George Hutcheson
39 And many of the Samaritanes of that City beleeved on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
40 So when the Samaritanes were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them, and he abode there two dayes.
41 And many moe believed, because of his own word.
42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying, for we have heard him our selves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
In the last branch of this part of the chapter, John proceedeth to record the Conversion of more of the Samaritanes of Sychar; and for that end, he returnes to prosecute that Narration, v. 29, 30. setting down, First, the cause, which drew (at least) many of them to go out; which was their giving credit to the womans testimony, v. 39. Next, their request to Christ when they came to him, and his granting thereof, v. 40. Thirdly, the effect of his doctrine among them, which is the Conversion of many more, who, belike, out of curiosity or otherwise, had gone out with the rest, v. 41. The effect of which Conversion is, their declaration to the woman, that their faith did not depend on her testimony, but on the sure ground of his own instruction, v. 42. which may also be safely understood of them, who get some measure of faith by her information, and were confirmed by his own doctrine, but chiefly of these who were drawen out to see him, though as yet they beleeved not, from v 39. Learn, 1. Very weak instruments may be very richly blessed, when they employ themselves for Christ; for, this woman prevaileth, not only to bring them out, but many of the Samaritanes beleeved on him for the saying of the woman, &c. 2. When one can say but little of Christ, yet if it be spoken from experience and feeling, it may be more persuasive to invite men to beleeve, then much more which is spoken from notional knowledge; for, such was this womans testimony of him, which was so successeful; He told me all that ever I did. 3. As it is a commendation to be easily perswaded to beleeve; so when a people are ripe, a very weak mean, through Gods blessing, will draw them in; for, these Samaritanes are perswaded by lesse then many incorrigible Jewes had daily. 4. As true faith may be wrought by degrees, so Christ hath a great estimation, even of the smallest beginnings of it; therefore, he giveth it the name of beleeving, from v. 40. Learn, 1. It is a good preparation, where men are thus far prevailed with, as to draw near where Christ is to be found, and take a trial of him; for, the Samaritanes (belike, moe then believed) came to him, and this drew on moe. 2. Christ, being rightly taken up, his company will be more desired, and especially the weakest degree of faith will breath out desires after its own confirmation; by enjoying more of him; therefore, they besought him that he would tarry with them. 3. Christ is very tender and willing to grant the desires of these who long for his company; Therefore, albeit he had forbidden his disciples to go in the way of the Samaritans, Matth. 10.5. and albeit the time of spreading his glory to the world was not yet come, yet for a preludy of the calling of the Gentiles, and our of respect to their need, he abode there. 4. As Christ measures the time of his sensible presence according to his own purpose, and his childrens necessity; so a very short while of his company is a great blessing; Therefore, he abode there two dayes, only, as being the Minister of circumcision, and of the Jewes, and yet that is marked as a mercie to them, whereas many now think little that his Sun stands still in one Horizon. From verse 41. Learn, 1. Such as are not wrought upon by instruments, are not yet desperate if Christ take them in hand; for, moe beleeved then would give credit to the woman. 2. Christ being found speaking in and by his Word, will have such clearnesse in discovering himself, and such efficacie in perswading that it will prevaile with those that otherwise stand out; for, his own Word, spoken by him, prevailed with them. 3. A short time in Christs company may do much good through his blessing; for, in two dayes, many moe beleeved. From verse 42. Learn, 1. Albeit that instruments speaking, may be a mean to draw people to hearken or give some assent to truth, yet it is Christ himself who must work a perswasion, and faith is never established till it get rooting on Christs speaking and sealing the Word by the Spirit; and then any thing men can say, cometh short of what they finde in him, and they will undervalue mens authority, when it comes in competition with his; All this is imported, in that they said unto the woman, now we beleeve, not because of thy saying, for we have heard him our selves, &c. where they do not despise her as an instrument, but declare that their faith is bottomed on a surer ground then her word. 2. The right knowledge of Christ in his person and offices, and particularly, that he is the Saviour of sinners offered to all Nations, is a notable mean to draw souls to rest on him, and embrace him; for, this doctrine Christ taught to convert them, and this their faith rests upon; We know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world, and not of the Jewes onely.
