John 8:56

rejoiced to see my day Literally, exulted that he might see My day, the object of his joy being represented as the goal to which his heart is directed. This is a remarkable instance of S. John's preference for the construction expressing a purpose, where other constructions would seem more natural. Comp. John 4:34; John 4:47; John 6:29; John 6:50; John 9:2-3; John 9:22; John 11:50; John 16:7. Abraham exulted in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah through implicit belief in the Divine promises.

and he saw it, and was glad A very important passage with regard to the intermediate state, shewing that the soul does not, as some maintain, remain unconscious between death and the Day of Judgment. The Old Testament saints in Paradise were allowed to know that the Messiah had come. Howthis was revealed to them we are not told; but here is a plain statement of the fact. The word for -was glad" expresses a calmer, less emotional joy than the word for -rejoiced," and therefore both are appropriate: -exulted" while still on earth; -was glad" in Hades. Thus the -Communion of Saints" is assured, not merely in parables (Luke 16:27-28), but in the plainer words of Scripture. Comp. Hebrews 12:1.