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…

Vers. 16. And therefore the Jews did persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the Sabbath day. Vers. 17. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto and I work.

Vers. 16. And therefore the Iewes did persecute Iesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the Sabboth day. Vers. 17. But Iesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto and I worke.

The effects that followed upon the miracle was, 1. In regard of the Jews, who reproved the man, because he did as Jesus bid, verse 10. 2. In regard of the man himself, who justifies his action by Christs authority, verse 11. 3. In regard of Christ, who first conveys himself out of the way for a time, verse 13. Afterwards meeting this man in the Temple, gives him direction how to carry himself for the time to come, verse 14. After Christ had made himself known to the man, he goeth presently to the Jews, and declares who it was that had healed him, verse 15. Wherein he ⟨p. 91⟩did well, because, 1. The work was good, viz. to publish the works of Christ, and to manifest his glory. 2. His mind herein was good. 3. And the end, viz. to instruct the Jews, who before he knew to be ignorant. In the sixteenth verse is laid down a second effect of this miracle, in regard of the Jews, viz. Their persecution of Christ. Whence in general we may observe, that malicious and wicked hypocrites will spare none. Their reproof of the poor man might have some pretence to shadow it, they coming with a religious pretence of the Sabbath. And because, he having been so long time sick, might be ignorant of what should be done of the Sabbath. But now in that they persecute Christ also, by whose authority this man had done it; and of whose Divine Power th•y had so many evidences, it shows plainly that the former came from malice, and not from any religious care of the Sabbath. Thus it is the nature of malice at length to show it self like poison in a mans body, and fire that will not long lie hid. This appears in Papists, who although they pretend Religion, yet their secret malice doth oft break out in treasons, rebellions, &c.