The chief priests ... said: what do we? &c. as if they had said: why are we so slow, so remiss, and indolent in our proceedings against this man, when we daily see what numbers he draws after him by his miracles? (Witham) read more
47-53 There can hardly be a more clear discovery of the madness that is in man's heart, and of its desperate enmity against God, than what is here recorded. Words of prophecy in the mouth, are not clear evidence of a principle of grace in the heart. The calamity we seek to escape by sin, we take the most effectual course to bring upon our own heads; as those do who think by opposing Christ's kingdom, to advance their own worldly interest. The fear of the wicked shall come upon them. The... read more
John 11 THE TWO VERSES with which this chapter opens indicate that this Gospel was written when the other Gospels were well known. In naming Bethany as the town of Martha and Mary, it is assumed that the readers will be more familiar with the women than the village. Again, in verse Joh_11:2 , Mary is identified by her action in anointing the Lord, though John does not tell us about this till the next chapter is reached: he evidently knew he could safely identify her thus, since the story was... read more
The Council of the Jews concerning Christ's Removal. The prophecy of Caiaphas: v. 47. Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council and said, What do we? For this man doeth many miracles. v. 48. If we let Him thus alone, all men will believe on Him; and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. v. 49. And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, v. 50. nor consider that it is expedient... read more
C. Two-fold result of the raising of Lazarus. The believing Jews. The obdurate ones as betrayers. The high-priestly prophecy, or the extinction of the ancient Urim and Thummim. Demoniacal policy and Divine counsel. Jesus now in the wilderness of Ephraim, as He was in the wilderness at the beginning of His ministry(John 11:45-57.)45Then many [Many therefore] of the Jews which came [who had come]65 to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus [what he] did, believed on [in] him. 46But some of... read more
the Innocent for the Guilty John 11:45-57 The friends of the family who had come to lament with them, were disposed toward Jesus and believed; but the mere spectators hastened with the news, to inflame the hatred of the Pharisees. The Romans dreaded the power acquired by permanent office, and often exchanged one high priest for another. Hence the expression, being high priest that year. By his vote Caiaphas may be said to have appointed and sacrificed his victim, who in that memorable year... read more
Here we have the account of the last sign wrought by Jesus as recorded by John, namely, the raising of Lazarus. Very beautiful in this connection is the depiction of the sorrow of the sisters, and our Lord's method of dealing with each of them in turn. His approach to the grave revealed some of the deepest things in His own attitude. He was troubled in the presence of the sin and unbelief which had its final expression in death. Nevertheless, He acted with complete authority, and as a sign of... read more
‘The chief priests therefore, and the Pharisees, gathered a council and said, “What are we going to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him thus alone all men will believe on him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation”.’ Meanwhile the Pharisees who received the news decided that something must be done. Jesus was becoming a danger. And so their leaders went to the chief priests, and suggested to them that it was time to act together. It seems incredible... read more
John 11:45-Philemon : . The Results of the Miracle.— The majority of the Jews who came to comfort the sisters were convinced, but some remained hostile, and gave information to the Pharisees. The chief priests, i.e. the Sadducees, always first when action is needed, and the Pharisees, summon a council. In face of the growing number of adherents their inaction is felt to be unsatisfactory. If it leads to civil disturbance, the Romans will intervene and hold them responsible for their failure... read more
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Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - John 11:47-57
Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? For this man doeth many miracles. (48) If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. (49) And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, (50) Nor consider, that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. (51) And this... read more