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Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 13:16

The servant is not greater than his lord - Christ has ennobled the acts of humility by practising them himself. The true glory of a Christian consists in being, in his measure, as humble as his Lord. Neither he that is sent - Ουδε αποϚολος Nor an apostle. As I think these words were intended for the suppression of all worldly ambition and lordly conduct in the apostles and their successors in the ministry, therefore I think the original word αποϚολος , should be translated apostle,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 13:14

Verse 14 14.If then I, who am your Lord and Master. This is an argument from the greater to the less. Pride hinders us from maintaining that equality which ought to exist amongst us. But Christ, who is far exalted above all others, stoops down, that he may make the proud men ashamed, who, forgetting their station and rank, look upon themselves as not bound to hold intercourse with the brethren. For what does a mortal man imagine himself to be, when he refuses to bear the burdens of brethren, to... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 13:15

Verse 15 15.For I have given you an example. It deserves our attention that Christ says that he gave an example; for we are not at liberty to take all his actions, without reserve, as subjects of imitation. The Papists boast that, by Christ’s example, they observe the forty days’ fast, or Lent. But we ought first to see whether or not he intended to lay down his fast as an example that the disciples might conform to it as a rule. We read: nothing of this sort, and, therefore, the imitation of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 13:16

Verse 16 16.Verily, verily, I tell you. These are indeed proverbial sayings, which admit of a far more extensive application, but which ought to be accommodated to the case in hand. In my opinion, therefore, they are mistaken who suppose them to have a general acceptation, as if Christ were now exhorting his disciples to bear the cross; for it is more correct to say that he employed them to serve his purpose. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 13:1-38

A. The inner glorification of the Christ in the presence of those who received and believed on him . *** The Loges incarnate as life, light, love, and sacrifice, lavishing all his grace upon his own (Jn 13-17.). B. The outer glorification of the Christ in his Passion and resurrection . *** The fully manifested love laying down life that he might take it again, and lift these disciples into vital union with the risen life (Jn 18-21.). A. THE INNER GLORIFICATION OF ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 13:12-17

The Lord gives other practical instructions based on his own humble self-obliterating discharge of a duty which it was obvious that, in their desire to be great, they had one and all abstained from doing even for their Lord. Out of it he draws the great lesson of mutual love and brotherly regard. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 13:12-17

The explanation of the washing of the disciples feet. I. THE ARGUMENT BY WHICH OUR LORD ENFORCES THE LESSON OF HIS ACT . "Know ye what I have done unto you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am." The titles the disciples gave to him have a decisive force. 1. As he is a Teacher, they were bound to learn in his school with all docility and meekness of wisdom . 2. As a Master, they were bound to give him subjection in all matters... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 13:13

Ye name me the Teacher and the Lord . "Rabbi and Mara," the names of reverence which disciples of the Hebrew teachers were accustomed to offer to their masters. φωνεῖν means to name, and the two nominatives are used appellatively, not as vocatives. Tholuck regards them as vocatives. Scholars dared not address their teachers without some marks of respect. διδάσκαλος is John's equivalent for יבר , my Master (see John 1:29 ; John 20:16 ). And ye say well; for so I am . At this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 13:13

Mastership and subjection. Equality amongst men is the dream of fanatics. It is true that men should by law have equal rights. But the Creator has not bestowed equal gifts or powers of body or of mind, and no human laws can equalize men's condition, their possessions, or their enjoyments. And in all society there must be authority and. subordination; some must rule, and some obey. So is it in the spiritual kingdom of our Lord. I. THE CLAIM OF CHRIST . 1. Wheel it is . ... read more

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