John 4:1–3

CHAP. IV.

IN this Chapter we have; First, Christs removal from Judea into Galilee, to v. 4. Next, what occurred by the way at Sychar, to v. 43. Lastly, his entertainment, and what he did in Galilee, to the end.

The occasion of Christs removal was, that the Pharisees began to take notice of his gathering & baptizing moe disciples then ever John did (though indeed he baptized none, but by his disciples) and Christ knowing of this, and what they were hatching upon it, did decline their fury, and went again into Galilee, where he had been before, chap. 1, 2. Whence learn, 1. The messengers of the Gospel, getting successe, may look to meet with envie and malice from Satan and his instruments, and especially from corrupt Church-men; for, the Pharisees heard how Jesus made and baptized disciples, they heard it with an hostile minde, and with a purpose to do him hurt, which therefore made Christ to withdraw. 2. The more that men studie to bear down truth, and the work of the Gospel, the Lord can make it to flourish the more; and though one instrument be laid aside, yet he can raise up another, in whose hands it will prosper yet more; for they who bear down the work in Johns hand (who, as some think, was now in prison) finde it rising more in Christs; he made and baptized moe disciples then John, which seemeth to relate to that, chap. 3.26. 3. As it is an evidence of a wicked disposition to have hatred against Christ and his Ministry, upon the very report of it; so it is a judgement on these who will not themselves come to hear and see, that his way and his servants be so represented to them by others, as may stir up their corruptions, and set them on edge to persecute; for, the Pharisees but heard all this, that set them on edge, and that (as appeareth) by no friends to Christ. 4. Albeit the people of God may be in a very secure condition when persecution cometh, and God may send persecution of purpose to stir them up; yet persecution is an evidence of so much fruit and successe of a Ministry, as is Satans eye-sore; for, here persecution is raised against Christ in Judea, because he made and baptized moe disciples then John. 5. Christ observeth and knoweth how every one is affected; and be mens machinations what they will, yet none will steal a dint on him, but he will know their projects before-hand, to avoid them if he please; for, the Lord knew how the Pharisees heard these things, as he might easily do by his Omniscience. 6. Christs disrespect from men, diminisheth nothing of his true excellency and worth, nor ought it to obscure it in his peoples hearts; for, when the Jewes are about this, John calleth him the Lord, which is a name of majesty and dominion. 7. The preaching of the Gospel is the great and principal work of the Ministry, whereof administration of Sacraments is an accessory; and Christ would not have men to judge of the efficacie of Baptisme, as depending on the Minister; and would have all to put a difference betwixt the outward seale, which any instrument authorized thereto, may administrate, and the thing signified, for which he alone must be depended upon; for these reasons, and to teach this it was, that Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples; which is added by way of correction to the report: he betook himselfe to preaching as the great work, 1 Cor. 1.17. He taught his followers to look on baptisme administrated by his disciples in his Name, to be as sufficient as if he had administrated it himself; and by baptizing none at all, he kept that distance clear betwixt the Ministers and his part in that Ordinance. 8. It is lawful for Ministers to withdraw themselvs from the plots of persecutors, when their calling is cleared so to do, by the general rules of the Word, relating to such a case and practice; for, upon this ground, Christ left Judea, and departed again into Galilee, a more obscure place, and more remote from the Pharisees power. 9. No pretence of confidence ought to slacken mens diligence, in the use of lawful means for their own preservation, for albeit Christ knew his houre was not yet come, yet he used means, and withdrew. 10. Albeit Christ might either have prevented or repressed his enemies fury by his Omnipotencie; yet he choosed rather to let it break forth, and used this mean of his own preservation; that he might fight with the weapons of his weak followers, and, in his own person sanctifie these means, of retiring and sleeing in hard times, unto them; therefore, he who might have stayed in Judea, and driven the Pharisees out, chooseth rather to leave Judea, and depart into Galilee.