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<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [John XV].</TITLE>
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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>J O H N.</B></FONT>
<BR>
<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. XV.</FONT>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
It is generally agreed that Christ's discourse in this and the next
chapter was at the close of the last supper, the night in which he was
betrayed, and it is a continued discourse, not interrupted as that in
the foregoing chapter was; and what he chooses to discourse of is very
pertinent to the present sad occasion of a farewell sermon. Now that he
was about to leave them,
I. They would be tempted to leave him, and return to Moses again; and
therefore he tells them how necessary it was that they should by faith
adhere to him and abide in him.
II. They would be tempted to grow strange one to another; and therefore
he presses it upon them to love one another, and to keep up that
communion when he was gone which had hitherto been their comfort.
III. They would be tempted to shrink from their apostleship when they
met with hardships; and therefore he prepared them to bear the shock of
the world's ill will. There are four words to which his discourse in
this chapter may be reduced;
1. Fruit,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:1-8">ver. 1-8</A>.
2. Love,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:9-17">ver. 9-17</A>.
3. Hatred,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:18-25">ver. 18-25</A>.
4. The Comforter,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:26,27">ver. 26, 27</A>.</P>
</FONT>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christ the True Vine.</I></FONT></TD>
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
&nbsp; 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and
every <I>branch</I> that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may
bring forth more fruit.
&nbsp; 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto
you.
&nbsp; 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of
itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye
abide in me.
&nbsp; 5 I am the vine, ye <I>are</I> the branches: He that abideth in me,
and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me
ye can do nothing.
&nbsp; 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and
is withered; and men gather them, and cast <I>them</I> into the fire,
and they are burned.
&nbsp; 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask
what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
&nbsp; 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so
shall ye be my disciples.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Here Christ discourses concerning the fruit, <I>the fruits of the
Spirit,</I> which his disciples were to bring forth, under the
similitude of a vine. Observe here,</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
I. The doctrine of this similitude; what notion we ought to have of
it.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
1. That Jesus Christ is <I>the vine, the true vine.</I> It is an
instance of the humility of Christ that he is pleased to speak of
himself under low and humble comparisons. He that is <I>the Sun of
righteousness,</I> and <I>the bright and morning Star,</I> compares
himself to a <I>vine.</I> The church, which is Christ mystical, is a
vine
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+80:8">Ps. lxxx. 8</A>),
so is Christ, who is the church seminal. Christ and his church are thus
set forth.
(1.) He is <I>the vine,</I> planted in the vineyard, and not a
spontaneous product; planted in the earth, for his is <I>the Word made
flesh.</I> The vine has an unsightly unpromising outside; and Christ
had <I>no form nor comeliness,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+53:2">Isa. liii. 2</A>.
The vine is a spreading plant, and Christ will be known as <I>salvation
to the ends of the earth.</I> The fruit of the vine honours God and
cheers man
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jdg+9:13">Judg. ix. 13</A>),
so does the fruit of Christ's mediation; it is <I>better than gold,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+8:19">Prov. viii. 19</A>.
(2.) He is <I>the true vine,</I> as truth is opposed to pretence and
counterfeit; he is really a fruitful plant, a plant of renown. He is
not like that wild vine which deceived those who gathered of it
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ki+4:39">2 Kings iv. 39</A>),
but a true vine. Unfruitful trees are said to <I>lie</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Hab+3:17">Hab. iii. 17</A>.
<I>marg.</I>), but Christ is a vine that will not deceive. Whatever
excellency there is in any creature, serviceable to man, it is but a
shadow of that grace which is in Christ for his people's good. He is
that true vine typified by Judah's vine, which enriched him with the
blood of the grape
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+49:11">Gen. xlix. 11</A>),
by Joseph's vine, the branches of which <I>ran over the wall</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+49:22">Gen. xlix. 22</A>),
by Israel's vine, under which he <I>dwelt safely,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+4:25">1 Kings iv. 25</A>.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
2. That believers are branches of this vine, which supposes that Christ
is the root of the vine. The root is unseen, and our <I>life is hid
with Christ;</I> the root bears the tree
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+11:18">Rom. xi. 18</A>),
diffuses sap to it, and is all in all to its flourishing and
fruitfulness; and in Christ are all supports and supplies. The branches
of the vine are many, some on one side of the house or wall, others on
the other side; yet, meeting in the root, are all but one vine; thus
all good Christians, though in place and opinion distant from each
other, yet meet in Christ, the centre of their unity. Believers, like
the branches of the vine, are weak, and insufficient to stand of
themselves, but as they are borne up. See
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+15:2">Ezek. xv. 2</A>.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
3. That <I>the Father is the husbandman,</I>
<B><I>georgos</I></B>--<I>the land-worker.</I> Though <I>the earth is
the Lord's,</I> it yields him no fruit unless he work it. God has not
only a propriety in, but a care of, the vine and all the branches. He
<I>hath planted, and watered, and gives the increase;</I> for <I>we are
God's husbandry,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+3:9">1 Cor. iii. 9</A>.
See
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+5:1,2,27:2,3">Isa. v. 1, 2; xxvii. 2, 3</A>.
He had an eye upon Christ, the root, and upheld him, and made him to
flourish <I>out of a dry ground.</I> He has an eye upon all the
branches, and prunes them, and watches over them, that nothing hurt
them. Never was any husbandman so wise, so watchful, about his
vineyard, as God is about his church, which therefore must needs
prosper.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
II. The duty taught us by this similitude, which is to <I>bring forth
fruit,</I> and, in order to this, to <I>abide</I> in Christ.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
1. We must be fruitful. From a vine we look for grapes
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+5:2">Isa. v. 2</A>),
and from a Christian we look for Christianity; this is the
<I>fruit,</I> a Christian temper and disposition, a Christian life and
conversation, Christian devotions and Christian designs. We must honour
God, and do good, and exemplify the purity and power of the religion we
profess; and this is bearing fruit. The disciples here must be
fruitful, as Christians, in all <I>the fruits of righteousness,</I> and
as apostles, in diffusing the savour of the knowledge of Christ. To
persuade them to this, he urges,</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
(1.) The doom of the unfruitful
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>):
They are <I>taken away.</I>
[1.] It is here intimated that there are many who pass for
<I>branches</I> in Christ who yet do <I>not bear fruit.</I> Were they
really united to Christ by faith, they would bear fruit; but being only
tied to him by the thread of an outward profession, though they seem to
be branches, they will soon be seen to be dry ones. Unfruitful
professors are unfaithful professors; professors, and no more. It might
be read, <I>Every branch that beareth not fruit in me,</I> and it comes
much to one; for those that do not bear fruit in Christ, and in his
Spirit and grace, are as if they bore no fruit at all,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ho+10:1">Hos. x. 1</A>.
[2.] It is here threatened that they shall be <I>taken away,</I> in
justice to them and in kindness to the rest of the branches. From him
that has not real union with Christ, and fruit produced thereby,
<I>shall be taken away even that which he seemed to have,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+8:18">Luke viii. 18</A>.
Some think this refers primarily to Judas.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
(2.) The promise made to the fruitful: <I>He purgeth them, that they
may bring forth more fruit.</I> Note,
[1.] Further fruitfulness is the blessed reward of forward
fruitfulness. The first blessing was, <I>Be fruitful;</I> and it is
still a great blessing.
[2.] Even fruitful branches, in order to their further fruitfulness,
have need of purging or pruning; <B><I>kathairei</I></B>--<I>he taketh
away that which is superfluous</I> and luxuriant, which hinders its
growth and fruitfulness. The best have that in them which is peccant,
<I>aliquid amputandum--something which should be taken away;</I> some
notions, passions, or humours, that want to be purged away, which
Christ has promised to do by his word, and Spirit, and providence; and
these shall be taken off by degrees in the proper season.
[3.] The purging of fruitful branches, in order to their greater
fruitfulness, is the care and work of the great husbandman, for his own
glory.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
(3.) The benefits which believers have by the doctrine of Christ, the
power of which they should labour to exemplify in a fruitful
conversation: <I>Now you are clean,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
[1.] Their society was clean, now that Judas was expelled by that word
of Christ, <I>What thou doest, do quickly;</I> and till they were got
clear of him <I>they were not all clean.</I> The word of Christ is a
distinguishing word, and separates <I>between the precious and the
vile;</I> it will purify <I>the church of the first-born</I> in the
great dividing day.
[2.] They were each of them clean, that is, sanctified, by the truth of
Christ
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+17:17"><I>ch.</I> xvii. 17</A>);
that faith by which they received the word of Christ <I>purified their
hearts,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:9">Acts xv. 9</A>.
The Spirit of grace by the word refined them from the dross of the
world and the flesh, and purged out of them <I>the leaven of the
scribes and Pharisees,</I> from which, when they saw their inveterate
rage and enmity against their Master, they were now pretty well
cleansed. Apply it to all believers. The word of Christ is spoken to
them; there is a cleansing virtue in that word, as it works grace, and
works out corruption. It cleanses as fire cleanses the gold from its
dross, and as physic cleanses the body from its disease. We then
evidence that we are cleansed by the word when we <I>bring forth fruit
unto holiness.</I> Perhaps here is an allusion to the law concerning
vineyards in Canaan; the fruit of them was as unclean, and
uncircumcised, the first three years after it was planted, and <I>the
fourth year it</I> was to <I>be holiness of praise unto the Lord;</I>
and then it was clean,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+19:23,24">Lev. xix. 23, 24</A>.
The disciples had now been three years under Christ's instruction; and
<I>now you are clean.</I></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
(4.) The glory that will redound to God by our fruitfulness, with the
comfort and honour that will come to ourselves by it,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>.
If we <I>bear much fruit,</I>
[1.] Herein our Father will be glorified. The fruitfulness of the
apostles, as such, in the diligent discharge of their office, would be
to the glory of God in the conversion of souls, and the offering of
them up to him,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+15:9,16">Rom. xv. 9, 16</A>.
The fruitfulness of all Christians, in a lower or narrower sphere, is
to the glory of God. By the eminent good works of Christians many are
brought to <I>glorify our Father who is in heaven.</I>
[2.] So shall we be Christ's disciples indeed, approving ourselves so,
and making it to appear that we are really what we call ourselves. So
shall we both evidence our discipleship and adorn it, and be to our
Master <I>for a name and a praise,</I> and a glory, that is, disciples
indeed,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+13:11">Jer. xiii. 11</A>.
So shall we be owned by our Master in the great day, and have the
reward of disciples, a share <I>in the joy of our Lord.</I> And the
more fruit we bring forth, the more we abound in that which is good,
the more he is glorified.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
2. In order to our fruitfulness, we must abide in Christ, must keep up
our union with him by faith, and do all we do in religion in the virtue
of that union. Here is,</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
(1.) The duty enjoined
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>):
<I>Abide in me, and I in you.</I> Note, It is the great concern of all
Christ's disciples constantly to keep up a dependence upon Christ and
communion with him, habitually to adhere to him, and actually to derive
supplies from him. Those that are come to Christ must abide in him:
"<I>Abide in me,</I> by faith; <I>and I in you,</I> by my Spirit;
<I>abide in me,</I> and then fear not but I will <I>abide in you;</I>"
for the communion between Christ and believers never fails on his side.
We must abide in Christ's word by a regard to it, and it in us as a
<I>light to our feet.</I> We must abide in Christ's merit as our
righteousness and plea, and it in us as our support and comfort. The
knot of the branch abides in the vine, and the sap of the vine abides
in the branch, and so there is a constant communication between
them.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
(2.) The necessity of our abiding in Christ, in order to our
fruitfulness
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:4,5"><I>v.</I> 4, 5</A>):
"<I>You cannot bring forth fruit, except you abide in me;</I> but, if
you do, you <I>bring forth much fruit; for,</I> in short, <I>without
me,</I> or separate from me, <I>you can do nothing.</I>" So necessary
is it to our comfort and happiness that we be fruitful, that the best
argument to engage us to abide in Christ is, that otherwise we cannot
be fruitful.
[1.] Abiding in Christ is necessary in order to our doing much good. He
that is constant in the exercise of faith in Christ and love to him,
that lives upon his promises and is led by his Spirit, <I>bringeth
forth much fruit,</I> he is very serviceable to God's glory, and his
own account in the great day. Note, Union with Christ is a noble
principle, productive of all good. A life of faith in the Son of God is
incomparably the most excellent life a man can live in this world; it
is regular and even, pure and heavenly; it is useful and comfortable,
and all that answers the end of life.
[2.] It is necessary to our doing any good. It is not only a means of
cultivating ad increasing what good there is already in us, but it is
the root and spring of all good: "<I>Without me you can do nothing:</I>
not only no great thing, <I>heal the sick, or raise the dead,</I> but
nothing." Note, We have as necessary and constant a dependence upon the
grace of the Mediator for all the actions of the spiritual and divine
life as we have upon the providence of the Creator for all the actions
of the natural life; for, as to both, it is in the divine power <I>that
we live, move, and have our being.</I> Abstracted from the merit of
Christ, we can do nothing towards our justification; and from the
Spirit of Christ nothing towards our sanctification. <I>Without Christ
we can do nothing</I> aright, nothing that will be fruit pleasing to
God or profitable to ourselves,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+3:5">2 Cor. iii. 5</A>.
We depend upon Christ, not only as the vine upon the wall, for support;
but, as the branch on the root, for sap.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
(3.) The fatal consequences of forsaking Christ
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>):
<I>If any man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch.</I> This
is a description of the fearful state of hypocrites that are <I>not in
Christ,</I> and of apostates that <I>abide not in Christ.</I>
[1.] They are cast forth as dry and withered branches, which are
plucked off because they cumber the tree. It is just that those should
have no benefit by Christ who think they have no need of him; and that
those who reject him should be rejected by him. Those that abide not in
Christ shall be abandoned by him; they are left to themselves, to fall
into scandalous sin, and then are justly cast out of the communion of
the faithful.
[2.] They are withered, as a branch broken off from the tree. Those
that abide not in Christ, though they may flourish awhile in a
plausible, at least a passable profession, yet in a little time wither
and come to nothing. Their parts and gifts wither; their zeal and
devotion wither; their credit and reputation wither; their hopes and
comforts wither,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+8:11-13">Job viii. 11-13</A>.
Note, Those that bear no fruit, after while will bear no leaves. <I>How
soon is that fig-tree withered away</I> which Christ has cursed!
[3.] <I>Men gather them.</I> Satan's agents and emissaries pick them
up, and make an easy prey of them. Those that fall off from Christ
presently fall in with sinners; and the sheep that wander from Christ's
fold, the devil stands ready to seize them for himself. When the Spirit
of the Lord had departed from Saul, an evil spirit possessed him.
[4.] They <I>cast them into the fire,</I> that is, they are cast into
the fire; and those who seduce them and draw them to sin do in effect
cast them there; for they <I>make them children of hell.</I> Fire is
the fittest place for withered branches, for they are good for nothing
else,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+15:2-4">Ezek. xv. 2-4</A>.
[5.] <I>They are burned;</I> this follows of course, but it is here
added very emphatically, and makes the threatening very terrible. They
will not be consumed in a moment, like <I>thorns under a pot</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+7:6">Eccl. vii. 6</A>),
but <B><I>kaietai</I></B>, they are burning for ever in a fire, which
not only cannot be quenched, but will never spend itself. This comes of
quitting Christ, this is the end of barren trees. Apostates are
<I>twice dead</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jude+1:12">Jude 12</A>),
and when it is said, <I>They are cast into the fire and are burned,</I>
it speaks as if they were twice damned. Some apply men's gathering
them to the ministry of the angels in the great day, when they shall
gather out of Christ's kingdom all things that offend, and shall
<I>bundle the tares for the fire.</I></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
(4.) The blessed privilege which those have that <I>abide in Christ</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>):
<I>If my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will</I> of my
Father in my name, <I>and it shall be done.</I> See here,
[1.] How our union with Christ is maintained--by the word: <I>If you
abide in me;</I> he had said before, <I>and I in you;</I> here he
explains himself, <I>and my words abide in you;</I> for it is in the
word that Christ is set before us, and offered to us,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+10:6-8">Rom. x. 6-8</A>.
It is in the word that we receive and embrace him; and so where the
<I>word of Christ dwells richly</I> there Christ dwells. If the word be
our constant guide and monitor, if it be in us as at home, then we
abide in Christ, and he in us.
[2.] How our communion with Christ is maintained--by prayer: <I>You
shall ask what you will, and it shall be done to you.</I> And what can
we desire more than to have what we will for the asking? Note, Those
that abide in Christ as their heart's delight shall have, through
Christ, their heart's desire. If we have Christ, we shall want nothing
that is good for us. Two things are implied in this
promise:--<I>First,</I> That if we abide in Christ, and his word in us,
we shall not ask any thing but what is proper to be done for us. The
promises abiding in us lie ready to be turned into prayers; and the
prayers so regulated cannot but speed. <I>Secondly,</I> That if we
<I>abide in Christ and his word</I> we shall have such an interest in
God's favour and Christ's mediation that we shall have an answer of
peace to all our prayers.</P>
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<A NAME="Joh15_17"> </A>
<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christ's Love to His Disciples.</I></FONT></TD>
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye
in my love.
&nbsp; 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even
as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
&nbsp; 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might
remain in you, and <I>that</I> your joy might be full.
&nbsp; 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have
loved you.
&nbsp; 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his
life for his friends.
&nbsp; 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
&nbsp; 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth
not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all
things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
&nbsp; 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained
you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and <I>that</I> your
fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father
in my name, he may give it you.
&nbsp; 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Christ, who is love itself, is here discoursing concerning love, a
fourfold love.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
I. Concerning the Father's love to him; and concerning this he here
tells us,
1. That the Father did love him
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>):
<I>As the Father hath loved me.</I> He loved him as Mediator: <I>This
is my beloved Son.</I> He was the Son of his love. He loved him, and
gave <I>all things into his hand;</I> and yet so <I>loved the world</I>
as to deliver him up for us all. When Christ was entering upon his
sufferings he comforted himself with this, that his Father loved him.
Those whom God loves as a Father may despise the hatred of all the
world.
2. That he abode in his Father's love,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
He continually loved his Father, and was beloved of him. Even when he
was made sin and a curse for us, and <I>it pleased the Lord to bruise
him,</I> yet he abode in his Father's love. See
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+89:33">Ps. lxxxix. 33</A>.
Because he continued to love his Father, he went cheerfully through his
sufferings, and therefore his Father continued to love him.
3. That therefore he abode in his Father's love because he kept his
Father's law: <I>I have kept my Father's commandments,</I> as Mediator,
and so <I>abide in his love.</I> Hereby he showed that he continued to
love his Father, that he went on, and went through, with his
undertaking, and therefore the Father continued to love him. His soul
<I>delighted in him,</I> because he <I>did not fail, nor was
discouraged,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+42:1-4">Isa. xlii. 1-4</A>.
We having broken the law of creation, and thereby thrown ourselves out
of the love of God; Christ satisfied for us by obeying the law of
redemption, and so he abode in his love, and restored us to it.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
II. Concerning his own love to his disciples. Though he leaves them, he
loves them. And observe here,</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
1. The pattern of this love: <I>As the Father has loved me, so have I
loved you.</I> A strange expression of the condescending grace of
Christ! As the Father loved him, who was most worthy, he loved them,
who were most unworthy. The Father loved him as his Son, and he loves
them as his children. <I>The Father gave all things into his hand;</I>
so, with himself, <I>he freely giveth us all things.</I> The Father
loved him as Mediator, as head of the church, and the great trustee of
divine grace and favour, which he had not for himself only, but for the
benefit of those for whom he was entrusted; and, says he, "I have been
a faithful trustee. As the Father has committed his love to me, so I
transmit it to you." Therefore the Father was well pleased with him,
that he might be well pleased with us in him; and loved him, that in
him, as beloved, he might <I>make us accepted,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+1:6">Eph. i. 6</A>.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
2. The proofs and products of this love, which are four:--</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
(1.) Christ loved his disciples, for he laid down his life for them
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>):
<I>Greater</I> proof of <I>love hath no man</I> to show <I>than
this,</I> to <I>lay down his life for his friend.</I> And this is the
love wherewith <I>Christ hath loved us,</I> he is our
<B><I>antipsychos</I></B>--<I>bail for us,</I> body for body, life for
life, though he knew our insolvency, and foresaw how much the
engagement would cost him. Observe here,
[1.] The extent of the love of the children of men to one another. The
highest proof of it is laying down one's life for a friend, to save his
life, and perhaps there have been some such heroic achievements of
love, more than <I>plucking out one's own eyes,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+4:15">Gal. iv. 15</A>.
If <I>all that a man has he will give for his life,</I> he that gives
this for his friend gives all, and can give no more; this may sometimes
be our duty,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+3:16">1 John iii. 16</A>.
Paul was ambitious of the honour
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Php+2:17">Phil. ii. 17</A>);
and <I>for a good man some will even dare to die,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+5:7">Rom. v. 7</A>.
It is love in the highest degree, which is <I>strong as death.</I>
[2.] The excellency of the love of Christ beyond all other love. He has
not only equaled, but exceeded, the most illustrious lovers. Others
have laid down their lives, content that they should be taken from
them; but Christ gave up his, was not merely passive, but made it his
own act and deed. The life which others have laid down has been but of
equal value with the life for which it was laid down, and perhaps less
valuable; but Christ is infinitely more worth than ten thousand of us.
Others have thus laid down their lives for their friends, but Christ
laid down his for us <I>when we were enemies,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+5:8,10">Rom. v. 8, 10</A>.
<I>Plusquam ferrea aut lapidea corda esse oportet, qu&aelig; non
emolliet tam incomparabilis divini amoris suavitas--Those hearts must
be harder than iron or stone which are not softened by such
incomparable sweetness of divine love.</I>--Calvin.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
(2.) Christ loved his disciples, for he took them into a covenant of
friendship with himself,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:14,15"><I>v.</I> 14, 15</A>.
"If you approve yourselves by your obedience my disciples indeed,
<I>you are my friends,</I> and shall be treated as friends." Note, The
followers of Christ are the friends of Christ, and he is graciously
pleased to call and account them so. Those that do the duty of his
servants are admitted and advanced to the dignity of his friends. David
had one servant in his court, and Solomon one in his, that was in a
particular manner <I>the king's friend</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+15:37,1Ki+4:5">2 Sam. xv. 37; 1 Kings iv. 5</A>);
but this honour have all Christ's servants. We may in some particular
instance befriend a stranger; but we espouse all the interests of a
friend, and concern ourselves in all his cares: thus Christ takes
believers to be his friends. He visits them and converses with them as
his friends, bears with them and makes the best of them, is afflicted
in their afflictions, and takes pleasure in their prosperity; he pleads
for them in heaven and takes care of all their interests there. Have
friends but one soul? He that is joined to the Lord is <I>one
spirit,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+6:17">1 Cor. vi. 17</A>.
Though they often show themselves unfriendly, he is a friend that loves
at all times. Observe how endearingly this is expressed here.
[1.] He will not <I>call them servants,</I> though they call him
<I>Master</I> and <I>Lord.</I> Those that would be like Christ in
humility must not take a pride in insisting upon all occasions on their
authority and superiority, but remember that their servants are their
fellow-servants. But,
[2.] He will <I>call them his friends;</I> he will not only love them,
but will let them know it; for <I>in his tongue is the law of
kindness.</I> After his resurrection he seems to speak with more
affectionate tenderness of and to his disciples than before. <I>Go to
my brethren,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+20:17"><I>ch.</I> xx. 17</A>.
<I>Children, have you any meat?</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:5"><I>ch.</I> xxi. 5</A>.
But observe, though Christ called <I>them his friends,</I> they called
themselves <I>his servants:</I> Peter, <I>a servant of Christ</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+1:1">1 Pet. i. 1</A>),
and so James,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jam+1:1"><I>ch.</I> i. 1</A>.
The more honour Christ puts upon us, the more honour we should study to
do him; the higher in his eyes, the lower in our own.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
(3.) Christ loved his disciples, for he was very free in communicating
his mind to them
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>):
"Henceforth you shall not be kept so much in the dark as you have been,
like <I>servants</I> that are only told their present work; but, when
the Spirit is poured out, you shall know your Master's designs as
<I>friends. All things that I have heard of my Father I have declared
unto you.</I>" As to the secret will of God, there are many things
which we must be content not to know; but, as to the revealed will of
God, Jesus Christ has faithfully handed to us what he received of the
Father,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:18,Mt+11:27"><I>ch.</I> i. 18; Matt. xi. 27</A>.
The great things relating to man's redemption Christ declared to his
disciples, that they might declare them to others; they were the men of
his counsel,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+13:11">Matt. xiii. 11</A>.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
(4.) Christ loved his disciples, for he chose and ordained them to be
the prime instruments of his glory and honour in the world
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>):
<I>I have chosen you, and ordained you,</I> His love to them
appeared,</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
[1.] In their election, their election to their apostleship
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:70"><I>ch.</I> vi. 70</A>):
<I>I have chosen you twelve.</I> It did not begin on their side: <I>You
have not chosen me,</I> but I first <I>chose you.</I> Why were they
admitted to such an intimacy with him, employed in such an embassy for
him, and endued with such power from on high? It was not owing to their
wisdom and goodness in choosing him for their Master, but to his favour
and grace in choosing them for his disciples. It is fit that Christ
should have the choosing of his own ministers; still he does it by his
providence and Spirit. Though ministers make that holy calling their
own choice, Christ's choice is prior to theirs and directs and
determines it. Of all that are chosen to grace and glory it may be
said, They have not chosen Christ, but he had chosen them,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+7:7,8">Deut. vii. 7, 8</A>.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
[2.] In their ordination: <I>I have ordained you;</I> <B><I>hetheka
hymas</I></B>--"<I>I have put you</I> into the ministry
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+1:12">1 Tim. i. 12</A>),
put you into commission." By this it appeared that he took them for his
friends when he crowned their heads with such an honour, and filled
their hands with such a trust. It was a mighty confidence he reposed in
them, when he made them his ambassadors to negotiate the affairs of his
kingdom in this lower world, and the prime ministers of state in the
administration of it. The treasure of the gospel was committed to them,
<I>First,</I> That it might be propagated: that you should go,
<B><I>hina hymeis hypagete</I></B>--"<I>that you should go as under a
yoke</I> or burden, for the ministry is a work, and you that go about
it must resolve to undergo a great deal; <I>that you may go</I> from
place to place all the world over, and <I>bring forth fruit.</I>" They
were ordained, not to sit still, but to go about, to be diligent in
their work, and to lay out themselves unweariedly in doing good. They
were ordained, not to beat the air, but to be instrumental in God's
hand for the bringing of nations into obedience to Christ,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+1:13">Rom. i. 13</A>.
Note, Those whom Christ ordains should and shall be fruitful; should
labour, and shall not labour in vain. <I>Secondly,</I> That it might be
perpetuated; that the fruit may remain, that the good effect of their
labours may continue in the world from generation to generation, to the
end of time. The church of Christ was not to be a short-lived thing, as
many of the sects of the philosophers, that were a nine days' wonder;
it did not <I>come up in a night,</I> nor should it <I>perish in a
night,</I> but be as the days of heaven. The sermons and writings of
the apostles are transmitted to us, and we at this day are built upon
that foundation, ever since the Christian church was first founded by
the ministry of the apostles and seventy disciples; as one generation
of ministers and Christians has passed away, still another has come. By
virtue of that great charter
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:19">Matt. xxviii. 19</A>),
Christ has a church in the world, which, as our lawyers say of bodies
corporate, does <I>not die,</I> but lives in a succession; and thus
<I>their fruit remains</I> to this day, and shall do while the earth
remains.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
[3.] His love to them appeared in the interest they had at the throne
of grace: <I>Whatsoever you shall ask of my Father, in my name, he will
give it you.</I> Probably this refers in the first place to the power
of working miracles which the apostles were clothed with, which was to
be drawn out by prayer. "Whatever gifts are necessary to the
furtherance of your labours, whatever help from heaven you have
occasion for at any time, it is but ask and have." Three things are
here hinted to us for our encouragement in prayer, and very encouraging
they are. <I>First,</I> That we have a God to go to who is a Father;
Christ here calls him <I>the Father,</I> both mine and yours; and the
Spirit in the word and in the heart teaches us to cry, <I>Abba, Father.
Secondly,</I> That we come in a good name. Whatever errand we come upon
to the throne of grace according to God's will, we may with a humble
boldness mention Christ's name in it, and plead that we are related to
him, and he is concerned for us. <I>Thirdly,</I> That an answer of
peace is promised us. What you come for shall be given you. This great
promise made to that great duty keeps up a comfortable and gainful
intercourse between heaven and earth.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
III. Concerning the disciples' love to Christ, enjoined in
consideration of the great love wherewith he had loved them. Three
things he exhorts them to:--</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
1. To continue in his love,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>.
"Continue in your love to me, and in mine to you." Both may be taken
in. We must place our happiness in the continuance of Christ's love to
us, and make it our business to give continued proofs of our love to
Christ, that nothing may tempt us to withdraw from him, or provoke him
to withdraw from us. Note, All that love Christ should continue in
their love to him, that is, be always loving him, and taking all
occasions to show it, and love to the end. The disciples were to go
out upon service for Christ, in which they would meet with many
troubles; but, says Christ, "<I>Continue in my love.</I> Keep up your
love to me, and then all the troubles you meet with will be easy; love
made seven years' hard service easy to Jacob. Let not the troubles you
meet with for Christ's sake quench your love to Christ, but rather
quicken it.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
2. To let his joy remain in them, and fill them,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
This he designed in those precepts and promises given them.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
(1.) That his joy might remain in them. The words are so placed, in the
original, that they may be read either,
[1.] That <I>my joy in you may remain.</I> If they bring forth much
fruit, and continue in his love, he will continue to rejoice in them as
he had done. Note, Fruitful and faithful disciples are the joy of the
Lord Jesus; he <I>rests in his love</I> to them,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Zep+3:17">Zeph. iii. 17</A>.
As there is a transport of joy in heaven in the conversion of sinners,
so there is a remaining joy in the perseverance of saints. Or,
[2.] That <I>my joy,</I> that is, your joy in me, <I>may remain.</I> It
is the will of Christ that his disciples should constantly and
continually rejoice in him,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Php+4:4">Phil. iv. 4</A>.
The joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment, but the joy of those who
abide in Christ's love is a continual feast. The word of the Lord
enduring for ever, the joys that flow from it, and are founded on it,
do so too.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
(2.) <I>That your joy might be full;</I> not only that you might be
full of joy, but that your joy in me and in my love may rise higher and
higher, till it come to perfection, when you <I>enter into the joy of
your Lord.</I>" Note,
[1.] Those and those only that have Christ's joy remaining in them have
their joy full; worldly joys are empty, soon surfeit but never satisfy.
It is only wisdom's joy that will fill the soul,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+36:8">Ps. xxxvi. 8</A>.
[2.] The design of Christ in his world is to <I>fill the joy</I> of his
people; see
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+1:4">1 John i. 4</A>.
This and the other he hath said, that our joy might be fuller and
fuller, and perfect at last.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
3. To evidence their love to him by keeping his commandments: "<I>If
you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
This will be an evidence of the fidelity and constancy of your love to
me, and then you may be sure of the continuance of my love to you."
Observe here,
(1.) The promise "<I>You shall abide in my love</I> as in a dwelling
place, at home in Christ's love; as in a resting place, at ease in
Christ's love; as in a stronghold, safe in it. <I>You shall abide in my
love,</I> you shall have grace and strength to persevere in loving me."
If the same hand that first shed abroad the love of Christ in our
hearts did not keep us in that love, we should not long abide in it,
but, through the love of the world, should go <I>out of love</I> with
Christ himself.
(2.) The condition of the promise: <I>If you keep my commandments.</I>
The disciples were to keep Christ's commandments, not only by a
constant conformity to them themselves, but by a faithful delivery of
them to others; they were to keep them as trustees, in whose hands that
great <I>depositum</I> was lodged, for they were to <I>teach all things
that Christ had commanded,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:20">Matt. xxviii. 20</A>.
<I>This commandment</I> they must <I>keep without spot</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+6:14">1 Tim. vi. 14</A>),
and thus they must show that they abide in his love.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
To induce them to keep his commandments, he urges,
[1.] His own example: <I>As I have kept my Father's commandments, and
abide in his love.</I> Christ submitted to the law of mediation, and so
preserved the honour and comfort of it, to teach us to submit to the
laws of the Mediator, for we cannot otherwise preserve the honour and
comfort of our relation to him.
[2.] The necessity of it to their interest in him
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>):
"<I>You are my friends if you do whatsoever I command you</I> and not
otherwise." Note, <I>First,</I> Those only will be accounted Christ's
faithful friends that approve themselves his obedient servants; for
those that will not have him to reign over them shall be treated as his
enemies. <I>Idem velle et idem nolle ea demum vera est
amicitia--Friendship involves a fellowship of aversions and
attachments.</I>--Sallust. <I>Secondly,</I> It is universal obedience
to Christ that is the only acceptable obedience; to obey him in every
thing that he commands us, not <I>excepting,</I> much less <I>excepting
against,</I> any command.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
IV. Concerning the <I>disciples' love one to another,</I> enjoined as
an evidence of their love to Christ, and a grateful return for his love
to them. We must keep his commandments, and this is his commandment,
that we <I>love one another,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:12,17"><I>v.</I> 12, and again, <I>v.</I> 17</A>.
No one duty of religion is more frequently inculcated, nor more
pathetically urged upon us, by our Lord Jesus, than that of mutual
love, and for good reason.
1. It is here recommended by Christ's pattern
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>):
<I>as I have loved you.</I> Christ's love to us should direct and
engage our love to each other; in this manner, and from this motive, we
should love one another, as, and because, Christ has loved us. He here
specifies some of the expressions of his love to them; he called them
friends, communicated his mind to them, was ready to give them what
they asked. <I>Go you and do likewise.</I>
2. It is required by his precept. He interposes his authority, has made
it one of the statute-laws of his kingdom. Observe how differently it
is expressed in
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:12,17">these two verses</A>,
and both very emphatic.
(1.) <I>This is my commandment</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>),
as if this were the most necessary of all the commandments. As under
the law the prohibition of idolatry was the commandment more insisted
on than any other, foreseeing the people's addictedness to that sin, so
Christ, foreseeing the addictedness of the Christian church to
uncharitableness, has laid most stress upon this precept.
(2.) <I>These things I command you,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
He speaks as if he were about to give them many things in charge, and
yet names this only, <I>that you love one another;</I> not only because
this includes many duties, but because it will have a good influence
upon all.</P>
<A NAME="Joh15_18"> </A>
<A NAME="Joh15_19"> </A>
<A NAME="Joh15_20"> </A>
<A NAME="Joh15_21"> </A>
<A NAME="Joh15_22"> </A>
<A NAME="Joh15_23"> </A>
<A NAME="Joh15_24"> </A>
<A NAME="Joh15_25"> </A>
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Hatred and Persecution Foretold.</I></FONT></TD>
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before <I>it
hated</I> you.
&nbsp; 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but
because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the
world, therefore the world hateth you.
&nbsp; 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not
greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also
persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours
also.
&nbsp; 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's
sake, because they know not him that sent me.
&nbsp; 22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had
sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.
&nbsp; 23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
&nbsp; 24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man
did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated
both me and my Father.
&nbsp; 25 But <I>this cometh to pass,</I> that the word might be fulfilled
that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Here Christ discourses concerning <I>hatred,</I> which is the character
and genius of the devil's kingdom, as love is of the kingdom of Christ.
Observe here,</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
I. Who they are in whom this hatred is found--the world, the children of
this world, as distinguished from the children of God; those who are in
the interests of the god of this world, whose image they bear, and
whose power they are subject to; all those, whether Jews or Gentiles,
who would not come into the church of Christ, which he audibly called,
and visibly separates from this evil world. The calling of these <I>the
world</I> intimates,
1. Their number; there were a world of people that opposed Christ and
Christianity. Lord, how were they increased that troubled the Son of
David! I fear, if we should put it to the vote between Christ and
Satan, Satan would out-poll us quite.
2. Their confederacy and combination; these numerous hosts are
embodied, and are as one,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+83:5">Ps. lxxxiii. 5</A>.
Jews and Gentiles, that could agree in nothing else, agreed to
persecute Christ's minister.
3. Their spirit and disposition; they are <I>men of the world</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+16:13,14">Ps. xvi. 13, 14</A>),
wholly devoted to this world and the things of it, and never thinking
of another world. The people of God, though they are taught to hate
the sins of sinners, yet not their persons, but to love and do good to
all men. A malicious, spiteful, envious spirit, is not the spirit of
Christ, but of the world.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
II. Who are they against whom this hatred is levelled-against the
disciples of Christ, against Christ himself, and against the
Father.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
1. The world hates the disciples of Christ: <I>The world hateth you</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>);
and he speaks of it as that which they must expect and count upon,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>,
as
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+3:13">1 John iii. 13</A>.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
(1.) Observe how this comes in here.
[1.] Christ had expressed the great kindness he had for them as
friends; but, lest they should be puffed up with this, there was given
them, as there was to Paul, a <I>thorn in the flesh,</I> that is, as it
is explained there, reproaches and persecutions for Christ's sake,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+12:7,10">2 Cor. xii. 7, 10</A>.
[2.] He had appointed them their work, but tells them what hardships
they should meet with in it, that it might not be a surprise to them,
and that they might prepare accordingly.
[3.] He had charged them to <I>love one another,</I> and need enough
they had to love one another, for the world would hate them; to be kind
to one another, for they would have a great deal of unkindness and
ill-will from those that were without. "Keep peace among yourselves,
and this will fortify you against the world's quarrels with you." Those
that are in the midst of enemies are concerned to hold together.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
(2.) Observe what is here included.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
[1.] The world's enmity against the followers of Christ: it <I>hateth
them.</I> Note, Whom Christ blesseth the world curseth. The favourites
and heirs of heaven have never been the darlings of this world, since
the old enmity was put between the seed of the woman and of the
serpent. Why did Cain hate Abel, but <I>because his works were
righteous?</I> Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing; Joseph's
brethren hated him because his father loved him; Saul hated David
because <I>the Lord was with him;</I> Ahab hated Micaiah because of his
prophecies; such are the causeless causes of the world's hatred.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
[2.] The fruits of that enmity, two of which we have here,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>.
<I>First,</I> They will persecute you, because they hate you, for
hatred is a restless passion. It is the common lot of those who will
live godly in Christ Jesus to <I>suffer persecution,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+3:12">2 Tim. iii. 12</A>.
Christ foresaw what ill usage his ambassadors would meet with in the
world, and yet, for the sake of those few that by their ministry were
to be called out of the world, he sent them forth as sheep in the midst
of wolves. <I>Secondly,</I> Another fruit of their enmity is implied,
that they would reject their doctrine. When Christ says, <I>If they
have kept my sayings, they will keep yours,</I> he means, They will
keep yours, and regard yours, no more than they have regarded and kept
mine. Note, The preachers of the gospel cannot but take the despising
of their message to be the greatest injury that can be done to
themselves; as it was a great affront to Jeremiah to say, <I>Let us not
give heed to any of his words,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+18:18">Jer. xviii. 18</A>.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
[3.] The causes of that enmity. The world will hate them,</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<I>First,</I> Because they do not belong to it
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>):
"<I>If you were of the world,</I> of its spirit, and in its interests,
if you were carnal and worldly, <I>the world would love you</I> as its
own; but, because you are called out of the world, it hates you, and
ever will." Note,
1. We are not to wonder if those that are devoted to the world are
caressed by it as its friends; most men <I>bless the covetous,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+10:3,49:18">Ps. x. 3; xlix. 18</A>.
2. Nor are we to wonder if those that are delivered from the world are
maligned by it as its enemies; when Israel is rescued out of Egypt, the
Egyptians will pursue them. Observe, The reason why Christ's disciples
are not of the world is not because they have by their own wisdom and
virtue distinguished themselves from the world, but because Christ hath
chosen them out of it, to set them apart for himself; and this is the
reason why the world hates them; for,
(1.) The glory which by virtue of this choice they are designed for
sets them above the world, and so makes them the objects of its envy.
The saints shall judge the world, and the upright have dominion, and
therefore they are hated.
(2.) The grace which by virtue of this choice they are endued with sets
them against the world; they swim against the stream of the world, and
are not conformed to it; they witness against it, and are not conformed
to it. This would support them under all the calamities which the
world's hatred would bring upon them, that they were hated because they
were the choice and the chosen ones of the Lord Jesus, and were not of
the world. Now,
[1.] This was no just cause for the world's hatred of them. If we do
any thing to make ourselves hateful, we have reason to lament it; but,
if men hate us for that for which they should love and value us, we
have reason to pity them, but no reason to perplex ourselves. Nay,
[2.] This was just cause for their own joy. He that is hated because he
is rich and prospers cares not who has the vexation of it, while he has
the satisfaction of it.</P>
<CENTER>
<TABLE BORDER=0>
<TR><TD>--Populus me sibilat, at mihi plaudo
<BR>Ipse domi--
<BR>
<BR>--Let them hiss on, he cries,
<BR>While in my own opinion fully blessed. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; </TD></TR>
<TR><TD ALIGN=RIGHT><I>Timon in Hor.</I></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Much more may those hug themselves whom the world hates, but whom
Christ loves.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<I>Secondly,</I> "Another cause of the world's hating you will be
because you do belong to Christ
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>):
<I>For my name's sake.</I>" Here is the core of the controversy;
whatever is pretended, this is the ground of the quarrel, they hate
Christ's disciples because they <I>bear his name,</I> and <I>bear up
his name</I> in the world. Note,
1. It is the character of Christ's disciples that they stand up for his
name. The name into which they were baptized is that which they will
live and die by.
2. It has commonly been the lot of those that appear for Christ's name
to suffer for so doing, to suffer many things, and hard things, <I>all
these things.</I> It is matter of comfort to the greatest sufferers if
they suffer for Christ's name's sake. <I>If you be reproached for the
name of Christ, happy are you</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:14">1 Pet. iv. 14</A>),
happy indeed, considering not only the honour that is imprinted upon
those sufferings
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+5:41">Acts v. 41</A>),
but the comfort that is infused into them, and especially the crown of
glory which those sufferings lead to. <I>If we suffer with Christ,</I>
and for Christ, <I>we shall reign with him.</I></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<I>Thirdly,</I> After all, it is the world's ignorance that is the true
cause of its enmity to the disciples of Christ
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>):
<I>Because they know not him that sent me.</I>
1. They know not God. If men had but a due acquaintance with the very
first principles of natural religion, and did but know God, though they
did not embrace Christianity, yet they could not hate and persecute it.
Those have no knowledge who eat up God's people,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+14:4">Ps. xiv. 4</A>.
2. They know not God as he that sent our Lord Jesus, and authorized him
to be the great Mediator of the peace. We do not rightly know God if we
do not know him in Christ, and those who persecute those whom he sends
make it to appear that they know not that he was sent of God. See
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+2:8">1 Cor. ii. 8</A>.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
2. The world hates Christ himself. And this is spoken of here for two
ends:--</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
(1.) To mitigate the trouble of his followers, arising from the world's
hatred, and to make it the less strange, and the less grievous
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>):
<I>You know that it hated me before you,</I> <B><I>proton
hymon</I></B>. We read it as signifying priority of time; he began in
the bitter cup of suffering, and then left us to pledge him; but it may
be read as expressing his superiority over them: "<I>You know</I> that
it hated me, <I>your first,</I> your chief and captain, your leader and
commander."
[1.] If Christ, who excelled in goodness, and was perfectly innocent
and universally beneficent, was hated, can we expect that any virtue or
merit of ours should screen us from malice?
[2.] If our Master, the founder of our religion, met with so much
opposition in the planting of it, his servants and followers can look
for no other in propagating and professing it. For this he refers them
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>)
to his own word, at their admission into discipleship: <I>Remember the
word that I said unto you.</I> It would help us to understand Christ's
latter sayings to compare them with his former sayings. Nor would any
thing contribute more to the making of us easy than remembering the
words of Christ, which will expound his providences. Now in this word
there is, <I>First,</I> A plain truth: <I>The servant is not greater
than his Lord.</I> This he had said to them.
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:24">Matt. x. 24</A>.
Christ is our Lord, and therefore we must diligently attend all his
motions, and patiently acquiesce in all his disposals, for the servant
is inferior to his lord. The plainest truths are sometimes the
strongest arguments for the hardest duties; Elihu answers a multitude
of Job's murmurings with this one self-evident truth, that God is
greater than man,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+33:12">Job xxxiii. 12</A>.
So here is, <I>Secondly,</I> A proper inference drawn from it: "<I>If
they have persecuted men,</I> as you have seen, and are likely to see
much more, <I>they will also persecute you;</I> you may expect it and
count upon it: for,"
1. "You will do the same that I have done to provoke them; you will
reprove them for their sins, and call them to repentance, and give them
strict rules of holy living, which they will not bear."
2. "You cannot do more than I have done to oblige them; after so great
an instance, let none wonder if they suffer ill for doing well." He
adds, "<I>If they have kept my sayings, they will keep yours also;</I>
as there have been a few, and but a few, that have been wrought upon by
my preaching, so there will be by yours a few, and but a few." Some
give another sense of this, making <B><I>eteresan</I></B> to be put for
<B><I>pareteresan</I></B>. "If they have lain in wait for my sayings,
with a design to ensnare me, they will in like manner lie in wait to
entangle you in your talk."</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
(2.) To aggravate the wickedness of this unbelieving world, and to
discover its exceeding sinfulness; to hate and persecute the apostles
was bad enough, but in them to hate and persecute Christ himself was
much worse. The world is generally in an ill name in scripture, and
nothing can put it into a worse name than this, that it hated Jesus
Christ. There is a world of people that are haters of Christ. Two
things he insists upon to aggravate the wickedness of those that hated
him:--</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
[1.] That there was the greatest reason imaginable why they should love
him; men's good words and good works usually recommend them; now as to
Christ,</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<I>First,</I> His words were such as merited their love
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>):
"<I>If I had not spoken unto them,</I> to court their love, <I>they had
not had sin,</I> their opposition had not amounted to a hatred of me,
their sin had been comparatively no sin. But now that I have said so
much to them to recommend myself to their best affections they have no
pretence, no excuse for their sin." Observe here,
1. The advantage which those have that enjoy the gospel; Christ in it
comes and speaks to them; he spoke in person to the men of that
generation, and is still speaking to us by our Bibles and ministers,
and as one that has the most unquestionable authority over us, and
affection for us. Every word of his is pure, carries with it a
commanding majesty, and yet a condescending tenderness, able, one would
think, to charm the deafest adder.
2. The excuse which those have that enjoy not the gospel: "<I>If I had
not spoken to them,</I> if they had ever heard of Christ and of
salvation by him, <I>they had not had sin.</I>"
(1.) Not this kind of sin. They had not been chargeable with a contempt
of Christ if he had not come and made a tender of his grace to them. As
<I>sin is not imputed where there is no law,</I> so unbelief is not
imputed where there is no gospel; and, where it is imputed, it is thus
far the only damning sin, that, being a sin against the remedy, other
sin would not damn if the guilt of them were not bound on with this.
(2.) Not such a degree of sin. If they had not had the gospel among
them, their other sins had not been so bad; for the <I>times of
ignorance God winked at,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+12:47,48">Luke xii. 47, 48</A>.
3. The aggravated guilt which those lie under to whom Christ has
<I>come and spoken in vain,</I> whom he has called and invited in vain,
with whom he has reasoned and pleaded in vain; <I>They have no cloak
for their sin;</I> they are altogether inexcusable, and in the judgment
day will be speechless, and will not have a word to say for themselves.
Note, The clearer and fuller the discoveries are which are made to us
of the grace and truth of Jesus Christ, the more is said to us that is
convincing and endearing, the greater is our sin if we do not love him
and believe in him. The word of Christ strips sin of its cloak, that it
may appear sin.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<I>Secondly,</I> His works were such as merited their love, as well as
his words
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>):
"<I>If I had not done among them,</I> in their country, and before
their eyes, such works as <I>no other man ever did, they had not had
sin;</I> their unbelief and enmity had been excusable, and they might
have had some colour to say that my word was not to be credited, if not
otherwise confirmed;" but he produced satisfactory proofs of his divine
mission, <I>works which no other man did.</I> Note,
1. As the Creator demonstrates his power and Godhead by his works
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+1:20">Rom. i. 20</A>),
so doth the Redeemer. His miracles, his mercies, works of wonder and
works of grace, prove him sent of God, and sent on a kind errand.
2. Christ's works were such as <I>no man ever did.</I> No common
person that had not a commission from heaven, and God with him, could
work miracles,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+3:2"><I>ch.</I> iii. 2</A>.
And no prophet ever wrought such miracles, so many, so illustrious.
Moses and Elias wrought miracles as servants, by a derived power; but
Christ, as a Son, by his own power. This was it that amazed the
people, that with authority he commanded diseases and devils
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+1:27">Mark i. 27</A>);
they owned they never saw the like,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mk+2:12">Mark ii. 12</A>.
They were all good works, works of mercy; and this seems especially
intended here, for he is upbraiding them with this, that they hated
him. One that was so universally useful, more than ever any man was,
one would think, should have been universally beloved, and yet even he
is hated.
3. The works of Christ enhance the guilt of sinners' infidelity and
enmity to him, to the last degree of wickedness and absurdity. If they
had only heard his words, and not seen his works,--if we had only his
sermons upon record, and not his miracles, unbelief might have pleaded
want of proof; but now it has no excuse. Nay, the rejecting of Christ,
both by them and us, has in it the sin, not only of obstinate unbelief,
but of base ingratitude. They saw Christ to be most amiable, and
studious to do them a kindness; yet they hated him, and studied to do
him mischief. And we see in his word that great love wherewith he loved
us, and yet are not wrought upon by it.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
[2.] That there was no reason at all why they should hate him. Some
that at one time will say and do that which is recommending, yet at
another time will say and do that which is provoking and disobliging;
but our Lord Jesus not only did much to merit men's esteem and
good-will, but never did any thing justly to incur their displeasure;
this he pleads by quoting a scripture for it
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>):
"<I>This comes to pass,</I> this unreasonable hatred of me, and of my
disciples for my sake, <I>that the word might be fulfilled which is
written in their law</I>" (that is, in the Old Testament, which is a
law, and was received by them as a law), "<I>They hated me without a
cause;</I>" this David speaks of himself as a type of Christ,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+35:19,69:4">Ps. xxxv. 19; lxix. 4</A>.
Not, <I>First,</I> Those that hate Christ hate him without any just
cause; enmity to Christ is unreasonable enmity. We think those deserve
to be hated that are haughty and froward, but Christ is meek and lowly,
compassionate and tender; those also that under colour of complaisance
are malicious, envious, and revengeful, but Christ devoted himself to
the service of those that used him, nay, and of those that abused him;
toiled for others' ease, and impoverished himself to enrich us. Those
we think hateful that are <I>hurtful to kings and provinces,</I> and
disturbers of the public peace; but Christ, on the contrary, was the
greatest blessing imaginable to his country, and yet was hated. He
testified indeed that <I>their works were evil,</I> with a design to
make them good, but to hate him for this cause was to hate him without
cause. <I>Secondly,</I> Herein the scripture was fulfilled, and the
antitype answered the type. Saul and his courtiers hated David without
cause, for he had been serviceable to him with his harp, and with his
sword; Absalom and his party hated him, though to him he had been an
indulgent father, and to them a great benefactor. Thus was the Son of
David hated, and hunted most unjustly. Those that hated Christ did not
design there in to fulfil the scripture; but God, in permitting it, had
that in his eye; and it confirms our faith in Christ as the Messiah
that even this was foretold concerning him, and, being foretold, was
accomplished in him. And we must not think it strange or hard if it
have a further accomplishment in us. We are apt to justify our
complaints of injuries done us with this, that they are causeless,
whereas the more they are so the more they are like the sufferings of
Christ, and may be the more easily borne.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
3. In Christ the world hates God himself; this is twice said here
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>):
<I>He that hateth me,</I> though he thinks his hatred goes no further,
yet really he <I>hates my Father also.</I> And again,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>,
They have <I>seen and hated both me and my Father.</I> Note,
(1.) There are those that hate God, notwithstanding the beauty of his
nature and the bounty of his providence; they are enraged at his
justice, as the devils that believe it and tremble, are vexed at his
dominion, and would gladly <I>break his bands asunder.</I> Those who
cannot bring themselves to deny that there is a God, and yet wish there
were none, they see and hate him.
(2.) Hatred of Christ will be construed and adjudged hatred of God, for
he is in his person his Father's express image, and in his office his
great agent and ambassador. God will have all men to honour the Son as
they honour the Father, and therefore what entertainment the Son has,
that the Father has. Hence it is easy to infer that those who are
enemies to the Christian religion, however they may cry up natural
religion, are really enemies to all religion. Deists are in effect
atheists, and those that ridicule the light of the gospel would, if
they could, extinguish even natural light, and shake off all
obligations of conscience and the fear of God. Let an unbelieving
malignant world know that their enmity to the gospel of Christ will be
looked upon in the great day as an enmity to the blessed God himself;
and let all that suffer for righteousness' sake, according to the will
of God, take comfort from this; if God himself be hated in them, and
struck at through him, they need not be either ashamed of their cause
or afraid of the issue.</P>
<A NAME="Joh15_26"> </A>
<A NAME="Joh15_27"> </A>
<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Comforter Announced.</I></FONT></TD>
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you
from the Father, <I>even</I> the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth
from the Father, he shall testify of me:
&nbsp; 27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me
from the beginning.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Christ having spoken of the great opposition which his gospel was
likely to meet with in the world, and the hardships that would be put
upon the preachers of it, lest any should fear that they and it would
be run down by that violent torrent, he here intimates to all those
that were well-wishers to his cause and interest what effectual
provision was made for supporting it, both by the principal testimony
of the Spirit
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:26"><I>v.</I> 26</A>),
and the subordinate testimony of the apostles
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>),
and testimonies are the proper supports of truth.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
I. It is here promised that the blessed Spirit shall maintain the cause
of Christ in the world, notwithstanding the opposition it should meet
with. Christ, when he was reviled, committed his injured cause to his
Father, and did not lose by his silence, for the Comforter came,
pleaded it powerfully, and carried it triumphantly. "<I>When the
Comforter</I> or Advocate <I>is come, who proceedeth from the
Father,</I> and <I>whom I will send</I> to supply the want of my bodily
presence, <I>he shall testify of me</I> against those that <I>hate me
without cause.</I>" We have more in
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:26">this verse</A>
concerning the Holy Ghost than in any one verse besides in the Bible;
and, being baptized into his name, we are concerned to acquaint
ourselves with him as far as he is revealed.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
1. Here is an account of him in his essence, or subsistence rather. He
is <I>the Spirit of truth, who proceedeth from the Father.</I> Here,
(1.) He is spoken of as a distinct person; not a quality or property,
but a person under the proper name of a <I>Spirit,</I> and proper title
of the <I>Spirit of truth,</I> a title fitly given him where he is
brought in testifying.
(2.) As a divine person, that <I>proceedeth from the Father,</I> by
out-goings that were of old, <I>from everlasting.</I> The spirit or
breath of man, called the <I>breath of life,</I> proceeds from the man,
and by it modified he delivers his mind, by it invigorated he sometimes
exerts his strength to <I>blow out</I> what he would extinguish, and
<I>blow up</I> what he would excite. Thus the blessed Spirit is the
emanation of divine light, and the energy of divine power. The rays of
the sun, by which it dispenses and diffuses its light, heat, and
influence, proceed from the sun, and yet are one with it. The
<I>Nicene</I> Creed says, The Spirit <I>proceedeth from the Father and
the Son,</I> for he is called the <I>Spirit of the Son,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+4:6">Gal. iv. 6</A>.
And the Son is here said to <I>send him.</I> The Greek church chose
rather to say, <I>from the Father by the Son.</I></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
2. In his mission.
(1.) He will come in a more plentiful effusion of his gifts, graces,
and powers, than had ever yet been. Christ had been long the <B><I>ho
erchomenos</I></B>--<I>he that should come;</I> now the blessed Spirit
is so.
(2.) <I>I will send him to you from the Father.</I> He had said
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+14:16"><I>ch.</I> xiv. 16</A>),
<I>I will pray the Father, and he shall send you the Comforter,</I>
which bespeaks the Spirit to be the fruit of the intercession Christ
makes within the veil: here he says, <I>I will send him,</I> which
bespeaks him to be the fruit of his dominion within the veil. The
Spirit was sent,
[1.] By Christ as Mediator, now <I>ascended on high to give gifts unto
men,</I> and all power being given to him.
[2.] From the Father: "Not only from heaven, my Father's house" (the
Spirit was given in a <I>sound from heaven,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+2:2">Acts ii. 2</A>),
"but according to my Father's will and appointment, and with his
concurring power and authority."
[3.] To the apostles to instruct them in their preaching, enable them
for working, and carry them through their sufferings. He was given to
them and their successors, both in Christianity and in the ministry; to
them and their seed, and their seed's seed, according to that promise,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+59:21">Isa. lix. 21</A>.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
3. In his office and operations, which are two:--
(1.) One implied in the title given to him; he is the <I>Comforter,</I>
or <I>Advocate.</I> An advocate for Christ, to maintain his cause
against the world's infidelity, a comforter to the saints against the
world's hatred.
(2.) Another expressed: <I>He shall testify of me.</I> He is not only
an advocate, but a witness for Jesus Christ; he is one of the three
that <I>bear record in heaven,</I> and the first of the three that
<I>bear witness on earth.</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+5:7,8">1 John v. 7, 8</A>.
He instructed the apostles, and enabled them to work miracles; he
indited the scriptures, which are the standing witnesses that
<I>testify of Christ,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+5:39"><I>ch.</I> v. 39</A>.
The power of the ministry is derived from the Spirit, for he qualifies
ministers; and the power of Christianity too, for he sanctifies
Christians, and in both testifies of Christ.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
II. It is here promised that the apostles also, by the Spirit's
assistance, should have the honour of being Christ's witnesses
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>):
<I>And you also shall bear witness</I> of me, being competent
witnesses, for <I>you have been with</I> me from the beginning of my
ministry. Observe here,</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
1. That the apostles were appointed to be witnesses for Christ in the
world. When he had said, <I>The Spirit shall testify,</I> he adds,
<I>And you also shall bear witness.</I> Note, The Spirit's working is
not to supersede, but to engage and encourage ours. Though the Spirit
testify, ministers also must bear their testimony, and people attend to
it; for the Spirit of grace witnesses and works by the means of grace.
The apostles were the first witnesses that were called in the famous
trial between Christ and the prince of this world, which issued in the
ejectment of the intruder. This intimates,
(1.) The work cut out for them; they were to attest the truth, the
whole truth, and nothing but the truth, concerning Christ, for the
recovering of his just right, and the maintaining of his crown and
dignity. Though Christ's disciples fled when they should have been
witnesses for him upon his trial before the high priest and Pilate, yet
after the Spirit was poured out upon them they appeared courageous in
vindication of the cause of Christ against the accusations it was
loaded with. The truth of the Christian religion was to be proved very
much by the evidence of matter of fact, especially Christ's
resurrection, of which the apostles were in a particular manner chosen
witnesses
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+10:41">Acts x. 41</A>),
and they bore their testimony accordingly,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+3:15,5:32">Acts iii. 15; v. 32</A>.
Christ's ministers are his witnesses.
(2.) The honour put upon them hereby--that they should be <I>workers
together with God.</I> "The <I>Spirit shall testify of me,</I> and you
also, under the conduct of the Spirit, and in concurrence with the
Spirit (who will preserve you from mistaking in that which you relate
on your own knowledge, and will inform you of that which you cannot
know but by revelation), <I>shall bear witness.</I>" This might
encourage them against the hatred and contempt of the world, that
Christ had honoured them, and would own them.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
2. That they were qualified to be so: <I>You have been with me from the
beginning.</I> They not only heard his public sermons, but had constant
private converse with him. He <I>went about doing good,</I> and, while
others saw the wonderful and merciful works that he did in their own
town and country only, those that went about with him were witnesses of
them all. They had likewise opportunity of observing the unspotted
purity of his conversation, and could witness for him that they never
saw in him, nor heard from him, any thing that had the least tincture
of human frailty. Note.
(1.) We have great reason to receive the record which the apostles gave
of Christ, for they did not speak by hearsay, but what they had the
greatest assurance of imaginable,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Pe+1:16,1Jo+1:1,3">2 Pet. i. 16; 1 John i. 1, 3</A>.
(2.) Those are best able to bear witness for Christ that have
themselves been with him, by faith, hope, and love, and by living a
life of communion with God in him. Ministers must first learn Christ,
and then preach him. Those speak best of the things of God that speak
experimentally. It is particularly a great advantage to have been
acquainted with Christ <I>from the beginning,</I> to understand all
things from the <I>very first,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:3">Luke i. 3</A>.
To have been with him from the beginning of our days. An early
acquaintance and constant converse with the gospel of Christ will make
a man like a good householder.</P>
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