Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - John 7:19
19. None… keepeth the law… kill me A glaring instance in proof. Ever since the miracle at Bethesda, (John 5:2-16,) the Jews have plotted his death, (John 5:16; John 7:1; John 7:13; John 7:25.) read more
19. None… keepeth the law… kill me A glaring instance in proof. Ever since the miracle at Bethesda, (John 5:2-16,) the Jews have plotted his death, (John 5:16; John 7:1; John 7:13; John 7:25.) read more
20. The people This base interruption seems to be ejaculated from his enemies in the crowd. His imputation of murderous purpose they denounce as the frenzy of one possessed. The utterers might have supposed they spoke truth; but there are others in the crowd (John 7:25) that know the reality of the murderous intent. read more
21. Jesus answered He disregards the interruption, and prosecutes his argument to show how they break the law of Moses while he does the will of God, (21-24.) In his miracle at Bethesda, he argues, he as truly did the will of God by healing on the Sabbath day as they observe the law of Moses in circumcising on the Sabbath day. The law of the Sabbath is truly broken in neither case. For both were religious and holy acts on the Sabbath day, in accordance with God’s will and law. read more
22. Of the fathers Given first to Abraham by God, it was incorporated into the Mosaic law. This did not make it prior to the Sabbath; for that was at the creation. read more
23. Circumcision… every whit whole There is here, no doubt, an allusion to the physical contrast, Circumcision is mutilation; the healing was making whole. The exertion of physical power in both cases is equally palpable and strong; so that, physically, they would equally be work, and both would break the Sabbath were they not both and equally religious acts. The miracle was a religious act, as being an organic part of the scheme of God in man’s redemption, as truly as the Sabbath... read more
24. According to the appearance By the mere external act, as if that settled in all cases its right or wrong. Righteous judgment Applying the principles of conscience to the nature of the deed and motive. True religion has this proof of its genuineness namely, that it agrees with and truly quickens and strengthens our conscience. read more
Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - John 7:18
18. His own glory Jesus preserved his rectitude by seeking God’s will and glory alone; the Jew lost his by seeking his own glory, disregarding God’s will, and breaking God’s law. read more