John 1:37–39

From this to the end of the Chapter we have the calling of five disciples, not to the Apostleship, for that was afterward, nor yet simply by conversion, at least all of them, for some of them were Johns disciples, and beleeved in the Messiah to come; and Nathaneel was a sincere man: But to the acknowledgment and embracing of the person of Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah.

The first two wrought upon by Johns last testimony, are Andrew, as appeareth from ver. 40. and (belike) John, because he marketh the circumstances so punctually. They hearing Johns doctrine, are taken with it, and follow Christ. And Christ enquiring their errand, they declare they sought to him as their Teacher, and to have more acquaintance with him; Upon which they are warmly invited, and stay with him all night, learning excellent things, as appeareth from the effects. Doctrine 1. Small ordinances and few words may do much good, when Christ is pleased to breath, and that which hath no effect at one time, may yet be blessed at another; for, John, short testimony doth now work on all that were his hearers at that time, though we read of no effect the same doctrine more amply enlarged, had the day before. The two disciples heard him speak, they so heard now as their hearts were touched and drawn to beleeve. 2. As the doctrine of Christ, as a sacrifice for sin, is sweet to such as are trained in the school of repentance, as Johns disciples were; So this doctrine is the chief instrument of conversion: Whatever other divine doctrine men receive, it will but turne them Moralists, unlesse they also receive and embrace the doctrine of Christ crucified, and himself so held out in it, to make them Christians indeed; for, behold the Lamb of God, was the doctrine they heard him speak, which wrought upon them. 3. Such as do rightly hear Christ preached, will never get rest till they attaine to some more acquaintance with himself; The heart touched by the Word, is set on work to follow after and seek communion with him, and for this end, will misse and follow after him, never resting till they get him; So much are we taught by these disciples practice, they heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 4. Christ taketh notice, and knoweth wel-enough who they are that follow him, although his back seeme to be toward them; for, his turning, and seeing them follow, importeth, that he knew they were behinde him. 5. Albeit Christ seeme to go away from these who follow him, and let them follow awhile that so he may stirre them up, and exercise and discover their faith the more: Yet ere all be done, he will turn and manifest himself unto them: so much are we taught by this practice, Jesus turned and saw them following. 6. Such as follow Christ would very seriously try and enquire their end in so doing; Whether it be ease and outward things, or spiritual ends; Whether himself, or his gifts; and, What estimation they have of him, if they be seeking himself; And before they do this, and be single in their aime, they will not finde Christs sweet entertainment. Therefore, Christ at first propoundeth this Question, What seek ye? as needful to be answered, and till then he keeps a distance. 7. One right end of seeking to Christ, is, out of the sense of our ignorance and errours, to employ him to be our souls Master and Teacher, who can infallibly and effectually instruct. So much may be gathered from that title they give him; They say unto him, Rabbi, which is to say being interpreted, Master, or, Teacher. 8. Such as have any sound knowledge of Christ will use meanes to be more acquainted with him; And such as come to him for right ends will not have soone done their errands with him, nor get enough of him; So much is imported in their answer; Where dwellest thou? as minding to have more familiar acquaintance with him, then to get a little information by the way onely. 9. Such as seek Christ for himself, will get warme invitations and entertainment from him at last; And as they are not willing to have soone done with Christ, so he will finde meanes to hold them on with him; for, be saith unto them, come and see, he doth not tell them, that they might come when they liked, but draweth them along with him: And if we take it up spiritually, it imports, That his sincere followers will be made to know by experience the place where his honour dwelleth, by tasting of the blessing of publick Ordinances, till they come to dwell with him for ever. And, That they can better take up these things by seeing and experience, then by any report. 10. When Christ giveth invitations, it is wisdome in his people to embrace the offer, and not to sit their time, when either the Word, or the lively operation of the Spirit with it, is calling and alluring their hearts; for, upon his call, they came and saw where he dwelt 11. Such as follow Christs call, may not onely get what good they expect, but his providence may cast unexpected benefits in their way; for, they abode with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour, or, (according to the Jewes calculation, who divided every day into twelve hours, which therefore were longer in Summer, and shorter in winter) two hours before night. They came onely to know the place of his abode, but providence ordered, that they got a nights lodging with him, that they might learn more of him.