Brentius thinks tliat " another," in this sentence, refers to *' Nero," or the " executioner."
We should note, in this wonderful prophecy, the unhesi tating positiveuess aud decision with which our Lord speaks of things to come. He knew perfectly all the circumstances of His Apostle's death, long before it took place.
We should note how faithfully and unreservedly our Lord tells Peter what the consequences of his apostleship would be. He does not tempt him onward by promises of earthly success and temporal rewards. Suffering, death, and the cross, are plainly exhibited before the eyes of his mind, as the end to which he must look forward.
We should note how even our Lord intimates that suffering is painful to flesh and blood. He speaks of it as a thing that Peter will most naturally shrink from : — *' Thou wouldest not." Our Lord does not expect us to '' enjoy " bodily pain and suf- fering, though He asks us to be willing to endure it for His sake.
Chrysostom observes, " Christ here speaks of natural feeling, and the necessity of the flesh, and shows that the soul is un- willingly torn away from the body. Though the will was firm, even then nature would be found in fault. For no one lays aside the body without feeling ; God having suitably or- dained this in order that violent deaths might not be many. For if, even as things are now, the devil has been able to effect this, and has led thousands (by suicide) to precipices and pits, had not the soul felt such an affection for the body, many would have rushed to this under any common discourage- ment."
Augustine observes, " No man likes to die : a state of feeling BO natural, that not even old age had power to remove it from blessed Peter, to whom Jesus said, ' Thou shalt be led whither thou wouldest not.' For our consolation, we may remember, that even our Saviour took this state of feeling on Himself, saying, ' Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me ! ' " — He also says, " Were there nothing, or little of irksomeness in death, the glory of the martyr would not be so great as it is."
Calvin observes, " This must be understood as referring to the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, which believers feel within themselves. We cannot obey God in a manner so free and unrestrained, as not to be drawn, as it were, by ropes, in an opposite direction, by the world and the flesh. Besides, it ought to be remembered that the dread of death is naturally implanted in us ; for, to wisli to be separated from the body is revolting to nature." — Again he says, " Even the martyrs expe- rienced a fear of death similar to our own, so that they could not gain a triumph over the enemies of truth but by contend- ing with themselves."