Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 26:54

54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled that thus it must be?

Matthew relates this History shortly, but Mark much more, Ch. 14.47. he saith no more than this. And one of them that stood by, drew a Sword, and smote a Servant of the High Priest, and cut off his Ear. Luke also relates something of it in, Ch. 22.50.51. And one of them smote a Servant of the High Priest, and cut off his Right Ear. And Iesus answered and said. Suffer ye thus far, and he touched his Ear and healed it. Iohn relates the same passage with some more particulars, Ch. 18.10. Then Simon Peter having a Sword drew it, and smote the High Priests Servant, and cut off his Right Ear. The Servants Name was Malchus. Then said Iesus unto Peter, Put up thy Sword into the Sheath. The Cup which my Father hath given me to Drink, shall I not Drink it? If any ask, how Christ and his Disciples came to have a Sword, he may be satisfyed that they had two, from Luke 22. v. 35, 36, 37, 38. (which Verses being in none of the other Evangelists, I have left, to be spoken to in their order) The Disciples seeing the Officers (as was said v. 50.) laying Hands on Christ, as Luke saith, knowing what would follow. One of them, (St. Iohn tells us it was Peter) drew a Sword, and smote off the Right Ear of one of the High Priests Servants. Iohn tells us his Name was Malchus. Our Saviour reproveth Peter, commanding him to put up the Sword again into its Sheath, and telling him, That he who taketh the Sword, should Perish with the Sword. It is to be understood of private Persons, taking up the Sword to destroy their Lawful Magistrates, and this Lesson it teacheth all Christians. Men must have the Sword given orderly into their Hands, before they may use it, and that no private Person can have against the Supream Magistrate. 2. 2. Secondly, (saith our Saviour) I needed not thy help to defend me, If I were to make any defence, I could pray to my Father, and he should give me more then twelve Legions of Angels, there is therefore no need of thy drawing a Sword in my defence. 3. The Scripture (saith he) must be fulfilled, it was Prophesied of me that I should be thus used, and those Prophesies must be fulfilled. Having reproved Peter, and silenced his Passion. Luke tells us, he begged leave so far as to touch his Ear, and he healed it, thus doing good to those that hated him, and working a Miracle in the sight of them, which (had not their Hearts been hardened) might have convinced them, both of his Innocency, and his Divine Power, but they take no notice of his kindness. Now he applyeth himself to the Multitude of his Enemies.

Marginal references: Is[illegible: 1 letter]. 53.7. & Luke 2.[illegible: 2 letters] ▪ 46.