Westminster Annotations, John 2
ANNOTATIONS ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO S. JOHN.
CHAP. I.
Vers. 1. IN the beginning] 1 John 1. 1. From eternitie: in the beginning, not temporall, determinate, or to be measured by time, but indeterminate, eternall, and before all time. Colos. 1. 17.
was] Not made when the creatures were, but before any of them were, He was.
the Word] The promised Messiah, of whom God before spake to all the Fathers. It is usuall with the Hebrews, to put word for the thing spoken of; Deut. 19. 3. 1 King 6. 19. and 12. 24. Psal. 28. 2, &c. and he is the same by whom God revealed his will. Vers. 18.
was with God] Coeternall with the Father.
the Word was God] Christ is eternall God.
V. 2. The same was, &c.] Gen. 1. 1.
with God] God of the same substance with the Father.
V. 3. All things were made] See Colos. 1. 16. Heb. 1. 2, 3. This declareth the Deitie of Christ, for none can create but God.
…. 4. In him] Whereby all things were quickened and preserved. Acts 17. 25, 28.
was life] Before he created the world.
was the light of men] The Fountaine of reason and understanding to men, made to Gods own image.
V. 5. And the light] Christ.
shineth in darknesse] In mans minde, after the fall, full of darknesse, Rom. 1. 21. Ephes. 4. 18. such is carnall wisdom, Rom. 8. 7.
comprehended it not] Understood not, 1 Cor. 2. 14. neither acknowledged Christ; as vers. 11.
V. 6. There was a man] Mat. 3. 1. Luke 1. 57, 80. and 3. 2.
from] Therefore Mal. 3. 1. he is called the Angel, which signifieth a Messenger or Ambassadour of Christ, Mark 1. 2, 3. to prepare his way, by manifesting him to Israel.
God] Luke 3. 2. Mal. 3. 1.
was John] Luk. 1. 13, 60, 63.
V. 7. witnesse of the light] Of Christ.
through him] That is, Johns testimony and ministery.
V. 8. that light] John was not Christ, that increated light, which the Jews once supposed, Luke 3▪ 15, 16.
V. 9. That was] Christ was the eternall light, before John testified of him.
true light] Which properly deserved the name of light; a light by nature, not onelyonly participation, as the creature hath light.
cometh into the world] Which is born. He speaketh of the common benefit of reason and understanding.
V. 10. the world was made by him] As vers. 3. and Hebr. 11. 3.
knew him not] Gods wisdom, power, and glory shined in all the creatures, yet they knew him not, nor glorified him as God; Psal. 19. 1. Rom. 1. 21. Of his manifestation in the flesh he speaketh vers. 11.
V. 11. He came unto his own] To Israel his peculiar people.
his own received him not] Acknowledged him not for their Messiah.
V. 12. But as many as received him] By true faith and obedience.
power] This dignitie, right and priviledge, 1 John 3. 1. adoption of sons▪ Gal. 4. 5. to be counted worthy of the Kingdome of God, 2 Thes. 1. 5.
on his Name] In Christ.
V. 13. of the will of the flesh] That corrupt nature of man which is contrary to the Spirit: nor by any naturall course.
but of God] Of God the Fountain of regeneration and free grace.
V. 14. And the Word was made flesh] Mat. 1. 16. He became man, not by confusion of natures, but by uniting the divine and humane natures in one person of Christ, God and Man.
dwelt among us] The word signifyeth a dwelling in Tents or Tabernacles: a short time he was bodily present with men, untill his Ascension.
beheld his glory] The manifestation of his Majestie, not onelyonly in his tranfiguration, Mat. 17. 2. 2 Pet. 1. 16. but also in many works which shewed his divine power and glory; John 2. 11. and 11. 4.
as of the onelyonly begotten] As signifieth not here similitude, but identitie, the very truth, such glory as became the Sonne of God.
full of grace] See Colos. 1. 19. and 2. 9.
V. 15. cried] Freely and publikely declared.
cometh after me] As one baptized of me.
for he was before me] More excellent then I.
V. 16. of his fulnesse] Col. 1. 19. Christ is the fountain of grace, then fully opened, and flowing out, when he came and shewed himself to the world, Zach. 13. 1. John 4. 14. and 7. 38, 39. of whose fulnesse, we all who beleeve, have received the gifts of grace and sanctification.
grace for grace] Or, grace upon grace. Abundance of grace.
V. 17. by Moses] By the ministery of Moses.
but grace, &c.] The exhibition of the promises: he opposeth the law to grace and truth, because the morall law did but shew the disease, Rom. 7. 7. which Christ healed; and the ceremoniall law onelyonly shadowed out that which Christ performed.
V. 18. No man hath seen God] See 1 John 4. 12. 1 Tim. 6. 16.
the bosome] Most dear; united in nature, and acquainted with all his secrets. See John 13. 22, 23.
declared him] Gave us the knowledge of God, otherwise unsearchable.
V. 19. Who art thou] For they doubted whether he were not the Christ. Luk. 3. 15.
V. 20. he confessed] Plainly and openly; as Acts 13. 25.
V. 21. Art thou Elias] They understood that literally, which is spoken …al. 4. 5. which Christ interpreteth of John Baptist, Mat. 11. 14. John denyeth that he is Elias in their sense.
Art thou that Prophet] Or, a Prophet. Spoken of Deut. 18. 15. They expected some notable Prophet, vers. 25. John 7. 40, 41. and 6. 14. whereas Moses spake of a succession of Prophets, such as God would raise them, until the comming of Christ the Head of all Prophets.
V. 23. I am the voice] Isa. 40. 3. Mat. 3. 3. Luke 3. 4. one whose Office was to lift up his voice, and crie in the ears of deaf sinners.
the wildernesse]▪ See Luke 3. 2.
make streight] Make plain. Isay in the Letter spake of their marvellous deliverance under Cyrus, which was a type of our spirituall deliverance by Christ.
V. 24. the Pharisees] A most strict sect of the Jews, Act. 26. 5. so called of foreign, Interpreters or Expounders of the Law; or of separation.
V. 25. Why baptizest thou then] By what Authority?
V. 26. I baptize with water] Unto amendment of life, Mat. 3. 11. that you may repent▪ Act. 19. 4. but Christ giveth the inward effect, who is the Authour of baptisme, whereof John was but a minister.
V. 27. He it is who coming after me] Mat. 3. 11. See Act. 19. 4.
V. 28. Bethabara] Judg. 7. 24. It was a passage into Canaan, and type of baptisme, the entrance into the Church of Ch…ist.
V. 29. the Lambe of God] Alluding to the Paschall Lamb: in Christ is the substance of all Legall sacrifices to take away sinnes, which he did as suffering for them as man, and remitingthem as God: and he taketh them away continually; for though he suffered but once, yet the vertue thereof sloweth as a continuall fountain to cleanse us.
taketh away] Or, beareth.
V. 31. And I knew him not] He knew him not by sight, but by revelation, till he came to be baptized.
V. 32. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit] See Mat. 3. 16. Ma…. 1. 10.
V. 33. Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending] By this sign God revealed Christ to John.
with the holy Ghost] Who giveth the effect of baptisme, sanctification and cleansing from our sinnes.
V. 37. the two disciples heard him speak] For John gathered not disciples for himself, but for Christ.
V. 38. What seek ye] Not d…ubting, but affording them occasion of conference.
where dwellest thou] Or, abidest. Where lodgest thou? dwelling at Nazareth it seemeth he was a stranger there.
V. 39. Come and see] Thus Christ readily entertaineth them who seek him in truth.
about the tenth houre] That was two houres before night.
V. 41. the Christ] Or, the an…ed.
V. 42. And …e brought him to Jesus] You must understand this of Andrew and Peters first coming to Christ, after which they returned to their fishing again: their calling to the Apostleship, when they left their nets and followed Christ, was after this, and is recorded Mat. 4. 18, &c. Luk. 5. 10, 11.
a stone] Or, Peter.
V. 45. Moses in the law] Gen. 49. 10. Deut. 18. 18.
prophets did write] Isa 4. 2. and 7. 14. Jer. 23. 5. and 33. 14. Ezek. 34. 23. and 37. 24. 25. Dan. 9. 24. Mic. 5. 2. Zach. 6. 12. and 13. 1. Mal. 3. 1.
the sonne of Joseph] As men supposed, Luk. 3. 23.
V. 46. Come an… see] Be not withheld from Christ, by other mens prejudicate opinion, but try.
V. 47. no guile] A man of simple integritie, which maketh the difference between the true and feigned Israelites.
V. 48. wast under the fig-tree] Christ▪ seeth us where ere we are, and when we think not of him.
V. 49. thou art the Sonne of God] Christs word begat this faith, which brake out into confession of more then he heard of Philip: he call…d him the sonne of Joseph, but Nathaneel acknowledged him to be the Sonne of God.
King of Israel] He knew not yet the extent of Christs kingdome, Psal. 2. 8. Rev. 17. 14. therefore according to his measure he confesseth.
V. 50. beleevest thou] This question is in effect a vehement ass…veration.
thou shalt see greater things] Which shall more evidently manifest me to thee.
V. 51. heaven open] The kingdome of heaven opened to men in Christ, which their sinne and ignorance shut up.
and the angels of God] He alludeth to Jacobs ladder, Gen. 28. 12. See Colos. 1. 20. Ephes. 2. 19. Psal. 34. 7. Heb. 1. 14. and he signifieth his divine power, which should be seen in the ministerie of the Angels to him the head of the Church, and the elect his body.
CHAP. II.
Vers. 1. CAna] Cana the lesser, as Jerome saith.
Galilee] Galilee the lower neere the lake of Tiberias, called Galilee of the Gentiles, Isa. 9. 1. Mat. 4. 13. 15.
the mother of Jesus] It seemeth Joseph was dead before Christ began to preach.
V. 2. both Jesus was called] Invited as friends.
V. 4. Woman, what have I] Though he were greater, as God, yet being the sonne of Mary as man, he spake not any otherwise then became the reverence due to a parent: but because he was not her sonne in that nature, by which he would do the miracle, he inhibit…th her prescribing God; and recalleth her from all respects of motherhood, so farre forth as they hindered the consideration of Gods power and glory in the following miracle. See Luk. 2. 49. Mat. 12. 48.
mine houre is not y…t come] The sit time appointed by God, which is, when it shall best s…rve for his honour.
V. 5. Whatsoever he saith unto you] 'Tis probable that she had an expectation of some extraordinary supply, because she prepared the servants to obey him.
V. 6. six water-pots of stone] Wherewith they used often to wash and purifie themselves. See Mar. 7. 3. The Heretick Hebion would have brought this superstitious custome into the Christian Church.
containing two or three firkins apiece] Measures which the Syriack giveth Quadrantalls; from that Hebrew word which signifieth, the fourth part. Some conjecture these six contained about half a Tunne, each vessell being about halfe a Tierse: so that Christ gave a bountiful supply, which set off the excellencie of the miracle.
V. 8. governour of the feast] Steward, or Ruler of the house: as Gen. 43. 16. among them, it seemeth his office was to order the feast.
V. 9. water that was made wine] Water converted into wine, by which he shewed himself the God and Lord of Nature; here doing that in an instant, which he doth every yeere in the Vine: he could without their ministery as easily have turned the aire in the pots into water, as the water into wine; but he would so do this miracle that they might be certain witnesses of the truth thereof.
V. 10. well drunk] That is, liberally, as Gen. 43. 34.
V. 11. This beginning of miracles] Christ adorned this wedding with his presence and first miracle.
and manifested] He wrought this miracle so evidently that his divine power appeared therein.
disciples beleeved on him] For the end of miracles is to bring us by true faith unto Christ: whereas lying miracles carrying men into superstition, are Satans delusions, 2 Thess. 2. 9, 10, 11.
V. 12. Capernaum] A rich citie on the Sea coast in the borders of Zabulon and Nephtali, where Christ dwelt when he left Nazareth, Mat. 4. 13.
and his brethren] Or his kinsmen, whom the Hebrews called brethren, Gen. 13. 8. and 14. 14. Mat. 13. 55.
V. 13. Iews passeover was at hand] See Exod. 12. 2. and 13. 3. and 23. 14, 15. and the morall thereof, 1 Cor. 5. 7, 8.
V. 14. And found] Christ, appointed to purge the Temple, Mal. 3. 1, 2, 3. presently repaireth thereunto▪ this was the first Passeover after Christs baptisme, and therefore this is not the same history which is recorded, Mat. 21. 12. Mark 11. 15. Luk. 19. 45.
in the temple] In the outwart court.
sold …xen] They that dwelt farre from Jerusalem were to make their offerings into money, and to buy there, (Deut. 14. 25, 26.) but not in the Temple which was the house of prayer.
changers of money, sitting] To fit all strangers with exchange of moneys currant there.
V. 15. of small cords] Probably those which bound the oxen and sheep.
V. 17. The zeal of thine house] Psal. 69. 9. Zeal is here taken for the heat of indignation conceived at any thing unworthily done against those we love.
eaten me up] As it were a secret fire feeding on my thoughts, so that it will not suffer me to be mindfull of my self: as Psal. 102. 4. and 119. 139.
V. 18. that thou dost these things] Whereby it may appeare that thou hast divine Authoritie, to do and say such things.
V. 19. destroy] Mat. 26. 61. If you destroy, or when you shall destroy: thus he sheweth his divine prescience, foretelling of his passion.
V. 20. Fourtie and six yeers was this temple in building] This was not the Temple built by Solomon, 1 King. 6. 37. 2 Chron. 3. 1. that was destroyed by the Chaldeans, 2 Chron. 36. 19. but the second Temple built after their return from Babylon, Ezr. 4. so much hindred that it was fourty six yeers in hand.
V. 21. of the temple of his body] That is, his body the Temple of the Godhead. Colos. 2. 9.
V. 23. many beleeved in his name] With a temporall faith, such as theirs usually is, who depend on miracles: it was no sound or justifying faith which Christ would not trust.
V. 25. An… needed not that any] Christ being the searcher of all hearts hath no need that any should enforme him concerning man.
CHAP. III.
Vers. 1. PHarisees] See the note on Joh. 1. 24.
a ruler of the Jews] Either one of their Sanhedrin or great councell; or one of the rulers of the Synagogue.
V. 2. by night] For fear of the Jews, Joh. 19. 38.
Rabbi] Master, or Teacher.
come from God] Divinely and extraordinarily sent to teach us.
V. 3. born again] Or, from above. Regenerated by the holy Ghost.
see the kingdome of God] Enter into: as vers. 5.
V. 4. How can a man] To examine spirituall mysteries by carnall reason, is a main let to the understanding thereof.
V. 5. of water] Of baptisme the Sacrament of regeneration; which is the ordinary way into the Church and kingdome of God, though his grace be not tied to externall means: and it is the contempt, not the privation of the Sacrament which condemneth.
Spirit] Which giveth the inward effect of Baptisme.
kingdome of God] Of grace here, and glory in the life to come.
V. 6. born of the flesh] The corrupted nature of man; opposite to regeneration.
is flesh] Is carnall, subject to sinne and death: understand herewith, the wisdome, will and affection of the naturall man. See Rom. 7. 14, &c. & 8. 7.
is spirit] Is spirituall: subject to the Spirit, sanctifying man, and styling him spirituall, notwithstanding the remainds of sinne striving against the spirit. Gal. 5. 17.
V. 7. again] Or, from above.
V. 8. wind bloweth where it listeth] Or spirit. As the power of God is perceived in the wind moving the aire, though we cannot see it; so is it in the changing and renewing of us, though the manner be hid from us.
V. 10. knowest not these things] Though he were learned, he knew not the first rudiments of Christs Schoole: they are spiritually discerned, 1 Cor. 2. 14.
V. 12. earthly things] Naturall things, as concerning the wind: or in a plain and common manner, as he delivered his heavenly doctrine.
V. 13. came down from heaven] By assumption of the humane nature, Joh. 1. 14.
the Sonne of man] Christ God and man: Sonne of man, is often put for man, Psal. 8. 4. Isa. 51. 12.
which is in heaven] Then, he was in heaven according to his Deitie, whose properties are attributed to the Person of Christ, consisting of two united natures.
V. 14. And as Moses lifted up the serpent] Numb. 21. 9. As the Serpent lifted up was a sign of grace, and remedie against evill, that all who were stung with fiery Serpents, might see him and be healed: so was Christ lifted up on the Crosse, Joh. 12. 32. and is now lifted up in the Word and Sacraments, (Isa. 49. 22. Gal. 3. 1.) that the faithfull may look into heaven after him, and be healed.
V. 16. For God so loved the world] 1 Joh. 4. 9. Mankind.
V. 17. For God sent not] Chap. 12. 47.
to condemne the world] Christs comming condemneth not, but unbelief and contempt of Christ, Joh. 9. 39. & 12. 47.
the world through him might be saved] Not onelyonly Jewes, but whosoever should beleeve in him.
V. 18. is condemned already] By the ancient sentence, Gen. 3. 19. & 2. 17. Gal. 3. 10. which must needs stand, except it be reversed by Christ apprehended by faith.
in the name of the onelyonly begotten Sonne of God] In Christ.
V. 19. the condemnation] The cause of condemnation.
that light is come] Chap. 1. 4.
their deeds were evil] Mans wickednesse is the cause of his rejecting the Gospel of Christ, which as light convinceth them.
V. 20. hateth the light] Job 23. 13-17.
reproved] Or, discovered.
V. 21. doeth truth] That doth sincerely and holily.
wrought in God] As they do who set God onelyonly before their eyes, and follow the rule of his Word.
V. 22. the land of Judea] Into the territories of Judea: from Jerusalem into the villages and places neere.
and baptized] By his Disciples ministerie, Joh. 4. 2.
V. 23. Enon] A town in the Tribe of Manasseh; neer Jordan: there was another of this name neer Damascus, Ezek. 47. 17.
V. 25. about purifying] How they might be purified before God, which the washings under the Law did, and baptisme doth represent.
V. 26. was with thee beyond Jordan] They were affected with perverse zeale and emulation, fearing that their masters credit should be impaired by Christ.
to whom thou barest witnesse] Chap. 1. 7, 34.
V. 27. A man can receive nothing] Or, take unto himself. Heb. 5. 4. No man ought to …surpe a ministery which God hath not not given him, Heb. 5. 4. nor can be fit for it except God give it.
V. 28. I am not the Christ] Chap. 1. 20.
V. 29. fulfilled] In that he heard the voyce of Christ the Bridegroome speaking to his Spouse the Church.
V. 30. He must increase] He must be exalted, and all the elect shall follow him, and I must be now obscured, as a starre at the rising of the Sunne.
V. 31. is earthly] Nothing but man, meer dregges in comparison with Christ.
and speaketh of the earth] Savoureth not the things of God, but of men: as Mat. 16. 23.
V. 32. and no man] That is, few.
V. 33. hath set to his seal] Rom. 3. 4.
that God is true] He that beleeveth in Christ, acknowledgeth the truth of Gods promises.
V. 34. not the spirit by measure unto him] But a fulnesse unmeasurable, Colos. 1-19. & 2 9.
V. 35. The Father loveth the Sonne] Mat. 11. 27.
V. 36. He that beleeveth on the Sonne, hath everlasting life] Heb. 2. 4. 1 Joh. 5. 10.
shall not see life] Not enjoy life: as vers. 3.
but the wrath of God abideth on him] For onelyonly being justified by faith we have peace toward God, Rom. 5. 1. Out of Christ, there can be no reconciliation.
CHAP. IIII.
Vers. 1. VVHen therefore the Lord knew] When Jesus knew.
V. 3. He left Judea] To avoid their rage.
V. 4. must needs go through Samaria] It was his way from Judea to Galilee.
V. 5. Sychar] Sichem, or Shekem. See Gen. 33. 18. & 48. 22. Joh. 24. 32. Some think it since called Neapolis, Nables, or Naploza.
that Jacob gave to his sonne Joseph] Gen. 33. 19. & 48. 22. Josh. 24. 32.
V. 6. sat thus on the well] Weary as he was.
the sixth houre] About noone.
V. 9. for the Jewes have no dealings with the Samaritanes] The Samaritanes claimed kindred of the Jews in their prosperitie; but in their afflictions would never acknowledge them, Joseph. Antiq. Jud. l. 11. c. 8. The Jews esteemed them wicked and profane: likewise the Samaritanes thought themselves polluted, if they touched a Jew. See 2 King. 17. 26, &c.
V. 10. gift of God] Meaning himself sent to convert her; or the opportunitie of salvation hereby offered her.
li…ing water] The graces of the holy Spirit, which never shall faile. See Joh. 7. 39. Jer. 2. 13. Joel 3. 18. Zach. 13. 1.
V. 11. thou hast nothing to draw with] And the Jews and Samaritanes held it a pollution, to use the vessels of each other.
V. 14. the water that I shall give him] Of the grace: as vers. 10. and Joh. 7. 38, 39.
shall never thirst] It shall so refresh the weary soule, that all desire of good shall be satisfied, in the presence of God. See Psal. 39. 8, 9. Isa. 49. 10.
V. 19. I perceive that thou art a prophet] The mentioning of her sinne, smiteth her with a reverence of Christ, as of a Prophet.
V. 20. this mountain] Mount Garizim neer Shekem, Jud. 9. 7. in which Sanaballath by Alexander of Macedons leave, built them a Temple, Josep. Antiq. Jud. l. 11. c. 8.
Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship] See Deut. 12. 5, 6. 1 King. 8. 29. 2 King. 21 4. 1 King. 14. 21.
V. 21. nor at Jerusalem] The publike worship of God shall be no more restrained to that place, which was appointed for a time, to exercise their faith in expectation of Christ, in whom alone we can appeare acceptable to God.
V. 22. Ye worship ye know not what] See 2 King. 17. 29, &c.
for salvation is of the Jewes] He seemeth to allude to Isa. 2. 3. The meaning is, that the doctrine of saving health, is that which the Prophets have taught.
V. 23. in spirit and in truth] Spirit is here set in opposition to ceremonies, which are called carnall, Heb. 7. 16. which prefigured that which Christ performed.
V. 24. God is a Spirit] 2 Cor. 3. 17.
must worship him in spirit] This sheweth wherein Gods service principally consisteth, excluding the Jewish antiquated ceremonies, but not that bodily worship which is requisite either for our acknowledging God before men, order in Gods publique worship, or the stirring up our own affections to the private.
V. 29. all things that ever I did] My great and many sinnes.
V. 32. I have meat to eat that ye know not of] That which I most desire, or more hunger for then meat, is, that I may do the will of God in saving sinners. Job 23. 12.
V. 35. for they are white already to harvest] Mat. 9 37. The spirituall harvest is now ripe: as Mat 9. 37. Luk. 10. 2.
V. 36. he that reapeth receiveth wages] The doctrine of the Prophets, is compared to sowing and of the Gospel, to gathering ripe fruits; in either the faithfull Minister shall reap his reward.
V. 38. other men laboured] Meaning the Prophets, and John Baptist.
V. 43. Now after two dayes] Mat. 13. 57.
V. 46. where he made the water wine] Chap. 2. 1.
a certain noble man] Or, courtier, or ruler. A Courtier: or ruler of Herods.
V. 49. come down ere my child die] This was the weaknesse of his faith relying so much on the bodily presence of Christ.
V. 50. And the man beleeved] So that Christ at once cured two: the child of the fever, and the father of unbelief.
went his way] Relying now on Christs power and mercy.
V. 52. Then enquired he of them the houre] Desiring further confirmation.
seuenth houre the fever left him] At one of the clock in the afternoone.
CHAP. V.
Vers. 1. AFter this] Levit. 23. 2. Deut. 16.
was a feast of the Jewes] Of Pentecost.
market a poole] Or, gate. Nehem. 3. 1. Where the cattell drank, and the sheep for sacrifice were washed.
Bethesda] Which signifieth the house of mercy or powring out, because the waters ran out by conduits: or because there God powred out his mercy in healing all diseases.
V. 8. take up thy bed] Take up thy bed, for the evidence and manifestation of the cure.
V. 9. And immediately the man was made whole] Though he had beene so many yeeres lame, Christ presently healed him.
and on the same day was the Sabbath] Christ healing on the Sabbath, sheweth that works of mercy are works of the Sabbath made for man.
V. 10. The Jewes] They pretend religion to overthrow the ground thereof, faith in Christ.
it is not lawfull for thee to carry thy bed] Jer. 17. 22. It was not lawfull to carry, except that carrying had been within the compasse of sanctifying the Sabbath, as was the advancement of Gods glory, a work of mercy and necessitie, in which Christ shewed it lawfull.
V. 13. a multitude being] Or, from the multitude that was.
V. 14. sinne no more] He thus warneth, to shew him the cause of his infirmitie.
V. 16. And therefore did the Jexes persecute Jesus] For it is the property of hypocrites, under pretence of zeale for Religion, to execute their private malice.
V. 17. My Father worketh hitherto] My Father is beneficent in preserving you all on this very Sabbath; and my works are his, and so no violation of the Sabbath: I work by the same power, which not only at the beginning created, and still preserveth all the creatures, but also healed this man.
V. 18. that God was his Father] Proper and peculiar to him, as a Father by nature, not adoption.
making himselfe equall with God] They understood not, that hee was God of God, co-equall and co-eternall with the Father.
V. 19. The Sonne can doe nothing of himselfe] Or as distinct from the Fathers work: seeing as they are one God, so have they one will, and one working.
V. 20. and sheweth him all things] By a divine and unspeakable communication.
V. 22. the Father judgeth no man] The Father judgeth not alone, because he judgeth by the Sonne, Act. 17. 31. Rom. 2. 16.
V. 23. honour the Sonne] In the unity of the God-head neither of them can be worshipped without the other.
V. 24. but is passed from death unto life] Shall as certainly as if it were already done.
V. 25. the dead shall heare the voyce] In the first or spirituall resurrection, Revel. 20. 6.
and they that heare shall live] They that beleeve shall live eternally.
V. 27. to execute judgement] Supream power to govern and administer all things.
because be is the Sonne of man] Not onelyonly as he is God, but also as hee is man, that all men may see their Judge, Revel. 1. 7.
V. 29. they that have done good] Mat. 25. 46.
V. 30. as I heare, I judge] As I know my Fathers judgement.
V. 31. If I beare witnesse of my selfe] Chap. 8. 14. If I only testified ye might distrust, but now God the only sufficient witnesse of himselfe witnesseth of me.
V. 32. There is another, &c.] Mat. 3. 17.
V. 33. and he bare witnesse] Chap. 1. 7.
V. 34. receive not testimony from man] I ground not on mans witnesse.
V. 35. for a season] Untill you distasted his testimony concerning me.
V. 36. I have greater witnesse] See Mat. 3. 17. & 17. 5. 1 Joh. 5. 7. 2 Pet. 1. 17.
V. 37. hath born witnesse of me] Mat. 3. 17. & 17. 5.
nor seen his shape] Deut. 4. 12. Joh. 1. 18.
V. 39. Search the Scriptures] Or, yee doe search. as Act. 17. 11.
V. 43. if another shall come] If a false Prophet.
V. 44. How can ye beleeve] Chap. 12. 43.
V. 45. there is one that accuseth you] Moses, or the Law, in the workes whereof you trust to be justified, shall condemn you, who continue not in every thing written therein, neither beleeve in Christ of whom he testified.
V. 46. for he wrote of me] Gen. 3. 15. Deut. 18. 15.
CHAP. VI.
Vers. 1. THe sea of Tiberias] The Lake of Genesareth. Tiberias, Bethsaida and Capernaum were on this side the Lake, in respect of Galilee: but it is here said, that hee passed over, because he crossed some creeks or bayes to goe the neerer way.
V. 4. And the Passeover] Levit. 23. 5. Deut. 16. 1. See Joh. 2. 13. This seemeth to be the third Passeover after Christs baptisme.
V. 5. When Jesus] Mat. 14. 15. Mark. 6. 37. Luk. 9. 13.
V. 13. filled twelve baskets] So wonderfully had he encreased the small store. See also 1 King. 17. 15, 16.
V. 15. into a mountain himselfe alone] Where hee used to pray.
V. 16. And when even was now come] Mat. 14. 23.
V. 18. And the sea arose] Was rough.
V. 21. they willingly received him] Though they were afraid of him at first, thinking he had been a spirit, yet when they heard his voyce, they were glad of his saving presence.
V. 27. Labour not for the meat which perisheth] Or, worke not. Not forbidding labour for things necessary for this life; See 2 Thess. 3. 10. Eph. 4. 28. but preferring the care for things eternall, as Mat. 6. 33. so Mat. 9. 13. he excludeth not sacrifice, but preferreth mercy.
that meat which endureth unto life everlasting] That is, the refreshing and sustaining their soules to eternitie.
for him] Mat. 3. 17.
hath God the Father sealed] Or, allowed and confirmed to the office of our redemption. A simile derived from them who give Commissions under hand and seale.
V. 28. the works of God] Pleasing to God, or which he requireth.
V. 29. This is] 1 Joh. 3. 23.
the work of God] Or, the Commandement, 1 Joh. 3. 23.
V. 31. Our fathers did eat manna in the desert] Exod. 16. 15. Numb. 11. 7.
He gave them bread from heaven to eat] Psal. 78. 25. Wisd. 16. 20.
V. 32. not that bread from heaven] Not so much as that manna.
the true bread from heaven] True is here opposed to typicall, as the thing prefigured to the figure: that manna was a figure of Christ, truely, but spiritually and mystically, to feed our soules to eternall life.
V. 34. shall never hunger] See Chap. 4. 14.
V. 37. All that the Father giveth me] All whom he elected shall beleeve in Christ, and obey the Gospel.
V. 38. not to doe mine own will] As man, he took on him the forme of a servant, Phil. 2. 7. to doe his fathers will: as God, he hath the same will with the Father; so Joh. 5. 30.
V. 41. murmured at him] Because they understood the words of Christ carnally.
V. 42. Is not this Jesus the sonne of Joseph] Mat. 13. 55. Luk. 4. 22.
V. 44. No man can come to me] That is, understand and beleeve these things, except God teach, enlighten, and give him faith.
V. 45. It is written] Isai. 54. 13. Jer. 31. 34.
V. 46. save he which is of God] Mat. 11. 27.
V. 48. I am that bread of life] In the participation whereof only is eternall life.
V. 49. and are dead] Because it is not the shadow, or figure, but Christ the substance which can nourish to eternall life.
V. 50. This is the bread] Meaning himselfe.
V. 51. the living bread] Who lives, and gives life to the world.
if any man eat of this bread] If any man beleeve in Christ.
V. 52. How can this man give us his flesh to eat] They understood that earnally which he spake in a spirituall sense.
V. 53. Except ye eat the flesh] Except ye spiritually apprehend Christ by faith.
V. 54. Whoso cateth my flesh] By faith: for properly and carnally we cannot eat living bread, and such is Christ: (v. 51.) nor could that bread which came down from heaven, be that flesh of Christ carnally to be eaten; but whole Christ God and man: the bread of life spiritually to be apprehended.
V. 55. is meat indeed] Or, truly, but spiritually: for that which is spiritually so, is truly so.
V. 56. dwelleth in me] This sheweth it to be meant of a mysticall and spirituall eating because to eate his flesh is to dwell in him, and that as bodies are sustained with meat and drink, so are our soules nourished with the body and blood of Christ.
V. 60. who can heare it] That is, understand or assent to it.
V. 62. What and if, &c.] Chap. 3. 13.
V. 63. the spirit that quickneth] You must understand these things spiritually, not carnally, the spirit who being united to the humane nature giveth life.
V. 67. Will ye also go away] Which he said, not that hee was ignorant of the future, (for he knew from the beginning, v. 64.) but to occasion a cleerer confession.
V. 68. the words of eternall life] The Gospel teaching us all the mysteries of eternall life.
V. 69. And we beleeve] Mat. 16. 16.
V. 70. is a devill] A malicious wicked man; an informer and traitor, possessed and put on by the evill spirit. This he foretelleth, that they might not be scandalled when they should see his end.
V. 71. Judas Iscariot] He distinguisheth him from the other Judas, James his brother, Luk. 6. 16. Whence he was called Iscariot it is uncertain; some say from the word foreign signifying a man, and Carioth a town in the tribe of Judah, Josh. 15. 25. Some of a word signifying defection for a reward; others of the Syriack word signifying strangling, as if he were so named by anticipation.
CHAP. VII.
Vers. 1. VVAlked in Galilee] Went about from place to place to preach the Gospel.
V. 2. feast of tabernacles] Lev. 3. 34, 42, 43. In this feast they were to dwell seven dayes in Booths and Tents, in remembrance of their dwelling in Tents in the wildernesse.
V. 5. his brethren] His kindred.
V. 6. My time is not yet come] Or my opportunitie: so. V. 8.
V. 8. for my time &c.] Chap. 8. 20.
V. 13. for fear of the Jews] The Rulers, who envied, and strived to suppresse all good opinion of him.
V. 15. letters] Or, learning.
V. 16. My doctrine is not mine] He speaketh as he is man; I learned it not of man, but of God.
V. 18. He speaketh of himself] He who teacheth his own inventions, affecteth praise of men.
V. 19. Did not Moses, &c.] Exod. 24. 3. He answereth their objection concerning his healing on the Sabbath, by their own practice in that they circumcised on the Sabbath. Vers. 22, 23.
Why go ye about to kill me] Chap. 5. 18.
V. 20. Thou hast a Devill] This seemeth a common manner of speaking with the Jews, when they would expresse a man furiously distracted, or dangerously erring; which they blasphemously apply to Christ.
V. 21. and ye all marvell] Because I did it on the Sabbath day.
V. 22. Moses therefore, &c.] Levit. 12. 3.
but of the fathers] Gen. 17. 10.
V. 23. that the law of Moses should not be broken] Or, without breaking the law of Moses. The law given by the Ministery of Moses.
V. 24. Judge not, &c.] Deut. 1. 16. Judge me not according to any outward appearance, to be meer man; but consider the divine power in my works, which ye calumniate.
V. 25. Then said some, &c.] They wondred that the Authoritie of the Rulers could not yet prevail against hm, but yet acknowledged the power of God therein.
V. 27. no man knoweth] This tradition seemeth to have had beginning from some prophecies misunderstood; as that Isa. 53. 8.
V. 28. whom ye know not] He upbraideth their confidence of knowing him, seeing they know not his Father, nor his admirable generation.
V. 30. but no man laid hands on him] Because the issues of life and death, with the manner and time, are onelyonly in Gods hand.
V. 33. Yet a little while] Till the appointed time, I shall preach and do my Fathers will, whether ye will or no.
V. 34. Ye shall seek me] Chap. 13. 33. In your extreme calamities shortly to come upon you, you shall wish me with you again; but I shall return to him that sent me, and be secure from your malicious inquisition.
V. 35. among the Gentils] Or, Greeks. Will he go teach the Jews who are scattered here and there among the Gentiles?
V. 37. In the last day, that great day] Wherein they were to have a solemn assembly, and to abstain from all servile works. See Levit. 23. 36. the choice of this time imported the end of those Ceremonies was to bring man to Christ.
Jesus stood and cried] The occasion of this speech of water, might be that which some write, the Jews wont on this day with great solemnitie to draw water out of the Fountain of Siloam, at the foot of mount Sion, and to bring it to the Altar, singing out that Isa. 12. 3. By this and other traditions, they having perverted the law, which commanded a spirituall rejoycing, into superstitious clamours; Christ cried out, to recall them from earthly to heavenly waters.
V. 38. He that beleeveth] Deut. 18. 15.
as the scripture hath said] This may be gathered out of Scriptures; Joel 2. 28. Isa. 44. 3. & 55. 1, 11. so Acts 2. 2….
V. 39. But this spake he of the Spirit] Isa. 44. 3. Joel 2. 28.
the Holy Ghost] That is, those visible graces spoken of, Joel 2. 28. which flourished after the Ascension of Christ.
V. 40. this is the Prophet] They looked for some notable Prophet besides the Messias. Chap. 1. 21.
V. 42. Hath not the Scripture said] Mat. 2. 5. Mic. 5. 2.
V. 46. Never man spake, &c.] They admired the grace in his lips, Psal. 45. 2. so Mat. 7. 28. 29.
V. 48. Have any, &c.] They alleadge mans authoritie against Gods.
V. 50. He that came not Jesus by night] Chap. 3. 2.
one of them] A Pharisee, or one of the Sanhedrin.
V. 51. Doth our law judge, &c.] Or condemn. See Deut. 17. 8, 10. & 19. 15.
V. 52. Art thou also of Galilee] By way of scorn and contempt they named Galilee.
ariseth no Prophet] They would have no man think Jesus so much as a Prophet, therefore they would prescribe Gods power by custome.
V. 53. every man went, &c.] Divided in opinion, and confounded in counsell, they could effect nothing till the appointed time. See Act. 28. 29.
CHAP. VIII.
Vers. 1. THe mount of Olives] An hill near Jerusalem, on the East, so called for the abundance of Olives there growing: 'twas where Christ used to be in the night. Luke 21. 37.
V. 5. Now Moses, &c.] Lev. 20. 10.
V. 6. that they might have to accuse him] For breaking Moses Law, if he acquited her, as they conceived he would, because he shewed mercy to sinners.
wrote on the ground] Some think he wrote that which he answered, or some more secret thing concerning the consciences of the accusers; but seeing the Scripture speaketh not, we must not curiously enquire.
V. 7. He that is without sin] Deut. 17. 7.
V. 11. Neither do I condemn thee] This he said, not to dissolve the Law, but to shew mercy, and to call to repentance▪ and for that he would not take upon him to be a temporall judge; as Luk. 12. 14.
V. 12. I am the light of the world] See John 1. 4, 5. & 9. 5.
V. 14. Though I bear record] Chap. 5. 31.
yet my record is true] Because God is the onelyonly sufficient witnesse concerning himself.
V. 15. Ye judge after the flesh] According to outward appearance.
I judge no man] Rashly, as you do.
V. 17. It is also written in your law] Deut. 17. 6. See matth. 18. 16.
V. 19. ye should have known my Father also] For they are one God.
V. 20. in the Treasury] Where their offerings were kept. Mark 12. 41.
V. 21. ye shall seek me] See Chap. 7. 34.
V. 25. Even the same that I said] The Sonne of God, and Saviour of the world, as I taught you from the beginning.
V. 28. When ye have lift up] That is, when ye have crucified me, your own consciences shall be convicted, that I am the Sonne of God. See Mat. 27. 54. Acts 2. 37.
V. 32. the truth shall make you free] For they were otherwise slaves to sinne and errour.
V. 34. Whosoever committeth sinne, &c.] Rom. 6. 20. 2 Pet. 2. 19.
V. 37. ye are Abrahams seed] That is, according to the flesh.
V. 39. works of Abraham] Ye would heir him in faith and obedience.
V. 42. If God were your Father] If you were indeed the son… of God by adoption, you would imitate him in love.
V. 43. cannot hear my word] That is, you will not hear, being filled with malice and prejudicate opinion. See Matth. 13. 14, 15.
V. 44. Ye are of your father the Devill] Not by nature, but by imitation of his malice. See 1 Joh. 3. 8.
from the beginning] From the beginning of the world he led men into sinne and death.
abode not in the truth] He kept not his first estate, Jude 6.
he speaketh of his own] According to his custome and disposition; if he ever speak truth, he borroweth that, that he may the more deceive.
V. 47. He that is of God] 1 John 4. 6.
V. 50. and judgeth] And will avenge this blasphemy.
V. 51. he shall never see death] Shall not die eternally: it is an Hebrew manner of expression, as also to taste of death: vers. 52. Hebr. 11. 5.
V. 52. we know that thou hast a devill] They were obstinate in their errour and blasphemy.
V. 56. Abraham rejoyced to see my day] That is, my coming in the flesh, which he saw afarre off by faith: Heb. 11. …3.
V. 57. Thou art not yet fifty years old] He was about thirty three years old. See Luke 3. 33.
V. 58. Before Abraham was I am] I who am according to my humane, not fiftie years old, am according to my divine nature, eternall; and so before Abraham and all the creatures.
CHAP. IX.
Vers. 3. NEither hath this man sinned] Neither this mans sinnes, nor his parents were a cause why he was born blinde, rather then all other sinners, but that Gods glory might appear in his cure.
V. 4. while it is day] While I live here, or, while I have opportunitie.
V. 5. I am the light of the world] Chap. 1. 9.
V. 6. he spat on the ground] Christ used means to mans reason improbable, that his power might be the better seen in the cure.
anointed the eyes of the blinde] Or, spread the clay upon the eyes of the blinde man.
V. 7. Go wash in the pool of Siloam] Siloam it was a fountain at the foot of mount Sion.
V. 12. I know not] For though he had learned his name of others, as Mark 9. 2. & 20. 30. yet he saw him not, or found him not after he returnd from Siloam, seeing.
V. 16. because he keepeth not the sabbath] See Notes on Cha. 5. 9, 10.
V. 17. a Prophet] A man of God, of whom he must have such power.
V. 21. he is of age] They were afraid of excommunication, which the Pharisees had ordained for any man that confessed him to be Christ: (vers. 22.) otherwise it is likely that the man had told his parents how his sight was given him.
V. 24. Give God the praise] Tell truth that God may be glorified thereby. So Josh. 7. 19.
this man is a sinner] By this they meant a notorious impious man.
V. 27. ye did not hear] Ye beleeved it not.
V. 28. we are Moses disciples] They boasted, but were indeed wicked Hypocrites.
V. 29. whence he is] They knew his Parents, but doubted of his authority.
V. 30. herein is a marvellous thing] He well might admire their ignorance, seeing opening the eyes was a foretold signe of the Messiah; Isa. 35. 4, 5. So Mat. 11. 5. Luk. 7. 20, 21, 22.
V. 31. God heareth not sinners] Psal. 66. 18.
but if any man, &c.] 1 John 3. 22.
V. 34. altogether born in sinnes] They meant a wicked rude idiot, as if he had been marked for a notorious sinner, in that he was born blinde; or a cursed sinner; as Chap. 7. 39.
Cast him out] Or, excommunicated him.
V. 38. And he worshipped him] He fell down and worshipped him.
V. 39. For judgement I am come] Meaning, the Pharise…s arrogate all jurisdiction to themselves, as if they onelyonly saw all things; but I shall judge or execute authoritie farre otherwise, for I will enlighten those whom they count blinde, and deliver them to darknesse of minde, who think themselves the onelyonly knowing men.
V. 40. Are we blinde also] Are we ignorant.
V. 41. ye should have no sinne] You should not be so much in fault. Jam. 4. 17.
CHAP. X.
Vers. 3. THe sheep hear his voice] The Elect know and follow the voice of Christ in his Word.
he calleth his own s…eep by name] He knoweth who are his, 2 Tim. 2. 19. and their names are written in the Book of life; Phil. 4. 3.
V. 5. for they know not the voice of strangers] They approve not, or hearken not to the voice of those who bring any other doctrine. See Gal. 1. 8. 2 John v. 10.
V. 8. All that ever came before me] Meaning the false Prophets, who came not in by him, but Satan and their owe ambition.
are theeves and robbers] Seeking their own ease and profit, not caring for the flock of God.
V. 9. I am the door] As men come by the door into the house, so come we to heaven through Christ onelyonly.
and shall go in and out] Not meaning going out of the Church, but alluding to the use of a door. It is an Hebraisme, importing securitie of life, conversation and actions; as Psal. 121. 8.
V. 11. I am the good shepherd] Isa. 40. 11. Ezek. 34. 23.
V. 12. seeth the Wolf coming] By Wolf he meaneth false Prophets and Seducers, as Matth. 7. 15. So Acts 20. 29. or Persecutors.
V. 13. The hireling fleeth] He that administreth for his own profit sake, leaveth the people to seducers and destruction.
V. 16. other sheep I have] He meaneth, among the Gentiles, which then were strangers to the Church of God. See Ezek. 37. 22.
and there shall be one fold] One Church of Jews and Gentiles, the p…rtition wall being broken down. Ephes. 2. 14. & 3. 6. & 4. 4.
V. 22. the feast of the dedication] Or, instauration. Which feast was not that we read of 2 Chron. 7, &c. This was instituted by Judas Maccabeus, to be held eight dayes, in remembrance of their deliverance, and restitution of their temple and religion, which Antiochus had corrupted; 1 Maccab. 4. 59.
V. 23. in Solomons porch] Which was builded again after the pattern of that which Solomon builded.
V. 24. make us to doubt] Or, hold us in suspence.
V. 28. neither shall any, &c.] Neither men nor devils, nor any creature, (See Romanes 8. 38, 39.) neither by fraud nor violence.
V. 30. I and my Father] Two persons, but one God; he speaketh this as he is God.
V. 34. Is it not written] Psalm. 82. 6. That is, in the holy Scriptures. So Chap. 15. 25.
V. 35. unto whom the Word of God came] To whom God spake; that is, to kings his Vicegerents, whom he calleth gods, because they rule on earth for him.
CHAP. XI.
OF Bethanie] A village about two miles from Jerusalem, beyond the mount of Olives, mentioned Luke 10. 38.
the town of Mary] Where they dwelt.
V. 2. It was that Mary] Mat. 26. 7. This is spoken by way of anticipation, as if he said, the same of whom ye shall read John 12. 3. & Mat. 26. 6. Mar. 14. 3. There were divers of that name.
V. 4. not unto death] Because he purposed to restore and raise him again presently.
V. 9. Are there not twelve, &c.] The day, both summer and Winter, the Jews divided into twelve hours, for they made them long or short, according to the length of the day.
If any man walk in the day] Meaning, that he that walketh in his calling, and hath the light of God for his guide, needeth not fear.
V. 11. sleepeth] The Hebrews wont to call death a sleep, in assurance of the resurrection.
V. 16. called Di…ymus] A Twinne.
Let us also go] Which he speaketh either incouraging his fellows to follow Christ, or intimating the danger they should runne into, if they went into Judea with him.
V. 18. about fifteen furlongs off] That is, about two miles.
V. 24. I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection] Luk. 14. 14. Chap. 5. 29.
V. 25. I am the resurrection] As Chap. 14. 6. The Author of the resurrection.
the life] Chap. 6. 35.
V. 27. I beleeve] Gr. I have beleeved. Meaning, it was no new or light opinion, but that she had been constant in. So Chap. 6. 69. 1 Joh. 4. 16.
which should come] As Matth. 11. 3. Meaning the Messias whom God promised by the Prophets.
V. 33. was troubled] Gr. he troubled himself.
V. 34. Where have ye laid him] He asketh not because he was ignorant, (for he that knew of his death being absent, knew also where he was buried) but for their sakes who were present, and attended to shew him the place, expecting what he would do.
V. 35. Jesus wept] As man he wept, as God he raised the dead; there was humane affection, here divine power.
V. 37. which opened the eyes of the blinde] Chap. 9. 6.
V. 40. see the glory of God] That is, a miracle which I shall do by the Soveraigne power of God, whereby he shall be glorified.
V. 41. Father, I thank thee] Jesus being in one person both God and man, calleth him Father, as God; and giveth thanks, as man.
V. 44. came forth] The bands giving so much way that he might come out, which Christ (it seemeth) would not so loose, but that hsi present friends might see that they were as they had tyed them when they buried him.
V. 48. take away both our place and Nation] That is, they will dispossesse us of our Countrey, as the Chaldees have formerly done.
V. 49. that same year] For that present time.
V. 50. Nor consider, &c.] Chap. 18. 14.
V. 51. but being high Priest that year] God would have this propllesie come from the high Priests mouth, to leave the Jews more inexcusable in their unbelief.
V. 55. to purifie themselves] To prepare themselves by prayers, sacrifices, and paying vowes, or other Legall Ceremonies; which though (as being carnall and temporall rights) they could not sanctifie, (Hebr. 9. 9, 10.) yet the faithfull both acknowledged their sinnes, and that purification which was to be made in them by the Blood of Christ.
CHAP. XII.
Vers. 3. OF Spikenard] It was a custome in those parts to use pretious odors and ointments at solemn feasts.
V. 6. he was a thiefe, and had the bag] Chap. 13. 29. Hee had charge of the purse and stock of money wherewith they that administred to Christ furnished him to buy necessaries, part hereof Judas appropriated to his own use. See Jo. 13. 29. Luk. 8. 3.
V. 12. On the next day] Mat, 21. 8.
V. 13. Took branches of palm-trees] The Jewes were commanded to take such branches at the feast of Tabernacles; Lev. 23. 40. with these in thier hands, they went about the Altar, and said Hosanna: (save now I beseech thee Lord, Psal. 118. 25.) this now, though at another time of the yeere, the people did by Gods providence; to shew that all the legall feasts were to have their accomplishment in Christ, and that the honour of those solemnities did of right appertain to him.
V. 15. Feare not] Zech. 9. 9.
V. 16. but when Jesus was glorified] They understood not the matter, till after the ascension of Christ, and their receiving the Holy Ghost.
V. 20. certain Greeks among them] Profelytes, or heathens converted to the true Religion. See 1 King. 8. 41.
V. 24. Except a corn of wheat] The death of Christ was as sowing of corn, which seeming lost, thereby proveth our advantage.
V. 25. He that loveth his life] If the love thereof let him from coming to Christ. See Mat. 10. 39. & 16. 25. Mark 8. 35. Luk. 9. 24. & 17. 33.
he that hateth his life] That setteth not dear by his life for Christs sake; as Acts 21. 13.
V. 27. Now is my soul troubled] Out of a deep sense of Gods wrath against sinnes, for which he was to suffer, he flyeth to prayer, yet preferreth his Fathers will and glory, and our salvation, before his own life.
save me from this houre] Of death now instant. See Luk. 22. 42. Mat. 26. 39.
V. 31. Now is the judgement of this world] The reformation and restoring those things which were out of order.
the prince of this world] Satan Prince of this world: so Chap. 14. 30.
V. 32. If I be lifted up from the earth] He meaneth crucified, which is our onelyonly meanes of salvation, Joh. 8. 28.
draw all men unto me] Of all sorts, not onelyonly Jewes, but also Gentiles.
V. 34. We have heard] Psal. 110. 4.
out of the law] The Scriptures, Psal. 89. 36, 37. Psal. 110. 4. Ezek. 37. 25.
V. 38. Lord, who hath beleeved our report] Isai. 53. 1. Rom. 10. 16.
the arm of the Lord been revealed] That is, the Gospel, which is the power of God to salvation to every one that beleeveth, Rom. 1. 16.
V. 39. Therefore they could not beleeve] This is spoken to shew us that contempt of Gods word, and wilfull shutting of the eyes to the light of the Gospel, taketh away all abilitie of beleeving. See Mat. 13. 14, 15.
V. 40. He hath blinded their cyes] Mat. 13. 14.
V. 43. For they loved, &c.] Chap. 5. 44. To be honoured of men, and to justifie themselves before men, as Luk. 16. 15.
V. 45. he that seeth me] For he is the lively image and pattern of his person, Heb. 1. 3. and one God with the Father, John 14. 9.
V. 46. I am come a light] Chap. 3. 19.
V. 47. And if any man] Chap. 3. 17.
I judge him not] I condemn him not now, but he shall bee judged at the last day.
V. 48. the word that I have spoken] The doctrine of Christ which the wicked securely contemn, shall rise in judgement against them. See Mark. 16. 16. Joh. 3. 18.
cHAP. XIII.
Vers. 1. Now before the feast of the passcover] Matth. 26. 2.
Mark 14. 1. Luk. 22. 1.
he loved them unto the end] Not onelyonly his disciples, but all his elect. See Joh. 17. 20. He loved them even to the death, which he suffered for them, and so incessantly: and when he foresaw the danger coming towards him, he took the more care for them.
V. 2. And supper being ended] Or, when they were at supper. Which was the cating of the Passeover, a little before the institution of the Lords Supper.
V. 5. and began to wash the disciples feet] Partly to shew his admirable love to his Disciples: and partly to intimate that he onelyonly cleanseth men from their sinnes: as 1 Joh. 1. 7.
V. 8. If I wash thee not] And make thee clean from thy sinnes.
V. 9. not my feet onelyonly] Either terrified with the threatning, or understanding the mysterie, he wholly subjecteth to Christs will. As if he had said, Lord, if theou mean washing from my sinnes, wash me throughly: as Psal. 51. 2.
V. 10. uccdeth not] That is, to be purged, save onelyonly by dayly renewing of repentance for the remainder of those corruptions which desile us.
V. ye are clean] Your sinnes are remitted and done away: not that there shall no sinne remain in you henceforth; but because none shall be imputed; (so Chap. 15. 3.) and in part sanctified.
V. 14 ye also ought to wash one anothers feet] To be ready to serve one another in love, Gal. 5. 13.
V. 16. Verily verily I sey unto you] Matt. 10. 24. Chap. 15. 20. Luk. 6. 40.
V. 17. do them] If ye be indeed ready to serve one another in love, (which is the summe of the Law, Rom. 13.) and humilitie, which is the ground of religion.
V. 18. I know whom I have chosen] 2 Tim. 2. 19.
He that eateth bread with me] By lifting up the heel, is meant to hurt by treacherie. It is a metaphor derived from beasts which suddenly turn heels against their Masters, Deut. 32. 15.
V. 19. Now] Or, From hencesorth.
V. 20. Verily verily I say unto you] Mat. 10. 40. Luk. 10. 16.
V. 21. When Jesus had thus said] Matth. 26. 21. Joh. 11. 33. & 12. 27.
troubled in spirit] By the concourse of severall passons, fear, sorrow, and indignation, at Judas abominable treason.
and tesltfied] Told them openly that one of them would betray him.
V. 23. leaning on Josus bosome] Which by reason of their posture at meals he had convenience to do. See Luk. 7. 38.
V. 26. sop] Or, morsell.
V. 27. Satan entred into him] And took possession of him: not that the morfell hurt him; but because by that signall finding his treason discovered, he was so embittered and vexed, that he resolved to persecute it with effect.
do quickly] He permitteth onelyonly: he encourageth not the Traytour: he knew his houre was come, and desired to dispatch the work of mans redemption, for which he shewed himself ready: and hereby he cast him out of his family whom Satan possessed.
V. 29. had the bag] Joh. 12. 6.
V. 31. Now is the Sonne of man glorified] He shall shortly be glorified in the admirable work of mans redemption.
V. 33. And as I said unto the Jews] Chap. 7. 34.
ye cannot come] Ye cannot now presently come after me to heaven, as you wont on earth to follow me when ye missed me.
V. 34. A new commandement I give unto you] Levit. 19. 18. Chap. 15. 17. Ephes. 5. 2. 1 Joh. 4. 21. Continually to be renewed; otherwise it was also from the beginning, Matth. 22. 39. 46. Joh. 2. 7, 8. 1 Joh. 3. 11.
V. 37. lay down my life for thy sake] Mat. 26. 33. Luk. 22. 33.
cHAP. XIIII.
Vers. 1. BE troubled] Vers. 27. Chap. 16. 1.
beleeve also in me] I me whom God hath appointed to be your peace and reconciliation.
V. 2 many mansions] This whole speech is metaphoricall: the meaning is, there is place in the kingdome of heaven for all the elect (which are many) according to their severall degrees of glory assigned them.
V. 3. I will come again] At the latter day, Act. 1. 11.
V. 5. we know not whither thou goest] We do yet but imperfectly know.
V. 6. I am the way] The onelyonly means of salvation, the fountain of eternall life.
V. 7. have seen him] To see God is to know him in Christ: no man hath or can see his Essence: but he that beleeveth hath seen his mercy.
V. 10. the Father in me] For the fulnesse of the Deitie remaineth in Christ, Colos. 1. 19. & 2. 9.
not of my self] Note of my self as man.
he doeth the works] The miracles which ye have seen me do, are all wrought by Divine power, not humane.
V. 12. shall he do also] He exhorteth them not to be offended at his passion, for as much as this power of doing miracles shall be derived to themselves also.
V. 13. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name] Matth. 7. 7. 1 Joh. 5. 14. Chap. 16. 23. If it be according to the will of God.
V. 17. Spirit of truth] Who is truth, because very God.
V. 18. comfortlesse Or, orphans. As forsaken Orphans, who have none to take care of them: but will come agan to you; after my resurrection, shewing my selfe to confirme your faith: but specially by inspiring you with the admirable gifts of the holy Spirit.
V. 21. will manifest my self to him] Chap. 7. 17. Understand this of a spirituall exhibition of himself, not a bodily prefence.
V. 22. not Iscariot] Not the Traytor Judas, but the same who was called Lebbeus or Thaddeus, Mat. 10. 3. Thaddeus is a Syriack name, Judas an Hebrew.
V. 23. he will keep my words] That is, obey me.
V. 27. Peace I leave with you] Peace with God, peace of conscience, true comfort and happinesse in Christ.
V. 28. greater then I] Understand this, not of the Deitie; for so is he equall with the Father: but as to the office of a Mediatour he took on him the forme of a servant, Phil. 2. 7.
V. 30. prince of this world cometh] The devill: as Chap. 12. 31. He will stirre up all the malignity of wicked men against me. See Luk. 22. 52.
and hath nothing in me] He shall not have his will in me, because he cannot tempt me to sinne, though according to the will of my Father, I subject my self to death for mans redemption.
CHAP. XV.
Vers. 1. I Am the true vine] By these manner of speeches he teacheth, that being by the Father spirtually implanted into Christ, we have life by fiath in him, and bring forth fruits of good works by the vertue of his Spirit working in us.
V. 2. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit] Mat. 15. 13. and 3. 10. Rom. 11. 17. 20.
V. 3. Nowye] Chap. 13. 10.
are clean] Sanctified by my Spirit.
word which I have spoken unto you] Being accompanied with the power of my Spirit. See Chap. 17. 17. Ephes. 5. 26. 1 Pet. 1. 22.
V. 5. without me] Or, severed from me.
V. 7. my words abide in you] If ye continue grounded and established in my doctrine, Colos. 1 23.
V. 8. Herein is my Father glorified] Mat. 5. 16. Phil. 1. 11.
V. 10. If ye keep my commandements] 1 Joh. 2. 5.
V. 12. This is my commandement] Chap. 13. 24. 1 Thes. 4. 9. 1 Joh. 3. 11.
V. 15. all things that I have heard of my Father] Necessary to salvation. See 2 Tim. 3. 15.
V. 16. ordained you] Mat. 28. 19.
V. 20. The servant is not greater then the lord] Matth. 10. 24. Chap. 13. 16.
kept my saying] Beleeved and obeyed them.
V. 21. because they knew not him that sent me] Because they knew not, or for malice will not acknowledge that which you preach to be the word of God. See Jerem. 43. 2. & 44. 16.
V. 22. If I had not come, and spoken unto them, they had not had sinne] Either not so much sinne, if they had not despised so cleere light; and a truth so confirmed, as vers. 24. Or they should still have seemed innocent, if I had not discovered their malice and hypocrisie.
cloke] Or, excuse.
V. 25. They hated me without a cause] Psal. 35. 19.
V. 26. But when the Comforter is come] Luk. 24. 49. Chap. 14. 26.
V. 27. ye also shall bear witnesse] You who were eye-witnesses, who have heard and seen, which the Spirit also testifieth, Act. 1. 8. 21, 22. & 5. 32. 1 Joh. 1. 1, 2, 3.
CHAP. XVI.
Vers. 1. OF fended] The word signifieth to slumble at something which may make one fall. Christ told them before what troubles they must look for in preaching the Gospel, lest slumbling at that which they expected not, they should fall from their patience and profession.
V. 2. put you out of the Synagogues] Excommunicate you.
whosoever killeth you will think] They shall in thier blind zeal think you such penicious and evill men, that you are worthy to die, as was commanded concerning the wicked, Exod. 32. 29. Act. 22. 22.
V. 5. and none of you asketh me] Peter asked that, Chap. 13. 36. But he greatly reproveth their negligence that they no more cared to enquire what should be the effect of his departure.
V. 8. he will roprove the world of sinne] Or, convince. Or convince the world with such evidence of Power and Truth, that it shall cleerly appear that I am the Christ, Act. 2. 37.
V. 9. Of sinne] Of unbelief.
10. Of righteousnesse] Because they contemned the true righteousnesse of God in Christ. Of which 1 Cor. 1. 30. Or of the righteousnesse of Christ, which appeared by his Father receving him to glory.
V. 11. Of judgement] Because they judged and condemned him as unjust; which was not his injustice, but theirs: Or of my power of judicature, excreised against Satan in part alreadie, Chap. 12. 31.
prince of this world] Not that he is so, for God alone is King, and his providence ruleth over every creature; but because he arrogateth that title, Luk. 4. 6. lying to deceive; and because the wicked are premitted to his government, 2 Cor 4. 4.
is judged] Shall presently be judged; that is, overcome, and his kingdome overthrown by Christ passion, and the preaching thereof, Heb. 2. 14. Luk. 11. 22. & 10. 18.
V. 12. ye cannot bear them now] That is, understand them, or hear them without offence, by reason of your weaknesse. Therefore he giveth milk to the weak, and attemperateth the height to the strength of the eye; they could not bear that he said, Joh. 6. 56. 60. 1 Cor. 3. 1.
V. 13. he will shew you things to come] Concerning the Kingdome of Christ, which they knew not till after the resurrection.
V. 14. he shall receive of mine] He shall shew you the same truth which I have spoken to you.
V. 16. because I go to the Father] I passe by death and resurrection into glory: yet I shall be more spiritually with you then ever, because ye shall have more experience of my Spirit then. See Mat. 28. 20.
V. 22. but I will see you again] After my rosurrection.
V. 23. ye shall ask me nothing] Ye shall not then enquire of me those things ye now doubt of, as Chap. 13. 36. & 14. 5. Ye shall understand being taught of the holy Ghost, 1 Joh. 2. 27. Or ye shall not ask of me as now ye do.
Vertly verily I say unto you] Mat. 7. 7. Joh. 14. 23.
V. 24. ye asked nothing in my name] Hitherto ye have not grounded your requests to God through my mediation and intecession, which you shall now learn to do in my bodily absence.
V. 25. proverbs] Or, parables.
no more speak unto you] But I will henceforth clearrely enlighten you.
proverbs] Or, parables.
V. 26. not unto you] Not that he will not mediate; but to shew the readinesse of Gods love to hear the beleevers.
V. 29. proverb] Or parable.
V. 32. Behold, the houre cometh] Mat. 26. 31. Mar. 14. 27.
his own] Or, his own home.
CHAP. XVII.
Vers. 2. AS thou hast given him power, &c.] Mat. 28. 18.
Power over all men.
V. 3., the onelyonly true God] Not excluding himself and the holy Ghost; but intimating the whole Deitie in the name of the Father.
V. 4. I have glorified thee] By doctrine and miracles, by my whole life on earth; now therefore glorifie me in my death.
V. 6. unto the men] To my disciples, chosen out of the world, whom I have instructed.
thine they were] By eternall election.
V. 8. and have known] Chap. 16. 27.
V. 9. I pray for them] Specially for the Apostles, designed to so great and dangerous a work.
I pray not for the world] Not for reprobates.
V. 11. keep through thine own Name] By thy power, because they are thine, and bear thy Name.
that they may be one] Joyned in unity of faith and love, as brethren in me.
V. 12. sonne of perdition] Judas, a childe of destruction, or who deserved estruction; as they used to say, A son of death, 1 Sam. 20. 31. & 26. 6. 2 Sam. 12. 5. The Hebrews by this manner manner of speaking, expressed one that desperately perished, or was notoriously evill. Deut. 13. 13. 1 Sam. 2. 12.
that the scripture might be fulfilled] Psal. 109. 8.
V. 13. I speak in the world] That is, being yet bodily present with him; I pray for, and with them.
V. 14. they are not of the world] Because being separated by the spirit of regeneration, they dissent from them in their assections and conversations, as 1 Pet. 4. 4.
V. 15. take them out of the world] By present death, because it was appointed that they should preach the Gospel to the world.
V. 18. As thou hast sent me] Thou hast sent me to preach thy will for mans salvation, so now I having finished my course, assigne them to the same office; therefore assist and keep thou them, that they may perform it.
V. 19. sanctified] Or, truly sanctified.
V. 20. for these alone] The Apostles now with me, but for all the elect which shall hereafter beleeve.
V. 21. that the world may beleeve] By their holy unity convicted, may confesse the power of my Spirit in them, and be united to the societie of their faith and holy unitie.
V. 22. And the glory] Christian unitie the honour of God, gift of Christ, and glory of Christians.
V. 24. Father, &c.] Chap. 12. 26.
be with me] In eternall glory and happinesse.
which thou hast given me] My glorified humane nature, as thou hast made me Head of the Church, God and man, from whom all glory and blessednesse shall eternally flow to them.
V. 25. the world hath not known me] Meaning, as they ought, in the unitie of the Trinity. I onelyonly have known thee, and they to whom I have revealed thee, and thy counsell. Mat. 11. 27. John 8. 55. & 7. 29. & 10. 15.
V. 26. that the love, &c.] That thou maist love them for my sake, and as thou hast loved me their head.
CHAP. XVIII.
Vers. 1. He went forth with his disciples] Mat. 26. 36.
over the brook Cedron] Mentioned, 1 King. 15. 13. 2 Sam. 15. 22.
V. 3. Judas then having received a band of men] Matth. 26. 47. Mark 14. 43. Luke 22. 47. Which he had obtained of the Governour of the Temple.
cometh thither] Into the Garden into which Christ entred, being now to expiate and satisfie for that sinne which Adam (sinning in a garden) brought upon the world.
with lanterns, and torches] Jesus is apprehended as a malefactor, that we may be acquited as innocent.
V. 4. went forth] That is, from that part of the Garden where he was, towards them who came to apprehend him.
V. 8. let these go their way] For he alone was to suffer for our redemption.
V. 9. Of them which thou gavest me] Chap. 17. 12.
V. 13. the high Priest] Although this Office was for terme of life by Gods ordinance, yet the ambition and dissention of the Jews caused the Romanes (who were now Lords over them) from time to time to change it, either for briberie or favour.
that same yeer] And Annas sent Christ bound unto Caiaphas the high priest, vers. 24.
V. 14. Now Caiaphas, &c.] Chap. 11. 50.
V. 15. And Simon Peter followed Jesus] Mat. 26. 58. Mark 14. 54. Luke 22. 54.
That disciple was known] It seemeth it was John who wrote this Gospel.
V. 18. for it was cold] Being in the night, near morning, and spring time.
V. 20. in secret have I said nothing] Nothing but that which I have, for substance, publikely preached in the Temple and Synagogues.
V. 22. with the palm of his hand] Or, with a rod.
V. 24. Now Annas, &c.] Mat. 26. 57.
V. 25. They said therefore unto him] Mat. 26. 69.
V. 28. Then led, &c.] Mat. 27. 2.
the hall of judgement] Or, Pilates house, or, pretorie.
and they themselves went not into the judgement Hall] Acts 10. 28.
lest they should be defiled] For they might not by their tradition accompany with the Gentiles, Act. 10. 28. and 11. 5. specially being to eat the Passover; this they made conscience of, but they made none to kill the Lord of life.
V. 31. according to your law] This he spake, either because he conceived it to be a matter of their religion: or ironically he derideth their fury against right and equitie; for the Romanes permitted them not power of judicature in capitall matters, as they confesse.
V. 32. That the saying of Jesus] How he should die condemned b ya Gentile, (Matth. 20. 19.) and be crucified. John 12. 33.
V. 33. Then Pilate] Mat. 27. 11.
judgement-hall] Or, pretorie.
V. 34. Sayest thou this thing of thy self] Is this thine owne prejudicate opinion of me? or is this the objection of my accusers?
V. 37. Thou sayest that I am a King] It is an Hebrew concession, meaning thou gatherest by my words that I am a King.
V. 38. What is truth] What truth do you speak of?
V. 39. But ye have a custome] Mat. 27. 15.
V. 40. Then cried they all again] Acts 3. 14.
CHAP. XIX.
Vers. 1. THen Pilate therefore tooke Jesus] Mat. 27. 26.
and scourged him] Caused him to be scourged by his Officers, hoping thereby to satisfie and appease the Jews.
V. 2. a crown of thorns] The Crown is a Soveraign ornament, and so was the purple robe, in so much that it was once accounted Treason for any private man to wear it; the Romanes admitted it to Kings great men, in triumphs, sacrificers, and at their funeralls; so that although they did this in derision of Christs Kingdom, yet it did as it were proclaim him a King, and a sacrificer, by his death triumphant.
V. 3. Hail king of the Jews] Or, God save thee King.
they smote him with their hands] Or, gave him stripes with rods.
V. 5. crown of thorns] For so bare he, and took away that curse of the earth, Gen. 3. 18. This may have an allusion to that sacrifice taken in the thorns by the head, which Abraham found upon the same mountain whereon Christ began his Passion. See Gen. 22. 2. 2 Chron. 3. 1.
Behold the man] Behold what a King you are afraid of; or this he said to move them to compassion.
V. 7. We have a law] By their law a Blasphemer ought to be stoned to death, Levit. 24. 16. which might justly take hold on themselves, it could not on Christ, for he is indeed the Son of God.
V. 12. whosoever maketh himself a king] Pretendeth to be a King.
V. 13. Pavement] A place high and raised above the rest, as the Hebrew word signifieth.
V. 14. it was the preparation] The day before the Passeover, wherein they prepared themselves thereto.
about the sixth hour] That is, about noon.
Behold your king] This he speaketh in scorn.
V. 15. We have no king but Cesar] They acknowledge that the Scepter was now departed from Judah, and therefore had not malice blinded them, they would have seen that mark of the Messias coming at that very time. Gen. 49. 10.
V. 16. Then delivered, &c.] Mat. 27. 31. Mark 15. 1.
V. 17. And he bearing his Crosse] Which they had prepared to crucifie him on. Crucifying, and bearing the Crosse was a putting to death after the Romane manner; they made him bear it, till they found Simon of Cyren, whom they compelled to carry it for him. Luke 23. 26.
Golgotha] The place of execution: some of the Ancients think, that Adam was here buried.
V. 18. and two other with him] According to the prophecie, Isa. 53. 12.
V. 19. And Pilate wrote a title] Christ upon his Crosse is intituled King over all, by his hand whose mouth condemned him for aspiring to a kingdom.
V. 22. What I have written, &c.] That is, I will not change it.
V. 23. Then the souldiers] Mat. 27. 35. Mark 15. 24. Luke 23. 34. Of the Roman Garrison, who were his executioners.
woven] Or, wrought.
V. 24. they parted my raiment] Psal. 22. 18.
V. 25. Cleophas] Or, Clopas.
V. 26. whom he loved] John who wrote this Gospel, Ch. 21. 24.
Woman, behold thy sonne] Meaning, I commend thee to his charge, that he may keep thee in thine age.
V. 28. that all things were now accomplished] All things were thus far forth accomplished in the great work of our redemption.
that the scripture might be fulfilled] Psal. 69. 21.
V. 29. there was set a vessell] They wont to give those who were to be executed, vinegar, or sharpe wine mingled with Myrrhe (Mark 15. 23.) which was to stupefie them.
hyssope] See on Matth. 27. 48.
V. 30. It is finished] Mans redemption, and all the Ceremonies of the Law are ended.
V. 31. the preparation] See on Matth. 27. 62.
V. 34. and forthwith there came out, bloud and water] Which sheweth that he was truly dead, the pericardium which keepeth that water about the heart being pierced.
V. 36. that the Scripture should be fulfilled] Exod. 12. 46. Numb. 9. 12. Psal. 34. 20.
V. 37. They shall look on him whom they pierced] Zech. 12. 10.
V. 38. And after this] Matth. 27. 57. Mark 15. 43. Luke 23. 50, 51.
but secretly] That is, before Christs death, but now he declared himself to be one of Christs disciples.
V. 40. in linen clothes] Because they had not time then to embalme him, the Sabbath being so near.
V. 41. was a garden] In as garden the first Adam fell, in a garden the second Adam was buried, and rose again; as we fell in Adam, we shall rise in Christ.
wherein was never man yet laid] Gods providence so ordering it, lest any caviller should say, that it was some other body, not Christ which rose again.
CHAP. XX.
Vers. 1. THe first day of the week] Mat. 28. 1. Mark 167. 1. Which is with us the Lords day; for our Saturday was their Sabbath.
when it was yet dark] She departed from home before day, and by that time she came to the Sepulchre, the Sun was about to rise, Mark 16. 2.
unto the s…pulchre] These women came now to embalme him, which for the want of time they could not before do. See Cha. 19. 40. & Mark 16. 1.
V. 2. other disciple whom Jesus loved] Chap. 13. 23. and 21. 20.
V. 8. and beleeved] That Christs body was taken away according to Maries report.
V. 17. Touch me not] Because she was too much addicted to sense, Christ would teach her to lift up her minde to the consideration of his state of glory in heaven, where we must finde him with the eye of faith, not bodily senses. See 2 Cor. 5. 16.
my brethren] The disciples.
my Father, and your Father] My Father by nature, and your Father by adoption.
V. 19. Then the same day] Mark 16. 14. Luke 24. 36.
when the doors were shut] Shut (either because it was night, or for fear of the Jews) but he could make them open to himself▪ a… he after did for Peter. Acts 12. 10.
Peace be unto you] This was an Hebrew manner of salutation, who by peace meant all prosperitie.
V. 22. he breached on them] By this signe prefiguring what they should receive, to wit, the gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Sonne.
V. 23. Whose soever sinnes ye remit] Matth. 18. 18. This power is equally given to all the disciples, and their successors; first in respect of the doctrine of faith and repentance, as the Key of heaven committed to their Ministerie, which (according as it is received and obeyed) bindeth or looseth: if we repent and beleeve on earth, God forgiveth in heaven; and it is the Ministers office to preach the same in generall, and to applie it particularly, for the comfort of the truly penitent. Secondly, in respect of the power of excommunication and absolution, which is in discipline, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. 1 Cor. 5. 5.
V. 27. Reach hither thy finger] Christ made such use of Thomas present unbeliefe, that he thereby left the truth of his resurrection more certain and undoubted to us.
V. 29. they that have not seen] Which shall hereafter beleeve through the preaching the Gospel, though they see me not in the flesh or bodily presence.
V. 30. And many other signes] Chap. 21. 25. In the presence of his disciples, to confirm them; for after his resurrection we read not that he ever appeared to the wicked.
which are not written in this book] As being sufficiently recorded by the other Evangelists, or for that God knew that which is written to be sufficient; as 2 Tim. 3. 15.
V. 31. that ye might beleeve] For faith in Christ, and our salvation thereby, as it was the onelyonly scope of Christs doing miracles, so was it of the Evangelists recording the same.
CHAP. XXI.
Vers. 1. ON this wise shewed he himself] He setteth down the time, place, persons, occasion and manner of Christs appearing to them, to shew the evidence and certainty of his resurrection.
V. 3. I go a fishing] For though they were made fishers of men, they had not yet received those visible gifts of the holy Ghost, which were to furnish them out to that great work of preaching the Gospell to all Nations. Moreover they wrought in their calling to supply their necessities, as Paul also sometimes did, 2 Thess. 3. 8. Luk. 24 49.
V. 5. Children] Or, Sirs.
V. 7. girt his fishers coat unto him] Some close linen coat, which hindered not their swimming.
V. 14. This is now the third time] That he shewed himself to his Apostles. For if you reckon his apparition to Mary, it should be the fourth.
V. 15. lambes] The souls committed to thy charge.
V. 17. the third time] This often repetition of the charge, doth not onelyonly occasion Peters three times confession, opposed to his three denials: but chiefly declareth it to be the main dutie of the Ministers, and argument of his true love to Christ, to feed the flock depending on them.
V. 18. girdest thy self] This he spake alluding to the manner of the Eastern Countries, where wearing long loose garments they could on occasion, at their pleasure, gird them to their bodies to prepare themselves for travell or labour; and withall in the next words, to the binding of Peter as a prisoner for execution.
V. 20. whom Jesus loved] Chap. 13. 23. and 20. 2.
V. 21. what shall this man do?] That is, shall he not also feed thy sheep? shall he be divided from me? or how shall he die?
V. 23. what is that to thee] He forbiddeth curiositie in enquiring after other mens conditions.
V. 25. And there are also] Chap. 20. 30.
the world it self could not contain] In this speech he followeth the vulgar manner of speaking: as Joh. 12. 19. The meaning of this Hyperbole is, there would be very many books: moreover he here glanceth at the depth of some mysteries in the words and actions of Christ, which the world could not have apprehended, had they been written. See Chap. 16. 12.