PART IV. (F.) VI. THE PAUSE BETWEEN CHRIST’S PUBLIC MINISTRY AND HIS PASSION _The Mustering of the Opposing Forces of Light and Darkness_ 1. The anointing at Bethany, as an expression of love and gratitude to Christ, and as at the same time an anticipation of His death (John 12:1). 2. As a contra... [ Continue Reading ]
_EXPLANATORY AND CRITICAL NOTES_ John 12:1. See Homiletic Note, p. 341. John 12:2. The Synoptists inform us that it was in the house of Simon the leper (Matthew 26:6; Mark 14:3). It has been suggested that Simon was a relative of the family of Lazarus, or that Martha was the wife of Simon. There is... [ Continue Reading ]
_EXPLANATORY AND CRITICAL NOTES_ John 12:9. MUCH PEOPLE, ETC.—Not our Lord’s enemies, but members of the pilgrim bands and friendly neighbours from the city. John 12:10. BUT THE CHIEF PRIESTS, ETC.—They saw that now it would not be sufficient to put Jesus only to death. Witnesses to His power woul... [ Continue Reading ]
_EXPLANATORY AND CRITICAL NOTES_ John 12:20. Certain Greeks coming with a desire to see Him gave our Lord an opportunity of pointing to His atoning work as the hope of salvation for all men, _i.e._ the world. John 12:20. GREEKS.—Ἑλληνες, not simply Grecian Jews (Acts 6:1). They were most likely “p... [ Continue Reading ]
_EXPLANATORY AND CRITICAL NOTES_ John 12:37. The Evangelist’s statement of the causes of Jewish unbelief, and of the timidity of many who believed, which prevented them confessing Christ. John 12:37. τοσαῦτα, “SO MANY,” to be distinguished from τοιαῦτα, “so great” (Reynolds, etc.). John 12:38. RE... [ Continue Reading ]