Let us note what a heavy condemnation this verse pronounces on sectarianism, bigotry, narrow-mindedness, party-spirit, strife, bitterness, needless controversy between Christian and Chris- tian.
Let us note how far from satisfactory is the state of those who are content with sound doctrinal opinions, and orthodox correct views of the Gospel, while in their daily life they give way to ill-temper, ill-nature, malice, envy, quarrelling, squab- bling, bickering, surliness, passion, snappish language, and crossness of word and manner. Such persons, whether they know it or not, -are daily proclaiming thaf, they are not Christ's disciples. It is nonsense to talk about justification, and regen- eration, and election, and conversion, and the uselessness of works, unless people can see in us practical Christian love.
Whitby remarks that in the primitive ages the mutual love of Christians was notorious among heathens. " See how these Christians love one another," was a common saying, according to Tertullian, Even Julian the apostate proposed them to the heathen as a pattern in this respect.
3G. — [Simon Peter. ..Lord, whitJier goest Thou .?] Here as else- where, the forward, impulsive spirit of Peter prompts him to ask anxiously what our Lord meant by talking of going : " Whither goest Thou ? " Can we doubt however that in this question he was the spokesman of all ?
How very little the disciples had ever comprehended our Lord's repeated saying that He must be taken prisoner, cruci- fied, and die, we see in this place. Often as He had told them He must die, they had never realized it, and are startled when He talks of going away, it is marvellous how much religious teaching men may have, and yet not take it in, receive, or be- lieve it, especially when it contradicts preconceived notions.
[Jesus answered Mm, etc.] Our Lord graciously explains here a part of His meaning. He does not explicitly tell Peter where He is going ; but He tells him He is going to a place where Peter cannot follow Him now during his lifetime, but will fol- low Him after his death, at a future date. It is not unlikely, as Cyril observes, that these words, " Thou shalt follow Me," pointed to the manner of Peter's death by crucifixion. He was to walk in his Master's steps, and enter heaven by the same road.
37. — Peter said... Lord, why. ..follow 'fliee now, etc.] This question shows how little Peter realized what our Lord fully meant, and the nearness of His death on the cross. " Why cannot I follow Thee now ? Where is the place Thou art going to on earth, where I am not willing and ready to follow Thee ? I love Thee BO much, and am so determined to cling to Thee, that I am ready to lay down my life rather than be separate from Thee."
These words were well meant, and Peter never doubted, per-