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