- Home
- Bible
- John
- Chapter 15
- Verse 15
John 15:16
Verse
Context
No Greater Love
15No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.16You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.17This is My command to you: Love one another.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye have not chosen me - Ye have not elected me as your Teacher: I have called you to be my disciples; witnesses and depositories of the truth. It was customary among the Jews for every person to choose his own teacher. And ordained you - Rather, I have appointed you: the word is εθηκα, I have Put or placed you, i.e. in the vine. Theodorus Mopsuensis, as quoted by Wetstein, observes that εθηκα is here used for εφυτευσα; (I have planted); "and, in saying this, our Lord still makes use of the metaphor of the vine; as if he had said: I have not only planted you, but I have given you the greatest benefits, causing your branches to extend every where through the habitable world." The first ministers of the Gospel were the choice of Jesus Christ; no wonder, then, that they were so successful. Those whom men have since sent, without the appointment of God, have done no good. The choice should still continue with God, who, knowing the heart, knows best who is most proper for the Gospel ministry. To be a genuine preacher of the Gospel, a man must - 1. Be chosen of God to the work. 2. He must be placed in the true vine - united to Christ by faith. 3. He must not think to lead an idle life, but labor. 4. He must not wait till work be brought to him, but he must go and seek it. 5. He must labor so as to bring forth fruit, i.e. to get souls converted to the Lord. 6. He must refer all his fruit to God, who gave him the power to labor, and blessed him in his work. 7. He must take care to water what he has planted, that his fruit may remain - that the souls whom he has gathered in be not scattered from the flock. 8. He must continue instant in prayer, that his labors may be accompanied with the presence and blessing of God - Whatsoever ye shall Ask. 9. He must consider Jesus Christ as the great Mediator between God and man, proclaim his salvation, and pray in his name. - Whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, etc. See Quesnel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ye have not chosen me, but I . . . you--a wholesale memento after the lofty things He had just said about their mutual indwelling, and the unreservedness of the friendship they had been admitted to. ordained--appointed. you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit--that is, give yourselves to it. and that your fruit should remain--showing itself to be an imperishable and ever growing principle. (Compare Pro 4:18; Jo2 1:8). that whatsoever ye shall ask, &c.--(See on Joh 15:7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
These things I command you,.... The doctrines which Christ spake, as one having authority, concerning the vine and branches; his love to his disciples, in laying down his life for them, and in accounting and using them as friends, and not servants; in choosing, ordaining, and sending them forth, for the ends above mentioned; these were delivered by him with this view, to promote brotherly love among them: that ye love one another; this lay much upon his heart, he often mentions it; this is the third time it is expressed by him, in these his last discourses; and indeed, since he had declared such strong love and affection for them, it was but right and proper they should love one another; nor does anything more tend to increase mutual love among the saints, than the consideration of their common interest in the unchangeable love of their Lord. These things I command you,.... The doctrines which Christ spake, as one having authority, concerning the vine and branches; his love to his disciples, in laying down his life for them, and in accounting and using them as friends, and not servants; in choosing, ordaining, and sending them forth, for the ends above mentioned; these were delivered by him with this view, to promote brotherly love among them: that ye love one another; this lay much upon his heart, he often mentions it; this is the third time it is expressed by him, in these his last discourses; and indeed, since he had declared such strong love and affection for them, it was but right and proper they should love one another; nor does anything more tend to increase mutual love among the saints, than the consideration of their common interest in the unchangeable love of their Lord. John 15:18 joh 15:18 joh 15:18 joh 15:18If the world hate you,.... After our Lord had signified how much he loved his disciples and what great things he had done for them, he faithfully acquaints them with the world's hatred of them, and what they must expect to meet with from that quarter, and says many things to fortify their minds against it; his words do not imply any doubt about it, but he rather takes it for granted, as a thing out of question; "if", or "seeing the world hate you"; they had had some experience of it already, and might look for more, when their master was gone from them: wherefore, he, in order to engage their patience under it, says, ye know that it hated me before it hated you; which words are an appeal of Christ to his apostles, for the usage he had met with from the wicked and unbelieving world of the Jews; how they had expressed their hatred, not only by words, calling him a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a sinner, a Samaritan, a madman, one that had a devil, yea, Beelzebub himself, but by deeds; taking up stones to stone him more than once, leading him to the brow of an hill, in order to cast him down headlong, consulting by various means to take away his life, as Herod did in his very infancy; which was done, before they showed so much hatred to his disciples; and perhaps reference may be had to the original enmity between the seed of the woman, and the seed of the serpent, mentioned Gen 3:15; as well as to these instances. Moreover, the words , rendered "before you", may be translated "the first" or "chief of you", your Lord and head; and denotes the dignity, excellency, and superiority of Christ; wherefore it is suggested, that if he, who was so much before them in personal worth and greatness, was hated by the world, they should not think it hard, or any strange thing, that this should be their case.
John 15:16
No Greater Love
15No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.16You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.17This is My command to you: Love one another.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Your Prayer Can Change the World - Part 2
By Derek Prince14K26:05PrayerMAT 28:18MRK 16:14JHN 15:16ACT 1:1ROM 2:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for repentance and deep radical changes in the church and its leadership. They suggest that the current emphasis in the church is primarily on conservation rather than Apostolic outreach. The speaker also highlights the importance of understanding and caring for the Jewish people, using the Holocaust as a warning for the Gentiles. They urge believers to bear fruit that remains and to ask the Father in the name of Jesus for their needs. The sermon references Romans 2:6-9 and Acts 1:1-2 to support these points.
The Holy Spirit & Power for the Ministry
By Alan Redpath4.6K1:05:48Holy SpiritPSA 1:3EZK 47:1JHN 15:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the miracle of a Spirit-filled life. He refers to the crowd's questions on the day of Pentecost, asking what the events meant and what they should do. The preacher emphasizes that the explanation of the disciples' transformed lives demanded a verdict and that a Spirit-filled life should have unmistakable evidence. He warns against false claims of experiences with the Holy Spirit and highlights the importance of genuine fruit and a lasting impact in the life of a person filled with the Spirit of God.
(Genesis) Genesis 3:14-19
By J. Vernon McGee3.0K10:00GenesisGEN 3:15MAT 6:33JHN 8:44JHN 11:25JHN 15:16ROM 3:111JN 4:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the judgment of the fall as described in verse 14 of the Bible. He emphasizes that God must deal with the creature He made, who has turned away from Him. The serpent, which was different at the beginning, is cursed by God and Satan is also judged, affecting mankind. The preacher highlights the call of divine justice, sorrow, and love in this judgment, offering redemption through the promise of the coming Savior. The sermon emphasizes that salvation is God's search for man, as man ran away from Him.
The Cana Miracle
By Art Katz2.8K55:36Cana MiracleJHN 2:1JHN 4:14JHN 7:37JHN 15:16In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing that he had a theme in his spirit that led him to study the first miracle of Jesus at Cana in John chapter 2. He mentions a prophetical school they have every summer where they discuss and interpret New Testament texts. The speaker reflects on the significance of the first miracle and how it relates to the last, suggesting that there is a tension of agreement between the two. He emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the first of anything because it often holds insights about what will come at the end.
Elijah - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill2.5K08:571KI 18:212CH 7:14ISA 66:2JOL 2:17MAL 4:5LUK 4:18JHN 15:16ACT 1:82TI 4:2This sermon focuses on the theme of revival and the role of prophets like Elijah in bringing about spiritual awakening. It emphasizes the need for a return to God's ways and the importance of trembling at His Word when preaching. The speaker challenges preachers to approach their ministry with a sense of urgency and reverence, highlighting the impact of individuals like Richard Baxter in leading revival at a family level.
(Through the Bible) Colossians 1
By Chuck Smith2.4K1:11:19MAT 24:14MRK 16:15JHN 15:16ACT 8:26EPH 4:1COL 1:10COL 1:23In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for Jesus Christ, who came to earth as the manifestation of God and dwells in the hearts of believers. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the power of the Holy Spirit in being effective witnesses for the gospel. They mention that the gospel has been preached throughout the world and bears fruit. The speaker also mentions the need to trust in God's guidance and take one step at a time, using the example of Philip being directed to go to Gaza. The sermon concludes with the speaker acknowledging the significance of chapters 2 and 3 in the New Testament and expressing the intention to delve into them in the next session.
The Trinity
By Ernest Barker2.3K50:12TrinityMAT 11:28JHN 2:24JHN 5:16JHN 5:24JHN 6:35JHN 15:16REV 19:13In this sermon, Chapman discusses the claim of Jesus to understand the motives and desires of mankind. He references John 2:24, where it is stated that Jesus knew what was in man. Chapman explains that Jesus had a deep understanding of human nature and could see through people's actions and words. He emphasizes the importance of being subject to authority and paying what is due, as stated in Romans 13. Chapman encourages individual study of the Bible to truly understand the joy of seeing Christ in the written word and looks forward to the day when believers will see Him as He is.
I Am a Branch
By Jim Cymbala2.1K36:14AbidingJHN 15:1JHN 15:4JHN 15:9JHN 15:12JHN 15:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ and staying connected to Him. He explains that simply trying to change our behavior without truly abiding in Christ is ineffective. The speaker encourages listeners to listen to and meditate on God's word daily in order to stay connected to Him. He uses the analogy of a vine and branches to illustrate the relationship between Christ and believers, highlighting the need for dependence on Him for life and fruitfulness. The speaker also challenges the legalistic mindset that focuses on our own efforts, reminding listeners that Christianity is about receiving and sharing in the life of Christ.
A Lost Opportunity
By J. Glyn Owen2.1K42:59Bearing FruitMAT 3:8MAT 7:16LUK 12:48LUK 13:6JHN 15:16ACT 2:1EPH 5:16In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a parable about a barren fig tree and its implications for our lives. The parable emphasizes the importance of producing fruit and the consequences of not doing so. The vine dresser pleads for one more chance for the tree, showing compassion despite the tree's lack of productivity. The speaker applies this parable to our own lives, urging us to examine our faith, repentance, and dedication to God. He reminds us that God expects us to produce fruit and calls us to redeem the time and fulfill our purpose in life.
God's Truth About Alliances (Part 2)
By Russell Kelfer1.9K36:27AllianceEXO 23:32AMO 3:3JHN 15:161CO 6:172TH 3:62TI 3:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the consequences of being unequally yoked with the world. He uses the story of Lot from the book of Genesis as an example. Lot had moved in with the world and his family was affected by it. The speaker emphasizes the importance of separating oneself from the world and standing by God's principles. He also encourages the audience to stand by Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Moses, God's Servant: 1st Forty Years
By Stephen Kaung1.8K1:06:52MosesGEN 1:26MAT 6:33JHN 15:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the number 40 in the Bible and how it represents testing or trial. He uses the life of Moses as an example, dividing it into three periods of 40 years each. The first 40 years, Moses was tested by the riches of Egypt, the second 40 years by tending sheep, and the last 40 years by leading the stubborn Israelites in the wilderness. Despite the continuous testing, Moses remained faithful and was recognized as a servant of the Lord. The preacher encourages the audience not to fear testing, as it is a part of serving the Lord.
(Through the Bible) Genesis 2-3
By Chuck Smith1.7K1:33:11ExpositionalISA 55:1JHN 15:16ACT 15:10ROM 8:19GAL 5:1EPH 1:4REV 22:17In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding God's love and filling our lives with the fullness of His Spirit. The speaker acknowledges the power of choice and the capacity we have in choosing our eternal destiny. They express gratitude for God's choice to ordain us as disciples and bear fruit that remains. The sermon then transitions to discussing the concept of man's incompleteness and God's decision to create a help-meet for Adam. The speaker highlights Adam's naming of the animals as a demonstration of the mind God gave him.
Moses, God's Servant: Last 40 Years
By Stephen Kaung1.5K1:02:51MosesEXO 3:2EXO 4:1NUM 12:3PRO 29:18MAT 22:14JHN 15:16EPH 1:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of Moses and the lessons he had to learn before being used by God. Moses spent forty years in the wilderness, where he had to learn about himself and about God. Eventually, God appeared to Moses in a burning bush, symbolizing the need for vision in serving the Lord. The speaker emphasizes the importance of preparation before being used by God, using the example of Moses and even Jesus, who was prepared for thirty years before his ministry began. The sermon also highlights the work that God commissioned Moses to do, including delivering the Israelites from Egypt and receiving the law and the pattern for the tabernacle. The speaker encourages the audience to recognize their own strengths and talents as tools for serving God, but to also rely on Him and be willing to be consumed and purified by His presence.
And the Lord Was With Joseph - Part 1
By Steve Mays1.5K34:37JosephGEN 39:2GEN 39:5MAT 6:33MAT 28:20JHN 15:16HEB 13:5In this sermon, the preacher shares the story of Joseph from the Bible as an example of how God can use difficult circumstances to shape and prepare us for His purposes. Joseph, who was initially thrown into jail, eventually became second in command of Egypt and played a crucial role in saving his family and the world from famine. The preacher emphasizes that God knows what He is doing and will never leave or forsake us, even in the midst of crisis. The sermon also highlights the transformative power of God's grace, using the example of a man named Steve who went from a life of desperation and crime to a life of purpose and grace. The preacher encourages listeners to trust in God's plan and to seek Him in both the good and bad times.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 27:6 - Part 2
By Chuck Smith1.5K25:59ExpositionalEXO 33:111KI 18:381KI 19:2ISA 27:6MAT 25:21JHN 15:16EPH 2:10The video is promoting Pastor Chuck Smith's Marriage and Family Bible Study as a helpful resource for families during the holiday season. It highlights the breakdown of the family unit in society and the negative impact it has on marriages and children. The Bible study aims to provide basic principles to keep love alive within families. The video also emphasizes the importance of doing God's will, bringing forth fruit, and seeking God's approval in order to have a fulfilling and purposeful life.
Great Truths From Ephesians - Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.5K55:53EphesiansJHN 15:16EPH 1:1In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Ephesians and its division into two parts. The first three chapters highlight what God has done for us in Christ, while the next three chapters explain how we should live on earth. The speaker emphasizes the importance of laying a good foundation in Christ before trying to live according to God's standards. The sermon also mentions the disciples' inability to become one even after Jesus' preaching, but Jesus assures them that they will do even greater works through the Holy Spirit.
Qualifications for Spiritual Leadership - Part 1
By Stephen Kaung1.4K59:42Spiritual LeadershipPRO 29:18JER 20:9MAT 6:33JHN 15:5JHN 15:16EPH 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision from God. He encourages believers to seek a vision that aligns with God's purpose and involves them in His plans. The speaker uses the example of Moses, who had a sense of his destiny to deliver his people from slavery. However, Moses took matters into his own hands and killed an Egyptian who was mistreating a Hebrew. The speaker highlights the need for leaders who are distressed by the vision God has given them and who seek guidance from the Lord.
(John 15 #3) the Husbandman
By Ed Miller1.4K49:10PSA 45:1MAT 6:33JHN 15:1JHN 15:16In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the last words of Jesus before His crucifixion, as recorded in John 15. He emphasizes the importance of these words and how they reveal how to live, grow, and produce lasting fruit that brings glory to God. The preacher shares a verse from Psalm 45 that describes his heart overflowing with a good theme and his desire to address his verses to the King. He also discusses the significance of fruit in the context of reproduction, evangelism, and soul-winning, highlighting how every living thing leaves its imprint on its offspring.
(Pdf Book) How I Got Joy Unspeakable and Full and Glory
By Bakht Singh1.3K00:00EbooksJoy in ChristTransformationPSA 139:23JER 29:13MAT 28:18JHN 6:37JHN 15:16EPH 2:8REV 3:20Bakht Singh shares his transformative journey from bitterness and atheism to experiencing unspeakable joy through Jesus Christ. Initially resistant to Christianity, he recounts how his life changed dramatically after he accepted Christ, leading to a profound sense of peace and purpose. Singh emphasizes that true joy comes from a personal relationship with Jesus, which surpasses worldly ambitions and material satisfaction. He encourages others to seek this joy and to trust in God's power to transform their lives. His testimony serves as a powerful reminder of God's grace and the importance of surrendering to Him.
Filled With the Lord of Christ
By Bill McLeod1.3K48:00Spirit Of ChristJOB 11:7ECC 3:14MAT 16:25JHN 15:16EPH 3:171TH 4:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of forgiveness and the importance of forgiving others. He uses the analogy of a drop of water in a bucket to illustrate how insignificant our sins are compared to God's forgiveness. The preacher shares a story about a woman who survived a brutal attack during the Cultural Revolution in China and later discovered that the person who led the attack was living nearby. The sermon also includes a personal anecdote about a man struggling with pornography addiction and his reluctance to address it. The preacher challenges him to confront his sin and reminds him of the impact it has on his relationship with Jesus.
With God and His Gospel
By Milton Green1.3K02:47DEU 6:5JOS 1:9MAT 6:33JHN 15:16HEB 13:8JAS 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following the Lord Jesus Christ and not deviating from His path. The ark mentioned symbolizes Jesus, who leads believers into the Promised Land and grants them rest and blessings. The preacher encourages the congregation to love the Lord with all their hearts and to love their neighbors as themselves, as this is the fruit of a true disciple. The sermon also highlights the power of prayer and the importance of confessing sins and seeking righteousness in order to experience restoration and healing.
Abide in Me
By Anton Bosch1.2K50:40JHN 15:1JHN 15:16ROM 1:18ROM 6:6EPH 1:4This sermon delves into the importance of abiding in Christ and bearing fruit as highlighted in John 15. It emphasizes the need for believers to remain connected to Jesus, allowing His word to guide their lives and produce lasting fruit that glorifies God. The message challenges individuals to assess where they stand in terms of bearing fruit and encourages a deeper commitment to abiding in Christ for spiritual vitality and impact.
Through Death to Fruitfulness
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:01:06LUK 6:22JHN 15:16JHN 16:22ACT 7:23HEB 11:24This sermon emphasizes the importance of being chosen by God for a specific purpose, focusing on the need to understand why God chose us and the significance of bearing fruit for His glory. It highlights the primary purpose of bringing forth fruit in our lives, both in producing the fruit of the Spirit and impacting others for eternity. The message stresses the necessity of being broken before God, surrendering our own desires, and seeking to live a life that remains fruitful and joyful, even in the face of challenges and persecution.
Faithfulness of God - Part 2
By Derek Melton1.1K51:04Character Of GodISA 25:1MAT 6:33JHN 15:16ACT 16:31EPH 1:11In this sermon, the speaker begins by encouraging the congregation to identify and reach out to members who are absent from the service. They specifically mention Sergeant Williams and Jerry, expressing concern for their well-being. The speaker then addresses the challenges and fears that come with unemployment and financial difficulties. They emphasize the power of sin and the struggle to see loved ones find salvation, but also highlight the promises of God to bring salvation to the elect. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the importance of receiving the love of the truth and the assurance that God is faithful to save.
The Need for a Life Message
By Don Currin1.0K42:57JHN 15:16This sermon delivered at the Canadian Revival Fellowship Conference emphasizes the importance of revival ministry and the need for a life's message. Brother Don Kern shares his personal journey of desolation in ministry, leading to a crisis that highlighted the significance of the Lordship of Christ. He discusses the use of 'staffs' as substitutes for a life's message in reaching the spiritually dead, focusing on promotions, possessions, personalities, and preaching. The sermon stresses the necessity of prayer, dying to self, seeing others through the eyes of Jesus, and having clean hands and a pure heart to effectively transmit spiritual life to those in need.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye have not chosen me - Ye have not elected me as your Teacher: I have called you to be my disciples; witnesses and depositories of the truth. It was customary among the Jews for every person to choose his own teacher. And ordained you - Rather, I have appointed you: the word is εθηκα, I have Put or placed you, i.e. in the vine. Theodorus Mopsuensis, as quoted by Wetstein, observes that εθηκα is here used for εφυτευσα; (I have planted); "and, in saying this, our Lord still makes use of the metaphor of the vine; as if he had said: I have not only planted you, but I have given you the greatest benefits, causing your branches to extend every where through the habitable world." The first ministers of the Gospel were the choice of Jesus Christ; no wonder, then, that they were so successful. Those whom men have since sent, without the appointment of God, have done no good. The choice should still continue with God, who, knowing the heart, knows best who is most proper for the Gospel ministry. To be a genuine preacher of the Gospel, a man must - 1. Be chosen of God to the work. 2. He must be placed in the true vine - united to Christ by faith. 3. He must not think to lead an idle life, but labor. 4. He must not wait till work be brought to him, but he must go and seek it. 5. He must labor so as to bring forth fruit, i.e. to get souls converted to the Lord. 6. He must refer all his fruit to God, who gave him the power to labor, and blessed him in his work. 7. He must take care to water what he has planted, that his fruit may remain - that the souls whom he has gathered in be not scattered from the flock. 8. He must continue instant in prayer, that his labors may be accompanied with the presence and blessing of God - Whatsoever ye shall Ask. 9. He must consider Jesus Christ as the great Mediator between God and man, proclaim his salvation, and pray in his name. - Whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, etc. See Quesnel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ye have not chosen me, but I . . . you--a wholesale memento after the lofty things He had just said about their mutual indwelling, and the unreservedness of the friendship they had been admitted to. ordained--appointed. you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit--that is, give yourselves to it. and that your fruit should remain--showing itself to be an imperishable and ever growing principle. (Compare Pro 4:18; Jo2 1:8). that whatsoever ye shall ask, &c.--(See on Joh 15:7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
These things I command you,.... The doctrines which Christ spake, as one having authority, concerning the vine and branches; his love to his disciples, in laying down his life for them, and in accounting and using them as friends, and not servants; in choosing, ordaining, and sending them forth, for the ends above mentioned; these were delivered by him with this view, to promote brotherly love among them: that ye love one another; this lay much upon his heart, he often mentions it; this is the third time it is expressed by him, in these his last discourses; and indeed, since he had declared such strong love and affection for them, it was but right and proper they should love one another; nor does anything more tend to increase mutual love among the saints, than the consideration of their common interest in the unchangeable love of their Lord. These things I command you,.... The doctrines which Christ spake, as one having authority, concerning the vine and branches; his love to his disciples, in laying down his life for them, and in accounting and using them as friends, and not servants; in choosing, ordaining, and sending them forth, for the ends above mentioned; these were delivered by him with this view, to promote brotherly love among them: that ye love one another; this lay much upon his heart, he often mentions it; this is the third time it is expressed by him, in these his last discourses; and indeed, since he had declared such strong love and affection for them, it was but right and proper they should love one another; nor does anything more tend to increase mutual love among the saints, than the consideration of their common interest in the unchangeable love of their Lord. John 15:18 joh 15:18 joh 15:18 joh 15:18If the world hate you,.... After our Lord had signified how much he loved his disciples and what great things he had done for them, he faithfully acquaints them with the world's hatred of them, and what they must expect to meet with from that quarter, and says many things to fortify their minds against it; his words do not imply any doubt about it, but he rather takes it for granted, as a thing out of question; "if", or "seeing the world hate you"; they had had some experience of it already, and might look for more, when their master was gone from them: wherefore, he, in order to engage their patience under it, says, ye know that it hated me before it hated you; which words are an appeal of Christ to his apostles, for the usage he had met with from the wicked and unbelieving world of the Jews; how they had expressed their hatred, not only by words, calling him a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a sinner, a Samaritan, a madman, one that had a devil, yea, Beelzebub himself, but by deeds; taking up stones to stone him more than once, leading him to the brow of an hill, in order to cast him down headlong, consulting by various means to take away his life, as Herod did in his very infancy; which was done, before they showed so much hatred to his disciples; and perhaps reference may be had to the original enmity between the seed of the woman, and the seed of the serpent, mentioned Gen 3:15; as well as to these instances. Moreover, the words , rendered "before you", may be translated "the first" or "chief of you", your Lord and head; and denotes the dignity, excellency, and superiority of Christ; wherefore it is suggested, that if he, who was so much before them in personal worth and greatness, was hated by the world, they should not think it hard, or any strange thing, that this should be their case.