John 4:1-2 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - John 4:1-3

We read of Christ's coming into Judea (John 3:22), after he had kept the feast at Jerusalem; and now he left Judea four months before harvest, as is said here (John 4:35); so that it is computed that he staid in Judea about six months, to build upon the foundation John had laid there. We have no particular account of his sermons and miracles there, only in general, John 4:1. I. That he made disciples; he prevailed with many to embrace his doctrine, and to follow him as a teacher come from God.... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 4:1-9

4:1-9 So when the Lord learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although it was not Jesus himself who was in the habit of baptizing but his disciples), he quilted Judaea and went away again to Galilee. Now he had to pass through Samaria. He came to a town of Samaria, called Sychar, which is near the piece of ground which Jacob gave to Joseph, his son, and Jacob's well was there. So Jesus, tired from the journey, was sitting by the well... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 4:1

When therefore our Lord knew ,.... Or Jesus, as some copies, as the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions read; who is Lord of all, Lord of lords, the one and only Lord of saints: and who knew all things as God; every man, and what is in man; who would believe in him, and who not, and who would betray him; he knew his adversaries, what they thought, said, or did; what was told them, and how it operated in them; and what were the secret motions of their hearts, and their most... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 4:2

Though Jesus himself baptized not ,.... And therefore as Nonnus observes, it was a false report that was made to the Pharisees; at least in part, so far as concerns the act of baptizing: though it may be this is observed, not so much to show the falsehood of that report, as to correct what is said of Christ's baptizing; lest it should be understood, as if he baptized in his own person; whereas he did not, that not so, well comporting with his greatness and majesty: wherefore "the king did... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 4:1

Jesus made and baptized, etc. - These seem to be quoted as the very words which were brought to the Pharisees; and, from our Lord's conduct after this information, we may take it for granted that they were so irritated that they were determined to seek an occasion to take away his life; in consequence of which, leaving Judea, he withdrew into Galilee. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 4:2

Jesus himself baptized not - See John 3:22 . read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 4:1

Verse 1 1.When, therefore, the Lord knew. The Evangelist, intending now to give an account of the conversation which Christ had with a Samaritan woman, begins with explaining the cause of his journey. Knowing that the Pharisees were ill-disposed towards him, he did not wish to expose himself to their anger before the proper time. This was his motive for setting out from Judea. The Evangelist thus informs us that Christ did not come into Samaria with the intention of dwelling there, but because... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 4:2

Verse 2 2.Though Jesus himself baptized not. He gives the designation of Christ ’s Baptism to that which he conferred by the hands of other, in order to inform us that Baptism ought not to be estimated by the person of the minister, but that its power depends entirely on its Author, in whose name, and by whose authority, it is conferred. Hence we derive a remarkable consolation, when we know that our baptism has no less efficacy to wash and renew us, than if it had been given by the hand of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 4:1-2

When therefore the Lord £ —a few occasions are found in the Gospels where this appellative, without any proper name, is used for Jesus ( John 6:23 ; John 11:2 ; Luke 10:1 ; Luke 17:5 ; Luke 22:61 ), and on these occasions some special suggestion is made of the Divine rank and personality of Jesus— knew that the Pharisees heard; i.e. were taking notice, after their wont, with secret machination and with open hostility, of the course which he was pursuing. The treatment which... read more