An exposition on the whole fifth chapter of S. Johns Gospel also notes on…An exposition on the vvhole fifth chapter of S. Iohns Gospell also notes on…

The Doctors of the Law, are those that be called elsewhere Scribes, not from writing, but learning. For both Scribes and Pharisees, sate in Moses Chair, though these were a more common kind of teachers then the Pharisees.

The Doctors of the Law, are those that be called elsewhere Scribes, not from writing, but learning. For both Scribes and Pharises, sate in Moses Chaire, though these were a more common kinde of teachers then the Pharises.

Both these sorts were in opposition against Christ, malicing ⟨p. 141⟩and hating him. And now they came with a malicious, envious, and captious mind to ensnare him: as may appear by their reasoning against him in their hearts. Yet it is said, these men came from every quarter round about, to show how far malice and envy will carry men, further ordinarily then pity. Secondly, note here that Christ ceaseth not to preach, although these captious and envious hearers sate before his face: being he knew that his Doctrine was true, and that he was able to defend it. Now there was never any congregation, where were not some envious, captious, and malicious hearers; who coming not with a mind to subject themselves, to the Word, find occasion to cavil and carp at it, to blear mens eyes with this pretence, as a cause why they do not yield obedience unto it. For all this Ministers must not be discouraged from preaching, but regard: First, that the Lord hath sent them. Secondly, The Talent that God hath bestowed upon them, which they must employ, if the Lord himself hinder them not. Thirdly, that there be some honest hearted hearers, and their good is to be respected. Such kind of Auditors had Jeremiah, chap. 20.10. see Ezek. 2.3. &c.

Both these sorts were in opposition against Christ, malicing ⟨p. 141⟩