Bible Commentary

Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. 54. therefore ] The decree of the Sanhedrin for His apprehension had been published ( Joh 11:57); the sentence of death was probably a secret … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:54”

Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. 53. Then from that day ] Therefore for ‘then’ is the more important here to bring out the meaning that it was in consequence of Caiaphas’ suggestion that the Sanhedrin practically if not formally pronounced sentence of death. The question … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:53”

And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. 52. not for that nation only ] S. John purposely uses the word which describes the Jews merely as one of the nations of the earth distinct from the Gentiles. Of course … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:52”

And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 51. not of himself ] Like Saul, Caiaphas is a prophet in spite of himself. being high priest ] None but a Jew would be likely to know of the old Jewish belief … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:51”

Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. 50. expedient for us ] For us members of the Sanhedrin. But the better reading gives, for you half-hearted Pharisees. that one man ] Literally, in order that one man; S. John’s … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:50”

And one of them, [named] Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 49. Caiaphas ] This was a surname; ‘who was called Caiaphas’ Mat 26:3 (where see note on the Sanhedrin). His original name was Joseph. Caiaphas is either the Syriac form of Cephas, a ‘rock,’ … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:49”

If we let him thus alone, all [men] will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. 48. the Romans will come ] They do not inquire whether He is or is not the Messiah; they look solely to the consequences of admitting that He is. “The … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:48”

Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. 47. a council ] They summon a meeting of the Sanhedrin. Even the adversaries of Jesus are being converted, and something decisive must be done. The crisis unites religious opponents. The chief priests, who … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:47”

But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. Some of them … – We see here the different effect which the word and works of God will have on different individuals. Some are converted and others are hardened; yet the evidence of this miracle was … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:46”

Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. 45 57. Opposite Results of the Sign 45. Then many of the Jews ] The English Version is here misleading, owing to inaccuracy and bad punctuation. It should run thus: Many therefore of the Jews, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 11:45”