John 7:31

The second consequent of the former debate, (which also is a transition and introduction to the third general effect of his publike preaching) is, that however the great ones were angered, yet many of the common people did beleeve on him, as concluding that whoever expected another Messiah, yet they were sure there would none come who could work greater miracle, then he had done; And so it was folly to expect another. John doth not declare what these miracles in particular were, that affected them, only it seemeth they were not present miracles, but these he had done in former times: Therefore they say he hath done them. And as for this ground of their faith, that he wrought singular miracles albeit the scope and end of his miracles was to confirme his doctrine, and that he was the Messiah, and if thereby they were led not only to acknowledge him, but to reap benefit by his word and offices, they were certainly in the right way. But if they were only led and affected with his miracles, and rested there; it was very defective; and though the power and glory of Christ, shining in his works, did effect them, yet wanting a root, it could not but soone fade; As many may think they have attained to some perfection, when yet they are indeed but to begin. They who are pricked in their hearts, are yet commanded to begin repentance, Acts 2.37, 38. Yet it is to be observed, that this and the like changes are called beleeving on him; partly, because they were good in themselves, and a beginning of good, and to shew, that Christ would not have good beginnings despised by the godly, when they finde them in themselves; even albeit hypocrites may have them, who yet fall back again; for their fault was not that they had these, but that they had not more, and made not progresse: And partly, to shew, that Christ himself is a very large commender and esteemer of grace, who will give such fair titles to small beginnings. But leaving to determine what the change wrought on them was, we may from the verse, Learn, 1. Christ, when he pleaseth, can make his work to prosper, even in the midst of his enemies; and when they are maliciously opposing, and using their utmost endeavour against him, he can pluck some, yea many, out of their hand; for, even at this time, many beleeved on him. 2. Albeit grace be ensured to no sort of people more then another; yet it is ordinarily the meaner sort with whom it prevailes most; for, they are of the people, or, multitude, who beleeved, when the Rulers and their followers in Jerusalem are persecuting. Men who live at ease and in pleasure, ordinarily see little need of any thing beside; they see no need of prayer or dependance on God, having all things at hand; yea, it is a wonder if they be not persecutors. 3. Let men expect what they will, beside Christ, for happinesse; yet he is singular, and none can expect a better then he: So much do they acknowledge, that let men dream what they will of another Messiah, yet when Christ cometh, will he do moe miracles then these which this man hath done? He will indeed be found the chiefe of ten thousand. 4. Albeit Christs servants may take much pains, whereof they see no present effects; yet God may blesse these same labours with successe afterward; for, the miracles which Christ hath done before, do now take effect with some.