as that in the words spoken to Philip, when in reply to Philip's question, "Lord, show us the Father," Jesus said, "He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father." (John xiv. 8, 9.) I think this is at least doubtful. The thing that Philip needed to know was the precise relation between the Father and Son. The thiug that the Jews needed was a right knowledge of God alto- gether.
20.— [TJiese words spake Jesus. ..treasury. ..temple.'] This sentence seems meant to mark a pause or break in the discourse, and to show also how publicly and openly our Lord proclaimed His Messiahship. It was in a well-known part of the temple called the treasury that He declared Himself to be " the light of the world," and defended His testimony.
Calvin thinks that " the treasury was a part of the temple where the sacred offerings were laid up, and therefore a much frequented place."
[No mari laid hands on him.'] The remark made on a former occasion applies here. (John vii. 30.) A divine restraint was laid on our Lord's enemies. They felt unable to lift a finger against Him. They had the will to hurt, but not the power.
[His hour was not yet come.] The same deep thought that we remarked in ch. vii. 30, comes up here again. There was a cer- tain fixed time during which our Lord's ministry was to last, and till that time was expired His enemies could not touch Him. When the time had expired, our Lord said, "This is your hour, and the power of darkness." (Luke xxii. 53.)
The expression should be carefully noticed, and remembered by all true Christians. It teaches that the wicked can do no harm to Christ and His members until God gives them permis- sion. Not a hair of a believer's head can be touched until God in His sovereign wisdom allows it. — It teaches that all times are in God's hand. There is an allotted " hour " both for doing aud for suffering. Till the hour comes for dying no Christian will die. When the hour comes nothing can prevent his death. These are comfortable truths, and deserve attention. Christ's members are safe and immortal till their work is done. When they suffer it is because God wills it and sees it good.
Quesnel remarks : " A man enjoys the greatest peace of mind when he has once settled himself in a firm and steadfast belief of God's providence, and an absolute dependence upon His de- sign and will."