A harmony upon the the three Evangelists, Matthew, Mark and Luke with the commentary…A harmonie vpon the the three Euangelists, Matthew, Mark and Luke with the commentarie…

1 Therefore after that he knew. The Evangelist being now about to entreat of the conference, which was between Christ and the Samaritan, doth first of all set down the cause of his journey. For seeing that he knew that the Pharisees were evil affected, he would not put himself in danger of their fury before the time. This was the cause why he departed out of Judea. So that he giveth us to understand that Christ came not of set purpose into Samaria, that he might dwell there: but because those that went into Galilee, must needs go through it. For it was meet and requisite for him that he should be occupied in gathering together the sheep of Israel, until such time as he should open a gate for the gospel by his resurrection.

1 Therefore after that hee knewe. The Euangelist being now about to intreat of the conference, which was betwene Christ and the Samaritane, doth first of all set downe the cause of his iourney. For seeing that he knewe that the Pharisees were euill affected, he would not put himselfe in danger of their furie before the time. This was the cause why he departed out of Iudea. So that he giueth vs to vnderstand that Christ came not of set purpose into Samaria, that he might dwell there: but because those that went into Galilee, must needes go through it. For it was meet and requisite for him that he should be occupied in gathering togeather the sheepe of Israel, vntil such time as he should open a gate for the gospel by his resurrection.

Therefore whereas he vouchsafed to impart his doctrine unto the Samaritans, it was an extraordinary thing, and (that I may so speak) a thing that came by chance. But why did he go aside into Galilee, as if he would not be known, which thing was most of all to be wished? I answer, he knew what to do, and he did so use the opportunity of ⟨p. 81⟩time that he did not miss or let slip one minute. Therefore he would finish his course in order, and with such moderation as became him: where by we are also taught that we must so frame our minds, that we be not terrified with any fear, but that we go forward in our duty, and that we be not too rash to pull down danger upon our own heads. Furthermore,, they shall keep this mean as becometh them, whosoever shall be diligent in their vocation. For they shall follow the Lord even through the middest of death, and shall not cast away themselves rashly: but shall walk in his ways. Therefore let us remember that we must go no further then our vocation doth require. The Evangelist saith that the Pharisees were Christ his enemies: not that the other Scribes were his friends: but because this sect did at that time reign, and they did most of all rage under the pretence of a godly zeal. The question is, whether they did envy Christ for having mo disciples or no, because being more bent toward John, they did study to maintain his dignity and fame. The words carry another meaning, for whereas they were before grieved with this that John should gather disciples unto him, this did more nele their minds, when as they saw that there came more unto Christ, then did before unto John. And after that John had professed that he was nothing else but the crier of the son of God, there began to be greater resort unto Christ, and he had now well finished his function. So that he did resign up to Christ by little and little the office of teaching and baptising.