Forasmuch then, &c.] The Apostle having shewed before, that Christ was of the same nature with other men, comes at this verse to shew the reason why it was so requisite. flesh and blood] Understand thereby mans humane nature subject to weaknesse, misery and death. So Matthew 16:17. Galatians 1:16. Ephesians 6:12. See Chap. 5. 7. took] That is, did assume into the unitie of his person, or humane nature, subject to the same common blamelesse infirmities. that through death] 1 Corinthians 15:54-55. through] As it were by his own weapon. him] That is, the power and kingdome of Satan, which stands in three things: First, in tempting man to sinne. Secondly; in holding him under the bondage of sinne. Thirdly, in accusing him to God for sinne. Hence Christ may be said by death to destroy the Devil, that is, the power of the Devil, because by the merit and vertue of his death he took away both the reigning and condemning power of sinne. Romans 6:3, &c. 1 John 3:8. power of death] That is, through sinne whereunto he had seduced man, and under which he kept him still, 1 Corinthians 15:56. devil] He speaks of one as of that Prince, not excluding the rest. So often in the Scriptures, as John 8:44. Ephesians 6:11. James 4:7.