John 2:3

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - John 2:1-11

We have here the story of Christ's miraculous conversion of water into wine at a marriage in Cana of Galilee. There were some few so well disposed as to believe in Christ, and to follow him, when he did no miracle; yet it was not likely that many should be wrought upon till he had something wherewith to answer those that asked, What sign showest thou? He could have wrought miracles before, could have made them the common actions of his life and the common entertainments of his friends; but,... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 2:1-11

2:1-11 Two days after this there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee; and Jesus' mother was there. And Jesus was invited to the wedding and so were his disciples. When the wine had run short, Jesus' mother said to him: "They have no wine." Jesus said to her: "Lady, let me handle this in my own way. My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants: "Do whatever he tens you to do." There were six stone waterpots standing there--they were needed for the Jewish purifying customs--and each... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 2:1-11

We note three general things about this wonderful deed which Jesus did. (i) We note when it happened. It happened at a wedding feast. Jesus was perfectly at home at such an occasion. He was no severe, austere killjoy. He loved to share in the happy rejoicing of a wedding feast. There are certain religious people who shed a gloom wherever they go. They are suspicious of all joy and happiness. To them religion is a thing of black clothes, the lowered voice, the expulsion of social... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 2:1-11

Now we must think of the deep and permanent truth which John is seeking to teach when he tells this story. We must remember that John was writing out of a double background. He was a Jew and he was writing for Jews; but his great object was to write the story of Jesus in such a way that it would come home also to the Greeks. Let us look at it first of all from the Jewish point of view. We must always remember that beneath John's simple stories there is a deeper meaning which is open only... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 2:3

And when they wanted wine ,.... Or wine was wanting; not through the intemperance of the guests, rather through the poverty of the family, who were not able to provide very largely; and it may be by reason of a larger number of guests than were expected; however, so it was ordered by Divine Providence, that there might be an opportunity for Christ to manifest forth his glory: the mother of Jesus saith unto him, they have no wine ; being concerned for the family, lest they should be put... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 2:3

They have no wine - Though the blessed virgin is supposed to have never seen her son work a miracle before this time, yet she seems to have expected him to do something extraordinary on this occasion; as, from her acquaintance with him, she must have formed some adequate idea of his power and goodness. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 2:3

Verse 3 3.The mother of Jesus saith to him. It may be doubted if she expected or asked any thing from her Son, since he had not yet performed any miracle; and it is possible that, without expecting any remedy of this sort, she advised him to give some pious exhortations which would have the effect of preventing the guests from feeling uneasiness, and at the same time of relieving the shame of the bridegroom. I consider her words to be expressive of ( συμπαθεία) earnest compassion; for the holy... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 2:1-11

The first miracle. It took place on "the third day;" that is, the third day from the place—fifty miles away—where Nathanael had met Jesus. The Lord had then displayed his omniscience, and he now displays his omnipotence. I. THE SCENE OF THE MIRACLE . "Cana of Galilee." 1 . This was a small village, about three hours ' journey from Nazareth, rather insignificant in its history, for it is not named in the Old Testament nor in Josephus. 2 . The miracle occurred, not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 2:1-11

Jesus and social life. Public men are sometimes anxious with regard to a first appearance, that it should be upon a scene, in society, and with accompaniments worthy of themselves or of their own conceptions of themselves. Jesus proved his superiority to human vanity and weakness in performing his first "sign" in a lowly home at a villager's wedding. His conduct in this was just like himself. I. THE LORD JESUS WAS OPPOSED TO ASCETICISM . Religion and asceticism are often... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 2:1-11

Jesus and the marriage state. Of the services which our Lord Christ has rendered to human society, none is more conspicuous and undeniable than the honour which he has put upon marriage. Of all institutions and relations existing among men, there is none which has met with so much slander, hate, and scorn, as matrimony. The sinful and the selfish, not content with avoiding marriage themselves, overwhelm those who honour and enter upon wedded life with ridicule and contempt. This is not to... read more

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