which Sense some think the coming of Christ is mentioned, Mat. 24. Some of the Resurrection of Christ, from whence they say Christ's Epocha commenced. Others understand it of the Effusion of the Spirit in the day of Pentecost, this they ground on Ioh. 14.17, 18. where they think Christ's coming promised, v. 18. is the coming of the Spirit promised v. 17. undoubtedly in the General, our Saviour means, till the time be accomplished, when you must leave Preaching to the Iews and go to the Gentiles, and my Kingdom shall be further extended than it is at present, which Dispensation of God, may for ought I know be called the Coming of Christ; being an eminent Act of Gods Providence, by which Christ was more shewed to the World, and his Kingdom further extended.

Marginal references: Chap. 2.13. & 4.12. & 12.75. Act. 8.1. & 9.25. & 14.6.; Finished.