John 10:19–21

The fourth and last particular in this part of the Chapter is, the effects or consequents of this Sermon among the people; who are again divided in opinion about him, verse 19. Many of them do calumniate him, as one possessed and mad, and therefore not to be heard, verse 20. and others do maintain that his doctrine and the late miracle do sufficiently refute such a calumny, verse 21. Whence learn, 1. Christs doctrine will not want its own effect or operation among hearers, be what they will; for, here all of them are put to some exercise about these sayings. 2. It is not to be expected that Christs doctrine will have alike effects in all; but as it gains ground on some, so others will harden themselves the more that they are dealt with: As here we see, in these different opinions about him and his doctrine. 3. Christs doctrine, meeting with diversity of dispositions, is ordinarily an occasion of division or schisme, by reason of the perverse obstinacy of some in opposing the truth, which others must maintaine; for, There was a division (or, schisme) therefore, among the Jewes for these sayings. This is neither to be imputed to the doctrine, nor yet to the maintainers of truth; For it is but mens corruptions which oppose true doctrine, and the friends of truth ought to reckon, that division is better than agreement in evill. 4. As Christs Doctrine ordinarily findes wicked men as they were, if not worse; So he marks how often they relapse in the same opposition to him and his truth: For these causes it is marked that there was a division again, after the former debates of this kinde, Chap. 7. 43. and 9. 16. to shew, that they were still the same, and that he marked that it was so. 5. When divisions and schismes fall forth about Christ and his doctrine, it is no strange thing to see the most part joyne on the wrong side of the contraversie; for, there are many of them who calumniate him, and but others, or, few only, who take his part. 6. Opposers of Christ and his truth are ordinarily so possessed with prejudice and malice, that they will not so much as hear him, nor can they endure that others should hear him patiently; for, say they, Why hear ye him? 7. The strongest arguments that prejudicate malice hath against Christ and his truth, are, calumnies against him and it, and the carriers thereof; for, this is their argument, He hath a devil, and (which explains the former) is mad, and therefore ought not to be heard. 8. Malice is so prejudicate and blinded, that no reason may be expected from those who are possessed with it; But they will most unjustly and obstinately calumniate, if it were even Christ himselfe; for, albeit he came to destroy the works of Satan, and is the Wisdome of the Father, yet, say they, He hath a devill, and is mad. And albeit they had often reproached him with this, Chap 7. 20. and 8. 48. and Christ had [refuted] it, yet they still cast it up again. 9 Let malice be never so prejudged and violent, yet Christ will still get some to justifie him and his doctrine; for there are others who contradict this. 10. Christs doctrine and works are sufficient to plead for him, and to refute adversaries, even to their face; for, they put it home against those malicious men, These are not the words of him that hath a divel: Can a divel open the eyes of the blind? 11. Such as would own Christ, especially in a time of opposition, ought to study his doctrine and works, so as the esteem of his Word in the first place; Therefore do they begin at that, These are not the words of him that hath a devil, and then the commendation of his work followeth, can a devil open the eyes of the blind?