John 1:35-42
35. John stood--"was standing," at his accustomed place. 36. looking--having fixed his eyes, with significant gaze, on Jesus. as he walked--but not now to him. To have done this once (see on Joh 1:29) was humility enough [Bengel]. Behold, &c.--The repetition of that wonderful proclamation, in identical terms and without another word, could only have been meant as a gentle hint to go after Him--as they did.Joh 1:37-51. First Gathering of Disciples--John Andrew, Simon, Philip, Nathanael.
38. What seek ye--gentle, winning question, remarkable as the Redeemer's first public utterance. (See on Mt 12:18-20.) where dwellest thou--that is, "That is a question we cannot answer in a moment; but had we Thy company for a calm hour in private, gladly should we open our burden." 39. Come and see--His second utterance, more winning still. tenth hour--not ten A.M. (as some), according to Roman, but four P.M., according to Jewish reckoning, which John follows. The hour is mentioned to show why they stayed out the day with him--because little of it remained. 40. One ... was Andrew--The other was doubtless our Evangelist himself. His great sensitiveness is touchingly shown in his representation of this first contact with the Lord; the circumstances are present to him in the minutest details; he still remembers the Very hour. But "he reports no particulars of those discourses of the Lord by which he was bound to Him for the whole of His life; he allows everything personal to retire" [Olshausen]. Peter's brother--and the elder of the two. 41. have found the Messias--The previous preparation of their simple hearts under the Baptist's ministry, made quick work of this blessed conviction, while others hesitated till doubt settled into obduracy. So it is still. 42. brought him to Jesus--Happy brothers that thus do to each other! beheld him--fixed his eyes on him, with significant gaze (as Joh 1:36). Cephas ... stone--(See on Mt 16:18).
Copyright information for
JFB