John 10:31

From this to verse 39. We have a second encounter betwixt Christ and the Jewes, following upon the former. Wherein, they going to stone him, ver. 31. he upbraids them for dealing so with him, who had shewed them so many good works, verse 32. And they alleaging that it was not for his good works, but for blasphemy, ver. 33. He doth vindicate himselfe of that imputation, and sheweth that it was their duty to beleeve him, ver. 34, 35, 36, 37, 38.

In this verse we have the carriage of the Jewes upon the former answer given to them: They, not finding that advantage they expected, whereupon they might have delated him to the Romans; do take hold (as they clear afterward) of a pretext of the law against blasphemy, Lev. 24.14, 16. to condemne his doctrine, and thereupon do tumultuously take up stones to put him to death. Whence learn. 1. Whatever pretences persecutors have of a desire of plain doctrine, yet they will not get their malice hid, but will at last bewray that they cannot endure what they seem to desire; for, they who were so earnest (ver. 24.) to hear Christ speak out, are now enraged, when he doth speak. 2. Violence and fury are the strongest weapons of persecutors, and it is that only that may be expected of them, when Christ and his servants preach that which doth not please them; for upon hearing of the former doctrine, they are so abrupt, as presently they take up stones to stone him, and that without so much as telling the cause or pretence, till afterward, ver. 33. that Christ draw it out of them. In all which we may see how far the fury of men, in opposing truth doth outstrip the true zeal of the godly for truth. 3. As persecutors are incessant in their rage, upon all new occasions; so the Lord marks that it is so, and how often men do let loose their fury against his Sonne and servants; Therefore it is recorded that they took up stones again, after they had done so before, Chap. 8. 59. and at other occasions.