Annotations on the New Testament

Annotations on Chap. X.

[ a] V. 3. His own sheep ] What the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 sheep here signify in this Parable, hath been largely set down, (Note on c. 6. d.) viz. the obedient servants of God considered before and without the revelation of Christ unto them, who being so qualified are most ready to embrace the precepts of the Christian perfection, when they are offered to them; These also is Christ ready to receive, or any that having been engaged in sin come with penitence, and resolution of mind to be such; And consequently, when these come to Christ, they are styled here, and looked on by him, as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , that is, either peculiar sheep, those that by God's praevenient graces are thus fitted, beyond all others, to come to Christ, or else, as the 12 ^t h verse imports, (where the shepherd is set opposite to the hireling, whose own the sheep are not ) his own sheep, those to whom Christ hath a peculiar title beyond all others, who are therefore said to be given by God to Christ as his possession; see Note on ch. 6. d. Now of these thus owned, or acknowledged by Christ, it is here said, that he doth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , call them by name. That refers to the custom of shepherds, that are so conversant among their sheep, that they know them severally, (see v. 14. and 27. I know them ) and have a several name for every of them, by which they distinguish and call them, and each of them knows, and answers by obediential coming, or following, to that call. So v. 3. they hear his voice and know it, v. 4. and he is known of them, v. 14. Thus among us, huntsmen do with their hounds, and plow-men with their cattle; And it seems in Jewry, where the feeding of cattle was the great trade, and where other customs obtained, then those that are among us, the Shepherd did thus with his sheep. For want of their art, and usage of going before, and leading, and calling their sheep after them, which is known in the Scripture to have been among them, Psal. 23. 2, 3. and Ps. 80. 1. and Ps. 77. 20. our shepherds now go after, and drive the sheep. But the change and diversity of customs in divers countries is very ordinary. And here it is evident that this custom of the Jews is refer'd to, by v. 4. where answerable to the shepherds calling, and leading, and going before, is the sheep's following, and knowing his voice, whereas v. 5. A stranger they will not follow; for they know not the voice of strangers. By which it is clear, that his calling his own sheep by name, and leading them, is the shepherds particular care, and providence for his sheep, and, in the moral, denotes Christ's peculiar owning these honest, obedient, humble creatures, that come to him not in the clothing, but real qualities of the sheep, and making provision for them.

[ b] V. 35. Unto whom the word of God came ] The coming of the word of the Lord to any man signifies among the Hebrews frequently in the Old Testament, God's sending a man, designing him, appointing him to any office, and so 'tis constantly used in the writings of the Prophets, who begin their prophecies solemnly in this form; The word of the Lord came unto me, saying, which is but their showing or vouching their Commission, and so when Rom. 10. 17. it is said 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , that is, preaching of the word, (not their hearing, but their being heard, as in Plato in Phaedro, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , I desire to temper the brackish hearing with sweet, or potable speech, where 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 hearing is used for the word, or speech, which is heard, ) is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , by the word of God, the meaning of it is, that no man must preach, except he be sent, v. 15. where the word of God signifies not the word which they preach, but the Commission from which they are authorized to preach to others. And so for the office of Judge, &c. it is as proper, the word of the Lord signifying a Commission from God mediately, or immediately for any such; which when it comes to any man for the execution of power over others, it is the enstating of him in that office of power, and the same will be said of the Sacerdotal also. But the truth is, the phrase here is not, Those to whom the word of the Lord came, upon which supposition this interpretation is built, but 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , to whom the word of God was, or was spoken, and that may thus be interpreted, David, Psal. 82. 1. hath these words, God standeth in the congregation of the mighty, he judgeth among the God's, How long will ye judge unjustly? &c. In that place the Judges or Rulers of the Sanhedrim are called God's by the Psalmist, in the person of God, and again v. 6. I have said, ye are God's, and ye are all children of the most high; Christ referring here to this, saith, Is it not written in your law, I have said, ye are God's? from whence he concludeth, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , If he called them God's, to whom the word of God was, that is, to whom, or of, or concerning whom God spake in that place of the Law, that is, in the book of Psalms, (comprehended sometimes under the word Law (see ch. 12. 34.) as the whole Old Testament is called the Law and the Prophets, though elsewhere there is a third mention of the division of those books, the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , the book of Psalms contained under that branch) if he called those God's, and sons of God, who were but ordinary Judges of those times, chosen by men, and by imposition of hands of the Sanhedrim advanced to that office, after the common manner of all (nothing peculiar, or extraordinary, or of immediate mission from heaven in all this) then how much more may he, whom God the Father hath sent, with his immediate commission into the world (the Spirit descending on him, which is called the sanctifying of him, and the voice from heaven, This is my beloved son, &c. being the very words of his commission) say without blasphemy, that he is the son of God? v. 36. And this seems the most obvious clear meaning of the place.

CHAP. XI.

1. NOw a certain man was sick, named Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

2. (It was that Mary [which anointed the Lord with ointment,] and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick,

[Paraphrase] 2. which (as is chap. 12. 3. set down) anointed Christ &c. (see Note on Luke 7. b.

3. Therefore his sisters] sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold he whom thou lovest is sick.

[Paraphrase] 3. These two women being disciples of Christ, known to him, and knowing his kindness to Lazarus.

4. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness [is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the son of God might be glorified thereby.]

[Paraphrase] 4. of his is designed as a means to glorify God, and for an opportunity for me to show my power of doing miracles in restoring him to life. See ch. 9. 3.

5. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

6. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

7. Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judea again.

8. His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee, and goest thou thither again?

9. Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

10. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.]

[Paraphrase] 9, 10. As he that goes in the day, having the light of the sun to shine to him, is in no danger of stumbling, but only in the night, when that light is gone: So as long as my time of exercising my function here lasteth, there is that providence about me, which will secure me from all danger, and till that time be past, and so that providence withdrawn, I shall be safe, As long as I am about my business, on which I was sent, I shall fear nothing, no not though I go to Judea, where I have by frequent experience found that they seek to kill me.

11. These things said he; and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth, but [I go] that I may awake him out of sleep.

[Paraphrase] 11. I will go

12. Then said his disciples, Lord, [if he sleep he shall do well.]

[Paraphrase] 12. his sleeping is a very good, and known sign that he will recover.

13. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death, but they thought that he had spoken of [taking rest in sleep.]

[Paraphrase] 13. sleeping in the ordinary acception of the word.

14. Then said Jesus unto them [plainly,] Lazarus is dead.

[Paraphrase] 14. in words without all obscurity. Note on chap. 7. a.

15. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there [to the intent ye may believe,] nevertheless let us go to him.

[Paraphrase] 15. that you may have the benefit of the miracle to confirm your faith.

16. Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, [Let us also go, that we may die with him.]

[Paraphrase] 16. Either, Let us go along with our Master and run any hazard that he runneth, Or, if we go, we may very probably be stoned, and die as well as Lazarus, referring to the danger mentioned by them, v. 8. (the latter is the more probable interpretation.)

17. Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lien in the grave four days already.

18. (Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off.)

19. And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.]

[Paraphrase] 19. And Martha and Mary being in great sadness, and so keeping themselves up in a close retirement, many of the Jews came to the house to those that were near them, to get access, to bewail the loss, and to rescue them from this great sadness.

20. Then Martha as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

21. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here my brother had not died.

22. But I know that even now whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will [give it thee.]

[Paraphrase] 22. enable thee to do it.

23. Jesus saith unto her, [Thy brother shall rise again.]

[Paraphrase] 23. I will raise thy brother again to life, see ver. 40.

24. Martha said unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection of the last day.

25. Jesus said unto her, [I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.]

[Paraphrase] 25. I am able to raise the dead to life again, whensoever I please, whether now, or hereafter, One that is a believer, and faithful disciple of mine, such as thy brother Lazarus was, I can, though he be dead and buried, raise him presently to life again.

26. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die: Believest thou this?]

[Paraphrase] 26. And he that is now alive, and so not capable of such a present miracle, shall, if he receiveth and obeyeth my doctrine, though he dies after the manner of other men, rise again unto life immortal, The latter of these thou sayest thou believest, v. 24. But dost thou believe the former also?

27. She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the [Christ, the son of God which should come into the world.]

[Paraphrase] 27. Messias known by the title of [He that cometh] (see Matt. 11. a.) the son of God, who consequently hast power of life and death, and so canst raise him how and when thou pleasest.

28. And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

29. As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.

30. Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but [was] in that place where Martha met him.

[Paraphrase] 30. continued

31. The Jews then which were with her in the house and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily, and went out, followed her, saying, she goeth unto the grave to weep there.

32. Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

33. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also which came with her, he [groaned in the spirit, and [note a] was troubled.]

[Paraphrase] 33. was very passionately affected with it, and appeared to be in a great perturbation of mind, which soon broke out into tears, ver. 35.

34. And said, Where have ye laid him? They say unto him, Lord, come and see.

35. Jesus wept.

[Paraphrase] 35. And although he had resolved to raise him from the dead, v. 23. and though at other times when he meant to do so, he had suppressed the mourners tears, Luke 8. 52. and Luke 7. 13. yet now he indulgeth so much to the justice of their sorrow, as himself to weep with them.

36. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him.

37. And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

38. Jesus therefore again groaning in himself, cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

39. Jesus said, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, [ by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.]

[Paraphrase] 39. this is the fourth day since his death, and so according to experience of dead bodies which after a revolution of the humors (which is completed in seventy two hours) tend naturally to putrefaction, he must needs be putrefied, and so stink before this time.

40. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldst see [the glory of God?]

[Paraphrase] 40. a glorious miracle wrought on him, by raising him to life again, v. 23, and 25.

41. Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus [lift up his eyes] and said, Father I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

[Paraphrase] 41. fastened his eyes on heaven.

42. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by, I said it, that [they may believe that thou hast sent me.]

[Paraphrase] 42. they hearing me acknowledge it to be done by thy power, in answer to my prayers, may by that be convinced that I came by commission from thee.

43. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

44. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with [grave-clothes,] and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

[Paraphrase] 44. See Note on ch. 19. g.

45. Then many of the Jews, which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

46. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.

47. Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, saying, [What do we?] for this man doth many miracles.

[Paraphrase] 47. It is not a season for us to sit still and do nothing, to permit this person to go on without interruption.

48. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him; and [note b] the Romans shall come, and [take away both our place and nation.]

[Paraphrase] 48. destroy both our Temple and Nation, our religion and government, and wholly enslave us.

49. And one of them named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,

50. Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.]

[Paraphrase] 49, 50. And Caiaphas put into the high priests office by the Procurator (see Luke 3. b.) made a speech, of which this was the sum, This is no time of consulting or considering at large what is just to do, in what way of justice to proceed with this man, We are to consider what is our interest, and 'tis a Politick maxim that we may do anything (be it otherwise never so unlawful) to keep the public from destruction.

51. And this spake he not of himself, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation.]

[Paraphrase] 51. This he spake in words that were a direct prophecy of what God had now designed should come to pass, not that he meant it in that sense, or thought at all of prophesying, but being in place of authority among the Jews at that time, he was a fit person for God to make use of, as his minister, to foretell the purpose of God, that Christ should die for the Jews.

52. And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.]

[Paraphrase] 52. And not for the Jews only, but that he might call all the Gentiles into the same fold, the same Church, all the servants of God, all that would receive the faith all the world over.

53. Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.]

[Paraphrase] 52. From that time they entered into a consultation▪ which they gave not over, till they had contrived it to have him put to death.

54. Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews,] but went thence into a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

[Paraphrase] 54. Hereupon Jesus did not publicly (see Note on ch. 7. a.) do anything among the people of Judea.

55. And the Jews Passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover [to purify themselves.]

[Paraphrase] 55. That they might be cleansed from legal impurity, from which till they were cleansed, they could not celebrate the Passover, and that all that were under any vow of Nazaritisme might timely perform it, see Note on Act. 21. 23.

56. Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves as they stood in the Temple, [What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?]

[Paraphrase] 56. This being that feast unto which everyone was to come to Jerusalem, and no excuse being sufficient for not coming, but that of invincible necessity, what can be conceived the reason why he cometh not up?

57. Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that if any man knew where he were, he should show it, that they might take him.

CHAP. XII.

1. THen Jesus, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

2. There they made him a supper, and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

3. Then Mary took a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly,] and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.

[Paraphrase] 3. Then Mary the sister of Lazarus, not Mary Magdalene (see Note on Luke 7. 6.) took a pound of the richest nard, a very costly ointment, (see Mar. 14. a.)

4. Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscarioth, Simon's son, [which should betray him,]

[Paraphrase] 4. who was the person that soon after this agreed to deliver him into the hands and power of the Jews,

5. Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

6. This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but [because he was a thief and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.]

[Paraphrase] 6. because he having the office of receiving all that was brought or presented to Christ, and being a covetous person, who purloined much to his own uses, conceived himself to be a loser by what was thus bestowed on Christ.

7. Then said Jesus, Let her alone: [ against the day of my burying hath she kept this.]

[Paraphrase] 7. she hath performed this as a fit ceremony to solemnize my approaching death, after which men use to be embalmed with perfumes and spices, &c.

8. For the poor always ye have with you, but me ye have not always.]

[Paraphrase] 8. And therefore this was a very seasonable charity in her, ye will have opportunities enough to show your charity to the poor, but this was the last opportunity she could have had of expressing it to me, who am suddenly to be gone from you.

9. Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there; and they came, not for Jesus sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

10. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death.]

[Paraphrase] 10. And seeing that Lazarus was apprehended by the Sanhedrim to be so dangerous a means to bring men to believe on Christ, upon consultation it was thought fit to put Lazarus to death.

11. Because that [by reason of him, many of the Jews went away,] and believed on Jesus.

[Paraphrase] 11. many Jews forsook the Judaical way of opposition against Christ, upon seeing that miracle of his in raising Lazarus.

12. On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

13. Took branches of palm trees and went forth to meet him, and cried, •••• na, blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.]

[Paraphrase] 13. Took palm branches (see Note on Matt. 21. a.) and solemnized his entrance into the city with the ceremonies of a Kings inauguration, acknowledging him to be the Messias (see Mat. 11. a.) and using the words of Psal. 118. 29. and styling him King of Israel.

14. And Jesus when he had found a young ass, sat thereon, as it is written,]

[Paraphrase] 14. At the same time also the disciples of Jesus fetching a young ass, and bringing it to him according to his appointment, he rode on it into Jerusalem, And so that other prophecy of scripture, Zech. 9. 9. was fulfilled in him also,

15. Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold thy king cometh sitting on an asses

[Paraphrase] 15. Now, O Jerusalem, there is matter of rejoicing to thee, for he that is now thy King, cometh in an equipage not of pomp and state, but of humility, as one that is likely to be author of all good to thee.

16. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.]

[Paraphrase] 16. These things at first his disciples understood not to be a completion of any such prophecy, till the coming of the holy Ghost upon them, after Christ's ascension, then they considered and remembered that that was now done unto him, which had been so long ago, so plainly prophesied of him.

17. The people therefore that was with him, when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.]

[Paraphrase] 17. At this time before the people's Hosanna's, those of the multitude that had been present at that mighty work of his, in raising Lazarus from the dead, freely made acknowledgement of it in Jerusalem.

18. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.]

[Paraphrase] 18. And that caused the people's coming out to him, v. 13. as to the Messias, whom alone they supposed able to do such a miracle, ver. 11.

19. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? Behold the world is gone after him.]

[Paraphrase] 19. Upon this the Pharisees said one to another, We are so far from having suppressed him by all our opposition made against him, that all men believe on him in despite of us. And therefore some other sudden course must be taken with him.

20. And there were certain [note a] Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast.]

[Paraphrase] 20. There were at this time some Gentile-worshippers, Proselytes of the Gates, which being not permitted to celebrate the feasts with the Jews, were yet come up to pray in the outward court of the Temple.

21. The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida in Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir we would see Jesus.]

[Paraphrase] 21. These living not far from Bethsaida in Galilee, and so having some knowledge of Philip, who was of that city, came to him, and besought him that he would help them to see Jesus, and speak with him.

22. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew, and again Andrew and Philip told Jesus.]

[Paraphrase] 22. Philip first consulteth with Andrew, and both together mention it to Jesus.

23. And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come that the son of man should be glorified.]

[Paraphrase] 23. Jesus did not refuse or reject these Gentiles from coming to him, but in general words intimated that the preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles was now shortly at hand, And in order to that, Christ should be rejected by the Jews, suffer, rise, and ascend to heaven, and then upon the Jews obstinate holding out, the Gospel should be preached to the Greeks, and all the rest of the heathen world.

24. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.]

[Paraphrase] 24. Assuredly my death, saith he, is a means of bringing more unto the falth, then my life would be, as it fares with corn put into the earth, which by that means dies, but arises with abundance of increase.

25. He that loveth his life, shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal.]

[Paraphrase] 25. And so in proportion it shall be with you, the venturing of your lives, and sticking fast to me is the thrivingst surest way of preserving yourselves.

26. If any man serve me, let him follow me, and where I, am, there shall also my servant be; if any man serve me, him will my Father honor.]

[Paraphrase] 26. If any man will be my disciple, (see Luke 8. a.) he must provide to suffer, as I shall. And if he thus keep close to me, he shall fare as well as I do, whatsoever he suffer here, be rewarded by my Father abundantly, (see Note on 1 Tim. 5. d.)

27. Now is my soul troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I to this hour.]

[Paraphrase] 27. I am not impassible, or subject to no affection, such as desire of life, &c. but in all these, just as you are. The apprehension of that which is now approaching is a great perturbation to me, Which way shall I turn me? shall I pray to my Father to deliver me from the danger, to rescue me from dying? But this was it for which I came into the world, that I might suffer, And therefore I shall not absolutely pray against that.

28. Father glorify thy name. Then came there [note b] a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.]

[Paraphrase] 28. No, this shall be my prayer, that my Father will so dispose of me, that I may do whatsoever it is that may most tend to the glorifying of his name in me. Upon his saying those words, there came a clap of thunder, and with it a voice from heaven audible, in these words, I have &c.

29. The people therefore that stood by and heard it, said that it thundered. Others said, An Angel spake to him.]

[Paraphrase] 29. And of the multitude there present some took notice of the thunder, with which that voice came, others of the voice itself.

30. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

31. Now is the judgment of this world, now shall the prince of this world be cast out.]

[Paraphrase] 30, 31. Upon this Jesus said to them, This voice from heaven came not to answer or satisfy me, but to convince you, and bring you to the faith, or assure you that my death shall tend to the glory of God, and bringing down of sin and Satan, ch. 16. 11.

32. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.]

[Paraphrase] 32. And I being crucified (see Note on Mat. 1. h.) will by that means bring a great part of the whole world to believe on me, Gentiles as well as Jews.

33. (This he said, signifying what death he should die.)

[Paraphrase] 33. (This speech Christ meant as an intimation not only that he should be put to death, but also what kind of death this should be, viz. crucifixion, which is an elevation, or 〈◊〉 to the cross, and an holding out the hands, as if it were to invite all to him, promising an hospitable reception. See 〈◊〉 .)

34. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law, that Christ abideth forever: and how sayest thou, The son of man must be lift up? Who is this son of man?]

[Paraphrase] 34. To this discourse about his death the people made an objection, that their Doctors had taught them out of scripture, Psal. 110. (so the word Law signifies, ch. 10. 34. see Note a.) and perhaps Isai. 40. 8. that the Messias shall endure forever, and never die, and therefore if it were true, what he said, that the son of man must be put to death, they could not guess what he meant by the son of man, sure not the Messias.

35. Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you: walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness, knoweth not whither he goeth.]

[Paraphrase] 35. To this he answered, I am not likely to stay long amongst you, here on earth, make use of me, the light of the world, while I am with you, or else you are likely to be left in the dark, in a blind unhappy condition forever; and do not, upon your traditions, persuade yourselves, that I shall always continue among you here, because I am the Messias.

36. While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.]

[Paraphrase] 36. I shall continue with you but a while, and therefore be sure ye make haste to learn sufficient for your whole lives to come, to get your directions complete, that you may live like Christians. When Jesus had said this, he went away, and concealed himself from them (at Bethany probably) for a while.

37. But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him.]

[Paraphrase] 37. All this did not effectually work on them, but though he had done all these miracles in their sight, yet they did not believe on him.

38. That the saying of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?]

[Paraphrase] 38. And thereby the prophecy of Isaiah ch. 53. 1. was fulfilled, which was to this purpose, How few are there that have been by all Christ's miracles convinced, that he is the Messias?

39. Therefore they [note c] could not believe, because that Isaiah said again,

40. He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart, that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, that I should heal them.]

[Paraphrase] 39, 40. That other prophecy also had not been fulfilled, had they not thus disbelieved him, wherein the just judgment of God forsaking, and bringing the punishment of blindness upon them, was pronounced by that prophet against the stubborn obdurate Jews, who by this means are likely never to be converted or pardoned.

41. These things said Isaiah, when he saw his glory and spake of him.]

[Paraphrase] 41. These things were spoken by that prophet in setting down a vision of his, when Christ's being on the earth was revealed to him, see Note on ch. 1. b.

42. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue.]

[Paraphrase] 42. Yet for all this, many of the rulers of the people, the members of the Sanhedrim, did believe him to be the Messias, such was Nicodemus ch. 3. 1. &c. But the sect of the Pharisees was of such authority and power in the Sanhedrim, and they were so violently bent against him, and all that received him, that as Nicodemus ch. 7. 50. and 19. 19. durst not come to him by day time, so the rest durst not make any public acknowledgement of their believing on him, for fear they should be reproachfully censured (see ch. 9. Note b.) and being rulers, be turned out of their dignities in the Consistory.

43. For they loved the praise of men, more then the praise of God.]

[Paraphrase] 43. For they valued their reputation with men, (especially their places in the Sanhedrim) their reputation with the Pharisees, that they were good Patriots, constant to their old way, more then the testimony of, or reputation with God himself, see ch. 5. 41.

44. Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.]

[Paraphrase] 44. The believing on me is nothing else but the believing on my Father, whose commission I have, and whose doctrine I teach.

45. And he that seeth me, seeth him that sent me.]

[Paraphrase] 45. And he that seeth my miracles, in them seeth my Fathers power, the works of miracles which I do, being wrought by my Father.

46. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.]

[Paraphrase] 46. I am sent by my Father to enlighten the world, to lead them, that will receive my doctrine, into all that is necessary for them to know for the ordering of their lives, so as will be acceptable to God my Father.

47. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, [note d] I judge him not: For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.]

[Paraphrase] 47. They that hear my preaching, and reject it, I do not mean to accuse them to my Father, to make any complaint against them, 'Twas not the design of my coming, to accuse any man, and so to bring any judgment on any, 'tis more agreeable to my design to rescue all out of their sins, and punishment due to them for sin.

48. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him; the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him at the last day.]

[Paraphrase] 48. The which will accuse, and condemn such an one, is, that what I teach and he despiseth, is the thing that my Father sent me to preach, and that on purpose to bring them to eternal bliss that receive and obey it, And the despising of that which was meant for his so great good, and came backed with authority and commission from God the Father, is an accusation which will be heavily charged on him at the day of judgment.

49. For I have not spoken of myself, but the Father which sent me, [he gave me a commandment what I should say, and what I should speak.]

[Paraphrase] 49. Every word, or part of doctrine taught by me, is by express commission of him.

50. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting:] Whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father hath said unto me, so I speak.

[Paraphrase] 50. And of this I am sure that obedience to his precepts, as they are now preached by me, is the only way to bring men to eternal life.

CHAP. XIII.

1. NOw before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come, that he should [note a] depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.]

[Paraphrase] 1. Now on the evening or first part of the Paschal day (see note on Mar. 14. c.) many hours before the time of dressing and eating the Lamb, which was the Paschal feast, Christ knowing that he should not live till then, and consequently that what he had to say or do to his Disciples before his departure, would most fitly be done presently, he thus expressed the constancy of his love, and kindness to them.

2. And supper being ended (the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him.)]

[Paraphrase] 2. When he was at supper, or, in supper time, (see v. 12.) (Judas having taken up that diabolical resolution of delivering up Christ to the Jews.)

3. Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God,

4. He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments, and took a towel and girded himself,

5. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel, wherewith he was girded.]

[Paraphrase] 3, 4, 5. Jesus knowing sufficiently the dignity of his person that he was the eternal son of God, that came from God, and was now near his time of returning to God again, and of taking possession of all power in heaven and earth, yet thus far humbled himself, He riseth from supper, and after the manner of a waiter, puts off his upper garment, and girt his other under garment to him, (see Luk. 12. b.) and poured out water out of the water pots or cisterns, (ch. 2. v. 6.) into a lesser vessel, usual for washing, And then he set himself in all humility, as a servant of the meanest quality, to wash the feet of his own disciples, and then wipes them with the linen cloth about him.

6. Then cometh he to Simon Peter; and Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, [dost thou] wash my feet?

[Paraphrase] 6. dost thou purpose to

7. Jesus answered and said unto him, [What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.]

[Paraphrase] 7. Thou dost not yet understand what this action of mine meaneth, but hereafter, when thou shalt discharge the office of Apostle in the Church, and consider wherein that dignity especially consists, viz. in serving those who are placed under thee, and in washing from them the sins and sullages of their earthly affections, which still are apt to remain after they are Christians, and must be daily washed off by the work of thy ministry, then thou wilt consider and discern, to what this action of mine emblematically tends.

8. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part in me.]

[Paraphrase] 8. But Peter would by no means let him wash his feet. Jesus therefore saith to him, That which is meant by my washing thy feet is so necessary to thee, viz. the purifying thy affections, that without it thou canst receive no benefit from me.

9. Simon Peter saith unto him,] Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

[Paraphrase] 9. Upon that saying of Christ he replies,

10. Jesus saith to him, [He that is [note b] washed, needeth not, save to wash his feet but is clean every whit; and ye are clean, but not all.

11. For he knew who should betray him, Therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.]

[Paraphrase] 10, 11. He that is washed all over already, needs no more washing, save only for his feet, which by the daily treading, that is, conversing on this earth, will be apt continually to gather sullage, which will need continual cleansing, And in like manner 'tis now among my disciples, The body of them is clean, but yet the feet are foul, viz. one base unworthy person among them, meaning Judas, the person that had now undertaken to deliver him up.

12. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

13. Ye call me Master and Lord; and ye say well; for so I am.

14. If I then your Lord and Master have washed your feet, ye also ought [to wash one another's feet.]

[Paraphrase] 14. to minister and serve, and do all offices of charity to one another, and to all that shall be under you, as you are under me, that is, to all believers in the Church, and labor to cleanse them from all their sullages, see v. 7.

15. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done unto you.]

[Paraphrase] 15. For what I have now done, is on purpose to show you, how you ought to behave yourselves in that authority in the Church wherein ye shall succeed me.

16. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater then his Lord, [neither he that is sent greater then he that sent him.]

[Paraphrase] 16. nor you my Apostles, that I mean to settle Governors of the Church, greater then I, from whom you have your commission, and by whom you are constituted.

17. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.]

[Paraphrase] 17. And woe be to you if you do not practice after this example.

18. I speak not of you all, I know whom I have chosen, but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me, hath lift up his heel against me.]

[Paraphrase] 18. But I expect not this obedience from you all, I know I have chose twelve Apostles, and the scripture is fulfilled of one of them, that though he be so near to me, as to be entertained daily at my table with me, yet he will do me all the mischief he can.

19. Now I tell you before it come, that when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. ]

[Paraphrase] 19. This I tell you now (see note on Mat. 23. k.) by way of prediction, that when my suffering comes, and may be apt to make you waver in your belief of me, your knowing that I foretold you it, may assure you that I know things to come, and the secret purposes of men's hearts before they show themselves in act, and from thence conclude that I am the searcher of all hearts, and withal that I am the Messias, to whom those prophecies belong.

20. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth me; and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me.]

[Paraphrase] 20. As for the offices of duty and task and humility which I assign you, v. 14. and now exemplify them to you in myself, you shall not want the comfort and reward of them; For you shall be considered by me (and so shall the reception and entertainment that men shall give to you) as I myself am by my Father.

21. When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.]

[Paraphrase] 21. At this time, as he spake these words, Jesus was much troubled, not only in apprehension of the approaching danger, but especially he was grieved to think of it, that any disciple of his should be so wicked and so unhappy, and told them openly and plainly that one of the twelve should be hired and undertake to deliver him up to the Jews to be put to death by them.

22. Then the disciples looked one on another, [doubting of whom he spake.]

[Paraphrase] 22. much perplexed to think that one of them should be guilty of such a villainy, and not being able to guess who it should be.

23. Now there was leaning on Jesus bosom one of his disciples whom Jesus loved.]

[Paraphrase] 23. And John, to whom Christ was very kind, the writer of this Gospel, was placed next to him at the supper.

24. Simon Peter therefore beckned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.

25. He then [lying on Jesus breast,] saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

[Paraphrase] 25. lying next to him with his head in Jesus bosom, v. 23.

26. Jesus answered, He it is to whom I shall give [note c] a sop, when I have dipped it: And when he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas Iscariot the son of Simon.]

[Paraphrase] 26. He it is to whom I shall give the next piece of bread, which I shall take out of the dish, or platter, and having given him that mark to know him by, he presently puts his hand into the dish, and takes out a piece of bread, and gives it to Judas Iscariot.

27. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.]

[Paraphrase] 27. And upon his receiving that piece of bread, (together with Christ's telling him distinctly of it, and of the horriblenesse of the sin and danger, Mar. 14. 21.) and his not yet relenting, the devil entered into him more forcibly then before, v. 2. and Luk. 22. 3. hurrying him to a speedy execution of his designs, (see the paraphrase on Luk. 22. 3, 4.) which Jesus knowing, said to him accordingly, What thou doest, do quickly, intimating that he was now hastening to do it.

28. Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.]

[Paraphrase] 28. This speech they that were at meat with him understood not, unless perhaps John to whom he had given the token, v. 26.

29. For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of [against the feast:] or that he should give something to the poor.

[Paraphrase] 29. See note on Mar. 14. c.

30. He then having received the sop, went immediately out; and it was night:

31. Therefore when he was gone out, Jesus said, [Now is the son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.]

[Paraphrase] 31. Now is the time come for Christ to suffer, and rise▪ and return back to heaven, by which means God shall receive glory in him, and consequently shall glorify him immediately.

32. If God be glorified in him, God shall also [glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.]

[Paraphrase] 32. Raise him from the dead, and exalt him to more power and dignity by reason of this his humiliation, And this shall be done presently.

33. Little children, yet a little while I am with you, Ye shall seek me; and, as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go ye cannot come, so now I say to you.]

[Paraphrase] 33. My beloved friends whom I look on as children suddenly to be deprived of their parent, I am now within a very little time to part from you.

34. A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.]

[Paraphrase] 34. And being now to take my last leave, I give you this special new command that from the manner and degree of my love to you expressed in venturing, nay losing my life for you, ye also learn and practice the same degree of loving one another, that is, that all Christians abound one toward another in all charity, and venture their lives for the good of others, especially for the propagating the Gospel, doing good to the souls of other men.

35. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.]

[Paraphrase] 35. This is the badge by which I desire you should be known from all other men of other professions, and religions, your living together in the strictest bands of love.

36. Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.]

[Paraphrase] 36. Peter not yet knowing what he meant ver. 33. asketh him whither he meant to go that they should not be able to follow him: Jesus answers him, that though he could not yet, he should ere long follow him, that the very death which Christ should now suffer, should be his lot hereafter.

37. Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will [lay down] my life for thy sake.

[Paraphrase] 37. venture, hazard.

38. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? [Verily, verily, I say unto thee, the cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.]

[Paraphrase] 38. As valiantly and resolutely as now thou promisest me, this I foresee of thee, that before the morning watch (or second cockcrowing, see note on Mar. 13. b.) that is, before three of the clock in the morning, thou wilt deny me three several times.

CHAP. XIV.

1. LET not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.]

[Paraphrase] 1. As your believing in God my father will afford you many privileges, and antidotes against worldly trouble, so will also your believing in me.

2. In my fathers house are many mansions; If it were not so, I would have told you; I go to prepare a place for you.

3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also]

[Paraphrase] 2, 3. In heaven there is room for you abundantly as well as for me, and so there is no need that I should tell you this truth (which otherwise I would have told you, and which would give you cause to rejoice, and not be sad at my departure) that my going is but as your harbinger to prepare for you, and when I have done that, then, as an harbinger, I will come back again, and meet you, and so introduce you thither, Act. 1. 11.

4. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.]

[Paraphrase] 4. I suppose you know the place to which I go, and the way which will bring you thither also.

5. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

6. Jesus saith unto him, [I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.]

[Paraphrase] 6. I am the true and living way, sent by my Father to direct all men to that way, wherein he expects and requires to be served, and there is no other way to come to the knowledge of his will, or the enjoyment of life with him, but by me, and the same way that I go before you.

7. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also; and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.]

[Paraphrase] 7. If you had thoroughly known me, who come only in my Fathers name, and to reveal his will to you, ye had also known my Father, who being invisible is no other ways to be known, but as he is revealed in me, and now (see Mat. 23. note m.) although ye never saw my Father, yet having seen and known me, who am his image, ye have both seen and known him.

8. Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.]

[Paraphrase] 8. Philip not considering the sense of that last speech, saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, And that one thing, the showing us the Father, will sure convince all without any other argument.

9. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, [Philip? He that hath seen me, hath seen the Father, and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?]

[Paraphrase] 9. I tell thee again, Philip, I am the image of my Father, and so he that hath seen me, and heard my doctrine, hath seen my Father, and knows his will also. And after this, this of thine is an impertinent unnecessary demand.

10. Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doth the works.]

[Paraphrase] 10. Let me ask you, do you not believe confidently, that whatsoever I do or teach I do by the Fathers, appointment, and that it is the power of him that acts in me? whatsoever I say or do, doctrine, or miracles, is of him; see note c.

11. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or else believe me for the very works sake.]

[Paraphrase] 11. Take my word for it, but if you will not do so, let my miracles demonstrate it to you.

12. Verily, verily, I say unto you, [He that believeth on me, the works that I do, shall he do also, and greater works then these shall he do, because I go unto my Father.]

[Paraphrase] 12. Those that have now been my disciples shall be able to do the same miracles that I do, Mar. 16. 17. nay greater, upon my sending down the holy Ghost upon you, shall speak with tongues, &c.

13. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that, will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.]

[Paraphrase] 13. And whatever miracle you shall in my name pray for power to do, that I will enable you to do, and so by the showing forth my power in you after my departure, glorify him who hath sent me.

14. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it. ]

[Paraphrase] 14. And of this be confident, whatsoever miracle you pray for power to do, and pray for it in my name, grounding your requests on this promise of mine unto you, and doing it in order to my service for the propagating of the Gospel, it shall be granted you.

15. If ye [note a] love me, keep my commandments.]

[Paraphrase] 15. Do but ye express the sincerity of your love to me by obedience to my precepts.

16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another [note b] Comforter, that he may abide with you forever,]

[Paraphrase] 16. And I will ask my Father, and when I am gone he shall send you the holy Ghost, who for the several parts of his office 1. to intercede as an advocate, 2. to exhort, 3. to comfort, is best expressed by the word [Paraclete,] which in Greek signifies all these three, and he, when he cometh, shall abide with you forever, not departing, as I now do, but continuing with you as long as you adhere and continue obedient to my precepts, v. 15.

17. Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.]

[Paraphrase] 17. This Paraclete is the Spirit of my Father, that shall lead you into all truth, Him carnal and worldly men (that value nothing but the visible pomps and powers of the world, they that have looked for a temporal glorious Messias,) shall make nothing of, because he is far from any part of that, he is not so much as visible to outward eyes, but only by inward effects, and so neither known nor valued by them. But by you, I suppose, and all true disciples of mine he is highly valued, therefore (see note on Lu. 7. d.) he shall abide with (not only come to) you, he shall forever continue among you, v. 16.

18. I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you.]

[Paraphrase] 18. Ye are my little children ch. 13. 33. and therefore when I leave you, I will have more care of you, then to leave you destitute, I will hasten to come unto you, as to so many young children deprived of their parent, though I am slain, and so depart from you, yet I will rise again, and give you the comfort of seeing me after my resurrection, see v. 18.

19. Yet a little while and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.]

[Paraphrase] 19. After a little space I shall be taken from this earth, where now I move, and so taken, that the impenitent unbelieving Jews shall never see more of my miracles, which have hitherto been so ineffectual among them, never see me again, (so as to take comfort or reap benefit by seeing me) but it is not my death itself that shall separate me from you, I shall rise from death, and appear to you after my resurrection, and from thence ascend to heaven there to live eternally; and as that shall be matter of great rejoicing to you (see note on 1 Thess. 3. 6.) like the joy of one that hath a friend returned to life again, or like the woman's joy after child-birth ch. 16. 21, 22. a wonderful reviving after your sorrow for my departure, so shall it be attended with all vital advantages to you, justification Rom. 5. 10. and eternal life hereafter.

20. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, [note c] and I in you.]

[Paraphrase] 20. And when I shall after my death thus appear unto you, and make good what I now promise, then shall ye be convinced (more perfectly then yet ye have been) 1. that I have taught nothing but what is the will of my Father, 2. that by your keeping close to that faith which I have taught you, my power and commission, which I have received from my Father, shall be communicated to you, Lu. 22. 28.

21. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me, shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.]

[Paraphrase] 21. And this I say to all obedient servants of mine, whosoever they are, not only to you Apostles; Every faithful lover of me v. 15. shall be loved of my Father, and from me receive that evidence of my love, I will effectually make myself known to him after my resurrection, either by appearing to him myself, or by the testimony of those, to whom I will appear.

22. Judas saith unto him, (not Iscariot,) Lord, how is it, that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?]

[Paraphrase] 22. Upon this Judas, one of his disciples, still looking after a present showing himself as a temporal Messias, asked him (see c. 7. 4.) what was the reason that he would not manifest himself to the world, as well as to them?

23. Jesus answered and said unto him, If any man love me, he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.]

[Paraphrase] 23. Jesus answered, The reason is, because the world doth not practice my precepts, which they that do, by that express their love to me, and have this reward from my Father, that he loves them again; and he and I reveal ourselves to such, and delight to dwell with such.

24. He that loveth me not, keepeth not my sayings, and the word which you hear, is not mine, but the Fathers which sent me.]

[Paraphrase] 24. But this is not competible to the world, who neither love nor obey me, nor consequently my Father, whose word it is, and not mine own, which I preach unto you.

25. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

26. But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost, which my Father will send in my name, he shall [teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.]

[Paraphrase] 26. expound to you all the obscurities of my speeches, as far as is useful to your office, see 1 Cor. 13. note i. and put you in mind of all which I have now said to you, how they are fulfilled, and what they meant; see Act. 11. 16.

27. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you; let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.]

[Paraphrase] 27. I take my leave of you, and do it again heartily and affectionately; and that in a special peculiar way from that by which the world uses to do it, They in civility, when they salute you, or take their leave of you, use the like forms, Peace be to you &c. but either do it formally and hearlesly, or else are not able to do anymore then wish it; but I who cordially love, and am able to express my love, will effectually give it to you. Be not either troubled with grief (see c. 11. a.) that I must be taken from you, nor fear what shall befall yourselves.

28. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you: If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater then I.]

[Paraphrase] 28. I told you v. 19. that I am to go away, and after a few days return to you again (see note on Act. 15. c.) and then return to my Father from whom I came. If ye were kind to me, ye would have looked upon it with joy, as on a means of dignifying me, for he that sent is, as such, greater then I who am sent by him, And so my returning to my Father must needs be the advancing me to an higher condition, then that which now I am in.

29. And now I have told you, before it comes to pass, that when it is come to pass, you might believe.]

[Paraphrase] 29. I have not told you all this to afflict you, but to arm you for the expectation of it, by foretelling it, and withal that your seeing my prediction fulfilled, may convince you, that all which I have said to you is true, and so make you believe on me.

30. Hereafter I will not talk much with you, for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

31. But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.]

[Paraphrase] 30, 31. I shall not now stay long or say much to you, for the Imperial power (of the Romans, whole Procurator Pilate was) and Satan himself shall join together with the Jews to destroy me, and when they do so, shall find nothing to lay to my charge, nor indeed have they power to do me any hurt, Satan, whose office it is to be God's executioner on sinners, finds no sin in me, so to punish, and so could not put me to death, but that in obedience to my Fathers will, I mean voluntarily to lay down my life. Arise from table, let us be gone, meet whatever comes, and, to show you how willing I am to lay down my life, let us go to the place where Judas waits to betray me, ch. 18. 3.

CHAP. XV.

1. I Am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.]

[Paraphrase] 1. And as he was going on the way, he said to those that were near him, John, &c. I am the true (see ch. 6. f.) generous fruit-bearing vine Jer. 2. 21. my blood as the blood of the grape shall rejoice the heart of God and man, Jud. 9. 12. And my Father who hath thus planted me in this world here below, hath the whole ordering of all that belongs to me, and every branch, every believer, every member of my mystical body.

2. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.]

[Paraphrase] 2. Every barren member of my body, (every unprofitable disciple or Christian) he proceeds to excision of, Everyone that is fruitful, he diligently pruneth, and useth all other probable means to render it more fruitful.

3. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.]

[Paraphrase] 3. You are already sanctified by the operation of my doctrine and spirit upon you, though you may need farther pruning, in order to that greater degree of fruitfulness, v. 2.

4. Abide in me and I in you: As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.]

[Paraphrase] 4. Do ye therefore take care by your obedience and constancy, that I may be so fastened in your hearts, that I may never be out of them, or be provoked to withdraw myself from you, For this presence of mine is absolutely necessary to you, to make you fruitful; As a branch cut off from the vine withers presently, is far from bringing forth any fruit, so he that falls off, or is, by my Fathers just judgment on him, broken off from me, deprived of that grace, which, as juice, is distributed to all the branches, as long as they are in the body, can never bring forth any good.

5. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.]

[Paraphrase] 5. He that adheres and keeps fast to me, and consequently I to him, he by the grace communicated from me to him, will be enabled to bring forth much fruit, he and none but he.

6. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered, and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.]

[Paraphrase] 6. If ye break off from me, and are by yourselves as branches separated from me, into whom you are engraffed by faith and obedience, ye straight wither away, and are fit for nothing but the fire.

7. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.]

[Paraphrase] 7. As long as you continue obedient to me and my doctrine, all your prayers shall be heard.

8. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, so shall ye be my disciples.]

[Paraphrase] 8. Your fruitfulness is that which alone brings inglory to my Father, and which denominates you truly my disciples.

9. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.]

[Paraphrase] 9. My love to you is like that of my Father to me, and that must oblige you to take care to do those things which are grateful to me, that I may continue to love you.

10. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Fathers commandments, and abide in his love.]

[Paraphrase] 10. And that will be secured by your constant obedience to my commands, as my obedience to my Fathers commandments hath secured me of the continuance of his love.

11. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.]

[Paraphrase] 11. These things have I largely said to you, that the comfort you have taken in my presence, may in my absence continue to you, and by the addition of that comfort of the Spirit, which shall come when I am gone, your joy may abound.

12. This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.

13. Greater love hath no man then this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.]

[Paraphrase] 13. No man can express greater love to his dearest friends then to adventure to die for them.

14. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.]

[Paraphrase] 14. And that I mean to do for you, and the benefit of that greatest kindness shall accrue to you, as to my choicest friends, if ye continue obedient to my doctrine and commands.

15. Henceforth I call you not servants, for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father, I have made known unto you.]

[Paraphrase] 15. And certainly I have long dealt with you as friends, far above the condition of servants, who use not to know their masters intentions, or counsels, or purposes, but only to do his commands, but I have received you as friends, and confidents into my bosom, to make known all my Fathers will unto you.

16. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.]

[Paraphrase] 16. And this I have done toward you by way of prevention, out of free undeserved kindness to you, and of my own accord, put you in this blessed course, enabled you to fructify, and bring forth abundance of fruit, to the honor and praise of God, appointed you to go abroad into all the world, and bring in an harvest of converts to heaven, which is a real and a durable fruit, and that which shall be advantageous to you also, devolve on you the benefit of having all your prayers heard by God, all your wants supplied by him, which you shall present to him in my name.

17. These things I command you, that ye love one another.]

[Paraphrase] 17. All this concerning my love to you I inculcate and repeat on purpose, as an obligation to you, that (as the most eminent way of return which I expect from you to all this) you live in charity one toward another.

18. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.]

[Paraphrase] 18. And if ye find by experience, that impious, and hypocritical worldlings do instead of believing, resist and persecute you, there is no reason that this should give you any discouragement, you are to expect that, and arm yourselves against it by this consideration, that such as these persecuted me before you, and so as I began in love to you, so I have had the first taste of the enmity, and hatred of the wicked men of this world.

19. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.]

[Paraphrase] 19. These men's opposing and hating you will be a comfortable symptom to you, that you are a peculiar people of mine, dignified above, and separated from the rest of men.

20. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater then the Lord: If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; If they have [note a] kept my saying▪ they will keep yours also.]

[Paraphrase] 20. And that you are likely to meet with such entertainment need not be strange to you, when you remember how oft I have foretold you of it, that you could not in reason expect any better treating, then I have met with before you: If they have persecuted me, in all probability they will persecute you also, and on the other side, you have no more reason to expect of the world, that it should receive your preaching, then that it should receive mine.

21. But all these things will they do unto you for my names sake, because they know not him that sent me.]

[Paraphrase] 21. All the persecutions that shall fall on you being upon the score of their not believing that God hath sent me.

22. If I had not come, and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.]

[Paraphrase] 22. If I had not done what I have among them, they might have had the excuse of ignorance, but now they are utterly without excuse.

23. He that hateth me, hateth my Father also.]

[Paraphrase] 23. I have done so much to evidence my being sent from God, that now the opposing me is a malicious resisting of my Father himself.

24. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.

25. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled, which is written in their law, They hated me [note b] without a cause.]

[Paraphrase] 25. By this is fulfilled that of the Psalmist Psal. 35. 19. they have opposed me, when they had all reason to have received and loved me.

26. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.

27. And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.]

[Paraphrase] 26, 27. But at the coming of the Holy Ghost, that pleader or advocate of my cause (see note on c. 14. b.) whom I will send from the Father, that Spirit, which proceedeth from the Father, and who by his coming will open men's eyes, and give them a right understanding of me, he shall maintain my cause against all opposers, by coming down on you shall give you assurance of my being sent from God, and by the gift of tongues shall enable you to convince all others, and shall constitute you witnesses of it to all, as being the fittest to do so by your having been eye-witnesses of all that I have done, having been with me at the first, and never departed from me since.

CHAP. XVI.

1. THese things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.]

[Paraphrase] 1. All this have I said to fortify you, that you should not be deterred from my service by the hazards which attend it.

2. They shall put you out of the synagogues, yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doth God service.]

[Paraphrase] 2. They shall remove you from their assemblies (c. 9. b.) and when they have done so, within a while, they shall think it not only lawful, but acceptable to God (and of the nature of a sacrifice, which propitiates for other offenses) to put you to death.

3. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, or me.]

[Paraphrase] 3. And the ground of their doing so, is the great impiety of their hearts (see c. 6. note d.) their not liking either the old commands of my Father, or those which I now bring from him.

4. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, you may remember that I told you of them. [And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.]

[Paraphrase] 4. Till this time that I am ready to depart from you, I did not think fit to say this to you, because whilst I was here, all the malice of men bent itself wholly against me, letting you alone.

5. But now I go my way to him that sent me, and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

6. But because I have said these things to you, sorrow hath filled your heart.]

[Paraphrase] 5, 6. But now as you come to be uppermost in this employment of revealing my Fathers will, the opposition will light on you. This departure of mine fills you with sadness, and you are so intent upon the sad thought of it, that you do not ask one question about the end of my journey, or about the benefit that may redound to you by it, and shall certainly do so.

7. Nevertheless I tell you the truth, It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the [note a] Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.]

[Paraphrase] 7. For let me tell you, the holy Ghost is not to come till after my departing, and his coming shall be of more advantage to you, then my staying would be.

8. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.

9. Of sin▪ because they believe not on me.

[Paraphrase] 8, 9, 10 11. And when he comes, he will plead my cause against the world, and lay against it all the three sorts of actions that are amongst the Jews usual in their courts, 1. He shall charge it with the crime of not believing in me, by the gift of tongues, &c. evidencing, that I, that am to be preached by that means, am indeed the true Messias, and so likewise by the fulfilling those predictions which now I give you. 2 ^d lie, He shall vindicate and justify my mission, and innocence, by my ascension to heaven, taking me away out of the reach of human malice, and rewarding my patience with his consolations. 3 ^d lie, He shall urge and work revenge upon Satan and his instruments who crucified me, and retaliate destruction back upon them.

10. Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more.

11. Of judgment, because the Prince of this world is judged.]

12. I have yet many things to say unto you, but you cannot bear them now.]

[Paraphrase] 12. Beside all that I have yet said, I have many things concerning the Christian law to reveal to you, which being so distant from the law of the Jews, wherein ye have been brought up, and for which you are so zealous, ye cannot yet receive or be patient of them, (see Orig. cont. Cels. l. 2.)

13. Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.]

[Paraphrase] 13. But when the Holy Ghost comes, whose title it is to be the Spirit of truth, he shall instruct you what is to be done, teach you the full of my Fathers will for the laying aside of the ceremonial external law of the Jews, freeing all Christians from that yoke, &c. For it shall be no private doctrine of his own, which he shall reveal to you, but either that which I have already taught, but you have either not observed or forgotten, or that which you are not yet, but afterwards to do (how you are to behave yourselves in the business of the Jews and Gentiles, when the Jews finally reject the Gospel, &c.) and which I have not yet revealed to you, as being not yet seasonable.

14. He shall glorify me, for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.]

[Paraphrase] 14. What he doth shall tend to the illustrating of me. For he being sent from my Father by me, shall in all things accord with me, and thereby appear to have his message from me, and to declare nothing to you, but what he hath from me.

15. All things that the Father hath are mine, therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.]

[Paraphrase] 15. And when I say this, I mean not so to appropriate to myself, as to exclude my Father, but because all things are common to me and my Father, and because all my will depends on the Father, and because 'tis my work wholly to attend the will of my Father, therefore whatsoever of this nature he shall reveal to you, I call that mine, and the revealing of this, his taking of mine and declaring to you.

16. A little while and ye shall not see me, and again a little while and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.]

[Paraphrase] 16. Within a while I shall for a time be taken from you, then again within a little while after that I shall be with you again before my ascension, for it is not possible for me to be held by death, I must arise and go to my Father.

17. Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me; and again a little while, and ye shall see me; and, Because I go to my Father?

18. They said therefore, What is it that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.

19. Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye [inquire] among yourselves of that I said. A little while and ye shall not see me; and again a little while, and ye shall see me?

20. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that [ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice; and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.]

[Paraphrase] 20. You shall have a time of mourning, and the world of joy, but your sadness shall be soon turned to rejoicing, and theirs ere long into heaviness.

21. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of her child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

22. And ye now therefore have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your hearts shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.]

[Paraphrase] 21, 22. Your sorrow at my death shall be like the woman's pangs of travail, but when it shall appear to you that my death doth but usher in my resurrection and ascension, as the pangs of travail do the birth of a manchild, then your sorrow shall vanish in the presence of this joy, which shall be a durable joy.

23. And [note b] in that day ye shall ask me nothing: Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

24. Hitherto ye have asked nothing in my name; ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.]

[Paraphrase] 23, 24. When that Spirit is come, he shall have taught you all things, satisfied all your doubts and ignorances, that you shall not need ask me anymore questions. After my departing you shall use a new form in your prayers to God which as yet you have not used, make your requests to him in my name, upon that score of your being my disciples, and my giving you this authority, and whatever tends to the fulfilling of your joy, to your real good, shall be granted to you.

25. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: the time cometh when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall show you plainly of the Father.]

[Paraphrase] 25. My discourse to you hitherto may have had some darknesses in it, which I designed on purpose, but the Holy Ghost shall set all before you plainly (see note on c. 7. a.) according as 'tis my Fathers pleasure to have things ordered in the Church, see v. 13.

26. In that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for you.

27. For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.]

[Paraphrase] 26, 27. And one benefit that by my ascension and the descent of the Spirit shall come to you, is, that you shall not need my offering up your prayers for you, but you may in my name offer them up to God yourselves, and God, out of his love and respect to those that believe on me, and receive me as the son of God sent from heaven to declare his will to you, shall grant all that you shall ask.

28. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again I leave the world, and go to the Father.

29. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou [plainly] and speakest no proverb.

30. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.]

[Paraphrase] 30. Now we discern that as thou knowest all things, so thou art pleased to reveal all saving truth evidently to us, of thine own accord, This convinces us that God sent thee, and that thou camest to reveal his will.

31. Jesus answered them, [Do ye now believe?]

[Paraphrase] 31. You speak a little confidently of your belief now, at a distance from danger.

32. Behold, the hour cometh, yea is now come, that ye shall be scattered every man to his own, and shall leave me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.]

[Paraphrase] 32. But the time is now at hand, that ye shall fly from me to your homes everyone of you, and so though ye believe on me, ye will not yet confess me, but forsake me, and, as much as in you is, leave me alone: But although ye forsake me, my Father will not, he will continue close to me, and acknowledge me even in death itself, yea and raise me up from death.

33. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.]

[Paraphrase] 33: This I have foretold you, that you may depend on me for all kind of prosperity, and, by consideration of my conquest over all that is formidable in the world, take courage, and hold out against all the terrors and threats of the world, and the sufferings in it.

CHAP. XVII.

1. THese words spake Jesus, and lift up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, [the hour is come, glorify thy son, that thy son also may glorify thee.]

[Paraphrase] 1. The time of my suffering is come, enable me to go thorough all that is now before me, ready to come upon me, and receive me up into thy glory, v. 5. that in the strength of my resurrection, the Gospel may be received, and believed in, over the whole world.

2. As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.]

[Paraphrase] 2. According as thou hast given me power of sentencing all men, condemning or absolving them, which power is to be instated on me at my resurrection, that I may give eternal life to all, whom thou hast to so given me, so inclined their hearts that they cordially and sincerely come unto me; see note on c. 6. d.

3. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.]

[Paraphrase] 3. And all that is required to make men partakers of this eternal life, is, beside the knowledge of the Father, the only true God, (together with obedience to his commands formerly revealed by him) the embracing Christ, and acknowledging his commission from the Father, (and him as the only true God also, 1 Joh. 5. 20.) and so receiving and observing all that is said and commanded by him.

4. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.]

[Paraphrase] 4. I have testified and proclaimed thy will here in this world, and so glorified thee here, and have done all, which thou hast appointed me to do by way of office or ministry here.

5. And now, O Father, glorify me with thine own self, with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.]

[Paraphrase] 5. And do thou now, O Father, deal with me proportionably, assume this passable, mortal, human nature of mine, wherein I have served thee, unto a participation of that honor and dignity and glory, which, before I took this nature on me, I enjoyed with thee before the foundation of the world, even from all eternity, see Phil. 2. 6, 9.

6. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me, and they have kept thy word.]

[Paraphrase] 6. I have made known thy will to those peculiar disciples, v. 18. whom thou wert pleased by thy grace to fit, and so to bring to me, to undertake my discipleship, and attend me in the nearest relation, who being servants of thine, have received my word, and obeyed it as thine, (see note on c. 6. d.) and served me in the publishing of it.

7. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me, are of thee.]

[Paraphrase] 7. These have cordially acknowledged that all that message v. 4. on which I was sent, was committed to me by thee.

8. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me, and they have received them, and have known surely, that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.]

[Paraphrase] 8. For that message by thee committed to me, I have committed to them, and they have received it, as that which in my name they will communicate from thee to the world, being sufficiently assured that my coming and preaching was all by commission from thee.

9. I pray for them; I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me, for they are thine.

10. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine, and I am glorified in them.]

[Paraphrase] 9, 10. I now offer up a prayer peculiarly for them, which I know are most precious in thy sight (praying for all believers v. 20. and at other times, though not now, for his very Crucifyers) and that

11. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.]

[Paraphrase] 11. And this, because now I am likely to leave them to hazards and persecutions, and whilst I am a leaving the world they tarry in it, Therefore, holy Father, I beseech thee, take them into thy tuition, and protect them in the discharge of their Apostleship, which after my departure lies wholly on them, keep all my disciples by thy power, (and by that declaration of thy will, which thou hast afforded me, by the Gospel, thy power unto salvation of all believers) from peril and defection, that they may live to teach and preach uniformly (all agreeing in the same) what I have taught them, in like manner as I have taught, (without any alteration) what I had from thee.

12. While I was with them in the world, I have kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.]

[Paraphrase] 12. All this while of my continuing among them, I have labored, by thy will to them, to confirm them, and also to preserve them from danger, and it hath succeeded well, of all those whose hearts were by thy preventing grace so prepared, as that they came to me and undertook my service (see note on c. 6. d.) none hath miscarried or fallen off (see c. 18. 9. and here v. 15.) but only that wicked traitor prophesied of, Psal. 109.

13. And now come I to thee, these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.]

[Paraphrase] 23. But now that I am to depart from them, I beseech thee, and express this request of mine publicly, while I am here, that that courage which I exhort them to, and that cheerfulness, in passing thorough all hazards, may, by their knowing that I thus pray for them, be confirmed in them, and that the joy, which my presence among them now maintains and holds up in them, may be continued to them completely, when I am gone, by remembering what I have now done for them.

14. I have given them thy word, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

15. I pray thee not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil.]

[Paraphrase] 14, 15. By receiving that doctrine which I have taught them from thee, they are sure to be persecuted by the men of this world, and all I beseech for them, is, not that they should be taken hence from preaching it to the world, but preserved constant in all affliction, that they fall not off from thee, nor miscarry in the approaching danger, (see v. 12. c. 18. 9.) but live to testify thy truth to the world.

16. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.]

[Paraphrase] 16. They will not be for the world to like or entertain, anymore then I have been.

17. Sanctify them through thy truth. Thy word is truth.]

[Paraphrase] 17. Be thou pleased therefore to set them apart, to fit them, and consecrate them for the preaching of thy truth, the Gospel. See v. 19. and S. Chrysostom.

18. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

19. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.]

[Paraphrase] 18, 19. For to this office and undertaking they are sent by me, as I was by thee, (see c. 20. 21.) therefore I intercede, and withal I offer myself up a sacrifice, for the consecrating of them, that they may do as I do, venture their lives in the preaching thy will, and by this offering of mine, as the ceremony of their consecration, be consecrated, or set apart for that function.

20. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word,

21. That they all may be one, as thou Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.]

[Paraphrase] 20, 21. And what I beg for them I beg also for all succeeding believers which shall by them hereafter be brought to the faith (and succeed them in the government of the Church) that they also may accord and continue uniformly in one faith and doctrine, that which I from thee have taught, and this by obeying our example, following the copy, which we have set them, by agreeing one with the other in all things, that so this agreement of all (thee, and me, and them) may be a powerful means of convincing the world that I am sent by thee, which the diyisions (and dissensions) of my disciples may bring into suspicion.

22. And the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them: that they may be one, even as we are one.

[Paraphrase] 22. As for my disciples (to whom he returns again, the 20 ^t h and 21 ^t h verses being included in a parenthesis, see c. 6. note d.) To this end I have furnished them with the power of working miracles (called the glory of God c. 11. 40. and the glorious things done by him Luc. 13. 13.) that they may preach this doctrine. Do thou therefore sanctify them also, that as I have been able to do whatsoever works of power thou are able to work, so they may be able to do also, through the presence of our power working in them.

23. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as hast thou loved me.]

[Paraphrase] 23. I working in, and enabling them, as thou dost me, that they may be thus sitted, and consecrated to their office, in being partakers of the same miraculous power, and through zeal to thy truth, confer all their endeavors to the propagating thereof. And this, as it may appear to be an effect of thy favor toward them, in like manner as it was to me, will be a means of convincing the world, that thou hast sent me, and in like manner them also, because such power can be had from none but thee.

24. Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me; for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.]

[Paraphrase] 24. And for all that thus sincerely come from thee to me, which from being thy servants come and receive, and believe in me, (see c. 6. note d.) obey my message also, for them I pray, that they may follow me to heaven, that they may manifestly see the honor wherewith thou hast magnified me, (an effect of thine infinite love toward me) before all eternity, and not look on me any longer as a mortal passable man, such as now I am, see v. 5.

25. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee, but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.]

[Paraphrase] 25. And yet for all this, righteous Father, the rulers and great men of the world do not acknowledge thee after all thy goodness to them, as appears by their not receiving of me, who am sent by thee: But as I have received the Revelation of thy will, known thy secret counsels, so, though the world have not, yet these disciples of mine, for whom I now pray, have been convinced, and acknowledge that I come from thee.

26. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me, may be in them, and I in them.]

[Paraphrase] 26. And therefore I have revealed thee, and thy attributes, and purposes to them, and will do so still; that as thou hast expressed thy love to me, so I may express mine to them, and enable them to work the same works, that I am able to work.

CHAP. XVIII.

1. WHen Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered and his disciples.

2. And Judas also which betrayed him, [knew the place:] for Jesus oft times resorted thither with his disciples.

[Paraphrase] 2. knew that to be the place where Jesus used to be, and where he would be found at this time.

3. Judas then having received a band of men, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with [note a] lanthorns and torches and weapons.]

[Paraphrase] 3. Judas therefore furnishing himself with a band of soldiers, and some of the ministers of the Sanhedrim, cometh to that place with candles and lamps, many of both sorts (which, though it were full moon, might yet be needful, by reason of clouds) and withal, weapons, to apprehend, when they had found him.

4. Jesus therefore knowing all things that should come upon him,] went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

[Paraphrase] 4. Jesus therefore knowing all that was done by them, and what was approaching to him,

5. They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also which betrayed him, stood with them.

6. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, [they] went backward, and fell to the ground.

[Paraphrase] 6. the soldiers, &c.

7. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

8. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he. If therefore ye seek me, [let these go their way.]

[Paraphrase] 8. let my disciples, all but myself, be dismissed, or not apprehended.

9. That the saying might be fulfilled which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me, have I lost none.]

[Paraphrase] 9. And by this means that speech of his (see ch. 17. 12, 15.) had another, beside the ordinary completion, that no one of his disciples was cut off with him.

10. Then Simon Peter having a sword, drew it, and smote the high priests servant, and cut off his ear: the servants name was Malchus.

11. Then said Jesus unto Peter, [Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?]

[Paraphrase] 11. This ought not to have been done by thee: shall I not suffer patiently, without resisting, what my heavenly Father hat ^h determined I shall suffer?

12. Then the band, and the captain, and officers of the Jews took Jesus and bound him,

13. And led him away to [Annas] first, (for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas) which was the high priest that same year.

14. Now Caiaphas was he which gave counsel to the Jews,] that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

[Paraphrase] 14. This was that Caiaphas, who spake those words in the Sanhedrim, as they were consulting about Christ, ch. 11. 50.

15. And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did [another disciple.] That disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.

[Paraphrase] 15. John.

16. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went [that other disciple which] was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.

[Paraphrase] 16. John, who

17. Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.

18. And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals (for it was cold) and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them and warmed himse.

19. The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.

20. Jesus answered him, I spake [openly] to the world, I ever taught in the Synagogue, and in the Temple, whither the Jews always resort, and in secret have I said nothing,

[Paraphrase] 20. publicly, before an assembly (see note on c. 7. a.)

21. Why askest thou me? Ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.

22. And when he had thus spoken, [one of the officers which stood by, struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?]

[Paraphrase] 22. One of the Apparitors or Serjeants that were there, thinking himself authorized to do it by the judgment of Zealots, struck Jesus, as one that had violated the sanctity of the high priest.

23. Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why smitest thou me?

[Paraphrase] 23. Jesus answered him, If there were any ill in my speech, accuse me and prove it; but if there were no crime in me, why dost thou strike me?

24. Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.

25. And Simon] Peter stood and warmed himself, they said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.

[Paraphrase] 25. And in Caiaphas's hall, Simon

26. One of the servants of the high priest (being his kinsman, whose ear Peter cut off) saith, Did not I see thee in the Garden with him?

27. Peter then denied again, and immediately the cock crew.

28. Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early, And they themselves went not into the judgment hall, [note b] lest they should be [defiled; but that they might eat the Passover.]

[Paraphrase] 28. legally polluted by being present among the heathen or Roman soldiers, which being a legal pollution would make it unlawful for them to eat the Passover.

29. Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring you against this man?

30. They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.

31. Then said Pilate unto them, [Take ye him and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, [note c] It is not lawful for us to put any man to death.]

[Paraphrase] 31. Do ye take him, and proceed with him according to your own laws. But they replied, You know that we cannot proceed in a capital matter, according as our laws require, the power of punishing capitally being taken away from us by the Romans.

32. That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.]

[Paraphrase] 32. Jesus had foretold that he should be lifted up or crucified, which was a Roman punishment, This prediction of his was now to be fulfilled, and to that tends the Jews saying, that the power of putting men to death was taken from them, and was only in the power of the Roman Procurator.

33. Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

34. Jesus answered him, [Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?]

[Paraphrase] 34. Dost thou ask this question for thine own satisfaction, or as a crime laid to my charge by the Jews?

35. Pilate answered, [Am Ia Jew? Thine own nation and the chief Priests have delivered thee unto me: What hast thou done?]

[Paraphrase] 35. Can I know what the Jews out of their books and prophecies expect and promise themselves? The Jews have laid this to your charge; that you pretend to be their King, What have you done to give occasion to this charge?

36. Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.]

[Paraphrase] 36. In answer to Pilate's question, v. 33. Jesus said, I pretend not to, nor aim at any earthly kingdom, If I did, I should engage my followers in a military manner to assist me as their King, and defend me from being delivered into the Jews power; but now by the contrary (as appears by the reproof of Peter ver. 11.) it appears that I do not pretend to any such earthly kingdom.

37. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a King them? Jesus answered, [Thou sayest that I am a King. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice.]

[Paraphrase] 37. It is as thou sayest, I am a King, I was born in human flesh to this end, namely to be a King, Luk. 1. 32. and for this cause came I into the world, (see note on c. 1. a) that I should testify the truth of God, therefore I testify this, and every servant of God is convinced of it, and accordingly receives and obeys me.

38. Pilate saith unto him, [What is truth?] And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

[Paraphrase] 38. What meanest thou by the truth?

39. But ye have a custom that I should [release unto you one] at the Passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

[Paraphrase] 39. set one prisoner at liberty at your entreaty

40. Then cried they all again, saying, [Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

[Paraphrase] 40. No by no means, but release to us Barabbas. This abbas was a robber. Barabbas was one that in an insurrection had been guilty of murder, Act. 3. 14. and was a robber also.

CHAP. XIX.

1. THen Pilate therefore took Jesus and scourged him.]

[Paraphrase] 1. Then Pilate thinking to satisfy the Jews importunity by inflicting this lighter punishment on him, appointed Jesus to be scourged, meaning, when he had done, so to release him, see Lu. 23. 16.

2. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe.

3. And said, Hail King] of the Jews: and they smote him with their hands.

[Paraphrase] 3. And saluted him as a mock-king.

4. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, [that ye may know that I find no fault in him.]

[Paraphrase] 4. And profess to you, that having scourged him I found nothing capital in him, or which may deserve farther punishment, or indeed any at all.

5. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe, and Pilate saith unto them, [Behold the man.]

[Paraphrase] 5. See him that ye accuse for taking upon him to be King of the Jews, these are all the ensigns of his dignity, You see he hath been scourged and reproachfully used, This may suffice for any fact by him committed, Lu. 23. 16.

6. When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him and crucify him, for I find no fault in him.

[Paraphrase] 6. When therefore those of the Sanhedrim, and the officers that attended them, saw him, they called to have him crucified; But Pilate professed he could find nothing for which to do it, and therefore they must do it themselves, if they would have it done, for he could not.

7. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he [made himself] the son of God.

[Paraphrase] 7. took upon him to be

8. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more [afraid.]

[Paraphrase] 8. afraid of passing any sentence against him.

9. And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, [Whence art thou?] But Jesus gave him no answer.

[Paraphrase] 9. What is thy stock or extraction?

10. Then saith Pilate unto him, [Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?]

[Paraphrase] 10. Wilt thou behave thyself thus obstinately toward me, who have it in my power either to put thee to death, or to free thee from it?

11. Jesus answered, [Thou couldst have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above, therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.]

[Paraphrase] 11. I am under no crime at all, in which thou mayst found the right of putting me judicially to death, and having the whole host of Angels at my command, I am also able to rescue myself out of thy hands; So that thou hast neither right nor power to inflict any punishment on me, were it not that God, who is my father, hath in his great wisdom, and divine counsels, for most glorious ends, to the good of the world, determined to deliver me up into thy power, to suffer death under thee. And this is a great aggravation of the sin of Judas, and the Jewish Sanhedrim, he to deliver me up to them, they to make thee their instrument to serve their malice, in crucifying me, not only an innocent person, but even the son of God himself. This they have had means to know better then thou, and therefore though thy sin be great, yet theirs being against more light, is much more criminous, and shall accordingly be more severely punished.

12. And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, [thou art not Caesar's friend:] Whosoever maketh himself a king, speaketh against Caesar.

[Paraphrase] 12. This speech of Christ's was so resented by Pilate, that from that time he was very solicitous to have him set at liberty. But the Jews clamours and threats overaw'd him, telling him that this Jesus was a stirrer of sedition, and disturber of the government, and if he did not put him to death, he should not perform the part of a Procurator of the Roman Empire.

13. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat, in a place that is called the pavement, but [note a] in the [He • rew] Gabbatha.

[Paraphrase] 13. Syriac

14. And it was the preparation of the Passover, and [note b] about the sixth hour:] And he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King.

[Paraphrase] 14. And it was the Paschal day of preparation to the feast of unleavened bread, and 'twas toward noon or midday.

15. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no King but Caesar.

16. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified: and they took Jesus and led him away.]

[Paraphrase] 16. Thereupon he passed sentence against him, according to the votes of the Jews, that he should be crucified, and the soldiers, v. 23. led him away to execution.

17. And he [note c] bearing his cross went forth into a place, called, The place of a scull, called in the Hebrew, Golgotha.]

[Paraphrase] 17. And a cross being laid on his shoulder, he was led toward a place called in Syriac Golgotha, that is, the place of a scull (but by the way they met Simon of Cyrene, and made him carry the cross part of the way.)

18. Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

19. And Pilate wrote [a title,] and put it on the cross, and the writing was, Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.

[Paraphrase] 19. the cause of his death, his accusation, see note on Mar. 15. b.

20. This title then read many of the Jews, for the place, where Jesus was crucified, was nigh to the city: and it was written [in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.]

[Paraphrase] 20. Syriac words, but Hebrew letters, and in Greek and Latin words.

21. Then said the chief priests of the Jews] to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews, but that he said, I am King of the Jews.

[Paraphrase] 21. Then they of the Jewish Sanhedrim said

22. Pilate answered, [What I have written, I have written.]

[Paraphrase] 22. The inscription shall not be altered.

23. Then the soldiers when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments (and made four parts, to every soldier a part) and also his [coat, now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.]

[Paraphrase] 23. under-garment (see Lu. 23. 34.) which was woven, all of one piece.

24. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rent it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be; that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and upon my vesture they did cast lots. [These things therefore the soldiers did.]

[Paraphrase] 24. This therefore was exactly, according to that prediction, done by the soldiers.

25. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mothers sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

26. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and [the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son.]

[Paraphrase] 26. John, he said unto his mother, John shall supply the place of a son to thee, to sustain thee, (see note on 1 Tim. 5. b.)

27. Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother. And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.]

[Paraphrase] 27. And to John, Deale thou with her, as with thine own mother; whereupon John took her home to his own house with him.

28. After this Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

29. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar, and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.]

[Paraphrase] 28, 29. After this, Jesus considering that all this while, or thus far, all the prophecies concerning him had punctually been fulfilled, to give farther occasion to the fulfilling that of Psal. 69. 22. he saith, I thirst. Or, seeing that now all was completed, save only that one particular prediction, he calls for somewhat to drink, knowing that, according to that of the Psalmist, they would give him vinegar, And accordingly so they did.

30. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished, and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.]

[Paraphrase] 30. And as soon as he had drunk of that, he said aloud, All prophecies are now fulfilled, as far as belongs to my life, and bowing his head, as in a gesture of adoration and prayer, he said, Father, into thine hands I commend my spirit, and so expired.

31. The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath day, (for that Sabbath day was [note d] an high day]) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and they taken away.

[Paraphrase] 31. Then the Jews, that the bodies of the dead might be quickly taken from the cross, and not hang there on the day following, which was the first day of unleavened bread (to which this day of the Pasch was the eve or preparation) and also Saturday, and so a feast and a Sabbath together.

32. Then came the soldiers and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.]

[Paraphrase] 32. The soldiers therefore according to appointment went to take them down, and lest there should be any life in them, and so being taken down they should run away and escape, they brake the legs of the two thieves.

33. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs.

34. But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

35. And he that [note e] saw it, bare record, and his record is true, and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.

36. For these things were done that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.]

[Paraphrase] 35, 36. And John the writer of this, testified the truth of it, and his testimony, though of a single witness, is worthy of belief, because he was an eye-witness, and the thing testified agrees with a prophecy, Psal. 34. 20. A bone &c.

37. And again another scripture saith, [note f] They shall look on him whom they pierced.

38. And after this, Joseph of Arimathea (being a disciple of Jesus, but [secretly,] for fear of the Jews) besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him leave; he came therefore and took the body of Jesus.

[Paraphrase] 38. Not following him openly,

39. And there came also [Nicodemus] which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.

[Paraphrase] 39. See ch. 3. 2.

40. Then took they the body of Jesus and wound it in [note g] linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

41. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new sepulcher, wherein was never yet man laid.]

[Paraphrase] 41. Now near the place of his crucifixion there was a garden, where this Joseph had a tomb (Mat. 27. 60.) which he had newly hewed out for his own use, and nobody had as yet ever been buried in it.

42. There laid they Jesus therefore, [because of the Jews preparation day,] for the sepulcher was nigh at hand.

[Paraphrase] 42. See v. 31.

CHAP. XX.

1. The first day of the week [cometh Mary Magdalene] early when it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulcher,

[Paraphrase] 1. Came Mary Magdalene (and divers other women, that had followed Jesus in his lifetime Lu. 24. 10.)

2. Then she runneth away and cometh to Simon Peter, and to [the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord] out of the sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid him.

[Paraphrase] 2. John, the writer of this Gospel, and told them, The body of the Lord is taken

3. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulcher.

4. So they ran both together, and that other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulcher.

5. And he stooping down and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying, yet went he not in.

6. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulcher, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

7. And the napkin that was about his head not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

8. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulcher, and he saw and believed.]

[Paraphrase] 8. And then upon his report John also, that other disciple which came before Peter (see ch. 1. c.) to the sepulcher, went in, and saw how the swathes and napkin were laid, and believed what Mary and Peter had told him, and was thereby convinced that he was risen.

9. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.]

[Paraphrase] 9. For as yet they were not assured by the prophecies of scripture that it was to be so, neither did they believe the testimonies of those that saw him risen, Mar. 16. 11, 12, 13, 14.

10. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

11. But Mary stood without at the sepulcher weeping, and as she wept, she stooped down, and [note a] looked into the sepulcher,

12. And seeth two Angels in white, sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet▪ [where the body of Jesus had lain.]

[Paraphrase] 12. of the tomb.

13. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

14. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.]

[Paraphrase] 14. And having said so, and received answer from the Angels that he was risen from the dead, and that she should go and tell his disciples &c. Mat. 28. 5, 6. Mar. 16 6, 7. Lu. 24. 6 she went from the sepulcher toward the place where the disciples were, Mat. 28. 8. and as she goes, (see note a.) she sees a person standing, which indeed was Jesus, though she knew him not.

15. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She supposing him to be the Gardner, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have born him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, [and I will take him away.]

[Paraphrase] 15. and I will carry him to his grave again, or provide some other burying place for him.

16. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself and saith unto him, Rabboni, which is to say, Master.

17. Jesus saith unto her, [Touch me not, for I am not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father, and to my God, and your God.]

[Paraphrase] 17. This is not a time for me to company with you, as I was wont, but I go to prepare a place for you in heaven, where you shall hereafter enjoy me.

18. Mary Magdalene came, and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

19. Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors [were shut, where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews,] came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

[Paraphrase] 19. doors of the room where they were together were shut, for the more secrecy to avoid danger from the Jews,

20. And when he had so said, he shown unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

21. Then said Jesus to them again, [Peace be unto you. As my Father hath sent me, even [note b] so send I you.]

[Paraphrase] 21. I take my leave of you (see c. 14. 27.) And do now give you the same commission to execute in the Church when I am gone, which my 〈◊〉 gave me at my coming.

22. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, [and saith unto them, [note c] Receive ye the holy Ghost.]

[Paraphrase] 22. And by that emblem signified to them the holy Ghost which should shortly come down upon them, (and thereby all those gifts of the Spirit of God, which should be necessary to fit them for the discharge of their office) Act. 2. 1. till which time they were to wait at Jerusalem, Lu. 24. 49.

23. [note d] Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.

[Paraphrase] 23. See Mat. 16. note h. and Tract, Of the Power of the Keys.

24. But Thomas one of the twelve, [called Didymus] was not with them, when Jesus came.

[Paraphrase] 24. otherwise called Didymus, which by interpretation signifies the Twin.

25. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, [I will not believe.]

[Paraphrase] 25. I shall not be persuaded that it is he.

26. And [ [note e] after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them; then came Jesus, the doors being shut,] and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

[Paraphrase] 26. the week after, the next week, that day seven nights, the disciples were again met at the service of God, and Thomas was with them, and when the doors had been fast shut for the more secrecy and security, Jesus again as v. 19. came in upon them.

27. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side, and be not faithless, but believing.

28. And Thomas answered, and said unto him, [My Lord and my God.]

[Paraphrase] 28. I acknowledge that thou art my very Lord, and Master, and that is an evidence to me that thou art the omnipotent God of heaven.

29. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed, [blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.]

[Paraphrase] 29. Thy faith would have been • more excellent, and more eminently rewardable, if without such demonstrative evidence, thou hadst believed, and so is their faith, who have believed without it.

30. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book.

31. But these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the [Christ,] the son of God, and that believing, ye might have life through his name.

[Paraphrase] 31. Messias.