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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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[<A HREF="MHC43020.HTM">Previous</A>]
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<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP">
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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. XXI.</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 evangelist seemed to have concluded his history with the foregoing
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chapter; but (as St. Paul sometimes in his epistles), new matter
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occurring, he begins again. He had said that there were many other
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signs which Jesus did for the proof of his resurrection. And in this
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chapter he mentions one of these many, which was Christ's appearance to
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some of his disciples at the sea of Tiberias, in which we have an
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account,
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I. How he discovered himself to them as they were fishing, filled their
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net, and then very familiarly came and dined with them upon what they
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had caught,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:1-14">ver. 1-14</A>.
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II. What discourse he had with Peter after dinner,
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1. Concerning himself,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:15-19">ver. 15-19</A>.
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2. Concerning John,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:20-23">ver. 20-23</A>.
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III. The solemn conclusion of this gospel,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:24,25">ver. 24, 25</A>.
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It is strange that any should suppose that this chapter was added by
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some other hand, when it is expressly said
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:24">ver. 24</A>)
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that the disciple whom Jesus loved is he which testifieth of these
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things.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="Joh21_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh21_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh21_11"> </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>Christ with His Disciples.</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 After these things Jesus showed himself again to the
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disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise showed he
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<I>himself.</I>
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2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus,
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and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the <I>sons</I> of Zebedee, and
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two other of his disciples.
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3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto
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him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a
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ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
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4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore:
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but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
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5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They
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answered him, No.
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6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the
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ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were
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not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
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7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It
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is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he
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girt <I>his</I> fisher's coat <I>unto him,</I> (for he was naked,) and did
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cast himself into the sea.
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8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were
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not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging
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the net with fishes.
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9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of
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coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.
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10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now
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caught.
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11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great
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fishes, a hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so
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many, yet was not the net broken.
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12 Jesus saith unto them, Come <I>and</I> dine. And none of the
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disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the
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Lord.
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13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and
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fish likewise.
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14 This is now the third time that Jesus showed himself to his
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disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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We have here an account of Christ's appearance to his disciples at the
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sea of Tiberias. Now,
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1. Let us compare this appearance with those that <I>went before,</I>
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In those Christ showed himself to his disciples when they were met in a
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solemn assembly (it should seem, for religious worship) upon a Lord's
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day, and when they were all together, perhaps expecting his appearing;
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but in this he showed himself to some of them occasionally, upon a
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week-day, when they were fishing, and little thought of it. Christ has
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many ways of making himself known to his people usually in his
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ordinances, but sometimes by his Spirit he visits them when they are
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employed in common business, as the <I>shepherds</I> who were
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<I>keeping their flocks by night</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+2:8">Luke ii. 8</A>),
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even so <I>here also,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+16:13">Gen. xvi. 13</A>.
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2. Let us compare it with that which followed at the mountain in
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Galilee, where Christ had appointed them to meet him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+28:16">Matt. xxviii. 16</A>.
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Thitherward they moved as soon as the days of unleavened bread were
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over, and disposed of themselves as they saw fit, till the time fixed
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for this interview, or general rendezvous. Now this appearance was
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while they were waiting for that, that they might not be weary of
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waiting. Christ is often better than his word, but never worse, often
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anticipates and outdoes the believing expectations of his people, but
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never disappoints them. As to the particulars of the story, we may
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observe,</P>
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<P>
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I. Who they were to whom Christ now showed himself
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>):
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not to all the twelve, but to seven of them only. Nathanael is
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mentioned as one of them, whom we have not met with since,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:45-51"><I>ch.</I> i</A>.
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But some think he was the same with Bartholomew, one of the twelve. The
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two not named are supposed to be Philip of Bethsaida and Andrew of
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Capernaum. Observe here,
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1. It is good for the disciples of Christ to be much together; not only
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in solemn religious assemblies, but in common conversation, and about
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common business. Good Christians should by this means both testify and
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increase their affection to, and delight in, each other, and edify one
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another both by discourse and example.
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2. Christ chose to manifest himself to them when they were together;
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not only to countenance Christian society, but that they might be joint
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witnesses of the same matter of fact, and so might corroborate one
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another's testimony. Here were seven together to attest this, on which
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some observe that the Roman law required seven witnesses to a
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testament.
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3. Thomas was one of them, and is named next to Peter, as if he now
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kept closer to the meetings of the apostles than ever. It is well if
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losses by our neglects make us more careful afterwards not to let
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opportunities slip.</P>
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<P>
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II. How they were employed,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
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Observe,</P>
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<P>
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1. Their agreement to go a fishing. They knew not well what to do with
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themselves. For my part, says Peter, <I>I will go a fishing; We will go
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with thee</I> then, say they, for we will keep together. Though
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commonly two of a trade cannot agree, yet they could. Some think they
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did amiss in returning to their boats and nets, which they had left;
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but then Christ would not have countenanced them in it with a visit. It
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was rather commendable in them; for they did it,
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(1.) To redeem time, and not be idle. They were not yet appointed to
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preach the resurrection of Christ. Their commission was in the drawing,
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but not perfected. The hour for entering upon action was to come. It is
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probable that their Master had directed them to say nothing of his
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resurrection till after his ascension, nay, not till after the pouring
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out of the Spirit, and then they were to begin at Jerusalem. Now, in
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the mean time, rather than do nothing, they would go a fishing; not for
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recreation, but for business. It is an instance of their humility.
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Though they were advanced to be sent of Christ, as he was of the
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Father, yet they did not take state upon them, but remembered <I>the
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rock out of which they were hewn.</I> It is an instance likewise of
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their industry, and bespeaks them good husbands of their time. While
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they were waiting, they would not be idling. Those who would give an
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account of their time with joy should contrive to fill up the vacancies
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of it, to gather up the fragments of it.
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(2.) That they might help to maintain themselves and not be burdensome
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to any. While their Master was with them those who ministered to him
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were kind to them; but now that the <I>bridegroom was taken from
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them</I> they must <I>fast</I> in those days, and therefore their own
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hands, as Paul's, must <I>minister to their necessities</I> and for
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this reason Christ asked them, <I>Have you any meat?</I> This teaches
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us with quietness <I>to work and eat our own bread.</I></P>
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<P>
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2. Their disappointment in their fishing. That night they caught
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nothing, though, it is probable, they <I>toiled all night,</I> as
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+5:5">Luke v. 5</A>.
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See the vanity of this world; the hand of the diligent often returns
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empty. Even good men may come short of desired success in their honest
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undertakings. We may be in the way of our duty, and yet not prosper.
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Providence so ordered it that all that night they should catch nothing,
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that the miraculous draught of fishes in the morning might be the more
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wonderful and the more acceptable. In those disappointments which to us
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are very grievous God has often designs that are very gracious. Man has
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indeed <I>a dominion over the fish of the sea,</I> but they are not
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always at his beck; God only knows the <I>paths of the sea,</I> and
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commands that which passeth through them.</P>
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<P>
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III. After what manner Christ made himself known to them. It is said
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
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<I>He showed himself.</I> His body, though a true and real body, was
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raised, as ours will be, a spiritual body, and so was visible only when
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he himself was pleased to make it so; or, rather, came and removed so
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quickly that it was here or there in an instant, <I>in a moment, in the
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twinkling of an eye.</I> Four things are observable in the appearance
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of Christ to them:--</P>
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<P>
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1. He showed himself to them seasonably
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>):
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<I>When the morning was now come,</I> after a fruitless night's toil,
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Jesus <I>stood on the shore.</I> Christ's time of making himself known
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to his people is when they are most at a loss. When they think they
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have lost themselves, he will let them know that they have not lost
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him. Weeping may <I>endure for a night; but joy comes,</I> if Christ
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comes, <I>in the morning.</I> Christ appeared to them, not <I>walking
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upon the water,</I> because, being <I>risen from the dead,</I> he was
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not to be with them as he had been; but <I>standing upon the shore,</I>
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because now they were to make towards him. Some of the ancients put
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this significancy upon it, that Christ, having finished his work, was
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got through a stormy sea, a sea of blood, to a safe and quiet shore,
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where he stood in triumph; but the disciples, having their work before
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them, were yet at sea, in toil and peril. It is a comfort to us, when
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our passage is rough and stormy, that our Master is at shore, and we
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are hastening to him.</P>
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<P>
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2. He showed himself to them gradually. The disciples, though they had
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been intimately acquainted with him, <I>knew not,</I> all at once,
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<I>that it was Jesus.</I> Little expecting to see him there, and not
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looking intently upon him, they took him for some common person waiting
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the arrival of their boat, to buy their fish. Note, Christ is often
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nearer to us than we think he is, and so we shall find afterwards, to
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our comfort.</P>
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<P>
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3. He showed himself to them by an instance of his pity,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>.
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He called to them, <I>Children,</I> <B><I>paidia</I></B>--"<I>Lads,
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have you any meat?</I> Have you caught any fish?" Here,
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(1.) The compellation is very familiar; he speaks unto them as unto his
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sons, with the care and tenderness of a father: <I>Children.</I> Though
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he had now entered upon his exalted state, he spoke to his disciples
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with as much kindness and affection as ever. They were not children in
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age, but they were his children, the children which God had given him.
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(2.) The question is very kind: <I>Have you any meat?</I> He asks as a
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tender father concerning his children whether they be provided with
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that which is fit for them, that if they be not, he may take care for
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their supply. Note, <I>The Lord is for the body,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+6:13">1 Cor. vi. 13</A>.
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Christ takes cognizance of the temporal wants of his people, and has
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promised them not only grace sufficient, but food convenient. <I>Verily
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they shall be fed,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+27:3">Ps. xxvii. 3</A>.
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Christ looks into the cottages of the poor, and asks, <I>Children, have
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you any meat?</I> thereby inviting them to open their case before him,
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and by the prayer of faith to <I>make their requests known</I> to him:
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and then let them <I>be careful for nothing;</I> for Christ takes care
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of them, takes care for them. Christ has herein set us an example of
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compassionate concern for our brethren. There are many poor
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householders disabled for labour, or disappointed in it, that are
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reduced to straits, whom the rich should enquire after thus, <I>Have
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you any meat?</I> For the most necessitous are commonly the least
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clamorous. To this question the disciples gave a short answer, and,
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some think, with an air of discontent and peevishness. They said,
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<I>No;</I> not giving him any such friendly and respectful title as he
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had given them. So short do the best come in their returns of love to
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the Lord Jesus. Christ put the question to them, not because he did not
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know their wants, but because he would know them <I>from them.</I>
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Those that would have supplies from Christ must own themselves empty
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and needy.</P>
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<P>
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4. He showed himself to them by an instance of his power; and this
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perfected the discovery
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>):
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he ordered them to <I>cast the net on the right side of the ship,</I>
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the contrary side to what they had been casting it on; and then they,
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who were going home empty-handed, were enriched with a great draught of
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fishes. Here we have,
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(1.) The orders Christ gave them, and the promise annexed to those
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orders: <I>Cast the net</I> there in such a place, and <I>you shall
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find.</I> He from whom nothing is hid, no, not the <I>inhabitants under
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the waters</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+26:5">Job xxvi. 5</A>),
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knew on what side of the ship the shoal of fishes was, and to that side
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he directs them. Note, Divine providence extends itself to things most
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minute and contingent; and they are happy that know how to take hints
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thence in the conduct of their affairs, and acknowledge it in all their
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ways.
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(2.) Their obedience of these orders, and the good success of it. As
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yet <I>they knew not that it was Jesus;</I> however, they were willing
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to be advised by any body, and did not bid this supposed stranger mind
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his own business and not meddle with theirs, but took his counsel; in
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being thus observant of strangers, they were obedient to their Master
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unawares. And it sped wonderfully well; now they had a draught that
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paid them for all their pains. Note, Those that are humble, diligent,
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and patient (though their labours may be crossed) shall be crowned;
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they sometimes live to see their affairs take a happy turn, after many
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struggles and fruitless attempts. There is nothing lost by observing
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Christ's orders. Those are likely to speed well that follow the rule of
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the word, the guidances of the Spirit, and the intimations of
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Providence; for this is <I>casting the net on the right side of the
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ship.</I> Now the draught of fishes may be considered,
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[1.] As a miracle in itself: and so it was designed to prove that Jesus
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Christ was <I>raised in power,</I> though <I>sown in weakness,</I> and
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that all things were <I>put under his feet, the fishes of the sea</I>
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not excepted. Christ manifests himself to his people by doing that for
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them which none else can do, and things which <I>they looked not
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for.</I>
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[2.] As a mercy to them; for the seasonable and abundant supply of
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their necessities. When their ingenuity and industry failed them, the
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|
power of Christ came in opportunely for their relief; for he would take
|
|
care that those who had left all for him should not want any good
|
|
thing. When we are most at a loss, <I>Jehovah--jireh.</I>
|
|
|
|
[3.] As the memorial of a former mercy, with which Christ had formerly
|
|
recompensed Peter for the loan of his boat,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+5:4">Luke v. 4</A>,
|
|
|
|
&c. This miracle nearly resembled that, and could not but put Peter in
|
|
mind of it, which helped him to improve this; for both that and this
|
|
affected him much, as meeting him in his own element, in his own
|
|
employment. Latter favours are designed to bring to mind former
|
|
favours, that eaten bread may not be forgotten.
|
|
|
|
[4.] As a mystery, and very significant of that work to which Christ
|
|
was now with an enlarged commission sending them forth. The prophets
|
|
had been fishing for souls, and caught nothing, or very little; but the
|
|
apostles, who let down the net at Christ's word, had wonderful success.
|
|
<I>Many were the children of the desolate,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+4:27">Gal. iv. 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
They themselves, in pursuance of their former mission, when they were
|
|
first made <I>fishers of men,</I> had had small success in comparison
|
|
with what they should now have. When, soon after this, three thousand
|
|
were converted in one day, then the net was <I>cast on the right side
|
|
of the ship.</I> It is an encouragement to Christ's ministers to
|
|
continue their diligence in their work. One happy draught, at length,
|
|
may be sufficient to repay many years of toil at the gospel net.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IV. How the disciples received this discovery which Christ made of
|
|
himself,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:7,8"><I>v.</I> 7, 8</A>,
|
|
|
|
where we find,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. That John was the most intelligent and quick-sighted disciple. He
|
|
whom Jesus loved was the first that said, <I>It is the Lord;</I> for
|
|
those whom Christ loves he will in a special manner manifest himself
|
|
to: his secret is with his favourites. John had adhered more closely to
|
|
his Master in his sufferings than any of them: and therefore he has a
|
|
clearer eye and a more discerning judgment than any of them, in
|
|
recompence for his constancy. When John was himself aware that it was
|
|
the Lord, he communicated his knowledge to those with him; for this
|
|
<I>dispensation of the Spirit is given to every one to profit
|
|
withal.</I> Those that know Christ themselves should endeavor to bring
|
|
others acquainted with him; we need not engross him, there is enough in
|
|
him for us all. John tells Peter particularly his thoughts, that it was
|
|
the Lord, knowing he would be glad to see him above any of them. Though
|
|
Peter had denied his Master, yet, having repented, and being taken into
|
|
the communion of the disciples again, they were as free and familiar
|
|
with him as ever.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. That Peter was the most zealous and warm-hearted disciple; for as
|
|
soon as he heard it was the Lord (for which he took John's word) the
|
|
ship could not hold him, nor could he stay till the bringing of it to
|
|
shore, but into the sea he throws himself presently, that he might come
|
|
first to Christ.
|
|
|
|
(1.) He showed his respect to Christ by <I>girding his fisher's
|
|
coat</I> about him that he might appear before his Master in the best
|
|
clothes he had, and to rudely rush into his presence, stripped as he
|
|
was to his waistcoat and drawers, because the work he was about was
|
|
toilsome, and he was resolved to take pains in it. Perhaps the fisher's
|
|
coat was made of leather, or oil-cloth, and would keep out wet; and he
|
|
girt it to him that he might make the best of his way through the water
|
|
to Christ, as he used to do after his nets, when he was intent upon his
|
|
fishing.
|
|
|
|
(2.) He showed the strength of his affection to Christ, and his earnest
|
|
desire to be with him, by casting himself into the sea; and either
|
|
wading or swimming to shore, to come to him. When he walked upon the
|
|
water to Christ
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+14:28">Matt. xiv. 28, 29</A>),
|
|
|
|
it was said, <I>He came down out of the ship</I> deliberately; but here
|
|
it is said, <I>He cast himself into the sea</I> with precipitation;
|
|
sink or swim, he would show his good-will and aim to be with Jesus. "If
|
|
Christ suffer me," thinks he, "to drown, and come short of him, it is
|
|
but what I deserve for denying him." Peter had had much forgiven, and
|
|
made it appear he loved much by his willingness to run hazards, and
|
|
undergo hardships, to come to him. Those that have been with Jesus
|
|
will be willing to swim through a stormy sea, a sea of blood, to come
|
|
to him. And it is a laudable contention amongst Christ's disciples to
|
|
strive who shall be first with him.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. That the rest of the disciples were careful and honest hearted.
|
|
Though they were not in such a transport of zeal as to throw themselves
|
|
into the sea, like Peter, yet they hastened in the boat to the shore,
|
|
and made the best of their way
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>The other disciples,</I> and John with them, who had first
|
|
discovered that it was Christ, came slowly, yet they came to Christ.
|
|
Now here we may observe,
|
|
|
|
(1.) How variously God dispenses his gifts. Some excel, as Peter and
|
|
John; are very eminent in gifts and graces, and are thereby
|
|
distinguished from their brethren; others are but ordinary disciples,
|
|
that mind their duty, and are faithful to him, but do nothing to make
|
|
themselves remarkable; and yet both the one and the other, the eminent
|
|
and the obscure, shall sit down together with Christ in glory; nay, and
|
|
perhaps <I>the last shall be first.</I> Of those that do excel, some,
|
|
like John, are eminently contemplative, have great gifts of knowledge,
|
|
and serve the church with them; others, like Peter, are eminently
|
|
active and courageous, are strong, and do exploits, and are thus very
|
|
serviceable to their generation. Some are useful as the church's eyes,
|
|
others as the church's hands, and all for the good of the body.
|
|
|
|
(2.) What a great deal of difference there may be between some good
|
|
people and others in the way of their honouring Christ, and yet both
|
|
<I>accepted of him.</I> Some serve Christ more in acts of devotion, and
|
|
extraordinary expressions of a religious zeal; and they do well, <I>to
|
|
the Lord they do it.</I> Peter ought not to be censured for casting
|
|
himself into the sea, but commended for his zeal and the strength of
|
|
his affection; and so must those be who, in love to Christ, quit the
|
|
world, with Mary, to <I>sit at his feet.</I> But others serve Christ
|
|
more in the affairs of the world. They continue in that ship, drag the
|
|
net, and bring the fish to shore, as the other disciples here; and such
|
|
ought not to be censured as worldly, for they, in their place, are as
|
|
truly serving Christ as the other, even in serving tables. If all the
|
|
disciples had done as Peter did, what had become of their fish and
|
|
their nets? And yet if Peter had done as they did we had wanted this
|
|
instance of holy zeal. Christ was well pleased with both, and so must
|
|
we be.
|
|
|
|
(3.) That there are several ways of bringing Christ's disciples to
|
|
shore to him from off the sea of this world. Some are brought to him by
|
|
a violent death, as the martyrs, who threw themselves into the sea, in
|
|
their zeal for Christ; others are brought to him by a natural death,
|
|
dragging the net, which is less terrible; but both meet at length on
|
|
the safe and quiet shore with Christ.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
V. What entertainment the Lord Jesus gave them when they came
|
|
ashore.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. He had provision ready for them. When they came to land, wet and
|
|
cold, weary and hungry, they found a good fire there to warm them and
|
|
dry them, and fish and bread, competent provision for a good meal.
|
|
|
|
(1.) We need not be curious in enquiring whence this fire, and fish,
|
|
and bread, came, any more than whence the meat came which the ravens
|
|
brought to Elijah. He that could multiply the loaves and fishes that
|
|
were could make new ones if he pleased, or turn stones into bread, or
|
|
send his angels to fetch it, where he knew it was to be had. It is
|
|
uncertain whether this provision was made ready in the open air, or in
|
|
some fisher's cabin or hut upon the shore; but here was nothing stately
|
|
or delicate. We should be content with mean things, for Christ was.
|
|
|
|
(2.) We may be comforted in this instance of Christ's care of his
|
|
disciples; he has wherewith to supply all our wants, and <I>knows what
|
|
things we have need of.</I> He kindly provided for those fishermen,
|
|
when they came weary from their work; for <I>verily those shall be fed
|
|
who trust in the Lord and do good.</I> It is encouraging to Christ's
|
|
ministers, whom he hath made fishers of men, that they may depend upon
|
|
him who employs them to provide for them; and if they should miss of
|
|
encouragement in this world, should be reduced as Paul was to
|
|
<I>hunger, and thirst,</I> and <I>fastings often,</I> let them content
|
|
themselves with what they have here; they have better things in
|
|
reserve, and shall <I>eat and drink with Christ at his table in his
|
|
kingdom,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+22:30">Luke xxii. 30</A>.
|
|
|
|
Awhile ago, <I>the disciples</I> had entertained Christ with a
|
|
<I>broiled fish</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+24:42">Luke xxiv. 42</A>),
|
|
|
|
and now, as a friend, he returned their kindness, and entertained them
|
|
with one; nay, in the draught of fishes, he repaid them more than a
|
|
hundred fold.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. He called for some of that which they had caught, and they produced
|
|
it,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:10,11"><I>v.</I> 10, 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The command Christ gave them to bring their draught of fish to
|
|
shore: "Bring of the fish hither, which you have now caught, and let us
|
|
have some of them;" not as if he needed it; and could not make up a
|
|
dinner for them without it; but,
|
|
|
|
[1.] He would have them eat the labour of their hands,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+128:2">Ps. cxxviii. 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
What is got by God's blessing on our own industry and honest labour, if
|
|
withal <I>God give us power to eat of it, and enjoy good in our
|
|
labour,</I> hath a peculiar sweetness in it. It is said of the
|
|
slothful man that <I>he roasteth not that which he took in hunting;</I>
|
|
he cannot find in his heart to dress what he has been at the pains to
|
|
take,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+12:27">Prov. xii. 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
But Christ would hereby teach us to use what we have.
|
|
|
|
[2.] He would have them taste the gifts of his miraculous bounty, that
|
|
they might be witnesses both of his power and of his goodness. The
|
|
benefits Christ bestows upon us are not to be buried and laid up, but
|
|
to be used and laid out.
|
|
|
|
[3.] He would give a specimen of the spiritual entertainment he has for
|
|
all believers, which, in this respect, is most free and familiar--that
|
|
<I>he sups with them, and they with him;</I> their graces are pleasing
|
|
to him, and his comforts are so to them; what he works in them he
|
|
accepts from them.
|
|
|
|
[4.] Ministers, who are fishers of men, must bring all they catch to
|
|
their Master, for on him their success depends.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Their obedience to this command,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
It was said
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>They were not able to draw the net to shore, for the multitude of
|
|
fishes;</I> that is, they found it difficult, it was more than they
|
|
could well do; but he that bade them bring it to shore made it easy.
|
|
Thus the fishers of men, when they have enclosed souls in the gospel
|
|
net, cannot bring them to shore, cannot carry on and complete the good
|
|
work begun, without the continued influence of the divine grace. If he
|
|
that helped us to catch them, when without his help we should have
|
|
caught nothing, do not help us to keep them, and draw them to land, by
|
|
<I>building them up in their most holy faith,</I> we shall lose them at
|
|
last,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+3:7">1 Cor. iii. 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe,
|
|
|
|
[1.] Who it was that was most active in landing the fishes: it was
|
|
Peter, who, as in the former instance
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>),
|
|
|
|
had shown a more zealous affection to his Master's person than any of
|
|
them, so in this he showed a more ready obedience to his Master's
|
|
command; but all that are faithful are not alike forward.
|
|
|
|
[2.] The number of the fishes that were caught. They had the curiosity
|
|
to count them, and perhaps it was in order to the making of a dividend;
|
|
they were in all <I>a hundred and fifty three,</I> and all <I>great
|
|
fishes.</I> These were many more than they needed for their present
|
|
supply, but they might sell them, and the money would serve to bear
|
|
their charges back to Jerusalem, whither they were shortly to return.
|
|
|
|
[3.] A further instance of Christ's care of them, to increase both the
|
|
miracle and the mercy: <I>For all there were so many,</I> and <I>great
|
|
fishes</I> too, <I>yet was not the net broken;</I> so that they lost
|
|
none of their fish, nor damaged their net. It was said
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+5:6">Luke v. 6</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>Their net broke.</I> Perhaps this was a borrowed net, for they had
|
|
long since left their own; and, if so, Christ would teach us to take
|
|
care of what we have borrowed, as much as if it were our own. It was
|
|
well that their net did not break, for they had not now the leisure
|
|
they had formerly had to mend their nets. The net of the gospel has
|
|
enclosed multitudes, three thousand in one day, and yet is not broken;
|
|
it is still as mighty as ever to bring souls to God.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. He invited them to dinner. Observing them to keep their distance and
|
|
that <I>they were afraid to ask him, Who art thou?</I> because they
|
|
<I>knew it was their Lord,</I> he called to them very familiarly,
|
|
<I>Come, and dine.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) See here how free Christ was with his disciples; he treated them
|
|
as friends; he did not say, Come, and wait, Come, and attend me, but
|
|
<I>Come, and dine;</I> not, Go dine by yourselves, as servants are
|
|
appointed to do, but <I>Come, and dine</I> with me. This kind
|
|
invitation may be alluded to, to illustrate,
|
|
|
|
[1.] The call Christ gives his disciples into communion with him in
|
|
grace here. <I>All things are now ready; Come, and dine.</I> Christ is
|
|
a feast; come, dine upon him; his flesh is meat indeed, his blood drink
|
|
indeed. Christ is a friend; come, dine with him, he will bid you
|
|
welcome,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=So+5:1">Cant. v. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] The call he will give into the fruition of him in glory hereafter:
|
|
<I>Come, ye blessed of my Father; come, and sit down with Abraham, and
|
|
Isaac, and Jacob.</I> Christ has wherewithal to dine all his friends
|
|
and followers; there is room and provision enough for them all.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) See how reverent the disciples were before Christ. They were
|
|
somewhat shy of using the freedom he invited them to, and, by his
|
|
courting them to their meat, it should seem that they stood pausing.
|
|
Being <I>to eat with a ruler,</I> such a ruler, <I>they consider
|
|
diligently what is before them. None of them durst ask him, Who art
|
|
thou?</I> Either,
|
|
|
|
[1.] Because they would not be so bold with him. Though perhaps he
|
|
appeared now in something of a disguise at first, as to the two
|
|
disciples when <I>their eyes were holden that they should not know
|
|
him,</I> yet they had very good reason to think it was he, and could be
|
|
no other. Or,
|
|
|
|
[2.] Because they would not so far betray their own folly. When he had
|
|
given them this instance of his power and goodness, they must be stupid
|
|
indeed if they questioned whether it was he or no. When God, in his
|
|
providence, has given us sensible proofs of his care for our bodies,
|
|
and has given us, in his grace, manifest proofs of his good-will to our
|
|
souls, and good work upon them, we should be ashamed of our distrusts,
|
|
and not dare to question that which he has left us no room to question.
|
|
Groundless doubts must be stifled, and not started.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. He carved for them, as the master of the feast,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observing them to be still shy and timorous, <I>he comes, and takes
|
|
bread himself,</I> and <I>gives them,</I> some to each of them, <I>and
|
|
fish likewise.</I> No doubt he craved a blessing and gave thanks (as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+24:30">Luke xxiv. 30</A>),
|
|
|
|
but, it being his known and constant practice, it did not need to be
|
|
mentioned.
|
|
|
|
(1.) The entertainment here was but ordinary; it was only a
|
|
fish-dinner, and coarsely dressed; here was nothing pompous, nothing
|
|
curious; plentiful indeed, but plain and homely. Hunger is the best
|
|
sauce. Christ, though he entered upon his exalted state, <I>showed
|
|
himself alive by eating,</I> not showed himself a prince by feasting.
|
|
Those that could not content themselves with bread and fish, unless
|
|
they had sauce and wine, would scarcely have found in their hearts to
|
|
dine with Christ himself here.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Christ himself began. Though, perhaps, having a glorified body, he
|
|
needed not eat, yet he would show that he had a true body, which was
|
|
capable of eating. The apostles produced this as one proof of his
|
|
resurrection, that <I>they had eaten and drank with him,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+10:41">Acts x. 41</A>.
|
|
|
|
(3.) He gave the meat about to all his guests. He not only provided it
|
|
for them, and invited them to it, but he himself divided it among them,
|
|
and put it into their hands. Thus to him we owe the application, as
|
|
well as the purchase, of the benefits of redemption. He gives us power
|
|
to eat of them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
The evangelist leaves them at dinner, and makes this remark
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>This is now the third time that Jesus showed himself alive to his
|
|
disciples,</I> or the greater part of them. <I>This is the third
|
|
day;</I> so some. On the day he rose he appeared five times; the second
|
|
day was that day seven-night; and this was the third. Or this was his
|
|
third appearance to any considerable number of his disciples together;
|
|
though he had appeared to Mary, to the women, to the two disciples, and
|
|
to Cephas, yet he had but twice before this appeared to any company of
|
|
them together. This is taken notice of,
|
|
|
|
[1.] For confirming the truth of his resurrection; the vision was
|
|
doubled, was trebled, for the thing was certain. Those who believed not
|
|
the first sign would be brought to believe the voice of the latter
|
|
signs.
|
|
|
|
[2.] As an instance of Christ's continued kindness to his disciples;
|
|
once, and again, and a third time, he visited them. It is good to keep
|
|
account of Christ's gracious visits; for he keeps account of them, and
|
|
they will be remembered against us if we walk unworthily of them, as
|
|
they were against Solomon, when he was reminded that the Lord God of
|
|
Israel had appeared unto him twice. <I>This is now the third;</I> have
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we made a due improvement of <I>the first and second?</I> See
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|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+12:14">2 Cor. xii. 14</A>.
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<I>This is the third,</I> perhaps it may be the last.</P>
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<A NAME="Joh21_15"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh21_16"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh21_17"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh21_18"> </A>
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<A NAME="Joh21_19"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christ's Discourse with Peter.</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>15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon,
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<I>son</I> of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto
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him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him,
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Feed my lambs.
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16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, <I>son</I> of
|
|
Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest
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that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
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17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, <I>son</I> of Jonas,
|
|
lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the
|
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third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou
|
|
knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith
|
|
unto him, Feed my sheep.
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18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou
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girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when
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thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and
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another shall gird thee, and carry <I>thee</I> whither thou wouldest
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not.
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19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify
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God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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We have here Christ's discourse with Peter after dinner, so much of it
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as relates to himself, in which,</P>
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|
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<P>
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|
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|
I. He examines his love to him, and gives him a charge concerning his
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|
flock,
|
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|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:15-17"><I>v.</I> 15-17</A>.
|
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|
|
Observe,</P>
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<P>
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|
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|
1. When Christ entered into this discourse with Peter.--It was after
|
|
they had dined: they had all eaten, and were filled, and, it is
|
|
probable, were entertained with such edifying discourse as our Lord
|
|
Jesus used to make his table-talk. Christ foresaw that what he had to
|
|
say to Peter would give him some uneasiness, and therefore would not
|
|
say it till they had dined, because he would not spoil his dinner.
|
|
Peter was conscious to himself that he had incurred his Master's
|
|
displeasure, and could expect no other than to be upbraided with his
|
|
treachery and ingratitude. "Was this thy kindness to thy friend? Did
|
|
not I tell thee what a coward thou wouldest prove?" Nay, he might
|
|
justly expect to be struck out of the roll of the disciples, and to be
|
|
expelled the sacred college. Twice, if not thrice, he had seen his
|
|
Master since his resurrection, and he said not a word to him of it. We
|
|
may suppose Peter full of doubts upon what terms he stood with his
|
|
Master; sometimes hoping the best, because he had received favour from
|
|
him in common with the rest; yet not without some fears, lest the
|
|
chiding would come at last that would pay for all. But now, at length,
|
|
his Master put him out of his pain, said what he had to say to him, and
|
|
confirmed him in his place as an apostle. He did not tell him of his
|
|
fault hastily, but deferred it for some time; did not tell him of it
|
|
unseasonably, to disturb the company at dinner, but <I>when they had
|
|
dined</I> together, in token of reconciliation, then discoursed he with
|
|
him about it, not as with a criminal, but as with a friend. Peter had
|
|
reproached himself for it, and therefore Christ did not reproach him
|
|
for it, nor tell him of it directly, but only by a tacit intimation;
|
|
and, being satisfied in his sincerity, the offence was not only
|
|
forgiven, but forgotten; and Christ let him know that he was as dear to
|
|
him as ever. Herein he has given us an encouraging instance of his
|
|
tenderness towards penitents, and has taught us, in like manner, to
|
|
restore such as are fallen with a spirit of meekness.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. What was the discourse itself. Here was the same question three
|
|
times asked, the same answer three times returned, and the same reply
|
|
three times given, with very little variation, and yet no <I>vain
|
|
repetition.</I> The same thing was repeated by our Saviour, in speaking
|
|
it, the more to affect Peter, and the other disciples that were
|
|
present; it is repeated by the evangelist, in writing it, the more to
|
|
affect us, and all that read it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
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|
(1.) Three times Christ asks Peter whether he loves him or no. The
|
|
first time the question is, <I>Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more
|
|
than these?</I> Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] How he calls him: <I>Simon, son of Jonas.</I> He speaks to him by
|
|
name, the more to affect him, as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+22:31">Luke xxii. 31</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Simon, Simon.</I> He does not call him <I>Cephas,</I> nor
|
|
<I>Peter,</I> the name he had given him (for he had lost the credit of
|
|
his strength and stability, which those names signified), but his
|
|
original name, <I>Simon.</I> Yet he gives him no hard language, does
|
|
not call him out of his name, though he deserved it; but as he had
|
|
called him when he pronounced him blessed, <I>Simon Bar-jona,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+16:17">Matt. xvi. 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
He calls him <I>son of Jonas</I> (or <I>John</I> or <I>Johanan</I>), to
|
|
remind him of his extraction, how mean it was, and unworthy the honour
|
|
to which he was advanced.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] How he catechises him: <I>Lovest thou me more than these?</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> Lovest thou me? If we would try whether we are Christ's
|
|
disciples indeed, this must be the enquiry, Do we love him? But there
|
|
was a special reason why Christ put in now to Peter.
|
|
|
|
1. His fall had given occasion to doubt of his love: "Peter, I have
|
|
cause to suspect thy love; for if thou hadst loved me thou wouldst not
|
|
have been ashamed and afraid to own me in my sufferings. How canst thou
|
|
say thou lovest me, when thy heart was not with me?" Note, We must not
|
|
reckon it an affront to have our sincerity questioned, when we
|
|
ourselves have done that which makes it questionable; after a shaking
|
|
fall, we must take heed of settling too soon, lest we settle upon a
|
|
wrong bottom. The question is affecting; he does not ask, "Dost thou
|
|
fear me? Dost thou honour me? Dost thou admire me?" but, "Dost thou
|
|
love me? Give but proof of this, and the affront shall be passed by,
|
|
and no more said of it." Peter had professed himself a penitent,
|
|
witness his tears, and his return to the society of the disciples; he
|
|
was now upon his probation as a penitent; but the question is not,
|
|
"Simon, how much hast thou wept? how often hast thou fasted, and
|
|
afflicted thy soul?" but, Dost thou love me? It is this that will make
|
|
the other expressions of repentance acceptable. The great thing Christ
|
|
eyes in penitents is their eyeing him in their repentance. <I>Much is
|
|
forgiven her,</I> not because <I>she wept much,</I> but because <I>she
|
|
loved much.</I>
|
|
|
|
2. His function would give occasion for the exercise of his
|
|
<I>love.</I> Before Christ would commit his <I>sheep</I> to his care,
|
|
he asked him, <I>Lovest thou me?</I> Christ has such a tender regard to
|
|
his flock that he will not trust it with any but those that love him,
|
|
and therefore will love all that are his for his sake. Those that do
|
|
not truly love Christ will never truly love the souls of men, or will
|
|
naturally care for their state as they should; nor will that minister
|
|
love his work that does not love his Master. Nothing but the love of
|
|
Christ will constrain ministers to go cheerfully through the
|
|
difficulties and discouragements they meet with in their work,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:13,14">2 Cor. v. 13, 14</A>.
|
|
|
|
But this love will make their work easy, and them in good earnest in
|
|
it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly, Lovest thou me more than these?</I> <B><I>pleion
|
|
touton</I></B>.
|
|
|
|
1. "<I>Lovest thou me more than thou lovest these,</I> more than thou
|
|
lovest these persons?" Dost thou love me more than thou dost James or
|
|
John, thy intimate friends, or Andrew, thy own brother and companion:
|
|
Those do not love Christ aright that do not love him better than the
|
|
best friend they have in the world, and make it to appear whenever they
|
|
stand in comparison or in competition. Or, "<I>more than thou lovest
|
|
these things,</I> these boats and nets--more than all the pleasure of
|
|
fishing, which some make a recreation of--more than the gain of
|
|
fishing, which others make a calling of." Those only love Christ indeed
|
|
that love him better than all the delights of sense and all the profits
|
|
of this world. "<I>Lovest thou me more than thou lovest these</I>
|
|
occupations thou art now employed in? If so, leave them, to employ
|
|
thyself wholly in feeding my flock." So Dr. Whitby.
|
|
|
|
2. "<I>Lovest thou me more than these love me,</I> more than any of
|
|
the rest of the disciples love me?" And then the question is intended
|
|
to upbraid him with his vain-glorious boast, <I>Though all men should
|
|
deny thee, yet will not I.</I> "Art thou still of the same mind?" Or,
|
|
to intimate to him that he had now more reason to love him than any of
|
|
them had, for more had been forgiven to him than to any of them, as
|
|
much as his sin in denying Christ was greater than theirs in forsaking
|
|
him. <I>Tell me therefore which of them will love him most?</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+7:42">Luke vii. 42</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, We should all study to excel in our love to Christ. It is no
|
|
breach of the peace to strive which shall love Christ best; nor any
|
|
breach of good manners to go before others in this love.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
<I>Thirdly, The second and third time</I> that Christ put this
|
|
question,
|
|
|
|
1. He left out the comparison <I>more than these,</I> because Peter, in
|
|
his answer, modestly left it out, not willing to compare himself with
|
|
his brethren, much less to prefer himself before them. Though we
|
|
cannot say, <I>We</I> love Christ more than others do, yet we shall be
|
|
accepted if we can say, We love him indeed.
|
|
|
|
2. In the last he altered the word, as it is in the original. In the
|
|
first two enquiries, the original word is <B><I>Agapas
|
|
me</I></B>--<I>Dost thou retain a kindness for me?</I> In answer to
|
|
which Peter uses another word, more emphatic, <B><I>Philo
|
|
se</I></B>--<I>I love thee dearly.</I> In putting the question the last
|
|
time, Christ uses that word: And dost thou indeed love me dearly?</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Three times Peter returns the same answer to Christ: <I>Yea, Lord,
|
|
thou knowest that I love thee.</I> Observe,
|
|
|
|
[1.] Peter does not pretend to love Christ more than the rest of the
|
|
disciples did. He is now ashamed of that rash word of his, <I>Though
|
|
all men deny thee, yet will not I;</I> and he had reason to be ashamed
|
|
of it. Note, Though we must aim to be better than others, yet we must,
|
|
<I>in lowliness of mind, esteem others better than ourselves;</I> for
|
|
we know more evil of ourselves than we do of any of our brethren.
|
|
|
|
[2.] Yet he professes again and again that he loves Christ: "<I>Yea,
|
|
Lord,</I> surely <I>I love thee;</I> I were unworthy to live if I did
|
|
not." He had a high esteem and value for him, a grateful sense of his
|
|
kindness, and was entirely devoted to his honour and interest; his
|
|
desire was towards him, as one he was undone without; and his delight
|
|
in him, as one he should be unspeakably happy in. This amounts to a
|
|
profession of repentance for his sin, for it grieves us to have
|
|
affronted one we love; and to a promise of adherence to him for the
|
|
future <I>Lord, I love thee,</I> and <I>will never leave thee.</I>
|
|
Christ <I>prayed that his faith might not fail</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+22:32">Luke xxii. 32</A>),
|
|
|
|
and, because his faith did not fail, his love did not; for faith will
|
|
work by love. Peter had forfeited his claim of relation to Christ. He
|
|
was now to be re-admitted, upon his repentance. Christ puts his trial
|
|
upon this issue: <I>Dost thou love me?</I> And Peter joins issue upon
|
|
it: <I>Lord, I love thee.</I> Note, Those who can truly say, through
|
|
grace, that they love Jesus Christ, may take the comfort of their
|
|
interest in him, notwithstanding their daily infirmities.
|
|
|
|
[3.] He appeals to Christ himself for the proof of it: <I>Thou knowest
|
|
that I love thee;</I> and <I>the third time</I> yet more emphatically:
|
|
<I>Thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee.</I> He does
|
|
not vouch his fellow-disciples to witness for him--they might be
|
|
deceived in him; nor does he think his own word might be taken--the
|
|
credit of that was destroyed already; but he calls Christ himself to
|
|
witness, <I>First,</I> Peter was sure that Christ knew all things, and
|
|
particularly that he knew the heart, and was a <I>discerner of the
|
|
thoughts and intents of it,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+16:30"><I>ch.</I> xvi. 30</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Secondly,</I> Peter was satisfied of this, that Christ, who knew all
|
|
things, knew the sincerity of his love to him, and would be ready to
|
|
attest it in his favour. It is a terror to a hypocrite to think that
|
|
Christ knows all things; for the divine omniscience will be a witness
|
|
against him. But it is a comfort to a sincere Christian that he has
|
|
that to appeal to: <I>My witness is in heaven, my record is on
|
|
high.</I> Christ knows us better than we know ourselves. Though we know
|
|
not our own uprightness, he knows it.
|
|
|
|
[4.] <I>He was grieved</I> when Christ asked him the <I>third time,
|
|
Lovest thou me?</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>First,</I> Because it put him in mind of his threefold denial of
|
|
Christ, and was plainly designed to do so; <I>and when he thought
|
|
thereon he wept.</I> Every remembrance of past sins, even pardoned
|
|
sins, renews the sorrow of a true penitent. <I>Thou shalt be ashamed,
|
|
when I am pacified towards thee. Secondly,</I> Because it put him in
|
|
fear lest his Master foresaw some further miscarriage of his, which
|
|
would be as great a contradiction to this profession of love to him as
|
|
the former was. "Surely," thinks Peter, "my Master would not thus put
|
|
me upon the rack if he did not see some cause for it. What would become
|
|
of me if I should be again tempted?" Godly sorrow works carefulness and
|
|
fear,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+7:11">2 Cor. vii. 11</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) Three times Christ committed the care of his flock to Peter:
|
|
<I>Feed my lambs; feed my sheep; feed my sheep.</I>
|
|
|
|
[1.] Those whom Christ committed to Peter's care were his lambs and his
|
|
sheep. The church of Christ is his flock, <I>which he hath purchased
|
|
with his own blood</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+20:28">Acts xx. 28</A>),
|
|
|
|
and he is <I>the chief shepherd</I> of it. In this flock some are
|
|
lambs, young and tender and weak, others are sheep, grown to some
|
|
strength and maturity. The Shepherd here takes care of both, and of the
|
|
lambs first, for upon all occasions he showed a particular tenderness
|
|
for them. <I>He gathers the lambs in his arms, and carries them in his
|
|
bosom.</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+40:11">Isa. xl. 11</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] The charge he gives him concerning them is to feed them. The word
|
|
used in
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:15,17"><I>v.</I> 15, 17</A>,
|
|
|
|
is <B><I>boske</I></B>, which strictly signifies to <I>give them
|
|
food;</I> but the word used in
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>
|
|
|
|
is <B><I>poimaine</I></B>, which signifies more largely to do all the
|
|
offices of a shepherd to them: "<I>Feed the lambs</I> with that which
|
|
is proper for them, and <I>the sheep</I> likewise with <I>food
|
|
convenient. The lost sheep of the house of Israel,</I> seek and feed
|
|
them, and <I>the other sheep</I> also <I>which are not of this
|
|
fold.</I>" Note, It is the duty of all Christ's ministers to feed his
|
|
lambs and sheep. <I>Feed them,</I> that is, teach them; for the
|
|
doctrine of the gospel is spiritual food. <I>Feed them,</I> that is,
|
|
"Lead them to the green pastures, presiding in their religious
|
|
assemblies, and ministering all the ordinances to them. Feed them by
|
|
personal application to their respective state and case; not only lay
|
|
meat before them, but feed those with it that are wilful and will not,
|
|
or weak and cannot feed themselves." <I>When Christ ascended on high,
|
|
he gave pastors,</I> left his flock with those that loved him, and
|
|
would take care of them for his sake.
|
|
|
|
[3.] But why did he give this charge particularly to Peter? Ask the
|
|
advocates for the pope's supremacy, and they will tell you that Christ
|
|
hereby designed to give to Peter, and therefore to his successors, and
|
|
therefore to the bishops of Rome, an absolute dominion and headship
|
|
over the whole Christian church as if a charge to serve the sheep gave
|
|
a power to lord it over all the shepherds; whereas, it is plain, Peter
|
|
himself never claimed such a power, nor did the other disciples ever
|
|
own it in him. This charge given to Peter to preach the gospel is by a
|
|
strange artifice made to support the usurpation of his pretended
|
|
successors, that fleece the sheep, and, instead of feeding them, feed
|
|
upon them. But the particular application to Peter here was designed,
|
|
<I>First,</I> To restore him to his apostleship, now that he repented
|
|
of his abjuration of it, and to renew his commission, both for his own
|
|
satisfaction, and for the satisfaction of his brethren. A commission
|
|
given to one convicted of a crime is supposed to amount to a pardon; no
|
|
doubt, this commission given to Peter was an evidence that Christ was
|
|
reconciled to him else he would never have reposed such a confidence in
|
|
him. Of some that have deceived us we say, "Though we forgive them, we
|
|
will never trust them;" but Christ, when he forgave Peter, trusted him
|
|
with the most valuable treasure he had on earth. <I>Secondly,</I> It
|
|
was designed to quicken him to a diligent discharge of his office as an
|
|
apostle. Peter was a man of a bold and zealous spirit, always forward
|
|
to speak and act, and, lest he should be tempted to take upon him the
|
|
directing of the shepherds, he is charged to feed the sheep, as he
|
|
himself charges all the presbyters to do, and not <I>to lord it over
|
|
God's heritage,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+5:2,3">1 Pet. v. 2, 3</A>.
|
|
|
|
If he will be doing, let him do this, and pretend no further.
|
|
<I>Thirdly,</I> What Christ said to him he said to all his disciples;
|
|
he charged them all, not only to be fishers of men (though that was
|
|
said to Peter,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Lu+5:10">Luke v. 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
by the conversion of sinners, but feeders of the flock, by the
|
|
edification of saints.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. Christ, having thus appointed Peter his doing work, next appoints
|
|
him his suffering work. Having confirmed to him the honour of an
|
|
apostle, he now tells him of further preferment designed him--the
|
|
honour of a martyr. Observe,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. How his martyrdom is foretold
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>Thou shalt stretch forth thy hands,</I> being compelled to it, and
|
|
<I>another shall gird thee</I> (as a prisoner that is pinioned) <I>and
|
|
carry thee whither</I> naturally <I>thou wouldest not.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) He prefaces the notice he gives to Peter of his sufferings with a
|
|
solemn asseveration, <I>Verily, verily, I say unto thee.</I> It was not
|
|
spoken of as a thing probable, which perhaps might happen, but as a
|
|
thing certain, <I>I say it to thee.</I> "Others, perhaps, will say to
|
|
thee, as thou didst to me, <I>This shall not be unto thee;</I> but I
|
|
say it shall." As Christ foresaw all his own sufferings, so he foresaw
|
|
the sufferings of all his followers, and foretold them, though not in
|
|
particular, as to Peter, yet in general, that they must take up their
|
|
cross. Having charged him to feed his sheep, he bids him not to expect
|
|
ease and honour in it, but trouble and persecution, and to suffer ill
|
|
for doing well.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) He foretels particularly that he should die a violent death, by
|
|
the hands of an executioner. The stretching out of his hands, some
|
|
think, points at the manner of his death by crucifying; and the
|
|
tradition of the ancients, if we may rely upon that, informs us that
|
|
Peter was crucified at Rome under Nero, A.D. 68, or, as others say, 79.
|
|
Others think it points at the bonds and imprisonments which those are
|
|
hampered with that are sentenced to death. The pomp and solemnity of an
|
|
execution add much to the terror of death, and to any eye of sense make
|
|
it look doubly formidable. Death, in these horrid shapes, has often
|
|
been the lot of Christ's faithful ones, who yet have <I>overcome it by
|
|
the blood of the Lamb.</I> This prediction, though pointing chiefly at
|
|
his death, was to have its accomplishment in his previous sufferings.
|
|
It began to be fulfilled presently, when he was imprisoned,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+6:3,Ac+5:18,12:4">Acts vi. 3; v. 18; xii. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
No more is implied here in his being carried whither he would not than
|
|
that it was a violent death that he should be carried to, such a death
|
|
as even innocent nature could not think of without dread, nor approach
|
|
without some reluctance. He that puts on the Christian does not put off
|
|
the man. Christ himself prayed against the bitter cup. A natural
|
|
aversion to pain and death is well reconcileable with a holy submission
|
|
to the will of God in both. Blessed Paul, though longing to be
|
|
unloaded, owns he cannot desire <I>to be unclothed,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+5:4">2 Cor. v. 4</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(3.) He compares this with his former liberty. "Time was when thou
|
|
knewest not any of these hardships, <I>thou girdest thyself, and
|
|
walkedst whither thou wouldest.</I>" Where trouble comes we are apt to
|
|
aggravate it with this, that it has been otherwise; and to fret the
|
|
more at the grievances of restraint, sickness, and poverty, because we
|
|
have known the sweets of liberty, health, and plenty,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Job+29:2,Ps+42:4">Job xxix. 2; Ps. xlii. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
But we may turn it the other way, and reason thus with ourselves: "How
|
|
many years of prosperity have I enjoyed more than I deserved and
|
|
improved? And, having received good, shall I not receive evil also?"
|
|
See here,
|
|
|
|
[1.] What a change may possibly be made with us, as to our condition in
|
|
this world! Those that have <I>girded themselves with strength and
|
|
honour,</I> and indulged themselves in the greatest liberties, perhaps
|
|
levities, may be reduced to such circumstances as are the reverse of
|
|
all this. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+2:5">1 Sam. ii. 5</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] What a change is presently made with those that leave all to
|
|
follow Christ! They must no longer gird themselves, but he must gird
|
|
them! and must no longer walk whither they will, but whither he will.
|
|
|
|
[3.] What a change will certainly be made with us if we should live to
|
|
be old! Those who, when they were young, had strength of body and
|
|
vigour of mind, and could easily go through business and hardship, and
|
|
take the pleasures they had a mind to, when they shall be old, will
|
|
find their strength gone, like Samson, when his hair was cut and he
|
|
could <I>not shake himself as at other times.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(4.) Christ tells Peter he should suffer thus in his old age.
|
|
|
|
[1.] Though he should be old, and in the course of nature not likely to
|
|
live long, yet his enemies would hasten him out of the world violently
|
|
when he was about to retire out of it peaceably, and would put out his
|
|
candle when it was almost burned down to the socket. See
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ch+36:17">2 Chron. xxxvi. 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
[2.] God would shelter him from the rage of his enemies till he should
|
|
come to be old, that he might be made the fitter for sufferings, and
|
|
the church might the longer enjoy his services.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The explication of this prediction
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>This spoke he</I> to Peter, <I>signifying by what death he should
|
|
glorify God,</I> when he had finished his course. Observe,
|
|
|
|
(1.) That it is not only <I>appointed to all once to die,</I> but it is
|
|
appointed to each what death he shall die, whether natural or violent,
|
|
slow or sudden, easy or painful. When Paul speaks of so <I>great a
|
|
death,</I> he intimates that there are degrees of death; there is one
|
|
way into the world, but many ways out, and God has determined which way
|
|
we should go.
|
|
|
|
(2.) That it is the great concern of every good man, whatever death he
|
|
dies, to glorify God in it; for what is our chief end but this, <I>to
|
|
die to the Lord, at the word of the Lord?</I> When we die patiently,
|
|
submitting to the will of God,--die cheerfully, rejoicing in hope of
|
|
the glory of God,--and die usefully, witnessing to the truth and
|
|
goodness of religion and encouraging others, we glorify God in dying:
|
|
and this is <I>the earnest expectation and hope</I> of all good
|
|
Christians, as it was Paul's, <I>that Christ may be magnified in them
|
|
living and dying,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Php+1:20">Phil. i. 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
(3.) That the death of the martyrs was in a special manner for the
|
|
glorifying of God. The truths of God, which they died in the defence
|
|
of, are hereby confirmed. The grace of God, which carried them with so
|
|
much constancy through their sufferings, is hereby magnified. And the
|
|
consolations of God, which have abounded towards them in their
|
|
sufferings, and his promises, the springs of their consolations, have
|
|
hereby been recommended to the faith and joy of all the saints. The
|
|
blood of the martyrs has been the seed of the church, and the
|
|
conversion and establishment of thousands. <I>Precious</I> therefore
|
|
<I>in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints,</I> as that
|
|
which honours him; and those who thereby at such an expense honour him
|
|
he will honour.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. The word of command he gives him hereupon: <I>When he had spoken
|
|
thus,</I> observing Peter perhaps to look blank upon it, <I>he saith
|
|
unto him, Follow me.</I> Probably he rose from the place where he had
|
|
sat at dinner, walked off a little, and bade Peter attend him. This
|
|
word, <I>Follow me,</I> was
|
|
|
|
(1.) A further confirmation of his restoration to his Master's favour,
|
|
and to his apostleship; for <I>Follow me</I> was the first call.
|
|
|
|
(2.) It was an explication of the prediction of his sufferings, which
|
|
perhaps Peter at first did not fully understand, till Christ gave him
|
|
that key to it, <I>Follow me:</I> "Expect to be treated as I have been,
|
|
and to tread the same bloody path that I have trodden before thee;
|
|
<I>for the disciple is not greater than his Lord.</I>"
|
|
|
|
(3.) It was to excite him to, and encourage him in, faithfulness and
|
|
diligence in his work as an apostle. He had told him to <I>feed his
|
|
sheep,</I> and let him set his Master before him as an example of
|
|
pastoral care: "Do as I have done." Let the under-shepherds study to
|
|
imitate the Chief Shepherd. They had followed Christ while he was here
|
|
upon earth, and now that he was leaving them he till preached the same
|
|
duty to them though to be performed in another way, <I>Follow me;</I>
|
|
still they must follow the rules he had given them and the example he
|
|
had set them. And what greater encouragement could they have than this,
|
|
both in services and in sufferings?
|
|
|
|
[1.] That herein they did follow him, and it was their present honour;
|
|
who would be ashamed to follow such a leader?
|
|
|
|
[2.] That hereafter they should follow him, and that would be their
|
|
future happiness; and so it is a repetition of the promise Christ had
|
|
given Peter
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+13:36"><I>ch.</I> xiii. 36</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>Thou shalt follow me afterwards.</I> Those that faithfully follow
|
|
Christ in grace shall certainly follow him to glory.</P>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Joh21_20"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh21_21"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh21_22"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh21_23"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh21_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Joh21_25"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Christ's Conference with Peter; Conclusion of John's Gospel.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TR><TD><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus
|
|
loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and
|
|
said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
|
|
21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what <I>shall</I> this
|
|
man <I>do?</I>
|
|
22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come,
|
|
what <I>is that</I> to thee? follow thou me.
|
|
23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that
|
|
disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall
|
|
not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what <I>is that</I>
|
|
to thee?
|
|
24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and
|
|
wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
|
|
25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the
|
|
which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even
|
|
the world itself could not contain the books that should be
|
|
written. Amen.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
In these verses, we have,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
I. The conference Christ had with Peter concerning John, the beloved
|
|
disciple, in which we have,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. The eye Peter cast upon him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>):
|
|
|
|
Peter, in obedience to his Master's orders, followed him, and
|
|
<I>turning about,</I> pleased with the honours his Master now did him,
|
|
<I>he sees the disciple whom Jesus loved following</I> likewise.
|
|
Observe here,
|
|
|
|
(1.) How John is described. He does not name himself, as thinking his
|
|
own name not worthy to be preserved in these records; but gives such a
|
|
description of himself as sufficiently informs us whom he meant, and
|
|
withal gives us a reason why he followed Christ so closely. <I>He was
|
|
the disciple whom Jesus loved,</I> for whom he had a particular
|
|
kindness above the rest; and therefore you cannot blame him for
|
|
coveting to be as much as possible within hearing of Christ's gracious
|
|
words during those few precious minutes with which Christ favoured his
|
|
disciples. It is probable that mention in here made of John's having
|
|
<I>leaned on Jesus's breast</I> and his enquiring concerning the
|
|
traitor, which he did at the instigation of Peter
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+13:24"><I>ch.</I> xiii. 24</A>),
|
|
|
|
as a reason why Peter made the following enquiry concerning him, to
|
|
repay him for the former kindness. Then John was in the favourite's
|
|
place, lying in Christ's bosom, and he improved the opportunity to
|
|
oblige Peter. And now that Peter was in the favourite's place, called
|
|
to take a walk with Christ, he thought himself bound in gratitude to
|
|
put such a question for John as he thought would oblige him, we all
|
|
being desirous to know things to come. Note, As we have interest at
|
|
the throne of grace, we should improve it for the benefit of one
|
|
another. Those that help us by their prayers at one time should be
|
|
helped by us with ours at another time. This is the <I>communion of
|
|
saints.</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) What he did: he also followed Jesus, which shows how well he loved
|
|
his company; where he was there also would this servant of his be. When
|
|
Christ called Peter to follow him, it looked as if he designed to have
|
|
some private talk with him; but such an affection John had to his
|
|
Master that he would rather do a thing that seemed rude than lose the
|
|
benefit of any of Christ's discourse. What Christ said to Peter he took
|
|
as said to himself; for that word of command, <I>Follow me,</I> was
|
|
given to all the disciples. At least he desired to have fellowship
|
|
with those that had fellowship with Christ, and to accompany those that
|
|
attended him. The bringing of one to follow Christ should engage
|
|
others. <I>Draw me and we will run after thee,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=So+1:4">Cant. i. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
(3.) The notice Peter took of it: <I>He, turning about, seeth him.</I>
|
|
This may be looked upon either,
|
|
|
|
[1.] As a culpable diversion from following his Master; he should have
|
|
been wholly intent upon that, and have waited to hear what Christ had
|
|
further to say to him, and then was he looking about him to see who
|
|
followed. Note, The best men find it hard to <I>attend upon the Lord
|
|
without distraction,</I> hard to keep their minds so closely fixed as
|
|
they should be in following Christ: and a needless and unseasonable
|
|
regard to our brethren often diverts us from communion with God. Or,
|
|
|
|
[2.] As a laudable concern for his fellow-disciples. He was not so
|
|
elevated with the honour his Master did him, in singling him out from
|
|
the rest, as to deny a kind look to one that followed. Acts of love to
|
|
our brethren must go along with actings of faith in Christ.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. The enquiry Peter made concerning him
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:21"><I>v.</I> 21</A>):
|
|
|
|
"<I>Lord, and what shall this man do?</I> Thou hast told me my work-to
|
|
feed the sheep; and my lot--to be <I>carried whither I would not.</I>
|
|
What shall be his work, and his lot?" Now this may be taken as the
|
|
language,
|
|
|
|
(1.) Of concern for John, and kindness to him: "Lord, thou showest me a
|
|
great deal of favour. Here comes thy beloved disciple, who never
|
|
forfeited thy favour, as I have done; he expects to be taken notice of;
|
|
hast thou nothing to say to him? Wilt thou not tell how he must be
|
|
employed, and how he must be honoured?"
|
|
|
|
(2.) Or of uneasiness at what Christ had said to him concerning his
|
|
sufferings: "Lord, must I alone be <I>carried whither I would not?</I>
|
|
Must I be marked out to be run down, and must this man have no share of
|
|
the cross?" It is hard to reconcile ourselves to distinguishing
|
|
sufferings, and the troubles in which we think we stand alone.
|
|
|
|
(3.) Or of curiosity, and a fond desire of knowing things to come,
|
|
concerning others, as well as himself. It seems, by Christ's answer,
|
|
there was something amiss in the question. When Christ had given him
|
|
the charge of such a treasure, and the notice of such a trial, it had
|
|
well become him to have said, "Lord, and what shall I do then to
|
|
approve myself faithful to such a trust, in such a trial? <I>Lord,
|
|
increase my faith.</I> As my day is, let my strength be." But instead
|
|
of this,
|
|
|
|
[1.] He seems more concerned for another than for himself. So apt are
|
|
we to be busy in other men's matters, but negligent in the concerns of
|
|
our own souls-quick-sighted abroad, but dim-sighted at home-judging
|
|
others, and prognosticating what they will do, when we have enough to
|
|
do to <I>prove our own work,</I> and <I>understand our own way.</I>
|
|
|
|
[2.] He seems more concerned about events than about duty. John was
|
|
younger than Peter, and, in the course of nature, likely to survive
|
|
him: "Lord," says he, "what times shall he be reserved for?" Whereas,
|
|
if God by his grace enable us to persevere to the end, and finish well,
|
|
and get safely to heaven, we need not ask, "What shall be the lot of
|
|
those that shall come after us?" Is it not well if peace and truth be
|
|
in my days? Scripture-predictions must be eyed for the directing of
|
|
our consciences, not the satisfying of our curiosity.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. Christ's reply to this enquiry
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>),
|
|
|
|
"<I>If I will that he tarry till I come,</I> and do not suffer as thou
|
|
must, <I>what is that to thee.</I> Mind thou thy own duty, the present
|
|
duty, <I>follow thou me.</I>"</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) There seems to be here an intimation of Christ's purpose
|
|
concerning John, in two things:--
|
|
|
|
[1.] That he should not die a violent death, like Peter, but should
|
|
tarry till Christ himself came by a natural death to fetch him to
|
|
himself. The most credible of the ancient historians tell us that John
|
|
was the only one of all the twelve that did not actually die a martyr.
|
|
He was often in jeopardy, in bonds and banishments; but at length died
|
|
in his bed in a good old age. Note, <I>First,</I> At death Christ comes
|
|
to us to call us to account; and it concerns us to be ready for his
|
|
coming. <I>Secondly,</I> Though Christ calls out some of his disciples
|
|
to resist unto blood, yet not all. Though the crown of martyrdom is
|
|
bright and glorious, yet the beloved disciple comes short of it.
|
|
|
|
[2.] That he should not die till after Christ's coming to destroy
|
|
Jerusalem: so some understand his tarrying till Christ comes. All the
|
|
other apostles died before that destruction; but John survived it many
|
|
years. God wisely so ordered it that one of the apostles should live
|
|
so long as to close up the canon of the New Testament, which John did
|
|
solemnly
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+22:18">Rev. xxii. 18</A>),
|
|
|
|
and to obviate the design of the enemy that sowed tares even before the
|
|
servants fell asleep. John lived to confront Ebion, and Cerinthus, and
|
|
other heretics, who rose betimes, <I>speaking perverse things.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Others think that it is only a rebuke to Peter's curiosity, and
|
|
that his tarrying till Christ's second coming is only the supposition
|
|
of an absurdity: "Wherefore askest thou after that which is foreign and
|
|
secret? Suppose I should design that John should never die, what does
|
|
that concern thee? It is nothing to thee, when or where, or how, John
|
|
must die. I have told thee how thou must die for thy part; it is enough
|
|
for thee to know that, <I>Follow thou me.</I>" Note, It is the will of
|
|
Christ that his disciples should mind their own present duty, and not
|
|
be curious in their enquiries about future events, concerning either
|
|
themselves or others.
|
|
|
|
[1.] There are many things we are apt to be solicitous about that are
|
|
nothing to us. Other people's characters are nothing to us; it is out
|
|
of our line to judge them,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+14:4">Rom. xiv. 4</A>.
|
|
|
|
Whatsoever they are, saith Paul, it makes no matter to me. Other
|
|
people's affairs are nothing to us to intermeddle in; we must quietly
|
|
work, and mind our own business. Many nice and curious questions are
|
|
put by the <I>scribes</I> and <I>disputers of this world</I> concerning
|
|
the counsels of God, and the state of the invisible world, concerning
|
|
which we may say, <I>What is this to us?</I> What do you think will
|
|
become of such and such? is a common question, which may easily be
|
|
answered with another: <I>What is that to me?</I> To his own Master he
|
|
stands or falls. What is it to us to <I>know the times and the
|
|
seasons?</I> Secret things belong not to us.
|
|
|
|
[2.] The great thing that is all in all to us is duty, and not event;
|
|
for duty is ours, events are God's-our own duty, and not another's; for
|
|
every one shall bear his own burden--our present duty, and not the duty
|
|
of the time to come; for sufficient to the day shall be the directions
|
|
thereof: a <I>good man's steps are ordered by the Lord,</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+37:23">Ps. xxxvii. 23</A>);
|
|
|
|
he is guided step by step. Now all our duty is summed up in this one of
|
|
following Christ. We must attend his motions, and accommodate ourselves
|
|
to them, follow him to do him honour, as the servant his master; we
|
|
must walk in the way in which he walked, and aim to be where he is.
|
|
And, if we will closely attend to the duty of following Christ, we
|
|
shall find neither heart nor time to meddle with at which does not
|
|
belong to us.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
4. The mistake which arose from this saying of Christ, that <I>that
|
|
disciple should not die,</I> but abide with the church to the end of
|
|
time; together with the suppressing of this motion by a repetition of
|
|
Christ's words,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>.
|
|
|
|
Observe here,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) The easy rise of a mistake in the church by misconstruing the
|
|
sayings of Christ, and turning a supposition to a position. Because
|
|
John must not die a martyr, they conclude he must not die at all.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[1.] They were inclined to expect it because they could not choose but
|
|
desire it. <I>Quod volumus facile crediumus--We easily believe what we
|
|
wish to be true.</I> For John to abide in the flesh when the rest were
|
|
gone, and to continue in the world till Christ's second coming, they
|
|
think, will be a great blessing to the church, which in every age might
|
|
have recourse to him as an oracle. When they must lose Christ's bodily
|
|
presence, they hope they shall have that of his beloved disciple; as if
|
|
that must supply the want of his, forgetting that the blessed Spirit,
|
|
the Comforter, was to do that. Note, We are apt to dote too much on men
|
|
and means, instruments and external helps, and to think we are happy if
|
|
we may but have them always with us; whereas God will change his
|
|
workmen, and yet carry on his work, that the <I>excellency of the power
|
|
may be of God, and not of men.</I> There is no need of immortal
|
|
ministers to be the guides of the church, while it is under the conduct
|
|
of an eternal Spirit.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[2.] Perhaps they were confirmed in their expectations when they now
|
|
found that John survived all the rest of the apostles. Because he lived
|
|
long, they were ready to think he should live always; whereas <I>that
|
|
which waxeth old is ready to vanish away,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+8:13">Heb. viii. 13</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
[3.] However, it took rise from a saying of Christ's, misunderstood,
|
|
and then made a saying of the church. Hence learn, <I>First,</I> The
|
|
uncertainty of human tradition, and the folly of building our faith
|
|
upon it. Here was a tradition, an apostolical tradition, a saying that
|
|
<I>went abroad among the brethren.</I> It was early; it was common; it
|
|
was public; and yet it was false. How little then are those unwritten
|
|
traditions to be relied upon which the council of Trent hath decreed to
|
|
be received with a <I>veneration and pious affection equal to that
|
|
which is owing to the holy scripture.</I> Here was a traditional
|
|
exposition of scripture. No new saying of Christ's advanced, but only a
|
|
construction put by the brethren upon what he did really say, and yet
|
|
it was a misconstruction. Let the scripture be its own interpreter and
|
|
explain itself, as it is in a great measure its own evidence and proves
|
|
itself, for it is light. <I>Secondly,</I> The aptness of men to
|
|
misinterpret the sayings of Christ. The grossest errors have sometimes
|
|
shrouded themselves under the umbrage of incontestable truths; and the
|
|
scriptures themselves have ben wrested by the unlearned and unstable.
|
|
We must not think it strange if we hear the sayings of Christ
|
|
misinterpreted, quoted to patronise the errors of antichrist, and the
|
|
impudent doctrine of transubstantiation--for instance, pretending to
|
|
build upon that blessed word of Christ, <I>This is my body.</I></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) The easy rectifying of such mistakes, by adhering to the word of
|
|
Christ, and abiding by that. So the evangelist here corrects and
|
|
controls that saying among the brethren, by repeating the very words of
|
|
Christ. He did not say that the disciple should not die. Let us not say
|
|
so then; but he said, <I>If I will that he tarry till I come, what is
|
|
that to thee?</I> He said so, and no more. <I>Add thou not unto his
|
|
words.</I> Let the words of Christ speak for themselves, and let no
|
|
sense be put upon them but what is genuine and natural; and in that let
|
|
us agree. Note, The best end of men's controversies would be to keep to
|
|
the express words of scripture, and speak, as well as think, according
|
|
to that word,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+8:20">Isa. viii. 20</A>.
|
|
|
|
Scripture language is the safest and most proper vehicle of scripture
|
|
truth: the <I>words which the Holy Ghost teacheth,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+2:13">1 Cor. ii. 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
As the scripture itself, duly attended to, is the best weapon wherewith
|
|
to wound all dangerous errors (and therefore deists, Socinians,
|
|
papists, and enthusiasts do all they can to derogate the authority of
|
|
scripture), so the scripture itself, humbly subscribed to, is the best
|
|
weapon-salve to heal the wounds that are made by different modes of
|
|
expression concerning the same truths. Those that cannot agree in the
|
|
same logic and metaphysics, and the propriety of the same terms of air,
|
|
and the application of them, may yet agree in the same scripture terms,
|
|
and then may agree to love one another.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
II. We have here the conclusion of this gospel, and with it of the
|
|
evangelical story,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:24,25"><I>v.</I> 24, 25</A>.
|
|
|
|
This evangelist ends not so abruptly as the other three did, but with a
|
|
sort of cadency.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
1. This gospel concludes with an account of the author or penman of it,
|
|
connected by a decent transition to that which went before
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>This is the disciple which testifies of these things</I> to the
|
|
present age, and wrote these things for the benefit of posterity, even
|
|
this same that Peter and his Master had that conference about in the
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:15-25">foregoing verses</A>
|
|
|
|
--John the apostle. Observe here,
|
|
|
|
(1.) Those who wrote the history of Christ were not ashamed to put
|
|
their names to it. John here does in effect subscribe his name. As we
|
|
are sure who was the author of the first five books of the Old
|
|
Testament, which were the foundation of that revelation, so we are sure
|
|
who were the penmen of the four gospels and the Acts, the pentateuch of
|
|
the New Testament. The record of Christ's life and death is not the
|
|
report of we know not who, but was drawn up by men of known integrity,
|
|
who were ready not only to depose it upon oath, but, which was more, to
|
|
<I>seal it with their blood.</I>
|
|
|
|
(2.) Those who wrote the history of Christ wrote upon their own
|
|
knowledge, not by hearsay, but what they themselves were eye and ear
|
|
witnesses of. The penman of this history was a disciple, a beloved
|
|
disciple, one that had leaned on Christ's breast, that had himself
|
|
heard his sermons and conferences, had seen his miracles, and the
|
|
proofs of his resurrection. This is he who testifies what he was well
|
|
assured of.
|
|
|
|
(3.) Those who wrote the history of Christ, as they testified what they
|
|
had seen, so they wrote what they had first testified. It was
|
|
published by word of mouth, with the greatest assurance, before it was
|
|
committed to writing. They testified it in the pulpit, testified it at
|
|
the bar, solemnly averred it, stedfastly avowed it, not as travellers
|
|
give an account of their travels, to entertain the company, but as
|
|
witnesses upon oath give account of what they know in a matter of
|
|
consequence, with the utmost caution and exactness, to found a verdict
|
|
upon. What they wrote they wrote as an affidavit, which they would
|
|
abide by. Their writings are standing testimonies to the world of the
|
|
truth of Christ's doctrine, and will be testimonies either for us or
|
|
against us according as we do or do not receive it.
|
|
|
|
(4.) It was graciously appointed, for the support and benefit of the
|
|
church, that the history of Christ should be put into writing, that it
|
|
might with the greater fulness and certainty spread to every place, and
|
|
last through every age.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
2. It concludes with an attestation of the truth of what had been here
|
|
related: <I>We know that his testimony is true.</I> This may be taken
|
|
either,
|
|
|
|
(1.) As expressing the common sense of mankind in matters of this
|
|
nature, which is, that the testimony of one who is an eye-witness, is
|
|
of unspotted reputation, solemnly deposes what he has seen, and puts it
|
|
into writing for the greater certainty, is an unexceptionable evidence.
|
|
<I>We know,</I> that is, All the world knows, that the testimony of
|
|
such a one is valid, and the common faith of mankind requires us to
|
|
give credit to it, unless we can disprove it; and in other cases
|
|
verdict and judgment are given upon such testimonies. The truth of the
|
|
gospel comes confirmed by all the evidence we can rationally desire or
|
|
expect in a thing of this nature. The matter of fact, that Jesus did
|
|
preach such doctrines, and work such miracles, and rise from the dead,
|
|
is proved, beyond contradiction, by such evidence as is always admitted
|
|
in other cases, and therefore to the satisfaction of all that are
|
|
impartial; and then let the doctrine recommend itself, and let the
|
|
miracles prove it to be of God. Or,
|
|
|
|
(2.) As expressing the satisfaction of the churches <I>at that time</I>
|
|
concerning the truth of what is here related. Some take it for the
|
|
subscription of the church of Ephesus, others of the angels or
|
|
ministers of the churches of Asia to this narrative. Not as if an
|
|
inspired writing needed any attestation from men, or could thence
|
|
receive any addition to its credibility; but hereby they recommended it
|
|
to the notice of the churches, as an inspired writing, and declared the
|
|
satisfaction they received by it. Or,
|
|
|
|
(3.) As expressing the evangelist's own assurance of the truth of what
|
|
he wrote, like that
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+19:35"><I>ch.</I> xix. 35</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>He knows that he saith true.</I> He speaks of himself in the plural
|
|
number, <I>We know,</I> not for majesty-sake, but for modesty-sake, as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+1:1">1 John i. 1</A>,
|
|
|
|
<I>That which we have seen;</I> and
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Pe+1:16">2 Pet. i. 16</A>.
|
|
|
|
Note, The evangelists themselves were entirely satisfied of the truth
|
|
of what they have testified and transmitted to us. They do not require
|
|
us to believe what they did not believe themselves; no, they knew that
|
|
their testimony was true, for they ventured both this life and the
|
|
other upon it; threw away this life, and depended upon another, on the
|
|
credit of what they spoke and wrote.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
3. It concludes with an <I>et cetera,</I> with a reference to <I>many
|
|
other things,</I> very memorable, said and done by our Lord Jesus,
|
|
which were well known by many then living, but not thought fit to be
|
|
recorded for posterity,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>.
|
|
|
|
There were many things very remarkable and improvable, which, if they
|
|
should be written at large, with the several circumstances of them,
|
|
even the world itself, that is, all the libraries in it, could not
|
|
contain the books that might be written. Thus he concludes like an
|
|
orator, as Paul
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+11:32">Heb. xi. 32</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>What shall I more say? For the time would fail me.</I> If it be
|
|
asked why the gospels are not larger, why they did not make the New
|
|
Testament history as copious and as long as the Old, it may be
|
|
answered,</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(1.) It was not because they had exhausted their subject, and had
|
|
nothing more to write that was worth writing; no, there were many of
|
|
Christ's sayings and doings not recorded by any of the evangelists,
|
|
which yet were worthy to be written in letter of gold. For,
|
|
|
|
[1.] Every thing that Christ said and did was worth our notice, and
|
|
capable of being improved. He never spoke an idle word, nor did an idle
|
|
thing; nay, he never spoke nor did any thing mean, or little, or
|
|
trifling, which is more than can be said of the wisest or best of men.
|
|
|
|
[2.] His miracles were many, very many, of many kinds, and the same
|
|
often repeated, as occasion offered. Though one true miracle might
|
|
perhaps suffice to prove a divine commission, yet the repetition of the
|
|
miracles upon a great variety of persons, in a great variety of cases,
|
|
and before a great variety of witnesses, helped very much to prove them
|
|
true miracles. Every new miracle rendered the report of the former the
|
|
more credible; and the multitude of them renders the whole report
|
|
incontestable.
|
|
|
|
[3.] The evangelists upon several occasions give general accounts of
|
|
Christ's preaching and miracles, inclusive of many particulars, as
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+4:23,24,9:35,11:1,14:14,36,15:30,19:2">Matt. iv. 23, 24;
|
|
ix. 35; xi. 1; xiv. 14, 36; xv. 30; xix. 2</A>;
|
|
|
|
and many others. When we speak of Christ, we have a copious subject
|
|
before us; the reality exceeds the report, and, after all, <I>the one
|
|
half is not told us.</I> St. Paul quotes one of Christ's sayings, which
|
|
is not recorded by any of the evangelists
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+20:35">Acts xx. 35</A>),
|
|
|
|
and doubtless there were many more. All his sayings were
|
|
apophthegms.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(2.) But it was for these three reasons:--
|
|
|
|
[1.] Because it was not needful to write more. This is implied here.
|
|
There were many other things, which were not written because there was
|
|
no occasion for writing them. What is written is a sufficient
|
|
revelation of the doctrine of Christ and the proof of it, and the rest
|
|
was but to the same purport. Those that argue from this against the
|
|
sufficiency of the scripture as the rule of our faith and practice, and
|
|
for the necessity of unwritten traditions, ought to show what there is
|
|
in the traditions they pretend to be perfective of the written word; we
|
|
are sure there is that which is contrary to it, and therefore reject
|
|
them. By these therefore <I>let us be admonished, for of making many
|
|
books there is no end,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ec+12:12">Eccl. xii. 12</A>.
|
|
|
|
If we do not believe and improve what is written, neither should we if
|
|
there had been much more.
|
|
|
|
[2.] It was not possible to write all. It was possible for the Spirit
|
|
to indite all, but morally impossible for the penmen to pen all. <I>The
|
|
world could not contain the books.</I> It is a hyperbole common enough
|
|
and justifiable, when no more is intended than this, that it would fill
|
|
a vast and incredible number of volumes. It would be such a large and
|
|
overgrown history as never was; such as would jostle out all other
|
|
writings, and leave us no room for them. What volumes would be filled
|
|
with Christ's prayers, had we the record of all those he made, when he
|
|
<I>continued all night in prayer to God,</I> without any vain
|
|
repetitions? Much more if all his sermons and conferences were
|
|
particularly related, his miracles, his cures, all his labours, all his
|
|
sufferings; it would have been an endless thing.
|
|
|
|
[3.] It was not advisable to write much; for <I>the world,</I> in a
|
|
moral sense, <I>could not contain the books that should be written.</I>
|
|
Christ said not what he might have said to his disciples, <I>because
|
|
they were not able to bear it;</I> and for the same reason the
|
|
evangelists wrote not what they might have written. <I>The world could
|
|
not contain,</I> <B><I>choresai</I></B>. It is the word that is used,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+8:37"><I>ch.</I> viii. 37</A>,
|
|
|
|
"My word <I>has no place</I> in you." They would have been so many that
|
|
they would have found no room. All people's time would have been spent
|
|
in reading, and other duties would thereby have been crowded out. Much
|
|
is overlooked of what is written, much forgotten, and much made the
|
|
matter of doubtful disputation; this would have been the case much more
|
|
if there had been such a world of books of equal authority and
|
|
necessity as the whole history would have swelled to; especially since
|
|
it was requisite that what was written should be meditated upon and
|
|
expounded, which God wisely thought fit to leave room for. Parents and
|
|
ministers, in giving instruction, must consider the capacities of those
|
|
they teach, and, like Jacob, must take heed of over-driving. Let us be
|
|
thankful for the books that are written, and not prize them the less
|
|
for their plainness and brevity, but diligently improve what God has
|
|
thought fit to reveal, and long to be above, where our capacities shall
|
|
be so elevated and enlarged that there will be no danger of their being
|
|
over-loaded.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
The evangelist, concluding with <I>Amen,</I> thereby sets to his seal,
|
|
and let us set to ours, an <I>Amen</I> of faith, subscribing to the
|
|
gospel, that it is true, all true; and an <I>Amen</I> of satisfaction
|
|
in what is written, as able to make us wise to salvation. <I>Amen;</I>
|
|
so be it.</P>
|
|
|
|
<!-- (End Body) -->
|
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<HR>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%">
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<TR>
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<TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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[<A HREF="MHC43020.HTM">Previous</A>]
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<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP">
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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</TABLE>
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<HR>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%">
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<TR>
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<TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
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