John 6:1

CHAP. VI.

IN this Chapter we have recorded, First, A miracle of Christs feeding a great multitude with a few loaves and fishes; to ver. 16. Next, His miraculous walking on the Sea, to come to his disciples in their need; to ver. 22. Thirdly, Christs Sermon, or conference, with those who followed him, concerning the bread of life, with the effects and consequents of the conference, to the end of the Chapter.

This history of the miracle of the loaves is the same with that which is recorded, Matth. 14.13, &c. Mark. 6.32. Luk. 9.10, &c. And here are mentioned some antecedents, occasions, and circumstances of the miracle, to ver. 5. some preparations to it, to ver. 11. the forme of the miracle, ver. 11. and some consequents following upon it, to ver. 16.

In this first ver. we have a general connexion, and transition from what had been formerly said, to what now followeth, with a general designation of the time and place of this miracle. As for the time of it, it is said to be after these things, which is not to be understood as if this followed immediately upon what is spoken of, chap 5. for then Christ was in Jerusalem, now he is in Galilee: But John doth passe over many things that are marked by the other Evangelists, and doth only pitch upon the history of these miracles, though marked by others, because they gave occasion to the following Sermon which the rest had omitted. And in particular, the other Evangelists do cleare that this followed upon the beheading of John the Baptist, Matth. 14.10, 11, 12, 13, &c. which trysted also with his disciples return, after he had sent them out to preach, Mark. 6.29, 30, 31, 32, &c. and with Herods hearing of his fame, and desiring to see him, Luk. 9.7.—10, &c. As for the place it is said he went over the Sea of Galilee, &c. This lake in Galilee, through which Jordan runs, gets several names in Scripture from several places upon the banks of it, as here it is called the Sea of Tiberias, from a Town built there by Herod the Tetrarch, and named from Tiberius the Roman Emperour. We need not conceive that Christ went over the lake to the opposite shoare, for Tiberias and Bethsaida (to the bounds whereof he went, Luk. 9.10) were both on one side of that lake, and the people followed him on foot, ver. 2. with Mark. 6.33. But he passed over some creek or bay of that lake, that so he might more speedily retire himselfe into a desert place, as the rest call it, and might ease his wearied disciples, who had been toiled with travel, and be rid of the presse of the multitude, at least for a time. From these words, as they are cleared, we may learn. 1. Christs practice and lot teacheth, that his servants ought to be very bussie in their stations, and may expect, and should submit unto a tossed unsetled life; for, he is whiles in Judea, and whiles in Galilee, about his calling, and is here driven to new wandring. 2. Christs and his servants entertainment in the world, is ordinarily such, as most desart and barren places will be more sweet and comfortable, then any other; Therefore, Christ leaveth the Cities, and retires to a desart, shunning Herods fury. See Heb. 11.37, 38. 3. As it is no right way to keep Christ among a people, to wrong his servants; (for, he removes when John is slain) So it is lawful for Ministers to withdraw themselves from the dangers wherewith they are threatned, providing the trial be personal, and they may do it without wronging their cause and calling; for, so hath Christ taught us, who went over the Sea of Galilee, &c. to shun the rage of Herod, who being engaged in persecution would be at more of it. 4. As Christs servants may have much toile, and should spend themselves willingly in his work; So he will be tollicitous for them who serve him, and careful to give them needful refreshments and breathings; for, such is his care of his disciples here, who return wearied unto him.