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Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 13:3

Knowing that the Father had given, etc. - Our Lord, seeing himself almost at the end of his race, and being about to leave his apostles, thought it necessary to leave them a lesson of humility exemplified by himself, to deliver them from the bad influence of those false ideas which they formed concerning the nature of his kingdom. On all occasions previously to this, the disciples had shown too much attachment to worldly honors and dignities: if this ambition had not been removed, the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 13:4

He riseth from supper - Not from eating, as Bishop Pearce has well observed, but from his place at table; probably the dishes were not as yet laid down, though the guests were seated. According to the custom of the Jews and other Asiatics, this washing must have taken place before the supper. See on John 13:2 ; (note). Laid aside his garments - That is, his gown or upper coat, with the girdle wherewith it was girded close to his tunic or under coat; and, instead of this girdle, he tied... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 13:1

Verse 1 1.Before the feast of the passover. John intentionally passes by many things which, he knew, had been related by Matthew and others. He undertakes to explain those circumstances which they had left out, one of which was the narrative of the washing of feet. And though he will afterwards explain more clearly for what purpose Christ washed the feet of his disciples, yet, before doing so, he states, in a single word, that the Lord testified, by this visible sign, that the love with which... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 13:2

Verse 2 2.After supper. (39) We shall afterwards take into consideration, at the proper place, the whole of Christ’s design in washing the feet of his disciples, and the advantage to be derived from this narrative. Let us now attend to the connection of the words. The Evangelist says that this was done, while Judas already resolved to betray Christ, not only to show the wonderful patience of Christ, who could endure to wash the feet of such a wicked and detestable traitor; but also that he... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 13:3

Verse 3 3.Jesus, knoweth that the Father had given all things into his hands. I am of opinion that this was added for the purpose of informing us whence Christ obtained such a well-regulated composure of mind. It was because, having already obtained a victory over death, he raised his mind to the glorious triumph which was speedily to follow. It usually happens, that men seized with fear are greatly agitated. The Evangelist means, that no agitation of this sort was to be found in Christ,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 13:4

Verse 4 4.And layeth aside his garments. The meaning is, that he laid aside his upper garment, not his coat; for we know that the inhabitants of Eastern countries wore long garments read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 13:1

Now before the Feast of the Passover ; a phrase far more applicable to the 13-14th of Nisan than to the 14-15th, even though the Lord was desiring then to eat the Passover with a great desire before he suffered; therefore "before" the Passion, which would coincide with it. This supplies a chronological note, which is not exhausted by the mysterious and pathetic act which is described, but embraces the entire communion of soul with his disciples, and with the Father in their presence,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 13:1

Christ's constancy of love. If there is any time when a man's attention is presumed to be necessarily and properly directed to himself, that time is the time when danger is present and when death approaches. But when our Savior's hour was come, when the shadow of the cross fell athwart his path, he seems to have been signally unselfish in all his actions, and disinterested in his very thoughts. Humiliation, suffering, and death were immediately before him; but it is beautiful, instructive,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 13:1

Jesus loving to the end. Notice— I. THE SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST . This was the knowledge respecting his death. Its speciality lies, not in his knowing the fact that he would die, but in certain circumstances connected with it, the knowledge of which was calculated to pain and discourage him. 1. He knew the time of his death . This is wisely hid from us; but he knew the hour and the minute. 2. He knew that the time of his death had already come . "Knew... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 13:1-3

Farewell token of Christ's love to his disciples. We are now to trace the development of faith in the body of the disciples, responsive to the supreme manifestations of his love to them during his earthly ministry. I. OUR LORD 'S KNOWLEDGE OF HIS APPROACHING DEATH . "Jesus knowing that his hour was come." 1. This knowledge was strictly prophetic . It was no mere forecast, grounded on a calculation of the extremeness of Jewish hatred. He had often evaded arrest,... read more

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