John 7:32

Followeth the third thing that followed on his publike appearing in the mid-dayes of the feast, wherein is recorded the violence of the Pharisees and Rulers, ver. 32. and Christs Sermon upon occasion of that, ver. 33, 34. with the Jews carping at his expressions, ver 35, 36. In this ver. is related, that the mutterings of the people, in favour of Christ, coming to the Pharisees eares, they, with the chiefe Priests send some officers to apprehend him. Albeit there was by right but one high Priest at once, yet here are mentioned moe chiefe Priests, belike they were the heads of these twenty foure courses, or orders of Priests, of which we read, 1 Chron. 24. or the high Priest and his deputy, who acted many things under him, and did officiate for him, when he was legally unclean. Doctrine, 1. Some may attain to a measure of respect to Christ, who yet have not attained to a competency of courage, to avow it publikely in times of hazard; for, the people did but murmure such things concerning him. 2. Even in societies where many countenance the Gospel, and where they carry themselves most cautiously, there may still some be found who are but spies and observers in behalfe of persecutors; for, here where many beleeved, and did but murmure these things, the matter is brought to the Pharisees ears, who were the most strict sect, and most rigide against Christ. 3. Christs rising glory, and his successe in the Gospel, will enrage enemies, and draw on trouble; for, they who were taxed of slacknesse before, ver. 25, 26. when they hear of his successe, and that men begin to commend him, they could bear it no longer; though indeed they came too late to quench that fire, seeing trouble will never separate Christ and them that truely beleeve. It is true, indeed, that God will sometime give a flourishing Church, some breathings of tranquility, Act. 9.31, and will send persecution to rowze up his people from security; But ordinarily, it is little apparent successe of the Gospel, and little prejudice done to Satans kingdome, that makes him and his instruments quiet. 4. Bloody and violent persecution is the last refuge of hypocrites, and that which may be expected from them, when they are vexed; for, they use no other arguments, but sent officers to take him, that they might bring him before their Judicatory, whereof yet they retained some name and shaddow. When Satan and his instruments come to this, it is an evidence that they are indeed vexed, and at their last gasp. 5. Christ is the great Butt of persecutors malice; who as he let his followers get few or no blasts while he was in the world; So he stands still on the head of them who sight under his banner, and will reckon with persecutors, as they who would poure out all the hatred they let out on his people, on him only, if he were within their reach; for, here we see their disposition, who sent to take him only, not troubling the Professours;