John 18:19

In the second branch of this part of the Chapter, John gives an account of a conflict betwixt Christ and the high Priest, (omitting several other passages recorded by the rest) v. 19, 20, 21. and with one of his servants, v. 22, 23, 24. In this verse is recorded the high Priests examination of Christ, and putting him to give an account of his disciples and doctrine, as supposing him guilty of sedition and schisme in gathering disciples, and of heresie in his doctrine whereby he gathered them. Whence learn, 1. Christ and his followers may expect no fair procedure of law from persecutors, even when they seem to observe some forme of it; for, though it was the high Priests office to examine such cases, yet there is much informality here; Not only in that they had taken him before, and would have him now to answer before an armed guard, and in that their minde was preoccupied not to let him go on any tearmes, Luk. 22.67, 68. But in that they have taken and arraigned him, before they have any articles of accusation to lay to his charge, and to prove by witnesses, (as is also clear from the rest) putting it upon himselfe to give an account, and accuse himself. 2. It is not unusual for the best of doctrines and practices to passe up and down in the world under the most odious names and imputations; So that we should not take notice of things according to the names usually given them; for, so is Christ here in his practice supposed guilty of sedition and schisme, in gathering disciples and followers, and his doctrine insinuate to be unsound, and such as could not abide the light, and therefore had been taught in corners, as Christ in his answer understands his question, Thus also was the Gospel and preachers thereof esteemed of, Act. 17.6. and 24.14. and 28.22. though yet upon clear information, these imputations did easily evanish, Act. 26.28, 31, 32. 3. It pleased Christ to underly the imputation of sedition, schisme, and heresie, as a perturber both of Church and State; That so he might not only sanctifie such a lot to his followers, but might expiate our seditious revoltings, and rentings from God, and one from another, and that false doctrine and these corrupt principles which our first Parents hearkened unto, and all of us by nature do entertain; for, so much may be gathered from his being accused in the matter of his disciples, and of his doctrine. 4. Whatever zeal to Religion and sound doctrine persecutors of Christ and his followers do pretend, yet it is some other thing that pincheth them; And particularly, corrupt Church-men do oft-times make a great noise about Religion as wronged, when yet the thing that troubleth them most, is the decay of their own reputation among people: for, Therefore doth he enquire, first, of his disciples, and then, of his doctrine, as being indeed not so much troubled with the matter of his doctrine (had it been never so unsound, as it was indeed the truth of God proceeding from truth it selfe) as that thereby disciples were made, and so the reputation of him and his complices lessened among the people.