John 1:40–42

The next that is called, is Peter, whom his brother Andrew (one of the former two) finding, he declareth how he had found the Messiah, and bringeth him to him: And Christ promiseth to make him of a mean man, a prime beleever and instrument in his work, and giveth him a name answerable. Doctrine 1. Such as have gotten any knowledge of Christ, and are brought in to him, ought to be careful to invite others unto him: And albeit such as are unrenewed may be instruments of conversion to others (otherwise we should hear none in faith of a blessing to that Ordinance, since we cannot be infallibly certain of the conversion of any) yet such as are converted, will be most zealous that way, and ordinarily are most successeful; Therefore, doth Andrew, being now called, seek Simon, and bring him to Christ. 2. True grace sanctifieth natural affection, and maketh a man expresse it, by seeking their spiritual good to whom he is bound by nature; Therefore, Andrew seeketh his own brother, Simon. 3. God may by a weak instrument, call a man to Christ, who will prove a more excellent and notable instrument then himself; He may make mean ones instruments of good to very eminent ones; for, Peter, the great Apostle, is called by Andrew. 4. Kindnesse begins on Christs side, and his grace doth prevent the sinner; for, Andrew the instrument of Peters good, first findeth his own brother, which importeth he was seeking him, and did finde him before he dreamed of so good newes 5. Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah promised in the Old Testament, whom the Prophets and the godly looked for, so doth Andrew reckon, we have the Messiat, implied also that he and his brother had been of these who looked for him. 6. The finding of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, is good newes indeed, and the most excellent of purchases, as making the finder eternally happy; for, these are the good news that went among them, we have found the Messias. 7. It is the will of God that his minde in Scripture be not hid up in a dark language, but that it be made plain and intelligible to all who seek the way of salvation therein; Therefore, is the Hebrew word Messias, interpreted, the Christ, in Greek, in which the New Testament was written for the use both of Gentiles and Jewes, as being then a common language, so also ver. 38.42. 8. The titles and stiles given to Christ in Scripture are not to be lightly passed over, but pondered, what may be held out in them for our edification and comfort; And particularly, that he hath taken to himself the title of being the anointed one by the Spirit without measure, for the discharge of all his offices for the Churches good; therefore also is his name, the Messias, which signifieth the Anointed, interpreted in Greek the Christ, signifying the same. 9. Whatever is wanting in the light of Instruments pointing out Christ, will be made up if the hearer go to Christ himself; And faithful Preachers will not be at ease till they draw hearers to Christ, and hearers should be tractable when means are offered, and not rest up in any mans word, but go to Christ themselves; for, Andrew having little more to say, drawes him to Christ, and Peter goeth with him, he brought him to Jesus. 10. Christ doth perfectly know all that come to him, and what concerns them, and this he discovereth, that they may be encouraged to employ him in all exigents, and may walk before him as an heart searching God; Therefore, when Jesus beheld him, he said, thou art Simon, &c. At first view he lets him see he knew him. 11. Christ will welcome these that come to him, whoever were the instruments of their conversion, nor will he despite them for their outward mean condition; for, he welcometh Peter, though called by the private instruction of Andrew, as well as these who were called by John, and that albeit he was poor Simon the sonne of fisher Jona. 12. Such as come to Christ he giveth them a new nature, and admits them into his family as children; for, his giving him a new name, imports he was now a borne childe in his family, and he his Father. 13. Whatever dignity and excellency Christ conferre upon his converts, yet he would have them not forgetting what they are of themselves, that this may still keep them humble, and commend Christs grace the more; Therefore, with the promise he puts him in minde, that he is Simon the sonne of Jona. 14. As constancie and firmnesse in the truth and profession thereof in variety of times and trials, is a commendable excellency; so the dispensation of the measures of faith whereby professors are stronger or weaker, are in Christs own hand; And it is not onely beleevers duty to be firme, but Christs promise also, who undertakes to make them such so farre as he seeth it meet; for, the thing signified by this name, Sephas, or, a Stone is constancy as Peters excellency; and Christ by giving him this name, undertaketh to make him so. 15. The Lord doth not measure nor judge of his servants by their fits of weaknesse, but by the constant tenour of their way; And in great mercy, he giveth confirmations to his own, whom he is to try, that when their weaknesse appeareth, they may not lose hope; for, Christ calleth Simon, Cephas, or a fixed beleever, notwithstanding his slips that followed, and by this name would sore-arme him against discouragement therefrom.