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…

1. Their inquiring after this matter is first noted in way of reproof, to tax their ignorance and negligence, that they were not acquainted with the Scriptures and Prophecies concerning Christ, that it should be he that should confound the power of Satan, nor had attended unto the preaching of John, nor unto Christs former Sermons, wherein he had declared himself to be the Messiah. Where we may see what follows upon neglect of the ministry of the Word, that men are ever learning, yet come not to knowledge. Nevertheless, in that they do inquire, is commendable in them, and set forth for our imitation, and without it we shall never make profit of the Word.

1. Their inquiring after this matter is first noted in way of reproofe, to taxe their ignorance and negligence, that they were not acquainted with the Scriptures and Prophecies concerning Christ, that it should be he that should confound the power of Satan, nor had attended vnto the preaching of Iohn, nor vnto Christs former Sermons, wherein he had declared himselfe to be the Messias. Where we may see what followes vpon neglect of the ministery of the Word, that men are euer learning, yet come not to knowledge. Neuerthelesse, in that they doe inquire, is commendable in them, and set forth for our imitation, and without it we shall neuer make profit of the Word.

2. By their particular questions, we may see the fruit of due attention. First, they inquire into the nature of the Miracle, [What thing is this] for when once by diligent attention the mind hath received a deep impression, it is never satisfied, till it hath gotten the full knowledge of the thing. Secondly, they come to consider of the principal circumstance of the miracle, viz. the mean of performance, [What word is this?] Lastly, they go further, and apply the miracle to the right end of it, viz. the confirmation of a Doctrine, which for the high account and estimation they had of it, they called New; not in disdain to diminish the authority of it. A thing is said to be new, when it is done in another manner then it hath usually been.

2. By their particular questions, we may see the fruit of due attention. First, they inquire into the nature of the Miracle, [What thing is this] for when once by diligent attention the mind hath receiued a deepe impression, it is neuer satisfied, till it hath gotten the full knowledge of the thing. Secondly, they come to consider of the principall circumstance of the miracle, viz. the meane of performance, [What word is this?] Lastly, they goe further, and apply the miracle to the right end of it, viz. the confirmation of a Doctrine, which for the high account and estimation they had of it, they called New; not in disdaine to diminish the authority of it. A thing is said to be new, when it is done in another manner then it hath vsually been.