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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>J O H N.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. I.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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The scope and design of this chapter is to confirm our faith in Christ
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as the eternal Son of God, and the true Messiah and Saviour of the
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world, that we may be brought to receive him, and rely upon him, as our
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Prophet, Priest, and King, and to give up ourselves to be ruled, and
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taught, and saved by him. In order to this, we have here, I. An account
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given of him by the inspired penman himself, fairly laying down, in the
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beginning, what he designed his whole book should be the proof of
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:1-5">ver. 1-5</A>);
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and again
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:10-14">ver. 10-14</A>);
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and again,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:16-18">ver. 16-18</A>.
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II. The testimony of John Baptist concerning him
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:6-9">ver. 6-9</A>;
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and again,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:15">ver. 15</A>);
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but most fully and particularly,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:19-37">ver. 19-37</A>.
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III. His own manifestation of himself to Andrew and Peter
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:38-42">ver. 38-42</A>),
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to Philip and Nathanael,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:43-51">ver. 43-51</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="Joh1_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh1_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh1_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh1_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh1_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Divinity of Christ.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and
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the Word was God.
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2 The same was in the beginning with God.
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3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any
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thing made that was made.
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4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
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5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness
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comprehended it not.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Austin says (<I>de Civitate Dei,</I> lib. 10, cap. 29) that his friend
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Simplicius told him he had heard a Platonic philosopher say that these
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first verses of St. John's gospel were <I>worthy to be written in
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letters of gold.</I> The learned Francis Junius, in the account he
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gives of his own life, tells how he was in his youth infected with
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loose notions in religion, and by the grace of God was wonderfully
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recovered by reading accidentally these verses in a bible which his
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father had designedly laid in his way. He says that he observed such a
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divinity in the argument, such an authority and majesty in the style,
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that his flesh trembled, and he was struck with such amazement that for
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a whole day he scarcely knew where he was or what he did; and thence he
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dates the beginning of his being religious. Let us enquire what there
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is in those strong lines. The evangelist here lays down the great truth
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he is to prove, that Jesus Christ is God, one with the Father.
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Observe,</P>
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<P>
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I. Of whom he speaks--<I>The Word</I>--<B><I>ho logos</I></B>. This is an
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idiom peculiar to John's writings. See
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+1:1,5:7,Re+19:13">1 John i. 1; v. 7; Rev. xix. 13</A>.
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Yet some think that Christ is meant by <I>the Word</I> in
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+20:32,Heb+4:12,Lu+1:2">Acts xx. 32; Heb. iv. 12; Luke i. 2</A>.
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The Chaldee paraphrase very frequently calls the Messiah <I>Memra--the
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Word of Jehovah,</I> and speaks of many things in the Old Testament,
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said to be done by <I>the Lord,</I> as done by that <I>Word of the
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Lord.</I> Even the vulgar Jews were taught that the <I>Word of God</I>
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was the same with God. The evangelist, in the close of his discourse
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>),
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plainly tells us why he calls Christ <I>the Word--because he is the
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only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, and has declared
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him. Word</I> is two-fold: <B><I>logos endiathetos</I></B>--<I>word
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conceived;</I> and <B><I>logos prophorikos</I></B>--<I>word
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uttered.</I> The <B><I>logos ho eso</I></B> and <B><I>ho exo</I></B>,
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<I>ratio</I> and <I>oratio--intelligence</I> and <I>utterance.</I>
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1. There is the <I>word conceived,</I> that is, <I>thought,</I> which
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is the first and only immediate product and conception of the soul (all
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the operations of which are performed by <I>thought</I>), and it is one
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with the soul. And thus the second person in the Trinity is fitly
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called <I>the Word;</I> for he is the <I>first-begotten of the
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Father,</I> that eternal essential Wisdom which <I>the Lord
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possessed,</I> as the soul does its thought, <I>in the beginning of his
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way,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+8:22">Prov. viii. 22</A>.
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There is nothing we are more sure of than <I>that we think,</I> yet
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nothing we are more in the dark about than <I>how we think;</I> who can
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declare the generation of <I>thought</I> in the soul? Surely then the
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generations and births of the eternal mind may well be allowed to be
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great mysteries of godliness, the bottom of which we cannot fathom,
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while yet we adore the depth.
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2. There is the <I>word uttered,</I> and this is <I>speech,</I> the
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chief and most natural indication of the mind. And thus Christ is
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<I>the Word,</I> for <I>by him</I> God has in <I>these last days spoken
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to us</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+1:2">Heb. i. 2</A>),
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and has directed us to <I>hear him,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+17:5">Matt. xvii. 5</A>.
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He has made known God's mind to us, as a man's word or speech makes
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known his thoughts, as far as he pleases, and no further. Christ is
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called that <I>wonderful speaker</I> (see notes on
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Da+8:13">Dan. viii. 13</A>),
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the <I>speaker of things hidden</I> and <I>strange.</I> He is <I>the
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Word</I> speaking <I>from</I> God to us, and <I>to God</I> for us. John
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Baptist was <I>the voice,</I> but Christ <I>the Word:</I> being <I>the
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Word,</I> he is <I>the Truth,</I> the <I>Amen,</I> the <I>faithful
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Witness</I> of the mind of God.</P>
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<P>
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II. What he saith of him, enough to prove beyond contradiction that
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<I>he is God.</I> He asserts,</P>
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<P>
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1. His existence in the beginning: <I>In the beginning was the
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Word.</I> This bespeaks his existence, not only before his incarnation,
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but before all time. The beginning of time, in which all creatures were
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produced and brought into being, found this eternal Word in being. The
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world was <I>from</I> the beginning, but the Word was <I>in</I> the
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beginning. Eternity is usually expressed by being <I>before the
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foundation of the world.</I> The eternity of God is so described
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+90:2">Ps. xc. 2</A>),
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<I>Before the mountains were brought forth.</I> So
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+8:23">Prov. viii. 23</A>.
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The Word had a being before the world had a beginning. He that
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<I>was</I> in the beginning <I>never</I> began, and therefore was
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<I>ever,</I> <B><I>achronos</I></B>--<I>without beginning of time.</I>
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So Nonnus.</P>
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<P>
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2. His co-existence with the Father: <I>The Word was with God, and the
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Word was God.</I> Let none say that when we invite them to Christ we
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would draw them from God, for Christ is <I>with God</I> and <I>is
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God;</I> it is repeated in
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>:
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<I>the same,</I> the very same that we believe in and preach, was <I>in
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the beginning with God,</I> that is, he was so from eternity. In the
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beginning the world was <I>from God,</I> as it was created by him; but
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the Word was <I>with God,</I> as ever with him. The Word was with God,
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(1.) In respect of <I>essence</I> and <I>substance;</I> for <I>the Word
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was God:</I> a distinct person or substance, for he was <I>with
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God;</I> and yet the same in substance, for he <I>was God,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+1:3">Heb. i. 3</A>.
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(2.) In respect of <I>complacency</I> and <I>felicity.</I> There was a
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glory and happiness which Christ had <I>with God</I> before the world
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was
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+17:5"><I>ch.</I> xvii. 5</A>),
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the Son infinitely happy in the enjoyment of his Father's bosom, and no
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less the Father's delight, the Son of his love,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+8:30">Prov. viii. 30</A>.
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(3.) In respect of <I>counsel</I> and <I>design.</I> The mystery of
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man's redemption by this Word incarnate was <I>hid in God</I> before
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all worlds,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+3:9">Eph. iii. 9</A>.
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He that undertook to <I>bring us to God</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+3:18">1 Pet. iii. 18</A>)
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was himself from eternity <I>with God;</I> so that this grand affair of
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man's reconciliation to God was concerted between the Father and Son
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from eternity, and they understand one another perfectly well in it,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Zec+6:13,Mt+11:27">Zech. vi. 13; Matt. xi. 27</A>.
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He was <I>by him as one brought up with him</I> for this service,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+8:30">Prov. viii. 30</A>.
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He was <I>with God,</I> and therefore is said to <I>come forth from the
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Father.</I></P>
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<P>
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3. His agency in making the world,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
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This is here,
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(1.) Expressly asserted: <I>All things were made by him.</I> He was
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<I>with God,</I> not only so as to be <I>acquainted</I> with the divine
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counsels from eternity, but to be <I>active</I> in the divine
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operations in the beginning of time. <I>Then was I by him,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+8:30">Prov. viii. 30</A>.
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God made the world <I>by a word</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+33:6">Ps. xxxiii. 6</A>)
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and Christ was <I>the Word.</I> By him, not as a subordinate
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instrument, but as a co-ordinate agent, God <I>made the world</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+1:2">Heb. i. 2</A>),
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not as the workman cuts by his axe, but as the body sees by the eye.
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(2.) The contrary is denied: <I>Without him was not any thing made that
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was made,</I> from the highest angel to the meanest worm. God the
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Father did nothing without him in that work. Now,
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[1.] This proves that <I>he is God;</I> for he that <I>built all things
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is God,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+3:4">Heb. iii. 4</A>.
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The God of Israel often proved himself to be God with this, that he
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<I>made all things:</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+40:12,28,31:4">Isa. xl. 12, 28; xli. 4</A>;
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and see
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jer+10:11,12">Jer. x. 11, 12</A>.
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[2.] This proves the excellency of the Christian religion, that the
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author and founder of it is the same that was the author and founder of
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the world. How excellent must that constitution needs be which derives
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its institution from him who is the fountain of all excellency! When we
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worship Christ, we worship him to whom the patriarchs gave honour as
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the Creator of the world, and on whom all creatures depend.
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[3.] This shows how well qualified he was for the work of our
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redemption and salvation. Help was laid upon one that was mighty
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indeed; for it was laid upon him that made all things; and he is
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appointed the author of our bliss who was the author of our being.</P>
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<P>
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4. The original of life and light that is in him: <I>In him was
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life,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.
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This further proves that he is God, and every way qualified for his
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undertaking; for,
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(1.) He has <I>life in himself;</I> not only the <I>true God,</I> but
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the <I>living God.</I> God is life; he swears by himself when he saith,
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<I>As I live.</I>
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(2.) All living creatures have their life in him; not only all the
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<I>matter</I> of the creation was <I>made</I> by him, but all the
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<I>life</I> too that is in the creation is derived from him and
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supported by him. It was the Word of God that produced the <I>moving
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creatures that had life,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+1:20,Ac+17:25">Gen. i. 20; Acts xvii. 25</A>.
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He is that Word by which man lives more than by bread,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+4:4">Matt. iv. 4</A>.
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(3.) Reasonable creatures have their <I>light</I> from him; that
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<I>life</I> which is <I>the light of men</I> comes from him. Life in
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man is something greater and nobler than it is in other creatures; it
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is <I>rational,</I> and not merely <I>animal.</I> When man became a
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<I>living soul,</I> his life was <I>light,</I> his capacities such as
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distinguished him from, and dignified him above, the beasts that
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perish. The <I>spirit of a man is the candle of the Lord,</I> and it
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was the eternal Word that lighted this candle. The light of reason, as
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well as the life of sense, is derived from him, and depends upon him.
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This proves him fit to undertake our salvation; for life and light,
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spiritual and eternal life and light, are the two great things that
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fallen man, who lies so much under the power of <I>death</I> and
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<I>darkness,</I> has need of. From whom may we better expect the light
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of divine revelation than from him who gave us the light of human
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reason? And if, when God gave us natural life, that life was in his
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Son, how readily should we receive the gospel-record, that he hath
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given us <I>eternal</I> life, and <I>that life</I> too <I>is in his
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Son!</I></P>
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<P>
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5. The manifestation of him to the children of men. It might be
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objected, If this eternal Word was all in all thus in the creation of
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the world, whence is it that he has been so little taken notice of and
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regarded? To this he answers
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>),
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<I>The light shines, but the darkness comprehends it not.</I>
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Observe,</P>
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<P>
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(1.) The discovery of the eternal Word to the lapsed world, even before
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he was manifested in the flesh: <I>The light shineth in darkness.</I>
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Light is self-evidencing, and will make itself known; this light,
|
|
whence the light of men comes, hath shone, and doth shine.
|
|
|
|
[1.] The eternal Word, <I>as God,</I> shines in <I>the darkness</I> of
|
|
<I>natural conscience.</I> Though men by the fall are become
|
|
<I>darkness,</I> yet that which may be known of God is manifested in
|
|
them; see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+1:19,20">Rom. i. 19, 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
The light of nature is this light shining in darkness. Something of the
|
|
power of the divine Word, both as <I>creating</I> and as
|
|
<I>commanding,</I> all mankind have an innate sense of; were it not for
|
|
this, earth would be a hell, a place of <I>utter darkness;</I> blessed
|
|
be God, it is not so yet.
|
|
|
|
[2.] The eternal Word, as Mediator, shone in the darkness of the
|
|
Old-Testament types and figures, and the prophecies and promises which
|
|
were of the Messiah from the beginning. He that had commanded the light
|
|
of this world to shine out of darkness was himself long a light
|
|
<I>shining in darkness;</I> there was a <I>veil</I> upon this
|
|
<I>light,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+3:13">2 Cor. iii. 13</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The disability of the degenerate world to receive this discovery:
|
|
<I>The darkness comprehended it not;</I> the most of men received the
|
|
grace of God in these discoveries in vain.
|
|
|
|
[1.] The world of mankind <I>comprehended not</I> the natural light
|
|
that was in their understandings, but became <I>vain in their
|
|
imaginations</I> concerning the eternal God and the eternal Word,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+1:21,28">Rom. i. 21, 28</A>.
|
|
|
|
The darkness of error and sin overpowered and quite eclipsed this
|
|
light. God <I>spoke once, yea twice,</I> but <I>man perceived it
|
|
not,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+33:14">Job xxxiii. 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] The Jews, who had the light of the Old Testament, yet comprehended
|
|
not Christ in it. As there was a veil upon Moses's face, so there was
|
|
upon the people's hearts. In the <I>darkness</I> of the types and
|
|
shadows the light shone; but such as the <I>darkness</I> of their
|
|
understandings that they could not <I>see</I> it. It was therefore
|
|
requisite that Christ should come, both to rectify the errors of the
|
|
Gentile world and to improve the truths of the Jewish church.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_6"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_7"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_8"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_9"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_10"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_11"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_12"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_13"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_14"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Testimony of John Baptist; Christ's Incarnation.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1> 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name <I>was</I> John.
|
|
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light,
|
|
that all <I>men</I> through him might believe.
|
|
8 He was not that Light, but <I>was sent</I> to bear witness of that
|
|
Light.
|
|
9 <I>That</I> was the true Light, which lighteth every man that
|
|
cometh into the world.
|
|
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the
|
|
world knew him not.
|
|
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
|
|
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become
|
|
the sons of God, <I>even</I> to them that believe on his name:
|
|
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
|
|
nor of the will of man, but of God.
|
|
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we
|
|
beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the
|
|
Father,) full of grace and truth.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
The evangelist designs to bring in John Baptist bearing an honourable
|
|
testimony to Jesus Christ, Now in these verses, before he does
|
|
this,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. He gives us some account of the witness he is about to produce. His
|
|
name was <I>John,</I> which signifies <I>gracious;</I> his conversation
|
|
was austere, but he was not the less <I>gracious.</I> Now,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. We are here told concerning him, in general, that he was a <I>man
|
|
sent of God.</I> The evangelist had said concerning Jesus Christ that
|
|
he was <I>with God</I> and that he <I>was God;</I> but here concerning
|
|
John that he was a <I>man,</I> a mere man. God is pleased to speak to
|
|
us by men like ourselves. John was a <I>great man,</I> but he was a
|
|
man, a son of man; he was <I>sent from God,</I> he was God's
|
|
<I>messenger,</I> so he is called,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mal+3:1">Mal. iii. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
God gave him both his mission and his message, both his credentials and
|
|
his instructions. John wrought no miracle, nor do we find that he had
|
|
visions and revelations; but the strictness and purity of his life and
|
|
doctrine, and the direct tendency of both to reform the world, and to
|
|
revive the interests of God's kingdom among men, were plain indications
|
|
that he was <I>sent of God.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. We are here told what his office and business were
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>The same came for a witness,</I> an eye-witness, a leading witness.
|
|
He came <B><I>eis martyrian</I></B>--<I>for a testimony.</I> The legal
|
|
institutions had been long a testimony for God in the Jewish church. By
|
|
them revealed religion was kept up; hence we read of the <I>tabernacle
|
|
of the testimony, the ark of the testimony, the law and the
|
|
testimony:</I> but now divine revelation is to be turned into another
|
|
channel; now the testimony of Christ is the testimony of God,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+1:6,2:1">1 Cor. i. 6; ii. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
Among the Gentiles, God indeed had not left himself without witness
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+14:17">Acts xiv. 17</A>),
|
|
|
|
but the Redeemer had no testimonies borne him among them. There was a
|
|
profound silence concerning him, till John Baptist came for a witness
|
|
to him. Now observe,
|
|
|
|
(1.) The matter of his testimony: <I>He came to bear witness to the
|
|
light.</I> Light is a thing which witnesses for itself, and carries its
|
|
own evidence along with it; but to those who shut their eyes against
|
|
the light it is necessary there should be those that bear witness to
|
|
it. Christ's light needs not man's testimony, but the world's darkness
|
|
does. John was like the night watchman that goes round the town,
|
|
proclaiming the approach of the morning light to those that have closed
|
|
their eyes, and are not willing themselves to observe it; or like that
|
|
watchman that was set to tell those who asked him what of the night
|
|
that <I>the morning comes,</I> and, <I>if you will enquire, enquire
|
|
ye,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+21:11,12">Isa. xxi. 11, 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
He was sent of God to tell the world that the long-looked-for Messiah
|
|
was now come, who should be <I>a light to enlighten the Gentiles and
|
|
the glory of his people Israel;</I> and to proclaim that dispensation
|
|
at hand which would bring life and immortality to light.
|
|
|
|
(2.) The design of his testimony: <I>That all men through him might
|
|
believe;</I> not in him, but in Christ, whose way he was sent to
|
|
prepare. He taught men to look through him, and pass through him, to
|
|
Christ; through the doctrine of repentance for sin to that of faith in
|
|
Christ. He prepared men for the reception and entertainment of Christ
|
|
and his gospel, by awakening them to a sight and sense of sin; and
|
|
that, their eyes being thereby opened, they might be ready to admit
|
|
those beams of divine light which, in the person and doctrine of the
|
|
Messiah, were now ready to shine in their faces. If they would but
|
|
receive this witness of man, they would soon find that the witness of
|
|
God was greater,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+5:9">1 John v. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+10:41"><I>ch.</I> x. 41</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe, it was designed that all men through him might believe,
|
|
excluding none from the kind and beneficial influences of his ministry
|
|
that did not exclude themselves, as multitudes did, who rejected the
|
|
counsel of God against themselves, and so received the grace of God in
|
|
vain.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. We are here cautioned not to mistake him for the light who only came
|
|
to bear witness to it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>He was not that light</I> that was expected and promised, but only
|
|
was sent to bear witness of that great and ruling light. He was a star,
|
|
like that which guided the wise men to Christ, a morning star; but he
|
|
was not the Sun; not the Bridegroom, but a friend of the Bridegroom;
|
|
not the Prince, but his harbinger. There were those who rested in
|
|
John's baptism, and looked no further, as those Ephesians,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+19:3">Acts xix. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
To rectify this mistake, the evangelist here, when he speaks very
|
|
honourably of him, yet shows that he must give place to Christ. He was
|
|
great as the prophet of the Highest, but not the Highest himself. Note,
|
|
We must take heed of over-valuing ministers, as well as of
|
|
under-valuing them; they are not our lords, nor have they dominion over
|
|
our faith, but ministers by whom we believe, stewards of our Lord's
|
|
house. We must not give up ourselves by an implicit faith to their
|
|
conduct, for they are not that light; but we must attend to, and
|
|
receive, their testimony; for they are sent to bear witness of that
|
|
light; so then let us esteem them, and not otherwise. Had John
|
|
pretended to be that light he had not been so much as a faithful
|
|
witness of that light. Those who usurp the honour of Christ forfeit the
|
|
honour of being the servants of Christ; yet John was very serviceable
|
|
as a witness to the light, though he was not that light. Those may be
|
|
of great use to us who yet shine with a borrowed light.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. Before he goes on with John's testimony, he returns to give us a
|
|
further account of this Jesus to whom John bore record. Having shown in
|
|
the beginning of the chapter the glories of his Godhead, he here comes
|
|
to show the graces of his incarnation, and his favours to man as
|
|
Mediator.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. Christ was the <I>true Light</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>);
|
|
|
|
not as if John Baptist were a false light, but, in comparison with
|
|
Christ, he was a very small light. Christ is the great light that
|
|
deserves to be called so. Other lights are but figuratively and
|
|
equivocally called so: Christ is the true light. The fountain of all
|
|
knowledge and of all comfort must needs be the true light. He is the
|
|
true light, for proof of which we are not referred to the emanations of
|
|
his glory in the invisible world (the beams with which he enlightens
|
|
that), but to those rays of his light which are darted downwards, and
|
|
with which this dark world of ours is enlightened. But how does Christ
|
|
enlighten every man that comes into the world?
|
|
|
|
(1.) By his creating power he enlightens every man with the light of
|
|
reason; that life which is the light of men is from him; all the
|
|
discoveries and directions of reason, all the comfort it gives us, and
|
|
all the beauty it puts upon us, are from Christ.
|
|
|
|
(2.) By the publication of his gospel to all nations he does in effect
|
|
enlighten every man. John Baptist was a light, but he enlightened only
|
|
Jerusalem and Judea, and the region round about Jordan, like a candle
|
|
that enlightens one room; but Christ is the true light, for he is a
|
|
light to enlighten the Gentiles. His everlasting gospel is to be
|
|
preached to every nation and language,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+14:6">Rev. xiv. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
Like the sun which enlightens every man that will open his eyes, and
|
|
receive its light
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+19:6">Ps. xix. 6</A>),
|
|
|
|
to which the preaching of the gospel is compared. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+10:18">Rom. x. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
Divine revelation is not now to be confined, as it had been, to one
|
|
people, but to be diffused to all people,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+5:15">Matt. v. 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
(3.) By the operation of his Spirit and grace he enlightens all those
|
|
that are enlightened to salvation; and those that are not enlightened
|
|
by him perish in darkness. <I>The light of the knowledge of the glory
|
|
of God</I> is said to be <I>in the face of Jesus Christ,</I> and is
|
|
compared with that light which was at the beginning commanded to shine
|
|
out of darkness, and which enlightens every man that comes into the
|
|
world. Whatever light any man has, he is indebted to Christ for it,
|
|
whether it be natural or supernatural.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Christ <I>was in the world,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
He was in the world, as the essential Word, before his incarnation,
|
|
upholding all things; but this speaks of his being in the world when he
|
|
took our nature upon him, and dwelt among us; see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:28"><I>ch.</I> xvi. 28</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>I am come into the world.</I> The Son of the Highest was here in
|
|
this <I>lower</I> world; that <I>light</I> in this <I>dark</I> world;
|
|
that <I>holy thing</I> in this sinful polluted world. He left a world
|
|
of bliss and glory, and was here in this melancholy miserable world. He
|
|
undertook to reconcile the world to God, and therefore was <I>in the
|
|
world,</I> to treat about it, and settle that affair; to satisfy God's
|
|
justice for the world, and discover God's favour to the world. He was
|
|
in the world, but not of it, and speaks with an air of triumph when he
|
|
can say, <I>Now I am no more in it,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+17:11"><I>ch.</I> xvii. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
The greatest honour that ever was put upon this world, which is so mean
|
|
and inconsiderable a part of the universe, was that the Son of God was
|
|
once <I>in the world;</I> and, as it should engage our affections to
|
|
things above that there Christ is, so it should reconcile us to our
|
|
present abode in <I>this</I> world that once Christ was <I>here.</I> He
|
|
<I>was</I> in the world for awhile, but it is spoken of as a thing
|
|
past; and so it will be said of us shortly, We were in the world. O
|
|
that when we are here no more we may be where Christ is! Now observe
|
|
here,
|
|
|
|
(1.) What reason Christ had to expect the most affectionate and
|
|
respectful welcome possible in this world; for <I>the world was made by
|
|
him. Therefore</I> he came to save a lost world because it was a world
|
|
of his own making. Why should he not concern himself to revive the
|
|
light that was of his own kindling, to restore a life of his own
|
|
infusing, and to renew the image that was originally of his own
|
|
impressing? The world was <I>made by him,</I> and therefore ought to do
|
|
him homage.
|
|
|
|
(2.) What cold entertainment he met with, notwithstanding: <I>The world
|
|
knew him not.</I> The great Maker, Ruler, and Redeemer of the world was
|
|
in it, and few or none of the inhabitants of the world were aware of
|
|
it. The <I>ox knows his owner,</I> but the more brutish world did not.
|
|
They did not own him, did not bid him welcome, because they did not
|
|
<I>know him;</I> and they did not know him because he did not make
|
|
himself known in the way that they expected--in external glory and
|
|
majesty. His kingdom came not <I>with observation,</I> because it was
|
|
to be a kingdom of trail and probation. When he shall come as a Judge
|
|
the world shall <I>know</I> him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. He <I>came to his own</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>);
|
|
|
|
not only to the world, which was <I>his own,</I> but to the people of
|
|
Israel, that were peculiarly <I>his own</I> above all people; of them
|
|
he came, among them he lived, and to them he was <I>first sent.</I> The
|
|
Jews were at this time a mean despicable people; <I>the crown was
|
|
fallen from their head;</I> yet, in remembrance of the ancient
|
|
covenant, bad as they were, and poor as they were, Christ was not
|
|
ashamed to look upon them as his own. <B><I>Ta idia</I></B>--his own
|
|
<I>things;</I> not <B><I>tous idious</I></B>--his own <I>persons,</I>
|
|
as <I>true believers</I> are called,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+13:1"><I>ch.</I> xiii. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
The Jews were <I>his,</I> as a man's house, and lands, and goods are
|
|
<I>his,</I> which he uses and possesses; but believers are his as a
|
|
man's wife and children are his own, which he loves and enjoys. He came
|
|
to his own, to seek and save them, because they were <I>his own.</I> He
|
|
was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, for it was he whose
|
|
own the sheep were. Now observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) That the generality <I>rejected</I> him: <I>His own received him
|
|
not.</I> He had reason to expect that those who were his own should
|
|
have bidden him welcome, considering how great the <I>obligations</I>
|
|
were which they <I>lay under</I> to him, and how fair the
|
|
<I>opportunities</I> were which they had of coming to the knowledge of
|
|
him. They had the oracles of God, which told them beforehand
|
|
<I>when</I> and <I>where</I> to expect him, and of what tribe and
|
|
family he should arise. He came among them himself, introduced with
|
|
signs and wonders, and himself the greatest; and therefore it is not
|
|
said of them, as it was of the world
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
that they <I>knew him not;</I> but <I>his own,</I> though they could
|
|
not but know him, yet <I>received him not;</I> did not receive his
|
|
doctrine, did not welcome him as the Messiah, but fortified themselves
|
|
against him. The <I>chief priests,</I> that were in a particular manner
|
|
<I>his own</I> (for the Levites were God's tribe), were ring-leaders in
|
|
this contempt put upon him. Now this was very <I>unjust,</I> because
|
|
they were <I>his own,</I> and therefore he might <I>command</I> their
|
|
respect; and it was very <I>unkind</I> and <I>ungrateful,</I> because
|
|
he came to them, to seek and save them, and so to <I>court</I> their
|
|
respect. Note, Many who in profession are <I>Christ's own,</I> yet do
|
|
not <I>receive him,</I> because they will not part with their sins, nor
|
|
have him to <I>reign over them.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) That yet there was a remnant who <I>owned</I> him, and were
|
|
faithful to him. Though his own received him not, yet there were those
|
|
that <I>received</I> him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>But as many as received him. Though Israel were not gathered,</I>
|
|
yet Christ was <I>glorious.</I> Though the body of that nation
|
|
persisted and perished in unbelief, yet there were many of <I>them</I>
|
|
that were wrought upon to submit to Christ, and many more that <I>were
|
|
not of that fold.</I> Observe here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] The true Christian's <I>description</I> and <I>property;</I> and
|
|
that is, that he <I>receives Christ,</I> and <I>believes on his
|
|
name;</I> the latter explains the former. Note, <I>First,</I> To be a
|
|
Christian indeed is to <I>believe on Christ's name;</I> it is to
|
|
<I>assent</I> to the gospel discovery, and <I>consent</I> to the gospel
|
|
proposal, concerning him. His name is <I>the Word of God; the King of
|
|
kings, the Lord our righteousness; Jesus a Saviour.</I> Now to
|
|
<I>believe</I> on his name is to <I>acknowledge</I> that he is what
|
|
these great names bespeak him to be, and to <I>acquiesce</I> in it,
|
|
that he may be so <I>to us. Secondly,</I> Believing in Christ's name is
|
|
<I>receiving</I> him as a gift from God. We must receive his doctrine
|
|
as true and good; receive his law as just and holy; receive his offers
|
|
as kind and advantageous; and we must receive the image of his grace,
|
|
and impressions of his love, as the governing principle of our
|
|
affections and actions.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] The true Christian's dignity and privilege are twofold:--</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> The <I>privilege of adoption,</I> which takes them into
|
|
the number of God's children: <I>To them gave he power to become the
|
|
sons of God.</I> Hitherto, the adoption pertained to the Jews only
|
|
(<I>Israel is my son, my first-born</I>); but now, by faith in Christ,
|
|
Gentiles are the <I>children of God,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+3:26">Gal. iii. 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
They have <I>power,</I> <B><I>exousian</I></B>--<I>authority;</I> for
|
|
no man taketh this power to himself, but he who is <I>authorized</I> by
|
|
the gospel charter. To them gave he a <I>right;</I> to them gave he
|
|
this pre-eminence. <I>This power have all the saints.</I> Note,
|
|
|
|
1. It is the unspeakable privilege of all good Christians, that they
|
|
are become the <I>children of God.</I> They were by nature children of
|
|
wrath, children of this world. If they be the <I>children of God,</I>
|
|
they <I>become</I> so, are <I>made</I> so <I>Fiunt, non nascuntur
|
|
Christiani--Persons are not born Christians, but made
|
|
such.</I>--Tertullian. <I>Behold what manner of love is this,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+3:1">1 John iii. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
God calls them <I>his children,</I> they call him <I>Father,</I> and
|
|
are entitled to all the privileges of children, those of their way and
|
|
those of their home.
|
|
|
|
2. The privilege of adoption is entirely owing to <I>Jesus Christ;</I>
|
|
he <I>gave</I> this power to them that believe on his name. God is his
|
|
Father, and so ours; and it is by virtue of our espousals to him, and
|
|
union with him, that we stand related to God as a Father. It was in
|
|
Christ that we were <I>predestinated to the adoption;</I> from him we
|
|
receive both the character and the Spirit of adoption, and he is the
|
|
<I>first-born among many brethren.</I> The Son of God became a Son of
|
|
man, that the sons and daughters of men might become the sons and
|
|
daughters of God Almighty.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> The <I>privilege of regeneration</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Which were born.</I> Note, All the children of God are born again;
|
|
all that are adopted are regenerated. This <I>real</I> change evermore
|
|
attends that <I>relative</I> one. Wherever God confers the dignity of
|
|
children, he creates the nature and disposition of children. Men cannot
|
|
do so when they adopt. Now here we have an account of the original of
|
|
this new birth.
|
|
|
|
1. Negatively.
|
|
|
|
(1.) It is not <I>propagated</I> by natural generation from our
|
|
parents. It is <I>not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,</I> nor
|
|
of <I>corruptible seed,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+1:23">1 Pet. i. 23</A>.
|
|
|
|
Man is called <I>flesh and blood,</I> because thence he has his
|
|
original: but we do not become the children of God as we become the
|
|
children of our natural parents. Note, Grace does not run in the blood,
|
|
as corruption does. Man polluted <I>begat a son in his own likeness</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+5:3">Gen. v. 3</A>);
|
|
|
|
but man sanctified and renewed does not beget a son in <I>that</I>
|
|
likeness. The Jews gloried much in their parentage, and the noble blood
|
|
that ran in their veins: <I>We are Abraham's seed;</I> and
|
|
<I>therefore</I> to them <I>pertained the adoption</I> because they
|
|
were born of that blood; but this New-Testament adoption is not founded
|
|
in any such natural relation.
|
|
|
|
(2.) It is not <I>produced</I> by the natural power of our own will. As
|
|
it is not of <I>blood,</I> nor of <I>the will of the flesh,</I> so
|
|
neither is it of the <I>will of man,</I> which labours under a moral
|
|
impotency of determining itself to that which is good; so that the
|
|
principles of the divine life are not of our own planting, it is the
|
|
grace of God that makes us willing to be <I>his.</I> Nor can human laws
|
|
or writings prevail to sanctify and regenerate a soul; if they could,
|
|
the new birth would be by the will of man. But,
|
|
|
|
2. Positively: it is of <I>God.</I> This new birth is owing to the
|
|
word of God as the means
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+1:23">1 Pet. i. 23</A>),
|
|
|
|
and to the Spirit of God as the great and sole author. True believers
|
|
are <I>born of God,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+3:9,5:1">1 John iii. 9; v. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
And this is necessary to their adoption; for we cannot expect the
|
|
<I>love of God</I> if we have not something of his <I>likeness,</I> nor
|
|
claim the privileges of adoption if we be not under the power of
|
|
regeneration.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. The <I>word was made flesh,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
This expresses Christ's incarnation more clearly than what went before.
|
|
By his divine presence he always <I>was in the world,</I> and by his
|
|
prophets he <I>came to his own.</I> But now that the fulness of time
|
|
was come he was sent forth after another manner, <I>made of a woman</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+4:4">Gal. iv. 4</A>);
|
|
|
|
God manifested in the flesh, according to the faith and hope of holy
|
|
Job; <I>Yet shall I see God in my flesh,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+19:26">Job xix. 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The <I>human nature of Christ</I> with which he was veiled; and
|
|
that expressed two ways.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] <I>The word was made flesh. Forasmuch as the children,</I> who
|
|
were to become the sons of God, <I>were partakers of flesh and blood,
|
|
he also himself likewise took part of the same,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+2:14">Heb. ii. 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
The Socinians agree that Christ is both God and man, but they say that
|
|
he <I>was man,</I> and was <I>made a God,</I> as Moses
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+7:1">Exod. vii. 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
directly contrary to John here, who saith, <B><I>Theos
|
|
en</I></B>--<I>He was God,</I> but <B><I>sarxegeneto</I></B>--<I>He was
|
|
made flesh.</I> Compare
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>
|
|
|
|
with this. This intimates not only that he was really and truly man,
|
|
but that he subjected himself to the miseries and calamities of the
|
|
human nature. He was made <I>flesh,</I> the meanest part of man. Flesh
|
|
bespeaks man <I>weak,</I> and he was crucified through <I>weakness,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+13:4">2 Cor. xiii. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Flesh</I> bespeaks man <I>mortal</I> and <I>dying</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+78:39">Ps. lxxviii. 39</A>),
|
|
|
|
and Christ was <I>put to death in the flesh</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+3:18">1 Pet. iii. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
Nay, <I>flesh</I> bespeaks <I>man tainted with sin</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+6:3">Gen. vi. 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
and Christ, though he was perfectly holy and harmless, yet appeared
|
|
<I>in the likeness of sinful flesh</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+8:3">Rom. viii. 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
and was made <I>sin for us,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:21">2 Cor. v. 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
When Adam had sinned, God said to him, <I>Dust thou art;</I> not only
|
|
because made out of the dust, but because by sin he was sunk into dust.
|
|
His fall did, <B><I>somatoun ten psychen</I></B>, <I>turn him</I> as it
|
|
were <I>all into body,</I> made him earthly; therefore he that was made
|
|
a curse for us was made <I>flesh,</I> and <I>condemned sin in the
|
|
flesh,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+8:3">Rom. viii. 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
Wonder at this, that the eternal Word should be made flesh, when flesh
|
|
was come into such an ill name; that he who made <I>all things</I>
|
|
should himself be made flesh, one of the meanest things, and submit to
|
|
that from which he was at the greatest distance. The voice that
|
|
ushered in the gospel cried, <I>All flesh is grass</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+40:6">Isa. xl. 6</A>),
|
|
|
|
to make the Redeemer's love the more wonderful, who, to <I>redeem</I>
|
|
and <I>save</I> us, was made flesh, and withered as grass; but the
|
|
<I>Word of the Lord,</I> who was made flesh, <I>endures for ever;</I>
|
|
when made flesh, he ceased not to be the Word of God.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] He <I>dwelt among us,</I> here in this lower world. Having taken
|
|
upon him the nature of man, he put himself into the place and condition
|
|
of other men. The Word might have been made flesh, and dwelt among the
|
|
angels; but, having taken a <I>body</I> of the same mould with ours, in
|
|
it he came, and resided in the same world with us. He <I>dwelt among
|
|
us,</I> us worms of the earth, us that he had no need of, us that he
|
|
got nothing by, us that were <I>corrupt</I> and <I>depraved,</I> and
|
|
revolted from God. The Lord God came and dwelt even <I>among the
|
|
rebellious,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+68:18">Ps. lxviii. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
He that had dwelt among angels, those noble and excellent beings, came
|
|
and dwelt <I>among us</I> that are a <I>generation of vipers,</I> us
|
|
<I>sinners,</I> which was worse to him than David's swelling in Mesech
|
|
and Kedar, or Ezekiel's dwelling <I>among scorpions,</I> or the church
|
|
of Pergamus dwelling <I>where Satan's seat is.</I> When we look upon
|
|
the upper world, the world of spirits, how mean and contemptible does
|
|
this flesh, this body, appear, which we carry about with us, and this
|
|
world in which our lot is cast, and how hard is it to a contemplative
|
|
mind to be reconciled to them! But that the eternal Word was <I>made
|
|
flesh,</I> was clothed with a body as we are, and dwelt in this world
|
|
as we do, this has put an honour upon them both, and should make us
|
|
willing to abide in the flesh while God has any work for us to do; for
|
|
Christ dwelt in this lower world, bad as it is, till he had finished
|
|
what he had to do here,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+17:4"><I>ch.</I> xvii. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
He dwelt <I>among</I> the Jews, that the scripture might be fulfilled,
|
|
<I>He shall dwell in the tents of Shem,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+9:27">Gen. ix. 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
And see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Zec+2:10">Zech. ii. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
Though the Jews were unkind to him, yet he continued to dwell among
|
|
them; though (as some of the ancient writers tell us) he was invited to
|
|
better treatment by Abgarus king of Edessa, yet he removed not to any
|
|
other nation. He <I>dwelt</I> among us. He was in the world, not as a
|
|
wayfaring man that tarries but for a night, but he <I>dwelt</I> among
|
|
us, made a long residence, the original word is observable,
|
|
<B><I>eskenosen en hemin</I></B>--<I>he dwelt among us,</I> he dwelt
|
|
<I>as in a tabernacle,</I> which intimates, <I>First,</I> That he dwelt
|
|
here in very <I>mean</I> circumstances, as shepherds that dwell in
|
|
tents. He did not dwell among us <I>as in a palace,</I> but as in a
|
|
<I>tent;</I> for he had not where to lay his head, and was always upon
|
|
the remove. <I>Secondly,</I> That his state here was a <I>military</I>
|
|
state. Soldiers <I>dwell in tents;</I> he had long since proclaimed war
|
|
with the <I>seed of the serpent,</I> and now he takes <I>the field</I>
|
|
in person, sets up his standard, and pitches his tent, to prosecute
|
|
this war. <I>Thirdly,</I> That his stay among us was not to be
|
|
perpetual. He dwelt here as <I>in a tent,</I> not as at <I>home.</I>
|
|
The patriarchs, by dwelling in tabernacles, <I>confessed that they were
|
|
strangers and pilgrims on earth,</I> and sought the better country, and
|
|
so did Christ, leaving us an example,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+13:13,14">Heb. xiii. 13, 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Fourthly,</I> That as of old God dwelt in the tabernacle of Moses,
|
|
by the shechinah between the cherubim, so now he dwells in the human
|
|
nature of Christ; that is now the true shechinah, the symbol of God's
|
|
peculiar presence. And we are to make all our addresses to God through
|
|
Christ, and from him to receive divine oracles.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The <I>beams of his divine glory</I> that <I>darted</I> through
|
|
this <I>veil of flesh: We beheld his glory, the glory as of the only
|
|
begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.</I> The sun is still
|
|
the fountain of light, though eclipsed or clouded; so Christ was still
|
|
the brightness of his Father's glory, even when he <I>dwelt among
|
|
us</I> in this lower world. And how slightly soever the Jews thought of
|
|
him there were those that saw through the veil. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] Who were the witnesses of this glory: <I>we,</I> his disciples and
|
|
followers, that conversed most freely and familiarly with him; we among
|
|
whom he <I>dwelt.</I> Other men discover their weaknesses to those that
|
|
are most familiar with them, but it was not so with Christ; those that
|
|
were most intimate with him saw most of his glory. As it was with his
|
|
<I>doctrine,</I> the disciples knew the mysteries of it, while others
|
|
had it <I>under the veil of parables;</I> so it was with his
|
|
<I>person,</I> they saw the glory of his divinity, while others saw
|
|
only the veil of his human nature. He manifested himself <I>to them,
|
|
and not unto the world.</I> These witnesses were a competent number,
|
|
twelve of them, a whole jury of witnesses; men of plainness and
|
|
integrity, and far from any thing of design or intrigue.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] What evidence they had of it: <I>We saw it.</I> They had not their
|
|
evidence by report, at second hand, but were themselves eye-witnesses
|
|
of those proofs on which they built their testimony that he was the
|
|
<I>Son of the living God: We saw it.</I> The word signifies a fixed
|
|
abiding sight, such as gave them an opportunity of making their
|
|
observations. This apostle himself explains this: <I>What we declare
|
|
unto you</I> of the Word of life is what we have <I>seen with our
|
|
eyes,</I> and what <I>we have looked upon,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+1:1">1 John i. 1</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[3.] What the glory was: <I>The glory as of the only begotten of the
|
|
Father.</I> The glory of the <I>Word made flesh</I> was such a glory as
|
|
became the only <I>begotten Son of God,</I> and could not be the glory
|
|
of any other. Note, <I>First,</I> Jesus Christ is the only begotten of
|
|
the Father. Believers are the children of God by the special favour of
|
|
adoption and the special grace of regeneration. They are in a sense
|
|
<B><I>homoiousioi</I></B>--<I>of a like nature</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Pe+1:4">2 Pet. i. 4</A>),
|
|
|
|
and have the image of his perfections; but Christ is
|
|
<B><I>homousios</I></B>--<I>of the same nature,</I> and is the express
|
|
image of his person, and the Son of God by an eternal generation.
|
|
Angels are sons of God, but he never said to any of them, <I>This day
|
|
have I begotten thee,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+1:5">Heb. i. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> He was evidently declared to be the only begotten of
|
|
the Father, by that which was seen of his glory when he dwelt among us.
|
|
Though he was in the <I>form of a servant,</I> in respect of outward
|
|
circumstances, yet, in respect of graces, his form was as that of the
|
|
<I>fourth</I> in the fiery furnace, <I>like the Son of God.</I> His
|
|
divine glory appeared in the holiness and heavenliness of his doctrine;
|
|
in his miracles, which extorted from many this acknowledgment, that he
|
|
was the <I>Son of God;</I> it appeared in the purity, goodness, and
|
|
beneficence, of his whole conversation. God's goodness is his glory,
|
|
and he went about doing good; he spoke and acted in every thing as an
|
|
incarnate Deity. Perhaps the evangelist had a particular regard to the
|
|
glory of his <I>transfiguration,</I> of which he was an eye-witness;
|
|
see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Pe+1:16-18">2 Pet. i. 16-18</A>.
|
|
|
|
God's calling him his <I>beloved Son, in whom he was well pleased,</I>
|
|
intimated that he was the <I>only begotten of the Father;</I> but the
|
|
full proof of this was at his resurrection.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[4.] What advantage those he dwelt among had from this. He dwelt among
|
|
them, <I>full of grace and truth.</I> In the old tabernacle wherein God
|
|
dwelt was the <I>law,</I> in <I>this</I> was grace; in that were
|
|
<I>types,</I> in this was <I>truth.</I> The incarnate Word was every
|
|
way qualified for his undertaking as Mediator; for he was <I>full of
|
|
grace and truth,</I> the two great things that fallen man stands in
|
|
need of; and this proved him to be the <I>Son of God</I> as much as the
|
|
divine power and majesty that appeared in him. <I>First,</I> He has a
|
|
fulness of grace and truth <I>for himself;</I> he had the Spirit
|
|
without measure. He was full <I>of grace,</I> fully acceptable to his
|
|
Father, and therefore qualified to intercede for us; and full <I>of
|
|
truth,</I> fully apprized of the things he was to reveal, and therefore
|
|
fit to instruct us. He had a fulness of knowledge and a fulness of
|
|
compassion. <I>Secondly,</I> He has a fulness of grace and truth <I>for
|
|
us.</I> He <I>received,</I> that he might <I>give,</I> and God was well
|
|
pleased in him, that he might be well pleased with us in him; and this
|
|
was the <I>truth</I> of the legal <I>types.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_15"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_16"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_17"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_18"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>John's Testimony to Christ.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of
|
|
whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for
|
|
he was before me.
|
|
16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for
|
|
grace.
|
|
17 For the law was given by Moses, <I>but</I> grace and truth came
|
|
by Jesus Christ.
|
|
18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son,
|
|
which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared <I>him.</I>
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
In these verses,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. The evangelist begins again to give us John Baptist's testimony
|
|
concerning Christ,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
He had said
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>)
|
|
|
|
that he <I>came for a witness;</I> now here he tells us that he did
|
|
accordingly <I>bear witness.</I> Here, Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. <I>How he expressed</I> his testimony: He <I>cried,</I> according to
|
|
the prediction that he should be <I>the voice of one crying.</I> The
|
|
Old-Testament prophets cried aloud, to show people their <I>sins;</I>
|
|
this New-Testament prophet cried aloud, to show people their
|
|
<I>Saviour.</I> This intimates,
|
|
|
|
(1.) That it was an open <I>public</I> testimony, proclaimed, that all
|
|
manner of persons might take notice of it, for all are concerned in it.
|
|
False teachers <I>entice secretly,</I> but wisdom publishes her
|
|
dictates in the chief places of concourse.
|
|
|
|
(2.) That he was free and hearty in bearing this testimony. He
|
|
<I>cried</I> as one that was both <I>well assured</I> of the truth to
|
|
which he witnessed and <I>well affected</I> to it. He that had leaped
|
|
in his <I>mother's womb for joy</I> of Christ's approach, when newly
|
|
conceived, does now with a like exultation of spirit <I>welcome</I> his
|
|
public appearance.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. What his <I>testimony</I> was. He appeals to what he had said at the
|
|
beginning of his ministry, when he had directed them to expect one that
|
|
should <I>come after him,</I> whose forerunner he was, and never
|
|
intended any other than to lead them to him, and to prepare his way.
|
|
This he had given them notice of from the first. Note, It is very
|
|
comfortable to a minister to have the testimony of his conscience for
|
|
him that he set out in his ministry with honest principles and sincere
|
|
intentions, with a single eye to the glory and honour of Christ. Now
|
|
what he had then said he applies to this Jesus whom he had lately
|
|
baptized, and who was so remarkably owned from heaven: <I>This was he
|
|
of whom I spoke.</I> John did not tell them that there would shortly
|
|
appear such a one among them, and then leave them to find him out; but
|
|
in <I>this</I> he went beyond all the Old-Testament prophets that he
|
|
particularly specified the person: "<I>This was he,</I> the very man I
|
|
told you of, and to him all I said is to be accommodated." Now what was
|
|
it he said?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) He had given the preference to this Jesus: <I>He that comes after
|
|
me,</I> in the time of his birth and public appearance, is preferred
|
|
before me; he that <I>succeeds</I> me in preaching and making disciples
|
|
is a more excellent person, upon all accounts; as the prince or peer
|
|
that <I>comes after</I> is preferred before the harbinger or
|
|
gentleman-usher that makes way for him. Note, Jesus Christ, who was to
|
|
be called the <I>Son of the Highest</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:32">Luke i. 32</A>),
|
|
|
|
was preferred before John Baptist, who was to be called only the
|
|
<I>prophet of the Highest,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:76">Luke i. 76</A>.
|
|
|
|
John was a minister of the New Testament, but Christ was the Mediator
|
|
of the New Testament. And observe, though John was a great man, and had
|
|
a great name and interest, yet he was forward to give the preference to
|
|
him to whom it belonged. Note, All the ministers of Christ must prefer
|
|
him and his interest before themselves and their own interests; they
|
|
will make an ill account <I>that seek their own things, not the things
|
|
of Christ,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Php+2:21">Phil. ii. 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
He comes <I>after me,</I> and yet is <I>preferred before me.</I> Note,
|
|
God dispenses his gifts according to his good pleasure, and many times
|
|
crosses hands, as Jacob did, preferring the <I>younger</I> before the
|
|
<I>elder.</I> Paul far outstripped those that were in Christ before
|
|
him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) He here gives a good reason for it: <I>For he was before me,</I>
|
|
<B><I>protos mou en</I></B>--<I>He was my first,</I> or <I>first to
|
|
me;</I> he was my first Cause, my original. The <I>First</I> is one of
|
|
<I>God's names,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+44:6">Isa. xliv. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
He is <I>before me,</I> is <I>my first,</I>
|
|
|
|
[1.] In respect of <I>seniority:</I> he was <I>before me,</I> for he
|
|
was before Abraham,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+8:58"><I>ch.</I> viii. 58</A>.
|
|
|
|
Nay, he was <I>before all things,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+1:17">Col. i. 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
I am but of yesterday, he from eternity. It was but in <I>those
|
|
days</I> that John Baptist came
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+3:1">Matt. iii. 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
but the goings forth of our Lord Jesus <I>were of old, from
|
|
everlasting,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mic+5:2">Mic. v. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
This proves two natures in Christ. Christ, as man, <I>came after</I>
|
|
John as to his public appearance; Christ, as God, was <I>before
|
|
him;</I> and how could he otherwise be before him but by an eternal
|
|
existence?
|
|
|
|
[2.] In respect of supremacy; for he was <I>my prince;</I> so some
|
|
princes are called the <I>first;</I> <B><I>proton</I></B>, "It is he
|
|
for whose sake and service I am sent: he is my Master, I am his
|
|
minister and messenger."</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. He presently returns again to speak of Jesus Christ, and cannot go
|
|
on with John Baptist's testimony till
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
The
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:16">16th verse</A>
|
|
|
|
has a manifest connection with
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>,
|
|
|
|
where the incarnate Word was said to be <I>full of grace and truth.</I>
|
|
Now here he makes this the matter, not only of our adoration, but of
|
|
our thankfulness, because <I>from that fulness</I> of his <I>we all
|
|
have received. He received gifts for men</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+68:18">Ps. lxviii. 18</A>),
|
|
|
|
that he might <I>give gifts to men,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:8">Eph. iv. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
He was filled, that he might <I>fill all in all</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+1:23">Eph. i. 23</A>),
|
|
|
|
might <I>fill our treasures,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+8:21">Prov. viii. 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
He has a fountain of fulness overflowing: <I>We all have received. All
|
|
we</I> apostles; so some. We have received the favour of this
|
|
apostleship, that is <I>grace;</I> and a fitness for it, that is
|
|
<I>truth.</I> Or, rather, <I>All we</I> believers; as many as received
|
|
him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>),
|
|
|
|
received from him. Note, All true believers receive from Christ's
|
|
fulness; the best and greatest saints cannot live without him, the
|
|
meanest and weakest may live by him. This excludes proud boasting, that
|
|
we have nothing but <I>we have received it;</I> and silences perplexing
|
|
fears, that we want nothing but <I>we may receive it.</I> Let us see
|
|
what it is that we have received.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. We have received <I>grace for grace.</I> Our receivings by Christ
|
|
are all summed up in this one word, <I>grace;</I> we have received
|
|
<B><I>kai charin</I></B>--<I>even grace,</I> so great a gift, so rich,
|
|
so invaluable; we have received <I>no less</I> than grace; this is a
|
|
gift to be spoken of with an emphasis. It is repeated, <I>grace for
|
|
grace;</I> for to every stone in this building, as well as <I>to the
|
|
top-stone,</I> we must cry, <I>Grace, grace.</I> Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The blessing received. It is <I>grace;</I> the good will of God
|
|
towards us, and the good work of God in us. God's good will works the
|
|
good work, and then the good work qualifies us for further tokens of
|
|
his good will. As the cistern receives water from the fulness of the
|
|
fountain, the branches sap from the fulness of the root, and the air
|
|
light from the fulness of the sun, so we receive grace from the fulness
|
|
of Christ.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The manner of its reception: <I>Grace for grace</I>--<B><I>charin
|
|
anti charitos</I></B>. The phrase is singular, and interpreters put
|
|
different senses upon it, each of which will be of use to illustrate
|
|
the unsearchable riches of the grace of Christ. <I>Grace for grace</I>
|
|
bespeaks,
|
|
|
|
[1.] The <I>freeness</I> of this grace. It is grace for grace' sake; so
|
|
<I>Grotius.</I> We receive grace, not for <I>our sakes</I> (be it known
|
|
to us), but even so, Father, <I>because it seemed good in thy
|
|
sight.</I> It is a <I>gift according to grace,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+12:6">Rom. xii. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is grace <I>to us</I> for the sake of grace to Jesus Christ. God was
|
|
well pleased in him, and is therefore well pleased with us in him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+1:6">Eph. i. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] The <I>fulness</I> of this grace. <I>Grace for grace</I> is
|
|
abundance of grace, grace upon grace (so <I>Camero</I>), one grace
|
|
heaped upon another; as <I>skin for skin</I> is skin after skin, even
|
|
all that a man has,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+2:4">Job ii. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is a blessing poured out, that there shall not be room to receive
|
|
it, <I>plenteous redemption:</I> one grace a pledge of more grace.
|
|
<I>Joseph-He will add.</I> It is such a fulness as is called <I>the
|
|
fulness of God</I> which we are filled with. We are not straitened in
|
|
the grace of Christ, if we be not straitened in our own bosoms.
|
|
|
|
[3.] The <I>serviceableness</I> of this grace. <I>Grace for grace</I>
|
|
is grace for the promoting and advancing of grace. Grace to be
|
|
<I>exercised</I> by ourselves; gracious habits for gracious acts.
|
|
Grace to be <I>ministered</I> to others; gracious vouchsafements for
|
|
gracious performances: grace is a talent to be traded with. The
|
|
apostles received grace
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+1:5,Eph+3:8">Rom. i. 5; Eph. iii. 8</A>),
|
|
|
|
that they might communicate it,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+4:10">1 Pet. iv. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
[4.] The <I>substitution</I> of New-Testament grace <I>in the room and
|
|
stead</I> of Old-Testament grace: so <I>Beza.</I> And this sense is
|
|
confirmed by what follows
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>);
|
|
|
|
for the Old Testament had grace in type, the New Testament has grace in
|
|
truth. There was a grace under the Old Testament, the gospel was
|
|
preached then
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+3:8">Gal. iii. 8</A>);
|
|
|
|
but that grace is superseded, and we have gospel grace instead of it, a
|
|
<I>glory which excelleth,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+3:10">2 Cor. iii. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
Discoveries of grace are now more clear, distributions of grace far
|
|
more plentiful; this is grace instead of grace.
|
|
|
|
[5.] It bespeaks the <I>augmentation</I> and <I>continuance of grace.
|
|
Grace for grace</I> is one grace to improve, confirm, and perfect
|
|
another grace. We are changed into the divine image, <I>from glory to
|
|
glory,</I> from one degree of glorious grace to another,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+3:18">2 Cor. iii. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
Those that have <I>true</I> grace have that for <I>more grace,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jam+4:6">Jam. iv. 6</A>.
|
|
|
|
When God gives grace he saith, Take this <I>in part;</I> for he who
|
|
hath promised will perform.
|
|
|
|
[6.] It bespeaks the <I>agreeableness</I> and <I>conformity</I> of
|
|
grace in the saints to the grace that is in Jesus Christ; so Mr.
|
|
<I>Clark. Grace for grace</I> is grace in us answering to grace in him,
|
|
as the impression upon the wax answers the seal line for line. The
|
|
grace we receive from Christ <I>changes us into the same image</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+3:18">2 Cor. iii. 18</A>),
|
|
|
|
the <I>image of the Son</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+8:29">Rom. viii. 29</A>),
|
|
|
|
the <I>image of the heavenly,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+15:49">1 Cor. xv. 49</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. We have received <I>grace and truth,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
He had said
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>)
|
|
|
|
that Christ was <I>full of grace and truth;</I> now here he says that
|
|
by him <I>grace and truth</I> came to us. From Christ we <I>receive
|
|
grace;</I> this is a string he delights to harp upon, he cannot go off
|
|
from it. Two things he further observes in this verse concerning this
|
|
grace:--
|
|
|
|
(1.) Its <I>preference</I> above the law of Moses: <I>The law was given
|
|
by Moses,</I> and it was a glorious discovery, both of God's <I>will
|
|
concerning</I> man and his <I>good will to</I> man; but the gospel of
|
|
Christ is a much clearer discovery both of duty and happiness. That
|
|
which was given by Moses was purely terrifying and threatening, and
|
|
bound with penalties, a law which could not <I>give life, which was</I>
|
|
given with abundance of terror
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+12:18">Heb. xii. 18</A>);
|
|
|
|
but that which is given by Jesus Christ is of another nature; it has
|
|
all the beneficial uses of the law, but not the terror, for it is
|
|
<I>grace:</I> grace <I>teaching</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Tit+2:11">Tit. ii. 11</A>),
|
|
|
|
grace <I>reigning,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+5:21">Rom. v. 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is a law, but a remedial law. The endearments of love are the genius
|
|
of the gospel, not the affrightments of law and the curse.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Its <I>connection</I> with truth: <I>grace and truth.</I> In the
|
|
gospel we have the discovery of the greatest <I>truths</I> to be
|
|
embraced by the understanding, as well as of the richest <I>grace</I>
|
|
to be embraced by the will and affections. It is a <I>faithful
|
|
saying,</I> and <I>worthy of all acceptation;</I> that is, it is
|
|
<I>grace and truth.</I> The offers of <I>grace</I> are <I>sincere,</I>
|
|
and what we may venture our souls upon; they are made <I>in
|
|
earnest,</I> for it is <I>grace and truth.</I> It is <I>grace and
|
|
truth</I> with reference to the <I>law</I> that was <I>given by
|
|
Moses.</I> For it is,
|
|
|
|
[1.] The performance of all the Old-Testament promises. In the Old
|
|
Testament we often find <I>mercy</I> and <I>truth</I> put together,
|
|
that is, mercy according to promise; so here <I>grace and truth</I>
|
|
denote grace according to promise. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:72,1Ki+8:56">Luke i. 72; 1 Kings viii. 56</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] It is the substance of all the Old-Testament types and shadows.
|
|
Something of grace there was both in the ordinances that were
|
|
instituted for Israel and the providences that occurred concerning
|
|
Israel; but they were only shadows of good things to come, even of the
|
|
grace that is to be <I>brought to us by the revelation of Jesus
|
|
Christ.</I> He is the <I>true</I> paschal lamb, the <I>true</I>
|
|
scape-goat, the true <I>manna.</I> They had grace in the picture; we
|
|
have grace in the person, that is, <I>grace and truth. Grace and truth
|
|
came,</I> <B><I>egeneto</I></B>--<I>was made;</I> the same word that
|
|
was used
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>)
|
|
|
|
concerning Christ's <I>making all things.</I> The law was only <I>made
|
|
known</I> by Moses, but the <I>being</I> of this grace and truth, as
|
|
well as the discovery of them, is owing to Jesus Christ; this was
|
|
<I>made</I> by him, as the world at first was; and by him this <I>grace
|
|
and truth</I> do <I>consist.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. Another thing we receive from Christ is a clear revelation of God to
|
|
us
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>):
|
|
|
|
He hath <I>declared</I> God to us, whom <I>no man hath seen at any
|
|
time.</I> This was the grace and truth which came by Christ, the
|
|
knowledge of God and an acquaintance with him. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The insufficiency of all other discoveries: <I>No man hath seen
|
|
God at any time.</I> This intimates,
|
|
|
|
[1.] That the nature of God being <I>spiritual,</I> he is invisible to
|
|
bodily eyes, he is a being <I>whom no man hath seen, nor can see,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ti+6:16">1 Tim. vi. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
We have therefore need to <I>live by faith,</I> by which we <I>see him
|
|
that is invisible,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+11:27">Heb. xi. 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] That the revelation which God made of himself in the Old Testament
|
|
was very short and imperfect, in comparison with that which he has made
|
|
by Christ: <I>No man hath seen God at any time;</I> that is, what was
|
|
seen and known of God before the incarnation of Christ was nothing to
|
|
that which is now seen and known; life and immortality are now brought
|
|
to a much clearer light than they were then.
|
|
|
|
[3.] That none of the Old-Testament prophets were so well qualified to
|
|
make known the mind and will of God to the children of men as our Lord
|
|
Jesus was, for none of them had <I>seen God at any time. Moses beheld
|
|
the similitude of the Lord</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+12:8">Num. xii. 8</A>),
|
|
|
|
but was told that he could not <I>see his face,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+33:20">Exod. xxxiii. 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
But <I>this</I> recommends Christ's holy religion to us that it was
|
|
founded by one that had seen God, and knew more of his mind than any
|
|
one else ever did.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The all-sufficiency of the gospel discovery proved from its
|
|
author: <I>The only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he
|
|
has declared him.</I> Observe here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] How <I>fit</I> he was to make this discovery, and every way
|
|
qualified for it. He and he alone was <I>worthy to take the book, and
|
|
to open the seals,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+5:9">Rev. v. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
For, <I>First,</I> He is <I>the only-begotten Son;</I> and who so
|
|
likely to know the Father as the Son? or in whom is the Father better
|
|
known than in the Son?
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+11:27">Matt. xi. 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
He is of the same nature with the Father, so that he who hath <I>seen
|
|
him</I> hath seen <I>the Father,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+14:9"><I>ch.</I> xiv. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
The servant is not supposed to know so well <I>what his Lord does</I>
|
|
as the Son,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+15:15"><I>ch.</I> xv. 15</A>.
|
|
|
|
Moses was <I>faithful as a servant,</I> but Christ <I>as a Son.
|
|
Secondly,</I> He is <I>in the bosom of the Father.</I> He had lain in
|
|
his bosom from eternity. When he was here upon earth, yet still, as
|
|
God, he was in the bosom of the Father, and thither he returned when he
|
|
<I>ascended. In the bosom of the Father;</I> that is,
|
|
|
|
1. In the bosom of his <I>special love,</I> dear to him, in <I>whom he
|
|
was well pleased,</I> always his delight. All God's saints are <I>in
|
|
his hand,</I> but his Son was <I>in his bosom,</I> one in nature and
|
|
essence, and therefore in the highest degree one <I>in love.</I>
|
|
|
|
2. In the bosom of his <I>secret counsels.</I> As there was a mutual
|
|
<I>complacency,</I> so there was a mutual <I>consciousness,</I> between
|
|
the Father and Son
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+11:27">Matt. xi. 27</A>);
|
|
|
|
none so fit as he to make known God, for none knew his mind as he did.
|
|
Our most secret counsels we are said to hide <I>in our bosom (in
|
|
pectore</I>); Christ was privy to the <I>bosom-counsels</I> of the
|
|
Father. The prophets <I>sat down at his feet</I> as scholars; Christ
|
|
lay in his bosom as a friend. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+3:11">Eph. iii. 11</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] How <I>free</I> he was in making this discovery: <I>He hath
|
|
declared. Him</I> is not in the original. He has declared that of God
|
|
which no man had at any time seen or known; not only that which was hid
|
|
<I>of God,</I> but that which was hid <I>in</I> God
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+3:9">Eph. iii. 9</A>),
|
|
|
|
<B><I>exegesato</I></B>--it signifies a plain, clear, and full
|
|
discovery, not by general and doubtful hints, but by particular
|
|
explications. He that runs may now read the will of God and the way of
|
|
salvation. This is the <I>grace,</I> this the <I>truth,</I> that came
|
|
by Jesus Christ.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_19"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_21"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_22"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_23"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_25"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_26"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_27"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_28"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>John's Testimony to Christ; John Examined by the Priests.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests
|
|
and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
|
|
20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not
|
|
the Christ.
|
|
21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith,
|
|
I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
|
|
22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an
|
|
answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
|
|
23 He said, I <I>am</I> the voice of one crying in the wilderness,
|
|
Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
|
|
24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.
|
|
25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou
|
|
then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that
|
|
prophet?
|
|
26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there
|
|
standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
|
|
27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose
|
|
shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
|
|
28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where
|
|
John was baptizing.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here the testimony of John, which he delivered to the
|
|
messengers who were sent from Jerusalem to examine him. Observe
|
|
here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. Who they were that sent to him, and who they were that were sent.
|
|
|
|
1. They that sent to him were <I>the Jews at Jerusalem,</I> the great
|
|
sanhedrim or high-commission court, which sat at Jerusalem, and was the
|
|
representative of the Jewish church, who took cognizance of all matters
|
|
relating to religion. One would think that they who were the fountains
|
|
of learning, and the guides of the church, should have, by books,
|
|
understood the times so well as to know that the Messiah was at hand,
|
|
and therefore should presently have known him that was his forerunner,
|
|
and readily embraced him; but, instead of this, they sent messengers to
|
|
<I>cross questions</I> with him. Secular learning, honour, and power,
|
|
seldom dispose men's minds to the reception of divine light.
|
|
|
|
2. They that were sent were,
|
|
|
|
(1.) <I>Priests and Levites,</I> probably members of the council, men
|
|
of learning, gravity, and authority. John Baptist was himself a priest
|
|
of the seed of Aaron, and therefore it was not fit that he should be
|
|
examined by any but priests. It was prophesied concerning John's
|
|
ministry that it should <I>purify the Sons of Levi</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mal+3:3">Mal. iii. 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
and therefore they were jealous of him and his reformation.
|
|
|
|
(2.) They were <I>of the Pharisees,</I> proud, self-justiciaries, that
|
|
thought they needed no repentance, and therefore could not bear one
|
|
that made it his business to preach repentance.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. On what errand they were sent; it was to enquire concerning John
|
|
and <I>his baptism.</I> They did not send for John to them, probably
|
|
because they <I>feared the people,</I> lest the people where John was
|
|
should be provoked to rise, or lest the people where they were should
|
|
be brought acquainted with him; they thought it was good to keep him at
|
|
a distance. They enquire concerning him,
|
|
|
|
1. To satisfy their curiosity; as the Athenians enquired concerning
|
|
Paul's doctrine, for the novelty of it,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+17:19,20">Acts xvii. 19, 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
Such a proud conceit they had of themselves that the doctrine of
|
|
repentance was to them strange doctrine.
|
|
|
|
2. It was to show their authority. They thought they <I>looked
|
|
great</I> when they called him to account whom all men counted as a
|
|
prophet, and arraigned him at their bar.
|
|
|
|
3. It was with a design to <I>suppress</I> him and silence him if they
|
|
could find any colour for it; for they were jealous of his growing
|
|
interest, and his ministry agreed neither with the Mosaic dispensation
|
|
which they had been long under, nor with the notions they had formed of
|
|
the Messiah's kingdom.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
III. What was the answer he gave them, and his account, both concerning
|
|
himself and concerning his baptism, in both which he witnessed to
|
|
Christ.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. Concerning himself, and what he professed himself to be. They asked
|
|
him, <B><I>Sy tis ei</I></B>--<I>Thou, who art thou?</I> John's
|
|
appearing in the world was surprising. He was in the wilderness till
|
|
the day of his showing unto Israel. His spirit, his converse, he
|
|
doctrine, had something in them which commanded and gained respect; but
|
|
he did not, as seducers do, give out himself to be <I>some great
|
|
one.</I> He was more industrious to <I>do good</I> than to <I>appear
|
|
great;</I> and therefore waived saying any thing of himself till he was
|
|
legally interrogated. Those speak best for Christ that say least of
|
|
themselves, whose <I>own works</I> praise them, not <I>their own
|
|
lips.</I> He answers their interrogatory,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) <I>Negatively.</I> He was not that great one whom some took him to
|
|
be. God's faithful witnesses stand more upon their guard <I>against
|
|
undue respect</I> than against <I>unjust contempt.</I> Paul writes as
|
|
warmly against those that overvalued him, and said, <I>I am of
|
|
Paul,</I> as against those that undervalued him, and said that his
|
|
bodily presence was weak; and he rent his clothes when he was called a
|
|
god.
|
|
|
|
[1.] John disowns himself to be <I>the Christ</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>He said, I am not the Christ,</I> who was now expected and waited
|
|
for. Note, The ministers of Christ must remember that <I>they are not
|
|
Christ,</I> and therefore must not usurp his powers and prerogatives,
|
|
nor assume the praises due to him only. They are not Christ, and
|
|
therefore must not lord it over God's heritage, nor pretend to a
|
|
dominion over the faith of Christians. They cannot created grace and
|
|
peace; they cannot enlighten, convert, quicken, comfort; for they are
|
|
not Christ. Observe how emphatically this is here expressed concerning
|
|
John: He <I>confessed, and denied not, but confessed;</I> it denotes
|
|
his vehemence and constancy in making this protestation. Note,
|
|
Temptations to pride, and assuming that honour to ourselves which does
|
|
not belong to us, ought to be resisted with a great deal of vigour and
|
|
earnestness. When John was taken to be the Messiah, he did not connive
|
|
at it with a <I>Si populus vult decipi, decipiatur--If the people will
|
|
be deceived, let them;</I> but openly and solemnly, without any
|
|
ambiguities, confessed, <I>I am not the Christ;</I> <B><I>hoti ouk eimi
|
|
ego ho Christos</I></B>--<I>I am not the Christ, not I;</I> another is
|
|
at hand, who is he, but I am not. His disowning himself to be the
|
|
Christ is called his <I>confessing</I> and not <I>denying</I> Christ.
|
|
Note, Those that humble and abase themselves thereby confess Christ,
|
|
and give honour to him; but those that will not deny themselves do in
|
|
effect deny Christ,
|
|
|
|
[2.] He disowns himself to be Elias,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
The Jews expected the person of Elias to return from heaven, and to
|
|
live among them, and promised themselves great things from it. Hearing
|
|
of John's character, doctrine, and baptism, and observing that he
|
|
appeared as one dropped from heaven, in the same part of the country
|
|
from which Elijah was carried to heaven, it is no wonder that they were
|
|
ready to take him for this Elijah; but he disowned this honour too. He
|
|
was indeed prophesied of under the name of Elijah
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mal+4:5">Mal. iv. 5</A>),
|
|
|
|
and he came in the <I>spirit and power of Elias</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:17">Luke i. 17</A>),
|
|
|
|
and was the Elias that was to come
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+11:14">Matt. xi. 14</A>);
|
|
|
|
but he was not the person of Elias, not that Elias that went to heaven
|
|
in the fiery chariot, as he was that met Christ in his transfiguration.
|
|
He was the Elias that God had promised, not the Elias that they
|
|
foolishly dreamed of. Elias did come, and <I>they knew him not</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+17:12">Matt. xvii. 12</A>);
|
|
|
|
nor did he make himself known to them as the Elias, because they had
|
|
promised themselves such an Elias as God never promised them.
|
|
|
|
[3.] He disowns himself to be that <I>prophet,</I> or the prophet.
|
|
<I>First,</I> He was not <I>that</I> prophet which Moses said <I>the
|
|
Lord</I> would <I>raise up to them of their brethren,</I> like unto
|
|
him. If they meant this, they needed not ask that question, for that
|
|
prophet was no other than the Messiah, and he had said already, <I>I am
|
|
not the Christ. Secondly,</I> He was not such a prophet as they
|
|
expected and wished for, who, like Samuel and Elijah, and some other of
|
|
the prophets, would interpose in public affairs, and rescue them from
|
|
under the Roman yoke. <I>Thirdly,</I> He was not one of the old
|
|
prophets raised from the dead, as they expected one to come before
|
|
Elias, as Elias before the Messiah. <I>Fourthly,</I> Though John was a
|
|
prophet, yea, more than a prophet, yet he had his revelation, not by
|
|
dreams and visions, as the Old-Testament prophets had theirs; his
|
|
commission and work were of another nature, and belonged to another
|
|
dispensation. If John had said that he was Elias, and was a prophet, he
|
|
might have made his words good; but ministers must, upon all occasions,
|
|
express themselves with the utmost caution, both that they may not
|
|
confirm people in any mistakes, and particularly that they may not give
|
|
occasion to any to think of them <I>above what is meet.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) <I>Affirmatively.</I> The committee that was sent to examine him
|
|
pressed for a positive answer
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>),
|
|
|
|
urging the authority of <I>those that sent them,</I> which they
|
|
expected he should pay a deference to: "<I>Tell us, What art thou?</I>
|
|
not that we may believe thee, and be baptized by three, but that we may
|
|
<I>give an answer</I> to those that sent us, and that it may not be
|
|
said we were sent on a fool's errand." John was looked upon as a man of
|
|
sincerity, and therefore they believed he would not give an evasive
|
|
ambiguous answer; but would be fair and above-board, and give a plain
|
|
answer to a plain question: <I>What sayest thou of thyself?</I> And he
|
|
did so, <I>I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness.</I>
|
|
Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] He gives his answer in the words of scripture, to show that the
|
|
scripture was fulfilled in him, and that his office was supported by a
|
|
divine authority. What the scripture saith of the office of the
|
|
ministry should be often thought of by those of that high calling, who
|
|
must look upon themselves as that, and that only, which the word of God
|
|
makes them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] He gives in his answer in very humble, modest, self-denying
|
|
expressions. He chooses to apply that scripture to himself which
|
|
denotes not his dignity, but his duty and dependence, which bespeaks
|
|
him little: <I>I am the voice,</I> as if he were <I>vox et
|
|
præterea nihil</I>--<I>mere voice.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[3.] He gives such an account of himself as might be profitable to
|
|
them, and might excite and awaken them to hearken to him; for he <I>was
|
|
the voice</I> (see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+40:3">Isa. xl. 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
a voice to alarm, an articulate voice to instruct. Ministers are but
|
|
the <I>voice,</I> the vehicle, by which God is pleased to communicate
|
|
his mind. What are Paul and Apollos but messengers? Observe,
|
|
<I>First,</I> He was a <I>human</I> voice. The people were prepared to
|
|
receive the law by the voice of thunders, and a trumpet exceedingly
|
|
loud, such as made them tremble; but they were prepared for the gospel
|
|
by the voice of a man like ourselves, <I>a still small voice,</I> such
|
|
as that in which God came to Elijah,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Ki+19:12">1 Kings xix. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> He was the voice of <I>one crying,</I> which denotes,
|
|
|
|
1. His <I>earnestness</I> and <I>importunity</I> in calling people to
|
|
repentance; he <I>cried aloud, and did not spare.</I> Ministers must
|
|
preach as those that are in earnest, and are themselves affected with
|
|
those things with which they desire to affect others. Those words are
|
|
not likely to <I>thaw</I> the hearers' hearts that <I>freeze</I>
|
|
between the speaker's lips.
|
|
|
|
2. His <I>open publication</I> of the doctrine he preached; he was the
|
|
voice of one <I>crying,</I> that all manner of persons might hear and
|
|
take notice. <I>Doth not wisdom cry?</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+8:1">Prov. viii. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Thirdly,</I> It was in the <I>wilderness</I> that this voice was
|
|
crying; in a place of silence and solitude, out of the noise of the
|
|
world and the hurry of its business; the more retired we are from the
|
|
tumult of secular affairs the better prepared we are to hear from God.
|
|
<I>Fourthly,</I> That which he cried was, <I>Make straight the way of
|
|
the Lord;</I> that is,
|
|
|
|
1. He came to <I>rectify</I> the mistakes of people concerning the ways
|
|
of God; it is certain that they are right ways, but the scribes and
|
|
Pharisees, with their corrupt glosses upon the law, had made them
|
|
crooked. Now John Baptist calls people to return to the original rule.
|
|
|
|
2. He came to prepare and dispose people for the reception and
|
|
entertainment of Christ and his gospel. It is an allusion to the
|
|
harbingers of a prince or great man, that cry, <I>Make room.</I> Note,
|
|
When God is coming towards us, we must prepare to meet him, and let the
|
|
word of the Lord have <I>free course.</I> See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+24:7">Ps. xxiv. 7</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. Here is his testimony concerning <I>his baptism.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The enquiry which the committee made about it: <I>Why baptizest
|
|
thou, if thou be not the Christ, nor Elias, nor that prophet?</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>.
|
|
|
|
[1.] They readily apprehended baptism to be fitly and properly used as
|
|
a sacred rite or ceremony, for the Jewish church had used it with
|
|
circumcision in the admission of proselytes, to signify the cleansing
|
|
of them from the pollutions of their former state. That sign was made
|
|
use of in the Christian church, that it might be the more passable.
|
|
Christ did not affect novelty, nor should his ministers.
|
|
|
|
[2.] They expected it would be used in the days of the Messiah, because
|
|
it was promised that then there should be a <I>fountain opened</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Zec+13:1">Zech. xiii. 1</A>),
|
|
|
|
and <I>clean water sprinkled,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eze+36:25">Ezek. xxxvi. 25</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is taken for granted that Christ, and Elias, and <I>that
|
|
prophet,</I> would baptize, when they came to <I>purify</I> a
|
|
<I>polluted</I> world. Divine justice drowned the old world <I>in its
|
|
filth,</I> but divine grace has provided for the cleansing of this new
|
|
world <I>from its filth.</I>
|
|
|
|
[3.] They would therefore know by what authority John baptized. His
|
|
denying himself to be Elias, or <I>that prophet,</I> subjected him to
|
|
this further question, <I>Why baptizest thou?</I> Note, It is no new
|
|
thing for a man's modesty to be turned against him, and improved to his
|
|
prejudice; but it is better that men should take advantage of our low
|
|
thoughts of ourselves, to <I>trample upon us,</I> than the devil take
|
|
advantage of our high thoughts of ourselves, to <I>tempt us</I> to
|
|
pride and draw us into his condemnation.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The account he gave of it,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:26,27"><I>v.</I> 26, 27</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] He owned himself to be only the minister of the outward sign:
|
|
"<I>I baptize with water,</I> and that is all; I am no more, and do no
|
|
more, than what you see; I have no other title than <I>John the
|
|
Baptist;</I> I cannot confer the spiritual grace signified by it." Paul
|
|
was in care that none should think of him above what they saw him to be
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+12:6">2 Cor. xii. 6</A>);
|
|
|
|
so was John Baptist. Ministers must not set up for masters.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] He directed them to one who was greater than himself, and would do
|
|
that for them, if they pleased, which he could not do: "<I>I baptize
|
|
with water,</I> and that is the utmost of my commission; I have nothing
|
|
to do but by this to lead you to one that comes after me, and consign
|
|
you to him." Note, The great business of Christ's ministers is to
|
|
direct all people to him; we preach not ourselves, but <I>Christ Jesus
|
|
the Lord.</I> John gave the same account to this committee that he had
|
|
given to the people
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>This as he of whom I spoke.</I> John was constant and uniform in his
|
|
testimony, not as a reed shaken with the wind. The sanhedrim were
|
|
jealous of his interest in the people, but he is not afraid to tell
|
|
them that there is one at the door that will go beyond him.
|
|
<I>First,</I> He tells them of Christ's <I>presence among them</I> now
|
|
at this time: <I>There stands one among you,</I> at this time, <I>whom
|
|
you know not.</I> Christ stood among the common people, and was as one
|
|
of them. Note,
|
|
|
|
1. Much true worth lies hid in this world; obscurity is often the lot
|
|
of real excellency. Saints are God's <I>hidden ones,</I> therefore
|
|
<I>the world knows them not.</I>
|
|
|
|
2. God himself is often nearer to us than we are aware of. <I>The
|
|
Lord</I> is <I>in this place,</I> and <I>I knew it not.</I> They were
|
|
gazing, in expectation of the messiah: <I>Lo he is here,</I> or he is
|
|
there, when the kingdom of God was abroad and already <I>among
|
|
them,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+17:21">Luke xvii. 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> He tells them of Christ's <I>preference above
|
|
himself:</I> He comes <I>after me,</I> and yet is <I>preferred before
|
|
me.</I> This he had said before; he adds here, "Whose <I>shoe-latchet I
|
|
am not worthy to loose;</I> I am not fit to be named the same day with
|
|
him; it is an honour too great for me to pretend to be in the meanest
|
|
office about him,"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+25:41">1 Sam. xxv. 41</A>.
|
|
|
|
Those to whom Christ is precious reckon his service, even the most
|
|
despised instances of it, an honour to them. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+84:10">Ps. lxxxiv. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
If so great a man as John accounted himself unworthy of the honour of
|
|
being near Christ, how unworthy then should we account ourselves! Now,
|
|
one would think, these chief priests and Pharisees, upon this
|
|
intimation given concerning the approach of the Messiah, should
|
|
presently have asked who, and where, this excellent person was; and who
|
|
more likely to tell them than he who had given them this general
|
|
notice? No, they did not think this any part of their business or
|
|
concern; they came to molest John, not to receive any instructions from
|
|
him: so that their ignorance was <I>wilful;</I> they might have known
|
|
Christ, and would not.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Lastly,</I> Notice is taken of the place where all this was done:
|
|
<I>In Bethabara beyond Jordan,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:28"><I>v.</I> 28</A>.
|
|
|
|
Bethabara signifies the <I>house of passage;</I> some think it was the
|
|
very place where Israel passed over Jordan into the land of promise
|
|
under the conduct of Joshua; there was opened the way into the gospel
|
|
state by Jesus Christ. It was at a great <I>distance</I> from
|
|
Jerusalem, beyond Jordan; probably because what he did <I>there</I>
|
|
would be least offensive to the government. Amos must go prophesy in
|
|
the country, not near the court; but it was sad that Jerusalem should
|
|
put so far from her the things that belonged to <I>her peace.</I> He
|
|
made this confession in the same place where he was <I>baptizing,</I>
|
|
that all those who attended his baptism might be witnesses of it, and
|
|
none might say that they knew not what to <I>make of him.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_29"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_30"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_31"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_32"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_33"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_34"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_35"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_36"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec5"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>John's Testimony to Christ.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,
|
|
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
|
|
30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is
|
|
preferred before me: for he was before me.
|
|
31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to
|
|
Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
|
|
32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending
|
|
from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
|
|
33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with
|
|
water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit
|
|
descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth
|
|
with the Holy Ghost.
|
|
34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
|
|
35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his
|
|
disciples;
|
|
36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the
|
|
Lamb of God!
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have in these verses an account of John's testimony concerning Jesus
|
|
Christ, which he witnessed to his own disciples that followed him. As
|
|
soon as ever Christ was <I>baptized</I> he was immediately hurried into
|
|
the wilderness, to be <I>tempted;</I> and there he was forty days.
|
|
During his absence John had continued to bear testimony to him, and to
|
|
tell the people of him; but now at last he <I>sees Jesus coming to
|
|
him,</I> returning from the wilderness of temptation. As soon as that
|
|
conflict was over Christ immediately returned to John, who was
|
|
<I>preaching</I> and <I>baptizing.</I> Now Christ was tempted for
|
|
example and encouragement to us; and this teaches us,
|
|
|
|
1. That the <I>hardships</I> of a tempted state should engage us to
|
|
keep close to ordinances; to go into the <I>sanctuary of God,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+73:17">Ps. lxxiii. 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
Our combats with Satan should oblige us to keep close to the communion
|
|
of saints: two are better than one.
|
|
|
|
2. That the <I>honours</I> of a victorious state must not set us
|
|
<I>above ordinances.</I> Christ had triumphed over Satan, and been
|
|
attended by angels, and yet, after all, he returns to the place where
|
|
John was preaching and baptizing. As long as we are on this side
|
|
heaven, whatever extraordinary visits of divine grace we may have here
|
|
at any time, we must still keep close to the ordinary means of grace
|
|
and comfort, and walk with God in them. Now here are <I>two
|
|
testimonies</I> borne by John to Christ, but those two <I>agree in
|
|
one.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. Here is his testimony to Christ on the first day that he saw him
|
|
coming from the wilderness; and here four things are witnessed by him
|
|
concerning Christ, when he had him before his eyes:--</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. That he is <I>the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the
|
|
world,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:29"><I>v.</I> 29</A>.
|
|
|
|
Let us learn here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) That Jesus Christ is the <I>Lamb of God,</I> which bespeaks him
|
|
the great sacrifice, by which atonement is made for sin, and man
|
|
reconciled to God. Of all the legal sacrifices he chooses to allude to
|
|
the <I>lambs</I> that were offered, not only because a lamb is an
|
|
emblem of meekness, and Christ must be led as a <I>lamb to the
|
|
slaughter</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+53:7">Isa. liii. 7</A>),
|
|
|
|
but with a special reference,
|
|
|
|
[1.] To the <I>daily sacrifice,</I> which was offered every morning and
|
|
evening continually, and that was always a <I>lamb</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+29:38">Exod. xxix. 38</A>),
|
|
|
|
which was a type of Christ, as the everlasting propitiation, whose
|
|
blood continually speaks.
|
|
|
|
[2.] To the <I>paschal lamb,</I> the blood of which, being sprinkled
|
|
upon the door-posts, secured the Israelites from the stroke of the
|
|
destroying angel. Christ is <I>our passover,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+5:7">1 Cor. v. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
He is the Lamb <I>of God;</I> he is appointed by <I>him</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+3:25">Rom. iii. 25</A>),
|
|
|
|
he was devoted to him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+17:19"><I>ch.</I> xvii. 19</A>),
|
|
|
|
and he was accepted with him; in him he was well pleased. The lot which
|
|
fell on the goat that was to be offered for a sin-offering was called
|
|
the <I>Lord's lot</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+16:8,9">Lev. xvi. 8, 9</A>);
|
|
|
|
so Christ, who was to make atonement for sin, is called the <I>Lamb of
|
|
God.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) That Jesus Christ, as the <I>Lamb of God, takes away the sin of
|
|
the world.</I> This was his undertaking; he appeared, to <I>put away
|
|
sin by the sacrifice of himself,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+9:26">Heb. ix. 26</A>.
|
|
|
|
John Baptist had called people to repent of their sins, in order to the
|
|
remission of them. Now here he shows how and by whom that remission was
|
|
to be expected, what ground of hope we have that our sins shall be
|
|
pardoned upon our repentance, though our repentance makes no
|
|
satisfaction for them. This ground of hope we have--Jesus Christ is
|
|
<I>the Lamb of God.</I>
|
|
|
|
[1.] He <I>takes away sin.</I> He, being Mediator between God and man,
|
|
takes away that which is, above any thing, offensive to the
|
|
<I>holiness</I> of God, and destructive to the <I>happiness</I> of man.
|
|
He came, <I>First,</I> To take away the guilt of sin by the merit of
|
|
his death, to vacate the judgment, and reverse the attainder, which
|
|
mankind lay under, by an act of indemnity, of which all penitent
|
|
obedient believers may claim the benefit. <I>Secondly,</I> To take away
|
|
the power of sin by the Spirit of his grace, so that it shall not have
|
|
dominion,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+6:14">Rom. vi. 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
Christ, as the Lamb of God, washes us from our sins in his own blood;
|
|
that is, he both <I>justifies</I> and <I>sanctifies</I> us: he <I>takes
|
|
away sin.</I> He is <B><I>ho airon</I></B> --<I>he is taking away</I>
|
|
the sin of the world, which denotes it not a single but a continued
|
|
act; it is his constant work and office to take <I>away sin,</I> which
|
|
is such a <I>work of time</I> that it will never be completed till time
|
|
shall be no more. He is always <I>taking away</I> sin, by the continual
|
|
intercession of his blood in heaven, and the continual influence of his
|
|
grace on earth.
|
|
|
|
[2.] He takes away the <I>sin of the world;</I> purchases pardon for
|
|
all those that repent, and believe the gospel, of what country, nation,
|
|
or language, soever they be. The legal sacrifices had reference only to
|
|
the sins of Israel, to make atonement for them; but the Lamb of God was
|
|
offered to be a propitiation for the <I>sin of the whole world;</I> see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:2">1 John ii. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
This is encouraging to our faith; if Christ takes away the sin of the
|
|
world, then why not my sin? Christ levelled his force at the main body
|
|
of sin's army, struck at the root, and aimed at the overthrow, of that
|
|
<I>wickedness</I> which the <I>whole world lay in.</I> God was in him
|
|
reconciling the world to himself.
|
|
|
|
[3.] He does this by <I>taking it upon himself.</I> He is the Lamb of
|
|
God, that <I>bears the sin of the world;</I> so the margin reads it. He
|
|
bore sin <I>for us,</I> and so bears it <I>from us;</I> he <I>bore the
|
|
sin of many,</I> as the scape-goat had the sins of Israel put upon his
|
|
head,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Le+16:21">Lev. xvi. 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
God could have taken away the sin by taking away the sinner, as he took
|
|
away the sin of the old world; but he has found out a way of abolishing
|
|
the sin, and yet sparing the sinner, by making his Son <I>sin for
|
|
us.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) That it is our duty, with an eye of faith, to <I>behold</I> the
|
|
Lamb of God thus taking away the <I>sin of the world.</I> See him
|
|
taking away sin, and let that increase our hatred of sin, and
|
|
resolutions against it. Let not us hold that fast which the Lamb of God
|
|
came to take away: for Christ will either take our sins away or take us
|
|
away. Let it increase our love to Christ, <I>who loved us, and washed
|
|
us from our sins in his own blood,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+1:5">Rev. i. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
Whatever God is pleased to take away from us, if withal he take away
|
|
our sins, we have reason to be thankful, and no reason to complain.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. That this was he of whom he had spoken before
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:30,31"><I>v.</I> 30, 31</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>This is he,</I> this person whom I now point at, you see where he
|
|
stands, <I>this is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man.</I>
|
|
Observe,
|
|
|
|
(1.) This honour John had above all the prophets, that, whereas they
|
|
spoke of him as one that should come, he saw him already come. <I>This
|
|
is he.</I> He sees him <I>now,</I> he sees him <I>nigh,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+24:17">Num. xxiv. 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
Such a difference there is between present <I>faith</I> and future
|
|
<I>vision.</I> Now we love one whom we have not seen; then we shall see
|
|
him whom our souls love, shall see him, and say, This is he of whom I
|
|
said, <I>my Christ,</I> and <I>my all, my beloved,</I> and <I>my
|
|
friend.</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) John calls Christ <I>a man;</I> after me comes a
|
|
man--<B><I>aner</I></B>, a <I>strong man:</I> like <I>the man,</I> the
|
|
branch, or the <I>man of God's right hand.</I>
|
|
|
|
(3.) He refers to what he had himself said of him before: <I>This is he
|
|
of whom I said.</I> Note, Those who have said the most honourable
|
|
things of Christ will never see cause to unsay them; but the more they
|
|
know him the more they are confirmed in their esteem of him. John still
|
|
thinks as meanly of himself, and as highly of Christ, as ever. Though
|
|
Christ appeared not in any external pomp or grandeur, yet John is not
|
|
ashamed to own, <I>This is he whom I</I> meant, who is <I>preferred
|
|
before me.</I> And it was necessary that John should thus show them the
|
|
person, otherwise they could not have believed that one who made so
|
|
mean a figure should be he of whom John had spoken such great things.
|
|
|
|
(4.) He protests against any confederacy or combination with this
|
|
Jesus: <I>And I knew him not.</I> Though there was some relation
|
|
between them (Elisabeth was cousin to the virgin Mary), yet there was
|
|
no acquaintance at all between them; John had no personal knowledge of
|
|
Jesus till he saw him come to his baptism. Their manner of life had
|
|
been different: John had spent his time in the wilderness, in solitude;
|
|
Jesus at Nazareth, in conversation. There was no correspondence, no
|
|
interview between them, that the matter might appear to be wholly
|
|
carried on by the direction and disposal of Heaven, and not by any
|
|
design or concert of the persons themselves. And as he hereby disowns
|
|
all collusion, so also all partiality and sinister regard in it; he
|
|
could not be supposed to favour him as a friend, for there was no
|
|
friendship or familiarity between them. Nay, as he could not be biassed
|
|
to speak honourably of him because he was a stranger to him, he was not
|
|
able to say any thing of him but what he <I>received from above,</I> to
|
|
which he appeals,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+3:27"><I>ch.</I> iii. 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, They who are taught believe and confess one whom they have not
|
|
seen, and blessed are they who <I>yet have believed.</I>
|
|
|
|
(5.) The great intention of John's ministry and baptism was to
|
|
introduce Jesus Christ. That he should be <I>made manifest to Israel,
|
|
therefore am I come baptizing with water.</I> Observe,
|
|
|
|
[1.] Though John did not know Jesus by face, yet he knew that he should
|
|
be made manifest. Note, We may know the certainty of that which yet we
|
|
do not fully know the nature and intention of. We know that the
|
|
happiness of heaven <I>shall be made manifest to Israel,</I> but cannot
|
|
describe it.
|
|
|
|
[2.] The general assurance John had that Christ <I>should be made
|
|
manifest</I> served to carry him with diligence and resolution through
|
|
his work, though he was kept in the dark concerning particulars:
|
|
<I>Therefore am I come.</I> Our assurance of the reality of things,
|
|
though they are unseen, is enough to quicken us to our duty.
|
|
|
|
[3.] God reveals himself to his people by degrees. At first, John knew
|
|
no more concerning Christ but that he should be made manifest; in
|
|
confidence of that, he came baptizing, and now he is favoured with a
|
|
sight of him. They who, upon God's word, believe what they do not see,
|
|
shall shortly see what they now believe.
|
|
|
|
[4.] The ministry of the word and sacraments is designed for no other
|
|
end than to lead people to Christ, and to make him more and more
|
|
manifest.
|
|
|
|
[5.] Baptism with water made way for the manifesting of Christ, as it
|
|
supposed our corruption and filthiness, and signified our cleansing by
|
|
him who is the <I>fountain opened.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. That this was he <I>upon whom the Spirit descended from heaven like
|
|
a dove.</I> For the confirming of his testimony concerning Christ, he
|
|
here vouches the extraordinary appearance at his baptism, in which God
|
|
himself bore witness to him. This was a considerable proof of Christ's
|
|
mission. Now, to assure us of the truth of it, we are here told
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:32-34"><I>v.</I> 32-34</A>),</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) That John Baptist saw it: He <I>bore record;</I> did not relate it
|
|
as a story, but solemnly attested it, with all the seriousness and
|
|
solemnity of <I>witness-bearing.</I> He made affidavit of it: <I>I saw
|
|
the Spirit descending</I> from heaven. John could not see the
|
|
<I>Spirit,</I> but he saw the dove which was a sign and representation
|
|
of the Spirit. The Spirit came now upon Christ, both to <I>make him
|
|
fir</I> for his <I>work</I> and to <I>make him known</I> to the
|
|
<I>world.</I> Christ was notified, not by the descent of a crown upon
|
|
him, or by a transfiguration, but by the descent of the Spirit as a
|
|
dove upon him, to qualify him for his undertaking. Thus the first
|
|
testimony given to the apostles was by the descent of the Spirit upon
|
|
them. God's children are made manifest by their <I>graces;</I> their
|
|
glories are reserved for their future state. Observe,
|
|
|
|
[1.] The spirit descended <I>from heaven,</I> for every good and
|
|
perfect gift is <I>from above.</I>
|
|
|
|
[2.] He descended <I>like a dove</I>--an emblem of meekness, and
|
|
mildness, and gentleness, which makes him <I>fit to teach.</I> The dove
|
|
brought the olive-branch of peace,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+8:11">Gen. viii. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
[3.] The Spirit that descended upon Christ <I>abode upon him,</I> as
|
|
was foretold,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+11:2">Isa. xi. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
The Spirit did not <I>move him at times,</I> as Samson
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jdg+13:25">Judg. xiii. 25</A>),
|
|
|
|
but <I>at all times.</I> The Spirit was given to him <I>without
|
|
measure;</I> it was his prerogative to have the Spirit always upon him,
|
|
so that he could at no time be found either <I>unqualified</I> for his
|
|
work himself or <I>unfurnished</I> for the supply of those that seek to
|
|
him for his grace.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) That he was <I>told to expect it,</I> which very much corroborates
|
|
the proof. It was not John's bare conjecture, that surely he on whom he
|
|
saw the Spirit descending was the Son of God; but it was an
|
|
<I>instituted</I> sign given him before, by which he might certainly
|
|
know it
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:33"><I>v.</I> 33</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>I knew him not.</I> He insists much upon this, that he knew no more
|
|
of him than other people did, otherwise than by revelation. But <I>he
|
|
that sent me to baptize</I> gave me this sign, <I>Upon whom thou shalt
|
|
see the Spirit descending, the same is he.</I>
|
|
|
|
[1.] See here what sure grounds John went upon in his ministry and
|
|
baptism, that he might proceed with all imaginable satisfaction.
|
|
<I>First,</I> He did not run <I>without sending:</I> God <I>sent him to
|
|
baptize.</I> He had a warrant from heaven for what he did. When a
|
|
minister's call is clear, his comfort is sure, though his success is
|
|
not always so. <I>Secondly,</I> He did not run <I>without
|
|
speeding;</I> for, when he was sent to <I>baptize with water,</I> he
|
|
was directed to one that should <I>baptize with the Holy Ghost.</I>
|
|
Under this notion John Baptist was taught to expect Christ, as one who
|
|
would give that repentance and faith which he called people to, and
|
|
would carry on and complete that blessed structure of which he was now
|
|
laying the foundation. Note, It is a great comfort to Christ's
|
|
ministers, in their administration of the outward signs, that he whose
|
|
ministers they are can confer the grace signified thereby, and so put
|
|
life, and soul, and power into their ministrations; can speak to the
|
|
heart what they speak to the ear, and <I>breathe</I> upon the dry bones
|
|
to which they <I>prophesy.</I>
|
|
|
|
[2.] See what sure grounds he went upon in his designation of the
|
|
person of the Messiah. God had before given him a sign, as he did to
|
|
Samuel concerning Saul: "On whom thou shalt see the Spirit descend,
|
|
<I>that same is he.</I>" This not only prevented any mistakes, but gave
|
|
him boldness in his testimony. When he had such assurance as this given
|
|
him, he could speak with assurance. When John was told this before,
|
|
his expectations could not but be very much raised; and, when the event
|
|
exactly answered the prediction, his faith could not but be much
|
|
confirmed: and these things are written that we may believe.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. That he is <I>the Son of God.</I> This is the conclusion of John's
|
|
testimony, that in which all the particulars centre, as the <I>quod
|
|
erat demonstrandum--the fact to be demonstrated</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:34"><I>v.</I> 34</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>I saw, and bore record, that this is the Son of God.</I>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The truth asserted is, <I>that this is the Son of God.</I> The
|
|
voice from heaven proclaimed, and John subscribed to it, not only that
|
|
he should baptize with the Holy Ghost by a divine authority, but that
|
|
he has a divine nature. This was the peculiar Christian creed, that
|
|
Jesus is the Son of God
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+16:16">Matt. xvi. 16</A>),
|
|
|
|
and here is the first framing of it.
|
|
|
|
(2.) John's testimony to it: "<I>I saw, and bore record.</I> Not only I
|
|
now bear record of it, but I did so as soon as I had seen it." Observe,
|
|
|
|
[1.] What he <I>saw</I> he was forward to <I>bear record</I> of, as
|
|
they,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+4:20">Acts iv. 20</A>:
|
|
|
|
<I>We cannot but speak the things which we have seen.</I>
|
|
|
|
[2.] What he <I>bore record</I> of was what he <I>saw.</I> Christ's
|
|
witnesses were eye-witnesses, and therefore the more to be credited:
|
|
they did not speak by hear-say and report,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Pe+1:16">2 Pet. i. 16</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. Here is John's testimony to Christ, the next day after,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:35,36"><I>v.</I> 35, 36</A>.
|
|
|
|
Where observe,
|
|
|
|
1. He took every opportunity that offered itself to lead people to
|
|
Christ: <I>John stood looking upon Jesus as he walked.</I> It should
|
|
seem, John was now retired from the multitude, and was in close
|
|
conversation with <I>two</I> of his disciples. Note, Ministers should
|
|
not only in their public preaching, but in their private converse,
|
|
witness to Christ, and serve his interests. He saw Jesus <I>walking</I>
|
|
at some distance, yet did not go to him himself, because he would shun
|
|
every thing that might give the least colour to suspect a combination.
|
|
He was <I>looking upon Jesus</I>--<B><I>emblepsas</I></B>; he looked
|
|
stedfastly, and fixed his eyes upon him. Those that would lead others
|
|
to Christ must be diligent and frequent in the <I>contemplation</I> of
|
|
him themselves. John had seen Christ before, but now looked upon him,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+1:1">1 John i. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
2. He repeated the same testimony which he had given to Christ the day
|
|
before, though he could have delivered some other great truth
|
|
concerning him; but thus he would show that he was uniform and constant
|
|
in his testimony, and consistent with himself. His doctrine was the
|
|
same in private that it was in public, as Paul's was,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+20:20,21">Acts xx. 20, 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
It is good to have that repeated which we have heard,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Php+3:1">Phil. iii. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
The doctrine of Christ's sacrifice for the taking away of the sin of
|
|
the world ought especially to be insisted upon by all good ministers:
|
|
Christ, the Lamb of God, <I>Christ and him crucified.</I>
|
|
|
|
3. He intended this especially for his two disciples that stood with
|
|
him; he was willing to turn them over to Christ, for to this end he
|
|
bore witness to Christ in their hearing that they might leave all to
|
|
follow him, even that they might leave <I>him.</I> He did not reckon
|
|
that he lost those disciples who went over from him to Christ, any more
|
|
than the schoolmaster reckons that scholar lost whom he sends to the
|
|
university. John gathered disciples, not for himself, but for Christ to
|
|
<I>prepare them for the Lord,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+1:17">Luke i. 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
So far was he from being jealous of Christ's growing interest, that
|
|
there was nothing he was more desirous of. Humble generous souls will
|
|
give others their due praise without fear of diminishing themselves by
|
|
it. What we have of reputation, as well as of other things, will not be
|
|
the less for our giving every body his own.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_37"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_38"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_39"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_40"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_41"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_42"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec6"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Call of Andrew and Peter.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed
|
|
Jesus.
|
|
38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto
|
|
them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say,
|
|
being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
|
|
39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he
|
|
dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth
|
|
hour.
|
|
40 One of the two which heard John <I>speak,</I> and followed him,
|
|
was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
|
|
41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him,
|
|
We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the
|
|
Christ.
|
|
42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he
|
|
said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called
|
|
Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here the turning over of two disciples from John to Jesus, and
|
|
one of them fetching in a third, and these are the first-fruits of
|
|
Christ's disciples; see how small the church was in its beginnings, and
|
|
what the dawning of the day of its great things was.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. Andrew and another with him were the two that John Baptist had
|
|
directed to Christ,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:37"><I>v.</I> 37</A>.
|
|
|
|
Who the other was we are not told; some think that it was Thomas,
|
|
comparing
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:2"><I>ch.</I> xxi. 2</A>;
|
|
|
|
others that it was John himself, the penman of this gospel, whose
|
|
manner it is industriously to conceal his name,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+13:23,20:3"><I>ch.</I> xiii. 23, and xx. 3</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. Here is their readiness to go over to Christ: They <I>heard John
|
|
speak</I> of Christ as the <I>Lamb of God,</I> and they <I>followed
|
|
Jesus.</I> Probably they had heard John say the same thing the day
|
|
before, and then it had not the effect upon them which now it had; see
|
|
the benefit of repetition, and of private personal converse. They heard
|
|
him speak of Christ as the <I>Lamb of God, that takes away the sin of
|
|
the world,</I> and this made them <I>follow him.</I> The strongest and
|
|
most prevailing argument with a sensible awakened soul to follow Christ
|
|
is that it is he, and he only, that <I>takes away sin.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The kind notice Christ took of them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:38"><I>v.</I> 38</A>.
|
|
|
|
They came behind him; but, though he had his back towards them, he was
|
|
soon aware of them, and <I>turned,</I> and <I>saw them following.</I>
|
|
Note, Christ takes early cognizance of the first motions of a soul
|
|
towards him, and the first step taken in the way to heaven; see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+64:5,Lu+15:20">Isa. lxiv. 5; Luke xv. 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
He did not stay till they begged leave to speak with him, but spoke
|
|
first. What communion there is between a soul and Christ, it is he that
|
|
<I>begins the discourse.</I> He saith unto them, <I>What seek ye?</I>
|
|
This was not a reprimand for their boldness in intruding into his
|
|
company: he that came to <I>seek us</I> never checked any for
|
|
<I>seeking</I> him; but, on the contrary, it is a kind invitation of
|
|
them into his acquaintance whom he saw bashful and modest: "Come, what
|
|
have you to say to me? What is your petition? What is your request."
|
|
Note, Those whose business it is to instruct people in the affairs of
|
|
their souls should be humble, and mild, and easy of access, and should
|
|
encourage those that apply to them. The question Christ put to them is
|
|
what we should all put to ourselves when we begin to follow Christ, and
|
|
take upon us the profession of his holy religion: "<I>What seek ye?</I>
|
|
What do we design and desire?" Those that <I>follow</I> Christ, and yet
|
|
<I>seek</I> the world, or themselves, or the praise of men, deceive
|
|
themselves. "<I>What seek we</I> in seeking Christ? Do we seek a
|
|
teacher, ruler, and reconciler? In following Christ, do we seek the
|
|
favour of God and eternal life?" If our <I>eye</I> be <I>single</I> in
|
|
this, we are <I>full of light.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. Their modest enquiry concerning the place of his abode: <I>Rabbi,
|
|
where dwellest thou?</I>
|
|
|
|
(1.) In calling him <I>Rabbi,</I> they intimated that their design in
|
|
coming to him was to be <I>taught by him; rabbi</I> signifies a
|
|
<I>master,</I> a teaching master; the Jews called their doctors, or
|
|
learned men, <I>rabbies.</I> The word comes from <I>rab, multus</I> or
|
|
<I>magnus,</I> a <I>rabbi,</I> a <I>great man,</I> and one that, as we
|
|
say, has <I>much in him.</I> Never was there such a rabbi as our Lord
|
|
Jesus, such a <I>great one,</I> in whom were <I>hid all the treasures
|
|
of wisdom and knowledge.</I> These came to Christ to be his scholars,
|
|
so must all those that apply themselves to him. John had told them that
|
|
he was the <I>Lamb of God;</I> now this <I>Lamb</I> is worthy to
|
|
<I>take the book and open the seals</I> as a rabbi,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+5:9">Rev. v. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
And, unless we give up ourselves to be ruled and taught by him, he will
|
|
not <I>take away our sins.</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) In asking <I>where he dwelt,</I> they intimate a desire to be
|
|
better acquainted with him. Christ was a stranger in this country, so
|
|
that they meant where was his <I>inn</I> where he <I>lodged;</I> for
|
|
there they would attend him at some seasonable time, when he should
|
|
appoint, to receive instruction from him; they would not press rudely
|
|
upon him, when it was not proper. Civility and good manners well
|
|
become those who follow Christ. And, besides, they hoped to have more
|
|
from him than they could have in a short conference now by the way.
|
|
They resolved to make a business, not a by-business of conversing with
|
|
Christ. Those that have had some communion with Christ cannot but
|
|
desire,
|
|
|
|
[1.] A <I>further communion</I> with him; they follow on to know more
|
|
of him.
|
|
|
|
[2.] A <I>fixed communion</I> with him; where they may sit down at his
|
|
feet, and abide by his instructions. It is not enough to take a turn
|
|
with Christ now and then, but we must <I>lodge with him.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. The courteous invitation Christ gave them to his lodgings: <I>He
|
|
saith unto them, Come and see.</I> Thus should good desires towards
|
|
Christ and communion with him be countenanced.
|
|
|
|
(1.) He invites them to come to his lodgings: the nearer we approach to
|
|
Christ, the more we see of his beauty and excellency. Deceivers
|
|
maintain their interest in their followers by keeping them at a
|
|
distance, but that which Christ desired to recommend him to the esteem
|
|
and affections of his followers was that they would <I>come and see:
|
|
"Come and see</I> what a mean lodging I have, what poor accommodations
|
|
I take up with, that you may not expect any worldly advantage by
|
|
following me, as they did who made their court to the scribes and
|
|
Pharisees, and called them rabbin. <I>Come and see</I> what you must
|
|
count upon if you follow me." See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+8:20">Matt. viii. 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
(2.) He invites them to come <I>immediately</I> and without delay. They
|
|
asked where he lodged, that they might wait upon him at a more
|
|
convenient season; but Christ invites them immediately to <I>come and
|
|
see;</I> never in better time than now. Hence learn,
|
|
|
|
[1.] As to others, that it is best taking people when they are in a
|
|
good mind; strike while the iron is hot.
|
|
|
|
[2.] As to ourselves, that it is wisdom to embrace the present
|
|
opportunities: <I>Now is the accepted time,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+6:2">2 Cor. vi. 2</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
5. Their cheerful and (no doubt) thankful acceptance of his invitation:
|
|
<I>They came and saw where he dwelt,</I> and <I>abode with him that
|
|
day.</I> It had been greater modesty and manners than had done them
|
|
good if they had refused this offer.
|
|
|
|
(2.) They readily went along with him: <I>They came and saw where he
|
|
dwelt.</I> Gracious souls cheerfully accept Christ's gracious
|
|
invitations; as David,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+27:8">Ps. xxvii. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
They enquired not how they might be accommodated with him, but would
|
|
put that to the venture, and make the best of what they found. It is
|
|
good being where Christ is, wherever it be.
|
|
|
|
(2.) They were so well pleased with what they found that they <I>abode
|
|
with him that day</I> ("Master, it is good to be here"); and he bade
|
|
them welcome. It was about the tenth hour. Some think that John reckons
|
|
according to the Roman computation, and that it was about ten o'clock
|
|
in the morning, and they staid with him till night; others think that
|
|
John reckons as the other evangelists did, according to the Jewish
|
|
computation, and that it was four o'clock in the afternoon, and they
|
|
abode with him that night and the next day. Dr. Lightfoot conjectures
|
|
that this next day that they spent with Christ was a sabbath-day, and,
|
|
it being late, they could not get home before the sabbath. As it is our
|
|
duty, wherever we are, to contrive to spend the sabbath as much as may
|
|
be to our spiritual benefit and advantage, so they are blessed who, by
|
|
the lively exercises of faith, love, and devotion, spend their sabbaths
|
|
in communion with Christ. These are Lord's days indeed, <I>days of the
|
|
Son of man.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. Andrew brought his brother Peter to Christ. If Peter had been the
|
|
first-born of Christ's disciples, the papists would have made a noise
|
|
with it: he did indeed afterwards come to be more eminent in gifts, but
|
|
Andrew had the honour first to be acquainted with Christ, and to be the
|
|
instrument of bringing Peter to him. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The <I>information</I> which Andrew gave to Peter, with an
|
|
intimation to come to Christ.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) He <I>found him: He first finds his own brother Simon;</I> his
|
|
finding implies his seeking him. Simon came along with Andrew to attend
|
|
John's ministry and baptism, and Andrew knew where to look for him.
|
|
Perhaps the other disciple that was with him went out to seek some
|
|
friend of his at the same time, but Andrew sped first: <I>He first
|
|
findeth Simon,</I> who came only to attend on John, but has his
|
|
expectations out-done; he meets with Jesus.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) He told him whom they had found: <I>We have found the Messias.</I>
|
|
Observe,
|
|
|
|
[1.] he speaks <I>humbly;</I> not, "I have found," assuming the honour
|
|
of the discovery to himself, but "<I>We</I> have," rejoicing that he
|
|
had shared with others in it.
|
|
|
|
[2.] He speaks <I>exultingly,</I> and with triumph: <I>We have
|
|
found</I> that pearl of great price, that true treasure; and, having
|
|
found it, he proclaims it as those lepers,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ki+7:9">2 Kings vii. 9</A>,
|
|
|
|
for he knows that he shall have never the less in Christ for others
|
|
sharing.
|
|
|
|
[3.] He speaks <I>intelligently: We have found the Messias,</I> which
|
|
was more than had yet been said. John had said, <I>He is the Lamb of
|
|
God, and the Son of God,</I> which Andrew compares with the scriptures
|
|
of the Old Testament, and, comparing them together, concludes that he
|
|
is the Messiah promised to the fathers, for it is now that the fulness
|
|
of time is come. Thus, by <I>making God's testimonies his
|
|
meditation,</I> he speaks more clearly concerning Christ than ever
|
|
<I>his teacher</I> had done,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+119:99">Ps. cxix. 99</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) He <I>brought him to Jesus;</I> would not undertake to instruct
|
|
him himself, but brought him to the fountain-head, persuaded him to
|
|
come to Christ and introduced him. Now this was,
|
|
|
|
[1.] An instance of true love to his brother, <I>his own</I> brother,
|
|
so he is called here, because he was very dear to him. Note, We ought
|
|
with a particular concern and application to seek the spiritual welfare
|
|
of those that are related to us; for their relation to us adds both to
|
|
the <I>obligation</I> and to the <I>opportunity</I> of doing good to
|
|
their souls.
|
|
|
|
[2.] It was an effect of his day's conversation with Christ. Note, the
|
|
best evidence of our profiting by the means of grace is the piety and
|
|
usefulness of our conversation afterwards. Hereby it appeared that
|
|
Andrew had <I>been with Jesus</I> that he was so full of him, that he
|
|
had been <I>in the mount,</I> for his face shone. He knew there was
|
|
enough in Christ for all; and, having tasted that he is gracious, he
|
|
could not rest till those he loved had tasted it too. Note, True grace
|
|
hates monopolies, and loves not to eat its morsels alone.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The <I>entertainment</I> which Jesus Christ gave to Peter, who was
|
|
never the less welcome for his being influenced by his brother to come,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:42"><I>v.</I> 42</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Christ called him by his name: <I>When Jesus beheld him, he said,
|
|
Thou art Simon, the son of Jona.</I> It should seem that Peter was
|
|
utterly a stranger to Christ, and if so,
|
|
|
|
[1.] It was a proof of Christ's omniscience that upon the first sight,
|
|
without any enquiry, he could tell the name both of him and of his
|
|
father. <I>The Lord knows them that are his,</I> and their whole case.
|
|
However,
|
|
|
|
[2.] It was an instance of his condescending grace and favour, that he
|
|
did thus freely and affably call him by his name, though he was of mean
|
|
extraction, and <I>vir mullius nominis--a man of no name.</I> It was an
|
|
instance of God's favour to Moses that he <I>knew him by name,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+33:17">Exod. xxxiii. 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
Some observe the signification of these names:
|
|
<I>Simon</I>--<I>obedient, Jona</I>--<I>a dove.</I> An obedient
|
|
dove-like spirit qualifies us to be the disciples of Christ.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) He gave him a new name: <I>Cephas.</I>
|
|
|
|
[1.] His giving him a name intimates <I>Christ's favour</I> to him. A
|
|
new name denotes some great dignity,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+2:17,Isa+62:2">Rev. ii. 17; Isa. lxii. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
By this Christ not only wiped off the reproach of his mean and obscure
|
|
parentage, but adopted him into his family as one of his own.
|
|
|
|
[2.] The name which he gave him bespeaks his <I>fidelity</I> to Christ:
|
|
<I>Thou shalt be called Cephas</I> (that is Hebrew for <I>a stone),
|
|
which is by interpretation Peter;</I> so it should be rendered, as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+9:36">Acts ix. 36</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas;</I> the former
|
|
Hebrew, the latter Greek, for a <I>young roe.</I> Peter's natural
|
|
temper was stiff, and hardy, and resolute, which I take to be the
|
|
principal reason why Christ called him <I>Cephas--a stone.</I> When
|
|
Christ afterwards prayed for him, that his faith might not fail, that
|
|
so he might be firm to Christ himself, and at the same time bade him
|
|
<I>strengthen his brethren,</I> and lay out himself for the support of
|
|
others, then he <I>made him</I> what he here called him, <I>Cephas--a
|
|
stone.</I> Those that come to Christ must come with a fixed resolution
|
|
to be firm and constant to him, <I>like a stone,</I> solid and
|
|
stedfast; and it is by his grace that they are so. His saying, <I>Be
|
|
thou steady,</I> makes them so. Now this does no more prove that Peter
|
|
was the singular or only rock upon which the church is built than the
|
|
calling of James and John <I>Boanerges</I> proves them the only <I>sons
|
|
of thunder,</I> or the calling of Joses <I>Barnabas</I> proves him the
|
|
only <I>son of consolation.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_43"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_44"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_45"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_46"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_47"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_48"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_49"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_50"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh1_51"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec7"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Call of Philip and Nathanael.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and
|
|
findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
|
|
44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
|
|
45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found
|
|
him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus
|
|
of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
|
|
46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come
|
|
out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
|
|
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold
|
|
an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
|
|
48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus
|
|
answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when
|
|
thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
|
|
49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the
|
|
Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
|
|
50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee,
|
|
I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see
|
|
greater things than these.
|
|
51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
|
|
Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God
|
|
ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
We have here the call of Philip and Nathanael.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. Philip was called immediately by Christ himself, not as Andrew, who
|
|
was directed to Christ by John, or Peter, who was invited by his
|
|
brother. God has various methods of bringing his chosen ones home to
|
|
himself. But, whatever means he <I>uses,</I> he is not <I>tied</I> to
|
|
any.
|
|
|
|
1. Philip was called in a <I>preventing</I> was: <I>Jesus findeth
|
|
Philip.</I> Christ sought us, and found us, before we made any
|
|
enquiries after him. The name <I>Philip</I> is of Greek origin, and
|
|
much used among the Gentiles, which some make an instance of the
|
|
degeneracy of the Jewish church at this time, and their conformity to
|
|
the nations; yet Christ changed not his name.
|
|
|
|
2. He was called the <I>day following.</I> See how closely Christ
|
|
applied himself to his business. When work is to be done for God, we
|
|
must not <I>lose a day.</I> Yet observe, Christ now called one or two a
|
|
day; but, after the Spirit was poured out, there were thousands a day
|
|
effectually called, in which was fulfilled
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+14:12"><I>ch.</I> xiv. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
3. Jesus <I>would go forth into Galilee</I> to call him. Christ will
|
|
find out all those that are given to him, wherever they are, and none
|
|
of them shall be lost.
|
|
|
|
4. Philip was brought to be a disciple by the power of Christ going
|
|
along with that word, <I>Follow me.</I> See the nature of true
|
|
Christianity; it is <I>following Christ,</I> devoting ourselves to his
|
|
<I>converse</I> and <I>conduct,</I> attending his movements, and
|
|
treading in his steps. See the efficacy of the grace of it is the
|
|
<I>rod of his strength.</I>
|
|
|
|
5. We are told that Philip was of Bethsaida, and Andrew and Peter were
|
|
so too,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:44"><I>v.</I> 44</A>.
|
|
|
|
These eminent disciples received not honour from the place of their
|
|
nativity, but reflected honour upon it. <I>Bethsaida</I> signifies the
|
|
<I>house of nets,</I> because inhabited mostly by fishermen; thence
|
|
Christ chose disciples, who were to be furnished with extraordinary
|
|
gifts, and therefore needed not the ordinary advantages of learning.
|
|
Bethsaida was a wicked place
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+11:21">Matt. xi. 21</A>),
|
|
|
|
yet even <I>there</I> was a remnant, according to the election of
|
|
grace.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. Nathanael was invited to Christ by Philip, and much is said
|
|
concerning him. In which we may observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. What passed between Philip and Nathanael, in which appears an
|
|
observable mixture of pious zeal with weakness, such as is usually
|
|
found in beginners, that are yet but <I>asking the way to Zion.</I>
|
|
Here is,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The joyful news that Philip brought to Nathanael,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:45"><I>v.</I> 45</A>.
|
|
|
|
As Andrew before, so Philip here, having got some knowledge of Christ
|
|
himself, rests not till he has <I>made manifest the savour of that
|
|
knowledge.</I> Philip, though newly come to an acquaintance with Christ
|
|
himself, yet steps aside to seek Nathanael. Note, When we have the
|
|
fairest opportunities of getting good to our own souls, yet ever then
|
|
we must seek opportunities of doing good to the souls of others,
|
|
remembering the words of Christ, <I>It is more blessed to give than to
|
|
receive,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+20:35">Acts xx. 35</A>.
|
|
|
|
O, saith Philip, <I>we have found him of whom Moses and the prophets
|
|
did write,</I> Observe here,
|
|
|
|
[1.] What a transport of joy Philip was in, upon this new acquaintance
|
|
with Christ: "We have found him whom we have so often talked of, so
|
|
long wished and waited for; at last, <I>he is come he is come,</I> and
|
|
<I>we</I> have found him!"
|
|
|
|
[2.] What an advantage it was to him that he was so well acquainted
|
|
with the scriptures of the Old Testament, which prepared his mind for
|
|
the reception of evangelical light, and made the entrance of it much
|
|
the more easy: <I>Him of whom Moses and the prophets did write.</I>
|
|
What was written entirely and from eternity in the <I>book of the
|
|
divine counsels</I> was in part, at sundry times and in divers manners,
|
|
copied out into the book of the <I>divine revelations.</I> Glorious
|
|
things were written there concerning the Seed of the woman, the Seed of
|
|
Abraham, Shiloh, the prophet like Moses, the Son of David, Emmanuel,
|
|
the Man, the Branch, Messiah the Prince. Philip had studied these
|
|
things, and was full of them, which made him readily welcome Christ.
|
|
|
|
[3.] What mistakes and weaknesses he laboured under: he called Christ
|
|
<I>Jesus of Nazareth,</I> whereas he was of <I>Bethlehem;</I> and the
|
|
<I>Son of Joseph,</I> whereas he as but his <I>supposed</I> Son. Young
|
|
beginners in religion are subject to mistakes, which time and the grace
|
|
of God will rectify. It was his weakness to say, <I>We have found
|
|
him,</I> for Christ found them before they found Christ. He did not yet
|
|
<I>apprehend,</I> as Paul did, how he was <I>apprehended of Christ
|
|
Jesus,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Php+3:12">Phil. iii. 12</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The objection which Nathanael made against this, <I>Can any good
|
|
thing come out of Nazareth?</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:46"><I>v.</I> 46</A>.
|
|
|
|
Here,
|
|
|
|
[1.] His <I>caution</I> was commendable, that he did not lightly assent
|
|
to every thing that was said, but took it into examination; our rule
|
|
is, <I>Prove all things.</I> But,
|
|
|
|
[2.] His objection arose from Ignorance. If he meant that no good thing
|
|
could come out of Nazareth it was owing to his ignorance of the divine
|
|
grace, as if that were less affected to one place than another, or tied
|
|
itself to men's foolish and ill-natured observations. If he meant that
|
|
the Messiah, that great good thing, could not come out of Nazareth, so
|
|
far he was right (Moses, in the law, said that he should come out of
|
|
Judah, and the prophets had assigned Bethlehem for the place of his
|
|
nativity); but then he was ignorant of the matter of <I>fact,</I> that
|
|
this Jesus was born at Bethlehem; so that the blunder Philip made, in
|
|
calling him <I>Jesus of Nazareth,</I> occasioned this objection. Note,
|
|
The mistakes of preachers often give rise to the prejudices of
|
|
hearers.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) The short reply which Philip gave to this objection: <I>Come and
|
|
see.</I>
|
|
|
|
[1.] It was his <I>weakness</I> that he could not give a satisfactory
|
|
answer to it; yet it is the common case of young beginners in religion.
|
|
We may <I>know</I> enough to <I>satisfy</I> ourselves, and yet not be
|
|
able to <I>say</I> enough to <I>silence</I> the cavils of a subtle
|
|
adversary.
|
|
|
|
[2.] It was his <I>wisdom</I> and zeal that, when he could not answer
|
|
the objection himself, he would have him go to one that could: <I>Come
|
|
and see.</I> Let us not stand arguing here, and raising difficulties to
|
|
ourselves which we cannot get over; let us go and converse with Christ
|
|
himself, and these difficulties will all vanish presently. Note, It is
|
|
folly to spend that time in doubtful disputation which might be better
|
|
spent, and to much better purpose, in the exercises of piety and
|
|
devotion. <I>Come and see;</I> not, <I>Go and see,</I> but,
|
|
"<I>Come,</I> and I will go along with thee;" as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+2:3,Jer+1:5">Isa. ii. 3; Jer. i. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
From this parley between Philip and Nathanael, we may observe,
|
|
<I>First,</I> That many people are kept from the ways of religion by
|
|
the unreasonable prejudices they have conceived against religion, upon
|
|
the account of some foreign circumstances which do not at all touch the
|
|
merits of the case. <I>Secondly,</I> The best way to remove the
|
|
prejudices they have entertained against religion is to prove
|
|
themselves, and make trial of it. Let us not answer this matter before
|
|
we hear it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. What passed between Nathanael and our Lord Jesus. He came and
|
|
<I>saw,</I> not in vain.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) Our Lord Jesus bore a very honourable testimony to Nathanael's
|
|
integrity: <I>Jesus saw him</I> coming, and met him with favourable
|
|
encouragement; he said of him to those about him, Nathanael himself
|
|
being within hearing, <I>Behold an Israelite indeed.</I> Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] That he <I>commended</I> him; not to flatter him, or puff him up
|
|
with a good conceit of himself, but perhaps because he knew him to be a
|
|
<I>modest</I> man, if not a <I>melancholy</I> man, one that had hard
|
|
and mean thoughts of himself, was ready to doubt his own sincerity; and
|
|
Christ by this testimony put the matter out of doubt. Nathanael had,
|
|
more than any of the candidates, objected against Christ; but Christ
|
|
hereby showed that he excused it, and was not extreme to mark what he
|
|
had said amiss, because he knew his heart was upright. He did not
|
|
retort upon him, <I>Can any good thing come out of Cana</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:2"><I>ch.</I> xxi. 2</A>),
|
|
|
|
an obscure town in Galilee? But kindly gives him this character, to
|
|
encourage us to hope for acceptance with Christ, notwithstanding our
|
|
weakness, and to teach us to speak honourably of those who without
|
|
cause have spoken slightly of us, and to give them their due
|
|
praise.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] That he commended him for his <I>integrity. First, Behold an
|
|
Israelite indeed.</I> It is Christ's prerogative to know what men are
|
|
<I>indeed;</I> we can but <I>hope the best.</I> The whole nation were
|
|
Israelites in name, but <I>all are not Israel that are of Israel</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+9:6">Rom. ix. 6</A>);
|
|
|
|
here, however, was <I>an Israelite indeed.</I>
|
|
|
|
1. A sincere follower of the good example of Israel, whose character it
|
|
was that he was a <I>plain man,</I> in opposition to Esau's character
|
|
of a <I>cunning man.</I> He was a genuine son of <I>honest Jacob,</I>
|
|
not only of his <I>seed,</I> but of his <I>spirit.</I>
|
|
|
|
2. A sincere professor of the faith of Israel; he was true to the
|
|
religion he professed, and lived up to it: he was really as good as he
|
|
seemed, and his practice was <I>of a piece</I> with his profession. He
|
|
is the Jew that is one <I>inwardly</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+2:29">Rom. ii. 29</A>),
|
|
|
|
so is he <I>the Christian. Secondly,</I> He is one in whom is <I>no
|
|
guile</I>--that is the character of an Israelite indeed, a Christian
|
|
indeed: <I>no guile</I> towards men; a man without trick or design; a
|
|
man that one may trust; <I>no guile</I> towards God, that is, sincere
|
|
in his repentance for sin; sincere in his covenanting with God; in
|
|
whose spirit is <I>no guile,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+32:2">Ps. xxxii. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
He does not say without <I>guilt,</I> but without <I>guile.</I> Though
|
|
in many things he is foolish and forgetful, yet in nothing false, nor
|
|
<I>wickedly departing from God:</I> there is no allowed approved guilt
|
|
in him; not painted, though he have his spots: "<I>Behold</I> this
|
|
Israelite <I>indeed.</I>"
|
|
|
|
1. "Take notice of him, that you may learn his way, and do like him."
|
|
|
|
2. "Admire him; <I>behold,</I> and <I>wonder.</I>" The hypocrisy of the
|
|
scribes and Pharisees had so leavened the Jewish church and nation, and
|
|
their religion was so degenerated into formality or state-policy, that
|
|
an Israelite indeed was a <I>man wondered at,</I> a miracle of divine
|
|
grace, like Job,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:8"><I>ch.</I> i. 8</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Nathanael is much surprised at this, upon which Christ gives him a
|
|
further proof of his omnisciency, and a kind memorial of his former
|
|
devotion.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] Here is Nathanael's modesty, in that he was soon put out of
|
|
countenance at the kind notice Christ was pleased to take of him:
|
|
"<I>Whence knowest thou me,</I> me that am unworthy of thy cognizance?
|
|
<I>who am I, O Lord God?</I>"
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+7:18">2 Sam. vii. 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
This was an evidence of his sincerity, that he did not catch at the
|
|
praise he met with, but declined it. Christ knows us better than we
|
|
know ourselves; we know not what is in a man's heart by looking in his
|
|
face, but all things are naked and open before Christ,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+4:12,13">Heb. iv. 12, 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
Doth Christ know us? Let us covet to know him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] Here is Christ's further <I>manifestation</I> of himself to him:
|
|
<I>Before Philip called thee, I saw thee. First,</I> He gives him to
|
|
understand that he <I>knew him,</I> and so manifests his divinity. It
|
|
is God's prerogative infallibly to know all persons and all things; by
|
|
this Christ proved himself to be God upon many occasions. It was
|
|
prophesied concerning the Messiah that he should be of <I>quick
|
|
understanding in the fear of the Lord,</I> that is, in judging the
|
|
sincerity and degree of the fear of God in others, and that he should
|
|
not <I>judge after the sight of his eyes,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+11:2,3">Isa. xi. 2, 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
Here he answers that prediction. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:19">2 Tim. ii. 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> That before Philip called him he saw him under the
|
|
fig-tree; this manifests a particular kindness for him.
|
|
|
|
1. His eye was towards him before Philip called him, which was the
|
|
first time that ever Nathanael was acquainted with Christ. Christ has
|
|
knowledge of us before we have any knowledge of him; see
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+45:4,Ga+4:9">Isa. xlv. 4; Gal. iv. 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
2. His eye was upon him when he as <I>under the fig-tree;</I> this was
|
|
a private token which nobody understood but Nathanael: "When thou wast
|
|
retired <I>under the fig-tree</I> in thy garden, and thoughtest that no
|
|
eye saw thee, I have then my eye upon thee, and saw that which was very
|
|
acceptable." It is most probable that Nathanael under the fig-tree was
|
|
employed, as Isaac in the field, in meditation, and prayer, and
|
|
communion with God. Perhaps then and there it was that he solemnly
|
|
joined himself to the Lord in an inviolable covenant. Christ saw in
|
|
secret, and by this public notice of it did in part reward him openly.
|
|
<I>Sitting under the</I> fig-tree denotes quietness and composedness of
|
|
spirit, which much befriend communion with God. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mic+4:4,Zec+3:10">Mic. iv. 4; Zech. iii. 10</A>.
|
|
|
|
Nathanael here in was an Israelite indeed, that, like Israel, he
|
|
<I>wrestled with God alone</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+32:24">Gen. xxxii. 24</A>),
|
|
|
|
prayed not like the hypocrites, in the corners of the streets, but
|
|
under the fig-tree.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) Nathanael hereby obtained a full assurance of faith in Jesus
|
|
Christ, expressed in that noble acknowledgment
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:49"><I>v.</I> 49</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Rabbi, thou art the Son of God, thou art the king of Israel;</I>
|
|
that is, in short, thou art the true Messiah. Observe here,
|
|
|
|
[1.] How <I>firmly</I> he believed <I>with the heart.</I> Though he had
|
|
lately laboured under some prejudices concerning Christ, they had now
|
|
all vanished. Note, The grace of God, in working faith, casts down
|
|
imaginations. Now he asks no more, <I>Can any good thing come out of
|
|
Nazareth?</I> For he believes Jesus of Nazareth to be the chief good,
|
|
and embraces him accordingly.
|
|
|
|
[2.] How <I>freely</I> he confessed <I>with the mouth.</I> His
|
|
confession is made in form of an adoration, directed to our Lord Jesus
|
|
himself, which is a proper way of confessing our faith. <I>First,</I>
|
|
He confesses Christ's prophetical office, in calling him <I>Rabbi,</I>
|
|
a title which the Jews commonly gave to their teachers. Christ is the
|
|
great rabbi, at whose feet we must all be <I>brought up. Secondly,</I>
|
|
He confesses his divine nature and mission, in calling him the Son of
|
|
God (that Son of God spoken of
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+2:7">Ps. ii. 7</A>);
|
|
|
|
though he had but a human <I>form</I> and <I>aspect,</I> yet having a
|
|
divine knowledge, the knowledge of the heart, and of things distant and
|
|
secret, Nathanael thence concludes him to be the <I>Son of God.
|
|
Thirdly,</I> He confesses, "<I>Thou art the king of Israel;</I> that
|
|
king of Israel whom we have been long waiting for." If he be the Son of
|
|
God, he is king of the Israel of God. Nathanael hereby proves himself
|
|
an Israelite indeed that he so readily owns and submits to the king of
|
|
Israel.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(4.) Christ hereupon raises the hopes and expectations of Nathanael to
|
|
something further and greater than all this,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:50,51"><I>v.</I> 50, 51</A>.
|
|
|
|
Christ is very tender of young converts, and will encourage good
|
|
beginnings, though weak,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+12:20">Matt. xii. 20</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] He here signifies his acceptance, and (it should seem) his
|
|
admiration, of the ready faith of Nathanael: <I>Because I said, I saw
|
|
thee under the fig-tree, believest thou?</I> He wonders that such a
|
|
small indication of Christ's divine knowledge should have such an
|
|
effect; it was a sign that Nathanael's heart was prepared beforehand,
|
|
else the work had not been done so suddenly. Note, It is much for the
|
|
honour of Christ and his grace, when the heart is surrendered to him at
|
|
the first summons.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] He promises him much greater helps for the confirmation and
|
|
increase of his faith than he had had for the first production of
|
|
it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> In general: "<I>Thou shalt see greater things than
|
|
these,</I> stronger proofs of my being the Messiah;" the miracles of
|
|
Christ, and his resurrection. Note,
|
|
|
|
1. To him that hath, and maketh good use of what he hath, more shall be
|
|
given.
|
|
|
|
2. Those who truly believe the gospel will find its evidences grow upon
|
|
them, and will see more and more cause to believe it.
|
|
|
|
3. Whatever discoveries Christ is pleased to make of himself to his
|
|
people while they are here in this world, he hath still greater things
|
|
than these to make known to them; a glory yet further <I>to be
|
|
revealed.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> In particular: "Not thou only, but you, all you my
|
|
disciples, whose faith this is intended for the confirmation of, you
|
|
<I>shall see heaven opened;</I>" this is more than telling Nathanael of
|
|
his being under the fig-tree. This is introduced with a solemn preface,
|
|
<I>Verily, verily I say unto you,</I> which commands both a <I>fixed
|
|
attention</I> to what is said as very weighty, and a <I>full assent</I>
|
|
to it as undoubtedly true: "I say it, whose word you may rely upon,
|
|
<I>amen, amen.</I>" None used this word at the beginning of a sentence
|
|
but Christ, though the Jews often used it at the close of a prayer, and
|
|
sometimes doubled it. It is a solemn asseveration. Christ is called the
|
|
<I>Amen</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+3:14">Rev. iii. 14</A>),
|
|
|
|
and so some take it here, <I>I the Amen, the Amen, say unto you.</I> I
|
|
the faithful witness. Note, The assurances we have of the glory to be
|
|
revealed are built upon the word of Christ. Now see what it is that
|
|
Christ assures them of: <I>Hereafter,</I> or <I>within awhile,</I> or
|
|
<I>ere long,</I> or henceforth, ye shall see heaven opened.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>a.</I> It is a mean title that Christ here takes to himself: <I>The
|
|
Son of man;</I> a title frequently applied to him in the gospel, but
|
|
always by himself. Nathanael had called him the <I>Son of God</I> and
|
|
<I>king of Israel:</I> he calls himself <I>Son of man,</I>
|
|
|
|
(<I>a.</I>) To express his <I>humility</I> in the midst of the honours done
|
|
him.
|
|
|
|
(<I>b.</I>) To teach his <I>humanity,</I> which is to be believed as
|
|
well as his divinity.
|
|
|
|
(<I>c.</I>) To intimate his present state of humiliation, that
|
|
Nathanael might not expect this king of Israel to appear in external
|
|
pomp.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>b.</I> Yet they are great things which he here foretels: <I>You
|
|
shall see heaven opened,</I> and <I>the angels of God ascending and
|
|
descending upon the Son of man.</I>
|
|
|
|
(<I>a.</I>) Some understand it literally, as pointing at some
|
|
particular event. Either,
|
|
|
|
[<I>a.</I>] There was some vision of Christ's glory, in which this was
|
|
exactly fulfilled, which Nathanael was an eye-witness of, as Peter, and
|
|
James, and John were of his transfiguration. There were many things
|
|
which Christ did, and those in the presence of his disciples, which
|
|
were not written
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+20:30"><I>ch.</I> xx. 30</A>),
|
|
|
|
and why not this? Or,
|
|
|
|
[<I>b.</I>] It was fulfilled in the many ministrations of the angels to
|
|
our Lord Jesus, especially that at his ascension, when heaven was
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opened to receive him, and the angels <I>ascended</I> and
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<I>descended,</I> to attend him and to do him honour, and this in the
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sight of the disciples. Christ's ascension was the great proof of his
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mission, and much confirmed the faith of his disciples,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+6:62"><I>ch.</I> vi. 62</A>.
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Or,
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[<I>c.</I>] It may refer to Christ's second coming, to judge the world,
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when the heavens shall be <I>open,</I> and every eye shall see him, and
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the angels of God shall ascend and descend about him, as attendants on
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him, every one employed; and a busy day it will be. See
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Th+1:10">2 Thess. i. 10</A>.
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(<I>b.</I>) Others take it figuratively, as speaking of a state or
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series of things to commence <I>from henceforth;</I> and so we may
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understand it,
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[<I>a.</I>] Of Christ's <I>miracles.</I> Nathanael believed, because
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Christ, as the prophets of old, could tell him things secret; but what
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is this? Christ is now beginning a dispensation of miracles, much more
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great and strange than this, as if heaven were opened; and such a power
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shall be exerted by the Son of man as if the angels, which excel in
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strength, were continually attending his orders. Immediately after
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this, Christ began to work miracles,
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+2:11"><I>ch.</I> ii. 11</A>.
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Or,
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[<I>b.</I>] Of his <I>mediation,</I> and that blessed intercourse which
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he hath settled between heaven and earth, which his disciples should be
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degrees be let into the mystery of. <I>First,</I> By Christ, as
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Mediator, they shall see <I>heaven opened,</I> that we may <I>enter
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into the holiest</I> by his blood
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:19,20">Heb. x. 19, 20</A>);
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heaven opened, that by faith we may <I>look in,</I> and at length may
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<I>go in;</I> may now behold the glory of the Lord, and hereafter enter
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into the joy of our Lord. And, <I>Secondly,</I> They shall <I>see
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angels ascending and descending upon the Son of man.</I> Through Christ
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we have communion with and benefit by the holy angels, and things in
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heaven and things on earth are <I>reconciled</I> and <I>gathered
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together.</I> Christ is to us as Jacob's ladder
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+28:12">Gen. xxviii. 12</A>),
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by whom angels continually ascend and descend for the good of the
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saints.</P>
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