George Hutcheson
23 Now when he was in Hierusalem at the Passeover in the feast day, many believed in his Name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
25 And needed not that any should testifie of man, for he knew what was in man.
Lastly, in this part of the chapter, John recordeth some further of Christs proceedings at this feast; that he wrought such miracles, as drew divers to professe faith in him, whose profession he would not trust, as knowing well what they were, as he doth all men, even what is most inward and secret in them, and that of himselfe, without any information from others. Whence learn, 1. Albeit Christ will not satisfie the curiosity or tempting humours of men; yet he will not denie to work whatsoever may be needful for the confirmation of the faith of his own: for, though he would grant no present signe to the contentious Jewes, v. 18. yet he did miracles in Jerusalem at the Passeover, in the feast day, though it be not recorded in particular what they were; hereby also giving us to understand, that when Christ cometh to work a work of Reformation, (as here) he may sometime second it, (not with miracles now, but) with notable and wonderful works of Providence, to gain credit to his work, and faithful instruments about it, and, it may be, to quash the fury of malicious opposites. 2. It is not unusual for some natural men to be so far affected with Christ and his working, as to be convinced in their judgement of some excellency in him, and be drawn to professe some sort of embracing of him; and yet they remain still in nature, and unconverted; for, many believed in his Name, or professed to do so, who yet were unsound, as the sequel cleareth. 3. It is a clear evidence of unsoundnesse, when Christs works are the chief thing, drawing men to professe faith, and not his Word, revealing his nature and properties: for, such was their faith, They believed, because they saw the miracles which he did. Such converts are not affected with their own misery and Christs mercy, and so have not a right principle; and Christs works will not be alwayes alike glorious, and so their affection bottomed on that, will ebbe and flow, and at last evanish. 4. As Christ no sooner begins to reforme, but Satan in enemies will be raising stormes, and laying snares for him, in which unsound converts will not prove trusty, nor back him, but be ready to turne enemies; so it is wisdome in trying times to be wary whom we trust, even of Professors: for, Jesus did not commit himself unto them, that is, seeing hazard appearing, he would not familiarly converse with them, as men to be confided in: for, he kept but one Judas of such, and he betrayed him. 5. Albeit we cannot infallibly discern of Professors, before they discover themselves, yet Christ knoweth hypocrites before they discover themselves to men; for, he knew all men, and them among the rest, so as not to trust them. 6 Christs discovering of one or more hypocrites, is a document to all to take heed to themselves, as being seen and known of him: therefore is his knowing them expressed in a general, He knew all men, 7. Christs knowledge of men is not conjectural, or by report, but certain, as being by and from himself as God: for, he needed not that any should testifie of man. 8. Christ doth infallibly know what is in-most, or most secret and hidden in man, the thought whereof should excite all to self examination, and be an encouragement to the sincere; so much is imported in this reason, For he knew what was in man.
