John 15:21

The fourth Argument of consolation is taken from the goodnesse of the cause of their sufferings, as being for his Names sake. Which is further amplified from the cause of the worlds violence on that quarrel; to wit, their ignorance of God who sent him, and consequently of the wise contrivance of the mystery of Redemption. Whence learn, 1. The godly, and particularly, faithful Ministers ought to expect trial from the world, in great multiplicity and variety; Therefore, saith he, All these things will they do unto you, pointing chiefly to that opposition both against their persons and doctrine, v. 20. 2. It is the duty of beleevers, and particularly, of faithful Ministers, to own and avow the Name of Christ, his truth and glory, whatever befal them; for, their suffering for his Names sake, importeth that they stand for it. 3. The great quarrel of the world against beleevers, is, for the Name of Christ; And as when the world was heathenish, this quarrel was avowed: so however now some other thing be pretended, yet it is the quarrel still; for, All these things will they do unto you for my Names sake. 4. A good cause may make suffering for it, easie, when we consider our mercy to be honoured to be for Christ; and that we have so much sin and guilt, as might draw on more uncomfortable exercise; for it is an encouragement here, that they will do these things unto you for my Names sake. See Acts 5.41. 5 None do oppose the doctrine of the Gospel in the mouths of Christs servants, or do persecute them for its sake, but they bewray their grosse ignorance thereof, and of God and Christ, and what relation he hath to the Father: for, they will do these things, because they know not him that sent me.