John 7:45–46

Followeth the confusions that arose in the Council of the Rulers about Christ, occasioned, partly, by the returne of the officers without him, to ver. 50. and partly, by some divisions among themselves, verse 50, 51, 52, 53. Albeit this was a solemne day, yet it seems they stay not at the publike service, but are conveened in Council against him, being earnest to have him taken before the feast were ended, that so they might prevent his withdrawing of himselfe among the multitude. And albeit they had sent out the officers before, ver. 32. (and belike they did so from day to day) that they might watch all occasions for apprehending of him; Yet it seemeth they had received strict enjunctions to bring him this day, lest the occasion should be lost. And in these verses, we have their returne without their errand, and when they are posed why they did so, they give a better account of the preaching then of their commission, declaring that he preached so singularly, that they could not meddle with him. Whence learn. 1. Albeit it be both lawful and necessary, that seducers be restrained by civil power; Yet it is a mark of a decayed and persecuting Church, when Ecclesiastick Rulers lay aside all use of their spiritual weapons, and do only arme themselves with force and power; for, so was it here, their instruments to do their affairs for them, were officers, and therefore no wonder they employ them against Christ, to bring him before them by force. 2. The Lords providence is alsufficient, when he pleaseth, to disappoint his fiercest enemies, and to make them masse their errands and purposes; for, the Messengers return without successe. 3. As it is a great evidence of mens pride, when they think nothing should stand in their way, and they do rage, when they are disappointed. So the Lord seeth it meet to vexe persecutors, and to make their own confident creatures grieve them; for, by reason of their disappointment, they are in a rage, and do power it out upon their own servants, who did not serve their ends well enough, Why have ye not brought him? 4. It is righteous with God, that they whose great work is to oppose Christs doctrine, and who shut all doores, that themselves be not troubled with it, should be forced to hear their own creatures preach his praise, little to their contentment; for, these Rulers would not hear Christ, and their case was to hinder any from hearing him, and now they are made to hear their own officers preach of him in their own defence. 5. As Christs doctrine is singular, far above the law; So also was he singular in his way of it, for authority, humility, grace, power, and evidence; for, so do the officers confesse of him, Never man spake like this man, they never heard a Scribe preach in that manner, See Psal. 45.2. Luke 4.22. Matth. 7.28, 29. 6. Such is the power of Christs doctrine, that even such as come unto it with a prejudice, and with a purpose to persecute the Messengers thereof, may be taken by it themselves, and if not converted, yet bridled and restrained; for, this is the reason why they brought him not, Never man spake like this man, and therefore they were bound up and had no power to meddle with him. And albeit there be no great evidence of their conversion, (for many may like preaching, and it have strange effects on them, who yet are for from God; and belike, if they had been indeed converted, they would hardly have returne with any account;) Yet Christ can, and hath converted, even such: And it doth speak his praise, that by the means of spiritual preaching, he can restrain mens fury, when yet they are not really converted, nor their heart changed.