John 8:13–14

In the next place, we have Christs first conference and debate with the Pharisees, who contradict his testimony, as worthy to be suspected, verse 13. To which Christ replies, asserting the truth and certainty of his own testimony, verse 14. chalenging them for rash judgement of him, when yet he was not judging them, verse 15. though if he did it his testimony were to be regarded, having not onely himselfe but his Father to bear witnesse to him, which were a sufficient number of witnesses by the Law, verse 16, 17, 18. but they were ignorant of the Father, as they were of him, verse 19. To which is subjoyned, that however he spake thus freely, and they had a great minde to take him, and had him among their hands, yet they were restrained, verse 20.

In these verses, We have their exception against his testimony, as obnoxious to be suspected, seeing he speaks so much in his own cause, verse 13. And Christ, albeit, chap. 5.31. he did, by way of preterition, passe this, that he might bring in the many witnesses that pleaded for him; Yet here he doth assert that his testimony concerning himself is true: Which he confirmes from this reason; That he came from God, and was to return to him again: and being certain of this, he might assert it, whereas they being ignorant hereof, did carp at him. The force of this reason consists in these; partly, That he being God, who came from the Father in respect of his manifestation in the flesh, and was to return to him in regard of the manifestation of his glory in the humane nature exalted, he was a witnesse above all exception: partly, That being the great Angel of the Covenant, and Ambassadour from the Father, to whom he was to return an account, he might lawfully publish his own Instructions and Commission which were revealed onely to himself, and ought to be credited: And partly, That he perfectly knowing this, might boldly testifie and stand to it. Doctrine 1. Christs enemies are endlesse and restlesse in their oppositions unto the successe of the Gospel: for, after their former interruption, verse 3. He no sooner begins to preach again, but they do again cavil. 2. Christs rich offers will not prevail with malitious enemies, to make them quit their opposition and submit: for, when he is not threatning, but graciously inviting sinners to partake of his fulnesse, they yet cavil. 3. Whatever just cause there be to suspect their testimony, who are but sinful and meere men, when they commend themselves; Yet this derogates nothing from the glory of Christs being true in his testimonies concerning himself: for, albeit they think they have great advantage of Christ from this common principle, Thou bearest record of thy self, thy record is not true, yet it hath no weight at all here. It is true indeed that the corrupt nature of man, (which is prone too seek it self, and hunt after vain-glory, which yet is as easily lost as obtained, and cannot bear our weight in a day of distresse) may render such a testimony uncertain, but not necessarily prove it untrue, even in men; For honest men may lawfully commend themselves in some cases, and yet not bear false-witnesse, nor yet be guilty of self-seeking. But it doth not at all hold true in Christ who is separate from sinners, and not to be bound by the rules prescribed to men in such cases. 4. Enemies their opposing and interterrupting of Christ, will not make void his purposes; but he can make their opposition occasion much benefit to his people: for, albeit they thought by cavils to hinder his preaching, yet his very defences and replies did bring forth most precious truths of the Gospel, for the edification of his hearers then, and of his people to the end of the world. 5 Whatever be Christs gracious condescendence, for the conviction of sinners, and confirmation of his own; Yet he will not allow that any should deny him the glory of any of his prerogatives, and particularly of his truth: Therefore albeit he formerly condescended, Chap 5. 31. to wave his testimony of himself, that so friends and foes might see how many witnesses he had for him; Yet here when they contradict it, he will not passe from it, Though I bear record of my self, yet my record is true. 6. Christ being true God that cannot lie, and who onely can reveal himself and his will; and coming out of the bosome of the Father as Ambassadour into the world; he is an authentick witnesse, above all exception, in what he reveals; and his naked testimony and assertion ought to be credited, without seeking further proof or arguments: Therefore doth he confirme the truth of his record from the consideration of whence he came. 7. As Christ and his followers came into the world for awhile, to do the service for which they are appointed, and then to go to God; so the exaltation of Christ doth put his divine original and authority; and consequently, the truth of his testimony, out of all question; Therefore doth he subjoyne whither he goeth, not onely as the comfortable issue of his toile, which he looked to, but as a clear proof that he came from God, and consequently, that his record is true. 8. Such as are employed in Commission from God to carry his minde, and do vouch on that they have an account to make to God who sent them, will finde a necessity to cleave to their Commission, and to publish nothing but truth: So much also may be learned from Christs argument, who considering whence he came, and whither he goeth, doth therefore bear a true record. 9. Christs knowledge of his own excellencie and authority, is sufficient to warrant the truth of his doctrine, whoever else be ignorant of it; for, he proves it true on this, I know whence I came, &c. albeit, saith he, ye cannot tell, &c. 10. They who would cleave to controverted and opposed truth, should not have it by guesse only, but should certainly know and be perswaded of it, and then speak for it: So much also may be learned from Christs confirming the truth of his record thus, that not onely he was indeed from God, and his doctrine the truth, but I know whence I came, &c. 11. It is mens ignorance (either simple or affected) of Christs person and Commission, that makes them so little regard, or lay so little weight on his doctrine and testimony; Therefore, in opposition to his knowledge, he subjoynes, but ye cannot tell whence I come, or whither I go, and therefore do carp at my testimony and doctrine concerning my self.