Interpret → Preach
For the service
John Wesley’s own Explanatory Notes Upon the Old and New Testament on the day’s readings — his verse-by-verse commentary, not a summary of it. Read the full edition ↗
first Isaiah 66:10-14
- v.11Consolations — The gospel doctrine was their breasts of consolation. Her glory - Christ was the glory of the people of Israel, though he was also a light to the Gentiles.
- v.12Like a river — It is plain this prophecy relates to a farther conversion of the Jews than hath been yet seen. Ye - Ye Jews also. Her sides - The Gentiles were born upon the sides of Jerusalem and dandled upon her knees, as first hearing from the Apostles (who were members of the Jewish church) the glad tidings of salvation.
- v.13As one whom, &c. — That is, in the most tender, and compassionate way.
- v.14Rejoice — The peace of the church and the propagation of the kingdom of Christ, is always the cause of an heart rejoicing to such as fear God, so that they flourish like an herb in the spring. The hand - The power, protection, and influence of God.
psalm Psalm 66:1-9
- v.1All lands — Ye people of all nations. He invites the Gentile world, to the contemplation and celebration of God's works.
- v.6We — Our nation, or our ancestors, in whose loins we then were.
second Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16
- v.7God is not mocked — Although they attempt to mock him, who think to reap otherwise than they sow.
- v.8For he that now soweth to the flesh — That follows the desires of corrupt nature. Shall hereafter of the flesh - Out of this very seed. Reap corruption - Death everlasting. But he that soweth to the Spirit - That follows his guidance in all his tempers and conversation. Shall of the Spirit - By the free grace and power of God, reap life everlasting.
- v.9But let us not be weary in well doing — Let us persevere in sowing to the Spirit. For in due season - When the harvest is come, we shall reap, if we faint not.
- v.10Therefore as we have opportunity — At whatever time or place, and in whatever manner we can. The opportunity in general is our lifetime; but there are also many particular opportunities. Satan is quickened in doing hurt, by the shortness of the time, Rev. xii, 12. By the same consideration let us be quickened in doing good. Let us do good - In every possible kind, and in every possible degree. Unto all men - neighbours or strangers, good or evil, friends or enemies. But especially to them who are of the household of faith. For all believers are but one family.
- v.11Ye see how large a letter — St. Paul had not yet wrote a larger to any church. I have written with my own hand - He generally wrote by an amanuensis.
- v.12As many as desire to make a fair appearance in the flesh — To preserve a fair character. These constrain you - Both by their example and importunity. To be circumcised - Not so much from a principle of conscience, as lest they should suffer persecution - From the unbelieving Jews. For the cross of Christ - For maintaining that faith in a crucified saviour is alone sufficient for justification.
- v.13For neither they themselves keep the whole law — So far are they from a real zeal for it. But yet they desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh - That they may boast of you as their proselytes, and make a merit of this with the other Jews.
- v.14But God forbid that I should glory — Should boast of anything I have, am, or do; or rely on anything for my acceptance with God, but what Christ hath done and suffered for me. By means of which the world is crucified to me - All the things and persons in it are to me as nothing. And I unto the world - I am dead to all worldly pursuits, cares, desires, and enjoyments.
- v.15For neither circumcision is anything, nor uncircumcision — Neither of these is of any account. But a new creation - Whereby all things in us become new.
- v.16And as many as walk according to this rule - 1. Glorying only in the cross of Christ. 2. Being crucified to the world. And, 3. Created anew. Peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel, that is, the Church, of God - Which consists of all those, and those only, of every nation and kindred, who walk by this rule.
gospel Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
- v.2Pray ye the Lord of the harvest, that he would thrust forth labourers — For God alone can do this: he alone can qualify and commission men for this work. Matt. ix, 37.
- v.3Matt. x, 16.
- v.4Salute no man by the way — The salutations usual among the Jews took up much time. But these had so much work to do in so short a space, that they had not a moment to spare.
- v.6A son of peace — That is, one worthy of it.
- v.7Matt. x, 11.
- v.11The kingdom of God is at hand — Though ye will not receive it.