John 8:1–2

CHAP. VIII.

IN this Chapter John continueth the Narration of Christs proceedings and doctrine at Jerusalem, after the feast of Tabernacles. And in it we have, 1. The history concerning the woman taken in adultery; & Christs proceeding with those that brought her to him, and with her selfe; to ver. 12. 2 Christs preaching and offer to the Jewes, ver. 12. with his justifying of his own testimony against them who contradicted it, ver. 13.—20. His threatning of them with his departure, and that they shall be forced to see his glory, ver. 21.—29. His preaching to them who beleeved on him, ver. 30, 31, 32. His refuting of the Jewes, who boasted of their freedome and parentage, ver. 33.—47. and railed at his person, opposing what he said of himselfe, ver. 48.— 58. And, his escaping of their fury, ver. 59.

Unto this history of the adulterous woman, somewhat is premitted (in these verses) by way of introduction, which also points out the connexion of this purpose with the former. And, 1. Whereas his persecutors, had houses of their own to go to, Chap. 7. 53. he, after his preaching and debates retires to the Mount of Olives without the City, that night, ver. 1. We finde elsewhere that he went out and lodged by night in Bethany, (which was upon the side of that Mount,) belike with Lazarus and his Sisters, that so he might prevent any designe they might have against him, to be acted in night uproares. See, Matth. 21.17. But his early returne, ver. 2. makes it probable that he rather went out to the Mount it selfe, that he might pray in secret; and so it seems to be understood, Luke 21.37. with Chap. 22. 39, 40. And this seems to have been his constant custome after this time, to leave the City by night. 2. Having spent the night there, he returnes to the Temple, and finding the people stock about him, he teaches them, Who these hearers were, whether the people that were now ready to depart on this day after the feast, (for whose cause Christ returns so early) or, the multitude of the in habitants of Jerusalem, is not much material. Only it seems that they were of the common sort, and few or none of the Rulers. And as for his gesture in teaching, that he sate down, it was their custome in these times, and a testimony of the respect that is due to them that carry the minde of God; and we finde Christ sometime preach sitting, Luke 4.20, 21. sometime standing, Joh. 7.37 and at this time his wearinesse with night watching might call for it. Nor is it much to be stood upon, which of these gestures men use in preaching; But Preachers ought in these things accommodate themselves to seek the benefit of hearers, and that they be heard and seen by them. Doctrine, 1. It is no strange thing to see Christ and his followers, for all their faithful services in an ingrate world, yet wanting any comfortable accommodations in it: for, after Christ hath spent the day time in teaching, he wants a safe and convenient place to retire unto, within the Citie, and must go out to the Mount of Olive. See Luke 9.58. 2. It is the duty of Christs Servants and people, not to rest satisfied with any publike and open performances in Gods service; But they should also joyne therewith a conscientious observance of the duty of secret prayer: which is not only needful in Ministers, that they may draw down blessings upon their endeavours, but in all the godly also; that it may be a witnesse of their sincerity, and a mean of keeping up communion with Christ, and of preventing much anxietie: Therefore Christ, after his preaching all day, goes to prayer in the Mount of Olives. 3. As the sinnes of the Elect deprived Christ of many a nights sleep, that so he might sanctifie rest and sleep to his beloved, (whereof this passage is one instance) So they who are servent in following after communion with God, will rather take their sleeping time, then they should want an opportunitie of secret prayer; As here Christs practice doth teach. 4. As the general calling of Christianity is a very throng task, wherein a man needs never want an opportunity of doing service to God, Yet without prejudice to his outward calling and occupation; So in particular, a Ministers task is very great, and preaching and prayer, and the duties of his calling following thereupon, may take up his whole time, if he be faithful: As here Christs practice doth teach, who having spent the night in prayer, early in the morning came againe into the Temple and taught. See Act. 6.4. 5. As Christ can get hearers to himselfe, when he pleaseth, and purposeth to do good, even in despight of all his enemies; So affection to Christ, and his doctrine, will stand upon no impediment that would stop the way: Therefore, albeit it was yet early, and the Rulers were raging against Christ; yet all the people came unto him. 6. Where affection is kindled, and drawes men to frequent Christs company, they will be sure of a meeting, and to be taught by him: Therefore, albeit he might justly have a great quarrel against that Citie; Yet since affection drew the people, he could not refuse them, but sat down, and taught them.