In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Ver. 1. _In the beginning_] Here this heavenly eagle, John the Divine, soars at first out of sight (ο θεολογος κατ εξοχην). Here doth God _detonate ab alto, _ thunder from on high, saith Calvin. St Austin stands amazed... [ Continue Reading ]
The same was in the beginning with God. Ver. 2. _The same was in the beginning_] In the instant of creation, as Genesis 1:1, therefore also before the creation, therefore from eternity, Eph 1:4; 1 Peter 1:10; Proverbs 8:22,23. _a_ "The Lord possessed me" (saith Christ, the essential Wisdom of God t... [ Continue Reading ]
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Ver. 3. _All things were made by him_] So he was not idle with the Father (though he were his darling, sporting always before him, Pro 8:30), but by him, as by a principal efficient and co-agent with the Father and t... [ Continue Reading ]
In him was life; and the life was the light of men. Ver. 4. _In him was life_] As he created, so he quickeneth and conserveth all, being the Prince and principle of life, Acts 3:15; both of natural life, Acts 17:28; (the heathen could say as much), _a_ and of spiritual, 1 John 5:12. Hence his membe... [ Continue Reading ]
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. Ver. 5. _And the light shineth_] The light both of nature and of Scripture. The former is but a dim half-light, a rush candle, that will light a man but into utter darkness. The latter is a clear thorough light: the commandmen... [ Continue Reading ]
There was a man sent from God, whose name _was_ John. Ver. 6. _There was a man sent from God_] As he ran not, till sent,Jeremiah 23:32. St Paul holds it not only for incredible, but for impossible, that men should preach that are not sent, Romans 10:15. So he declined not his ambassage, as did Jona... [ Continue Reading ]
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all _men_ through him might believe. Ver. 7. _The same came for a witness_] This he performed with a witness, _verbis non solum disertis, sed et exertis._ He witnessed plainly and plentifully, with a clear and punctual pronunciation, p... [ Continue Reading ]
He was not that Light, but _was sent_ to bear witness of that Light. Ver. 8. _He was not that light_] As some sinisterly conceited, which therefore occasioned that most necessary digression, John 1:6,10, and drew afterwards, from the Baptist himself, that most vehement profession, John 1:20; "He co... [ Continue Reading ]
_That_ was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. Ver. 9. _Which lighteth every man, &c._] Or, that coming into the world, lighteth every man; all, with the light of reason,Job 35:11; his own, with a supernal and supernatural light (to know heavenly things is to ascend... [ Continue Reading ]
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. Ver. 10. _He was in the world_] Here the evangelist goes on where he left: resumes, and proceeds in his former argument, John 1:5 . _ And the world was made by him_] This is the second time here set forth, and reinforc... [ Continue Reading ]
He came unto his own, and his own received him not. Ver. 11. _He came unto his own_] His peculiar picked people; as "touching the election, beloved for the Father's sake," Romans 11:28; (ownness makes love), though the more he loved the less he was beloved. This may be the best man's case,2 Corinth... [ Continue Reading ]
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, _even_ to them that believe on his name: Ver. 12. _To them he gave power_] Or, privilege preferment, prerogative royal, heavenly honour, ουρανιαν τιμην, as Nonnus here rendereth it, and fitly. For if sons, then heirs,Roma... [ Continue Reading ]
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Ver. 13. _But of God_] Whose sons therefore they are, and so "higher than the kings of the earth," Psalms 89:27, as those that prolong the days of Christ upon earth, being begotten by the travail of his... [ Continue Reading ]
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Ver. 14. _And the Word was made flesh_] Put himself into a lousy, leprosy suit of ours, to expiate our pride and robbery, in reaching after the Deity... [ Continue Reading ]
John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. Ver. 15. _John cried, saying_] He entered upon his calling in the year of Jubilee, which was wont to be published by the voice of a crier, with the sound o... [ Continue Reading ]
And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. Ver. 16. _Of his fulness_] Which is both repletive and diffusive; not only of plenty, but of bounty; not a fulness of abundance only, but of redundance too. In Christians is _plenitudo vasis; _ abundance of vessels, but in Christ, _fonti... [ Continue Reading ]
For the law was given by Moses, _but_ grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Ver. 17. _For the law, &c._] _Lex iubet, gratia iuvat. Petamus ut det, quod ut habeamus iubet, _ The law command, grace assists. Let us ask that he may give, that we have what he commands, saith Augustine. We have his promi... [ Continue Reading ]
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared _him_. Ver. 18. _The only begotten Son_] In the year of grace 1520, Michael Servetus, a Spaniard, taught that there is no real generation or distinction in God, and was therefore worthily... [ Continue Reading ]
And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? Ver. 19. _Jews sent priests_] Whose proper office it was to inquire into new doctrines, and by preserving, to present knowledge to the people, who were to "seek the law at the priest's mo... [ Continue Reading ]
And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. Ver. 20. _He confessed and denied not, but confessed_] Sincerely and studiously; he put away that honour with both hands earnestly, as knowing the danger of wronging the jealous God in his glory, that is as his wife. All the fat... [ Continue Reading ]
And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Ver. 21. _Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not_] _sc._ That Elias that you imagine, Elias the Tishbite, by a transanimation (μετεμψυχωσις Pythagorica). As neither was he an angel, as... [ Continue Reading ]
Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? Ver. 22. _Who art thou? that we may give answer_] They would not be soon said or satisfied. How much more should God's messengers go through stitch with their errand and ambassage; b... [ Continue Reading ]
He said, I _am_ the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. Ver. 23. _I am the voice of one crying_] Christ spake not a word to Herod, saith one; because Herod had taken away this voice of his in beheading the Baptist. _See Trapp on "_ M... [ Continue Reading ]
And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. Ver. 24. _Were of the Pharisees_] Men of renown in the congregation, for more authority' sake: and such as by their office were to inquire into new doctrines and their authors.... [ Continue Reading ]
And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? Ver. 25. _Why baptizest thou then?_] Why dost thou innovate anything in the rites of religion? A change they looked for under the Messiah, and had learned it out of Jeremiah... [ Continue Reading ]
John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; Ver. 26. _I baptize with water_] The Baptist here meaneth the same that St Paul doth, 1 Corinthians 3:6,7. _See Trapp on "_ Mat 3:11 _"_ Christ rains down righteousness upon all his baptized; to wh... [ Continue Reading ]
He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. Ver. 27. _I am not worthy_] Yet Christ held him worthy to lay his hand upon his head in baptism. And there is one that tells us (but who told him?) that for his humility on earth, he is preferred... [ Continue Reading ]
These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. Ver. 28. _In Bethabara_] That is, by interpretation, the place of passage, or _traiectum, _ where Israel passed over Jordan. So the acts of Joshua and Jesus begin both at a place. Baptism also is first administered where i... [ Continue Reading ]
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. Ver. 29. _Taketh away_] Or, that is taking away, ο αιρων, by a perpetual act, as the sun doth shine, as the spring doth run,Zechariah 13:1. This should be as a perpetual picture... [ Continue Reading ]
This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. Ver. 30. _Preferred before me, for he was before me_] Much ado the Baptist had to persuade this, the common did so admire him for his strict and holy life; for John did no miracle, John 10:41. Holin... [ Continue Reading ]
And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. Ver. 31. _And I knew him not_] By face not at all; lest the people should think that this was done and said by consent or compact beforehand between them. Nor did John ever know Christ so fu... [ Continue Reading ]
And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. Ver. 32. _See Trapp on "_ Mat 3:16 _"_ _See Trapp on "_ Mar 1:10 _"_... [ Continue Reading ]
And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. Ver. 33. _And I knew him not_] _i.e._ Not so perfectly till I heard that testimony from hea... [ Continue Reading ]
And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. Ver. 34. _Aud I saw and bare record_] They that would persuade others, must be strongly persuaded themselves ("We believed, therefore have we spoken," 2 Corinthians 4:13; and "knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men," 2Co 5:1... [ Continue Reading ]
Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; Ver. 35. _John stood_] Ready pressed to preach Christ, as Paul did at Athens in the market, to every one that met with him, Acts 17:17. Christ must be preached in season, out of season, _volentibus, nolentibus._ If the Cynics thought it... [ Continue Reading ]
And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! Ver. 36. _Behold the Lamb of God_] _Eximius ille agnus et singularis, _ that notable Lamb, typed out by the paschal lamb, and by that lamb that was the daily morning and evening sacrifice in the temple; that Lamb without blemish... [ Continue Reading ]
And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Ver. 37. _And they followed Jesus_] So powerful is a word or two (many times) touching Christ and his cross to change the heart. Paul showeth that the very report of his bonds did a great deal of good in Caesar's court, Philippians 1:1... [ Continue Reading ]
Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? Ver. 38. _What seek ye_] He saith still in effect as much as all this to all his suitors; and infinitely scorns that it should... [ Continue Reading ]
He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. Ver. 39. _Come and see_] A most gracious invitation. That self-seeking scribe, Matthew 8:19, met with far other entertainment. Let men bring to Jesus Christ but lawful p... [ Continue Reading ]
One of the two which heard John _speak_, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. Ver. 40. _One of the two_] See here how mean and slender the Catholic Church was at first. Two poor men only follow Christ, who yet had the promise of the "heathen for his inheritance, and the uttermost pa... [ Continue Reading ]
He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. Ver. 41. _He first findeth_] Yet afterwards Peter outstripped Andrew in faith and forwardness for Christ; as likewise Luther did Staupicius, &c. So the first become last,... [ Continue Reading ]
And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. Ver. 42. _Cephas, which is by interpretation a stone_] Not a head, as some Popish buzzards would needs have it (not knowing a difference... [ Continue Reading ]
The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Ver. 43. _Follow me_] Together with Christ's word there went out a power. His words are operative and efficacious. This Porphyry the atheist, and Julian the Apostate, understood not; and therefor... [ Continue Reading ]
Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Ver. 44. _Now Philip was of Bethsaida_] So was Andrew and Peter, who would not be wanting to preach to this town, and pray for it. But all in vain; whence that, "Woe unto thee, Bethsaida,"Matthew 11:21. Christ would not suffer so much as th... [ Continue Reading ]
Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. Ver. 45. _Philip findeth Nathanael_] Whom some make to be the same with Bartholomew. I affirm nothing. _ We have found_] The Greek word impo... [ Continue Reading ]
And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Ver. 46. _Can there any good, &c._] When men take a toy in their heads against a place or person, they are ready to reason in this manner. Good Nathanael was in the common error, as was... [ Continue Reading ]
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Ver. 47. _Behold an Israelite, &c._] Here Christ wondereth at his own work of renovation, as wonderful, doubtless, as that of creation. Or the upright person hath here an _ecce_ behold, for imitati... [ Continue Reading ]
Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Ver. 48. _Before that Philip, &c._] Christ thinks of us when we little think of him. SeeRomans 5:10 .... [ Continue Reading ]
Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. 50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. Ver. 50. _Thou shalt see greater things_] Stra... [ Continue Reading ]
And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man. Ver. 52. _Upon the Son of man_] The Jacob's ladder, the bridge that joineth heaven and earth together, γεφυρωσας, as Gregory hath it.... [ Continue Reading ]