John 8:20

In this verse we have a conclusion subjoyned to this first conference; wherein it is declared, that however he spake thus boldly, and that in a place of the Temple where they had him as in a net; and how ever their rage was great against him: Yet none of them meddled with him, God so ordering the matter, because his time of suffering was not yet come. As for this place, the Treasury, the Jewes had a chest in Joash his time, wherein they received the peoples collections as they entred into the Temple, 2 Chron. 24.8, &c. and it seems they continued this practice afterward, Mark. 12.41. Luk. 21.1. But this was a room or chamber belonging to the Temple, wherein these treasures and other things belonging to the service of the Temple, were kept; of which see, 1 King. 6.5, &c. 2 Chron. 5.1. and 31.11, 12. Neb. 13.5.—9. and 10.37, 38. Ez. 8.29. And as this was their custome then, so the Lord doth yet require that somewhat be laid up for Religious uses, providing it be lawfully acquired, and rightly employed. Doctrine, 1. The many hazards wherein Christ and his servants may be, and the many advantages that enemies seem to have over them, should not cool their courage in doing dutie; for, these words, which were so sharp, spake Jesus even in the treasury, as he taught in the Temple. 2. As enemies are endlesse in their rage and attempts, against Christ and his people; So the providence of God is as vigilant to preserve them, so long as he seeth fit; for, as before, so over again, no man laid hands on him, for his hour was not yet come. The providence of God was as effectual for his preservation at one time, as at another. 3. This frequent repetition of his preservation, because his hour was not yet come, serveth not only as an encouragement to his people, in being faithful in their duty and trust, seeing they are guarded by him who can preserve so often. But further serves to teach 1. Many deliverances should never make us put thoughts of suffering, in Gods time, out of our minde; for Christs preservation so frequently is still seasoned with this, his hour was coming, though not yet. 2. Former preservation speaks so much of Gods power and favour, as may make his people resolute to endure suffering, when his will is to expose them to it; for, such use doth Christ make of this his frequent preservation, when they take him, which is the meaning in part of Luk. 22.53. 3. Christ also makes use of it in that place, Luke 22. and Matth. 26.55. to testifie, that as his bold and open carriage, and his preservation in it, did bear witnesse of his integrity, and of Gods favour toward him; so their clandestine course did testifie what confusion of conscience they had in it. And indeed however enemies may carry themselves high, when they are persecuting; Yet their consciences within are a sufficient witnesse and torture to them, if they would suffer them to speak.