We shall do well to lay to heart our Lord's words in this place, and to act habitually on the principle which they contain. Let us labour, and toil, and give, and speak, and act, and write for Christ, as if all depended on our exertions. And yet let us never forget that success depends entirely on God's blessing ! To expect success by our own "purse" and "sword" is pride and self- righteousness. But to expect success without the " purse and sword " is presumption and fanaticism. Let us do as Jacob did when he met his brother Esau. He used all innocent means to conciliate and appease him. But when he had done all, he spent all night in prayer. (Gen. xxxii. 1 — 24.)
Notes. Luilb XXII. 31—38.
31. — [Simofij SimonJ^ The repetition of Simon's name implies solemnity and importance in the statement about to be made, and deep concern on behalf of Simon's soul. It is like the address to Martha, when she was *' careful about many things," and to Saul, when he was persecuting disciples. (Luke x. 41 ; Acts ix. 4.)
Our Lord's addressing Peter in this place, seems to make it probable that Peter was one of those who were most forward in contending for the pre-eminence in the verses preceding those we are now considering. Our Lord tells him that while he is seek- ing greatness, he is on the very point of making a grievous fall.
[Satan hath desired to have you.'j There is something very awful in this expression. It shows us that the devil is often "desiring" to accomplish our ruin, and striving to accomplish it, while we know nothing of his doings, because he is invisible. On the other hand, there is some comfort in the expression. It teaches us that Satan can do nothing without God's permission. However great his *' desu*e " to do mischief, he works in chains.
The distinction should be marked between " you" in the verse before us and "thee" in the verse following. Satan desired to have all the apostles. Christ's intercessory prayer was specially on behalf of Peter.
[Sift you as wheat.] This expression signifies that Satan desired to shake, toss to and firo, and harass the apostle, just