John 19:8–9

In the last branch of this part of the Chapter, we have recorded some consequents and effects following upon this last accusation, before Pilate is perswaded to condemne him. And in the first place, (in these verses) is declared, that Pilate hearing this, is so far from condescending to their desire, that he is the more afraid, hearing tell of the divinity of him whom he judged to be innocent, and of whose fame he (no doubt) heard much, v. 8. And, that studying to informe himselfe concerning this matter, by conference with Christ himselfe, he gets no answer, v. 9. Whence learn, 1. It is evident to right discerners, that all the designes and well contrived plots of persecutors would little availe, but rather turn to their prejudice and disappointment, if the Lord see it sit to exempt his people from trial; for, albeit God would not have Christ delivered, yet this new accusation doth not make Pilate more forward to persecute Christ, but more afraid to meddle with him. See Prov. 21.30. 2. Such as do but halt in following their duty, will have more fear and trouble, then even sufferers who walk streightly; for, it is insinuate that Pilate, who did not closely follow his light, had fear before, and now he was more afraid upon this information, as having walked upon so unsafe grounds. 3. Serious thoughts of a deity will strike terrour, even in a natural heart and conscience, especially when they are following a course which their own conscience cannot approve; for, when he heard that saying, of his making himselfe the Son of God, he was the more afraid, considering what he had done to him, and that contrary to his light. And albeit it be not sufficient, that men have a fear or horrour only upon the thoughts of a Godhead, unlesse it be seasoned with love; Yet they come far short of Pilate who have not so much. 4. Impartial observers, and even the natural consciences of men, might have had strong apprehensions of the divinity of Christ, notwithstanding the abject-like condition of his person; for, albeit Christ was in the forme of a servant, and now in a low condition before Pilate, yet when he heard that saying, he was the more afraid, as suspecting it might be true that he was the Son of God. And this he might conjecture, not so much because Pagans did fancy that their idol gods did descend in humane shape, Act. 14.11. as that his minde was illuminate to consider what they said, and compare it with the same that went of Christs miracles. 5. Such as have any small beam of light concerning Christ, ought to help and encrease it by enquiry and search; for, so doth Pilate enquire, whence art thou? or, what is thy Original and parentage. 6. The best way to know Christ, is, to learn it from himselfe, who only can reveal himselfe, and declare what he is; for, so much may be gathered from Pilates practice, though he saw not so far into it himselfe, He went again into the judgement hall, and saith unto Jesus, whence art thou? 7. That Jesus gave him no answer, may hold out, 1. On Christs part, He stood not there now to defend himselfe, or impede his sufferings; and therefore he will not discover that which might deterre him; So willing was he to pay that ransome for his people. 2. For beleevers cause, He was content to answer many questions and accusations with silence, that he might purchase unto them the answer of a good conscience, and liberty and boldnesse to speak unto God. 3. On Pilates part, it may not only be conceived that Pilate was incapable of such a mystery; but further, 1. His seeking of light in this particular flowed not from love; and such seeking hath no promise to come speed. 2. He had sleighted truth when it had been revealed to him before, Chap. 18.38. and such as do so, are justly deprived of further information. 3. By this refusall of an answer, Christ would discover some naughtinesse in his heart, as appeareth from the following verse. And this is Christs usual way with those that converse with him, to try and cause them discover what is in their bosome; And he doth this very often by suspending the satisfaction of their desires, at least for a time.