John 2

-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 � StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size StandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldfsUnderlineColorclBlueSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldfsItalicUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size-9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 �BiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabsStandardSpaceBefore SpaceAfterTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 6 2 3 8 0 0 CHAPTER II ) 2:1 11 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 2 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 1 And on the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 And Jesus was also invited to the wedding, together with his disciples. ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 3 And when the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, They have no wine. 4 And Jesus said to her, Woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come. 5 His mother said to the waiters, Whatever he tells you, do. ) 6 Now six stone water-jars were standing there, in accordance with the Jews manner of purifying, each holding two or three measures. 7 Jesus said to them, Fill the jars with water. And they filled them to the brim. 8 And he said to them, Now dip out, and bring it to the steward of the feast. And they brought it. 9 And when the steward of the feast tasted the water, now become wine, and did not know where it came from, though the waiters who had dipped out the water knew, the steward of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 and he said to him, Everybody serves the good wine first, and when men have drunk freely, they serve the wine of lesser quality; but you have kept the good wine until now. ) 11 This Jesus did as a beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 2:1, 2. And on the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 It was ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the third day) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.0|AUTODETECT|” after Jesus had gained two more disciples: Philip and Nathaniel. We may probably assume that on the two preceding days (and perhaps even on part of the third day) the Lord and his first six disciples (Andrew, John, Peter, James, Philip, and Nathaniel) had been traveling afoot toward the place where the event recorded in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.0|AUTODETECT|” John 2) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 occurred. Hence, on the third day we find the little company present at ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Cana in Galilee) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . The statement that the mother of Jesus, who lived at Nazareth, was also present, may indicate that Cana and Nazareth were not very far apart. There seem to have been several Cana s, however, even in the province of Galilee. The exact location of the one where the wedding was held no one knows. Present-day commentators and geographers favor a spot situated about 8 or 9 miles north of Nazareth.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref1 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1” 52) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Now if we are right in locating Bethany beyond Jordan about twenty miles south-east of Nazareth, then two days (or slightly more than two days) of travel were, indeed, required. We should also figure with the possibility that 1:43 may imply the departure from Bethany on the very day when Philip and Nathaniel were called; i.e., there may have been a few hours of travel also on that day. If Bethany and Cana were located where we have placed them, no serious travel-difficulty remains. On the other hand, those who place Bethany far to the south, near the Dead Sea, get into difficulty when they must account for Christ s presence in Cana of Galilee on the third day after the event recorded in 1:43 51. Though even this very long journey may have been possible��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref2 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2” 53) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� within such a brief period of time, it must be regarded as improbable. Some of those who, nevertheless, insist on the seventy mile trip try to get around the difficulty by bringing Jesus to Cana after the festivities had been in progress a few days. But this hardly merits comment. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 And the mother of Jesus was there.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 mother of Jesus) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 was also at the wedding. The author is consistent in not mentioning the name of the lady who was probably his aunt (the sister of his mother Salome). Throughout the Gospel he leaves himself and his close relatives anonymous. It is probable that Mary was not an invited guest but rather an assistant at the wedding. This might explain how it was that she knew about the wine giving out. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Jesus was also invited, together with his disciples.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 As these disciples had joined the master so recently, the question might occur, How could they have been included in the invitation which was extended to Jesus? We must leave room for several possibilities, one of which is that Jesus, on his way to Cana, stopped at Nazareth (which would not have necessitated a detour of any great extent) and received the invitation for himself and all who were with him. Another possibility is that Nathaniel, who was from Cana, was authorized to extend invitations. Some are of the opinion that he was a relative of the bridegroom, but of this we know nothing. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.19|AUTODETECT|” The main point, however, is this, that Jesus accepted the invitation for the entire group. He was not an ascetic. He came eating and drinking 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.19|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 3. And when the wine failed.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 As the wedding proceeded, the wine began to run short. We have no way of knowing what may have been the reason for this, and it is better not to speculate.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref3 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3” 54) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� That the deficiency in the wine-supply was occasioned by the unexpected arrival of Jesus with his six disciples is probably a wrong guess, for their arrival cannot have been altogether unexpected. They had been ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 invited!) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.14.18|AUTODETECT|” The fact that wine was considered a staple article of food is clear from such passages as ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.14.18|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 14:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.6.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.6.20|AUTODETECT|” Num. 6:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.14.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.14.26|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 14:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.5.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.5.18|AUTODETECT|” Neh. 5:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.19|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.10.9|AUTODETECT|” . Because of its intoxicating character its use was definitely restricted: in connection with the execution of certain functions it was forbidden; excessive indulgence was always definitely condemned 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.10.9|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 10:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.31.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.31.4|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 31:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.31.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.31.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=21.10.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=21.10.17|AUTODETECT|” Eccl. 10:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.7|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 28:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.3.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.3.8|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 3:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In Palestine grapes ripened from June to September. There is, accordingly, no good reason to suppose that wine served at weddings which took place during the period October-May would be anything else but fermented grape-juice, in other words, actual wine. Nevertheless, intemperance, as has been indicated, is contrary to the spirit of both Old and New Testament. There is, therefore, nothing in this account which can in any way give comfort to those who favor the abuse or excessive use of the gifts of God. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The mother of Jesus said to him, They have no wine.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.26-42.1.38|AUTODETECT|” Now in these embarrassing circumstances, when the wine failed, Mary comes to the rescue with the remark, addressed to Jesus, They have no wine. Of all those present no one knew better than Mary who Jesus actually was and what task had been assigned to him. 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.26-42.1.38|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:26 38) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 .) Did she show a degree of impatience because he did not at once do something about the present embarrassing situation? Note, however, that she did not in so many words ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 tell) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 him what to do. She merely mentioned the need, but the hint was clear enough. That Mary expected a miracle seems certain. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 4. And Jesus said to her, Woman) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (here one could almost translate Lady, for no disrespect of any kind is intended; cf. 19:26), ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 what have you to do with me?��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref4 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4” 55) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� My hour has not yet come.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 When the Lord said, Woman, he did not indulge in rudeness. On the contrary, it was very kind of him to emphasize, by the use of this word, that Mary must no longer think of him as being merely her son; for, the more she conceives of him as her son, the more also will she suffer when he suffers. Mary must begin to look upon Jesus as ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 her Lord) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . The words, My hour has not yet come, clearly indicate Christ s consciousness of the fact that he was accomplishing a task entrusted to him by the Father, every detail of which had been definitely marked off in the eternal decree; so that for each act there was a stipulated moment. (See also 7:6, 8; 7:30; 8:20; 12:23; 13:1; and 17:1.) When Jesus knew that this moment had arrived, he would act, not before. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 5.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Mary immediately sensed that the reply of Jesus implied his readiness to act at the proper time. In the spirit of complete submission and confident expectation ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 his mother said to the waiters) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (servants, in the sense of assistants at the wedding), ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Whatever he tells you, do.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 That she regarded it necessary to speak to the servants should not cause surprise. She was aware of two things: a. that otherwise it might seem rather strange that waiters should receive orders from a guest; and b. that what Jesus would order these attendants to do would, perhaps, even seem foolish, so that they might not have been willing to do it. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 6. Now six stone water-jars were standing there, in accordance with the Jews manner of purifying.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.3|AUTODETECT|” Somewhere in the vicinity of the room where the feast was held six stone water-jars were standing. These were considerably larger than the one used by the Samaritan woman (4:28). The purpose of these larger jars is explained in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.3|AUTODETECT|” Mark 7:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands, observing the tradition of the elders. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Each (of the jars) holding two or three measures.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 A ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 measure) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 was the equivalent of about 8� gallons; hence, each jar was able to hold between 17 and 25 gallons of water. Accordingly, the six jars had a total capacity of between 100 and 150 gallons! But why is this fact stated? Obviously, in order to emphasize the greatness of Christ s gift! ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 7. Jesus said to them) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (i.e., to the waiters), ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Fill the water-jars with water. And they filled them to the brim.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Also this detail of the story places the emphasis on the greatness of the gift. Besides, the phrase ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 with water) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is added, to show that the jars contained nothing else, and that nothing else could be added, for they were full to the very top. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 8. And he said to them, Now dip out, and bring it to the steward of the feast. And they brought it.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Apparently what these men dipped out was water (see verse 9), but it changed into wine immediately. However, the author does not intend to convey the idea that only a small portion of the water was actually dipped out and changed into wine. On the contrary, the sense seems to be: keep on carrying (������) wine. They dip out again and again. And the jars hold between one hundred and one hundred fifty gallons, all of which, having been dipped out, was immediately changed into wine. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 9, 10. And when the steward of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from, though the waiters who had dipped out the water knew.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The waiters carry the wine to the steward of the feast (A ������������); i.e. literally: to the superintendent of the room with three couches (usually found on three sides of a low table). Evidently this banquet-manager had not been present in the hall where the water-jars were standing. Hence, he was greatly surprised to see this wine, and especially was he surprised when he tasted it. It was wine such as he had never tasted before, so excellent in quality. So ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 he called the bridegroom and said to him, Everybody serves (lit.: sets on the table) the good wine first, and when men have drunk freely (not necessarily: have become drunk), they serve the wine of inferior quality; but you have kept the good wine until now.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 From these words we learn that it was apparently a custom to hold in reserve the inferior wine until the taste of the guests had been dulled sufficiently so that they would not be able to discern the exact flavor and excellence of the wine that was served last of all. The steward, therefore, expressed astonishment that this bridegroom had reversed the usual order. The remark of the banquet-manager has been interpreted as a mild rebuke. However, it is not necessary to draw this conclusion. The exclamation must be regarded as one that expresses surprise. It may even have been intended as a compliment to the groom on the excellence of this wine. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 11. This Jesus did as a beginning of his signs.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 In chronological order this was the first ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 sign) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (�������).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref5 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5” 56) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The term is used more often by John than by the other Gospel-writers. It indicates a miracle viewed as ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 a proof of divine authority and majesty) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Hence, it leads the attention of the spectator away from the deed itself to the divine Doer. Often, too, the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 sign,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 a work of power in the physical realm, illustrates a principle that is operative in the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 spiritual) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 realm; that which takes place in the sphere of creation points away from itself to the sphere of redemption. Thus, the multiplication of the loaves 8 1 -1 9 0 0 sign,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 6:14, 26, 30) rivets the attention on Christ as the Bread of Life (6:35); the opening of the eyes of the man born blind 8 1 -1 9 0 0 sign,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 9:16) centers about the Lord s saying, I am the light of the world (9:5) light in the realm of the spiritual (9:39 41) ; and the raising of Lazarus 8 1 -1 9 0 0 sign,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 11:47; 12:18) is immediately connected with Jesus as the Giver of spiritual (as well as material) life (11:23 27). Whether in any particular passage the term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 sign) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 has this deep meaning namely, a physical illustration of a spiritual principle will have to be determined by the context. One thing, however, is certain: the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 sign) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 points away from itself to the One who performed it. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 This truth receives a particularly striking illustration in the present account. Note that ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 everything) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 else remains in the background. Who was the bridegroom? We do not know. Who was the bride? We are not told. In exactly what relation did Mary stand to the wedded pair: was she, perhaps, the aunt of bride or groom? Silence again. Did Nathaniel serve as best man (friend of the bridegroom)? Also on this score our curiosity receives no satisfaction whatever. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 In the full light of day stands the Christ. All the rest is shadow.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 What Rembrandt did for art, John, under the Spirit s guidance, does for religion. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In thorough keeping with this fact is the following clause: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and manifested his glory.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (For the term glory see on 1:14.) ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Christ stands revealed here as: ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.7|AUTODETECT|” (1) The One who honors the bond of marriage. This does not surprise us, for according to John s description 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.7|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 19:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) Christ is himself the Bridegroom, who, by means of his incarnation, work of redemption, and final manifestation, comes to his Bride (the church). How, then, would he not honor that which is a symbol of his own relation to his people? ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 (2) The One who bestows his gifts lavishly, without stint. Surely One who supplies so abundantly in the physical realm will not be less generous in the spiritual. To his munificence there are no bounds. And all his gifts are of the very best. He helps us even in our embarrassments. ) (3) The One whose infinite love is made effective by his equally infinite power. ) (4) The One who, accordingly, is the Son of God, full of grace and glory. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 And his disciples believed in him.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The faith of the disciples, present even before this time, was strengthened by this sign. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Synthesis of 2:1 11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 See Outline on p. 68. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Son of God revealing himself to ever-widening circles: to his immediate disciples, their faith when they witness the first sign.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Starting out, perhaps, on the very day when Philip and Nathaniel were called, and continuing for two more days, Jesus and his little band of disciples, after journeying for a distance of not much less than thirty miles, finally arrived at Cana in Galilee on the third day, to attend a wedding to which they had been invited. It is significant that Jesus accepted the invitation. He did not come in order to rob men of their joy and gladness. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.51|AUTODETECT|” As the wedding proceeded, the wine began to run short. Jesus mother, who may have been a widow by this time, was also present, perhaps in the capacity of general assistant. She may have been a good friend of the young couple. When she noticed the embarrassing situation, she said to Jesus, They have no wine. In this connection it must be borne in mind that Mary had not only kept in her heart 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.51|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:51) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=50.1.1|AUTODETECT|” ) all the wonderful sayings which had come to her in connection with the conception and birth of Jesus, but must also have heard about the wondrous happenings in connection with his baptism (the descent of the Spirit, the voice from above). Hence, she, knowing better than anyone else who he really was, expected a miracle from him. However, she did not fully realize that the mother-son relationship would be replaced by the believer-Savior relationship. She still felt that she must at least hint to her son that he should do something about this deficiency of wine. So she said to him, They have no wine. Jesus answered, Woman, what have you to do with me?

My hour is not yet come. Jesus knew that all his deeds had been predetermined as to the exact hour of their occurrence. Mary, perceiving that this answer, though cast in the form of a mild (even merciful!) rebuke, contained a promise, said to the waiters 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=50.1.1|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , it acquired the meaning ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 deacon) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), Whatever he tells you, do, a suggestion which, for obvious reasons, was entirely necessary. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Somewhere, perhaps in a hall or vestibule near the room where the feast was held, six stone water-jars of considerable size and capacity were standing. The water in these jars was for the purpose of ceremonial cleansing, on which the Jews insisted with such rigor (especially after their return from the Babylonian captivity). Together the six jars could hold between 100 and 150 gallons of water. Jesus tells the waiters to fill these jars, and they filled them to the brim. Then Jesus said, Now dip out and bring it to the steward of the feast. Imagine their surprise when they noticed that the conscious water saw its God and blushed (Crashaw). ) No natural explanation will suffice.

The notion that these same jars had previously been filled with wine and that this wine-sediment explains what happened, deserves no answer at all. The idea that what is here recorded was in reality an acceleration of a natural process which takes place whenever rain-water, having descended into the soil, is drawn up by the roots of the vine, and is thus gradually changed into grape-juice, which, when fermented, becomes wine, explains nothing. It should be borne in mind that ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 this) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.7-43.2.9|AUTODETECT|” water 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.7-43.2.9|AUTODETECT|” John 2:7 9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) is not in contact with the soil, does not enter into combination with plant-food and minerals, does not come under the influence of the fostering rays of the sun, and is, therefore, in an entirely different condition. There simply is no explanation for what happened here. It is a miracle which one either accepts or denies. There is no third way out of the difficulty. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 The steward compliments the bridegroom on the excellent character of this wine. Generally the best wine was served first; in this case, last. ) By means of this sign, the first one of a long series, Christ displayed the glory of his power and of his love. We see the Bridegroom honoring the bond of marriage. Here the Bridegroom does not ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 receive) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 gifts. He ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 bestows) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 them, and in a most liberal manner. Moreover, he stands revealed as being infinite not only in his love but also in his power; hence, as being, indeed, the Son of God. His disciples began to realize this, and believed in him. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.8.9|AUTODETECT|” Anyone who, failing completely to see the glorious lessons here revealed, should draw from this miracle-account the inference that in the complex, present-day situation (with its heavy traffic, stress and strain) unrestrained indulgence in the use of liquor receives any support should read and take to heart the following passages: ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.8.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 8:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.12|AUTODETECT|” 9:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.23|AUTODETECT|” 10:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.32|AUTODETECT|” 32) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.33|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.33|AUTODETECT|” 33) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 4 3 8 0 0 2:12 22 ) 12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he himself and his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and he stayed there for a few days. ) 13 And the Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And he found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting. 15 So he made a whip out of cords and drove all out of the temple, also the sheep and the oxen, and he scattered the coins of the money-changers, and he threw their tables upside down. 16 And he said to those who sold the pigeons, Take these things out! Stop making my Father s house a house of merchandise. 17 And his disciples recalled that it is written, Zeal for thy house will consume me. ) 18 The Jews, accordingly, said to him. What sign do you show us for��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6” 57) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� doing these things? 19 Jesus answered and said, Break down this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up. 20 The Jews then said, For forty-six years this sanctuary has been in the process of building, and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 will you raise it up in three days? 21 But he was speaking about the sanctuary of his body. 22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 2:12. After this he went down to Capernaum, he himself and his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and he stayed there for a few days.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The event recorded in the preceding paragraph probably occurred in late February or early March of the year 27 a.d. Accordingly, when now we read, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 After this,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the first thought which occurs to us is that what is about to be recorded took place shortly after the wedding at Cana. This would seem to follow from the very expression that is used, for elsewhere in the Fourth Gospel it indicates an event which followed ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 soon after) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.0|AUTODETECT|” (11:11; 19:28). This inference receives further corroboration from the very next verse where we read, And the Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now, all of this is very logical: Jesus in February or early March changes the water into wine; from Cana s wedding he proceeds to Capernaum where he stays a few days; there follows the Passover festival, which was held in early Spring (about April). We cannot agree, therefore with those who are of the opinion that the temple-cleansing here recorded took place at the close of Christ s ministry and is to be identified with the one about which we read in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.0|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 .��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref7 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7” 58) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 From the higher ground of Nazareth, Jesus, his mother Mary, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 his brothers) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.3|AUTODETECT|” 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.3|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and his disciples went down to the lower levels of the lake-side, until they reached ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Capernaum) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Here two of the disciples lived: John and James, the sons of Zebedee and Salome. It is not strange, therefore, that the Lord made a brief visit here before journeying to Jerusalem. From what we read in the final clause of verse 12, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and he stayed there for a few days) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , it hardly seems to follow that the family ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 moved) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to Capernaum at this time. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 13. And the Passover of the Jews was near.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Every male Jew, from the age of twelve and up, was expected to attend ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the Passover) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 at Jerusalem, a feast celebrated to commemorate the deliverance of the people of Israel from Egyptian bondage. On the tenth of the month Abib or Nisan (which generally corresponds to our March, though its closing days sometimes extend into our April) a male lamb, of the first year, without blemish, was taken, and on the fourteenth day, between three and six o clock in the afternoon, it was killed. The elaborate evening-celebration of the feast in the days of our Lord s sojourn included the following elements: ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 a. A prayer of thanksgiving by the head of the house; drinking the first cup of wine. Other cups were emptied as the feast proceeded. ) b. The eating of bitter herbs, as a reminder of the bitter slavery in Egypt. ) c. The ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 son s) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 enquiry, Why is this night distinguished from all other nights? and the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 father s) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 appropriate reply, either narrated or read. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 d. The singing of the first part of the Hallel (Pss. 113, 114) and the washing of hands. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.12.0|AUTODETECT|” e. The carving and eating of the lamb, together with unleavened bread. The lamb was eaten in commemoration of what the fathers had been commanded to do in the night when the Lord smote all the first-born of Egypt and delivered his people. 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.12.0|AUTODETECT|” Ex. 12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and 13.) The unleavened bread was a memorial of the first days of the journey during which this ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 bread of haste) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 had been eaten by the ancestors. It was also an emblem of purity. ) 6 4 3 8 0 0 f. The continuation of the meal, each one eating as much as he liked, but always last of the lamb. ) g. The singing of the last part of the Hallel (Pss. 115 118). ) The day on which the lamb was killed was followed by the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread, celebrated from the fifteenth to the twenty-first of Nisan. ) So very close was the connection between the Passover-meal proper and the immediately following Feast of Unleavened Bread that the term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Passover) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is frequently used to cover both. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.1|AUTODETECT|” Thus, in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.1|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 a very significant passage we read: Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 which is called the Passover. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.4|AUTODETECT|” Also in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.4|AUTODETECT|” Acts 12:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (see the preceding verse) the term Passover clearly covers the entire seven-day festival. The Old Testament, too, calls the Passover ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 a feast of seven days) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.45.21|AUTODETECT|” 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.45.21|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 45:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.28.16-4.28.25|AUTODETECT|” During this seven-day festival, called Passover, many animals were offered in sacrifice 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.28.16-4.28.25|AUTODETECT|” Num. 28:16 25) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) to Jehovah. Hence, when in the second chapter of John we read about oxen and sheep that were sold in the temple-court, the conclusion would seem to be warranted that the term Passover, in verse 13, refers also here to the entire one-week festival. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 And Jesus went up to Jerusalem,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 true in this case even in a literal sense 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ascending) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 from 680 feet below sea-level near the Sea of Galilee to 2,500 feet above sea-level, the altitude of the Holy City), but ever true in the religious sense. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 14. And he found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Now at this occasion Jesus, entering Jerusalem s temple, notices that the court of the Gentiles had been changed into what must have resembled a stockyard. There was the stench and the filth, the bleating and the lowing of animals, destined for sacrifice. It is true, in the abstract, that each worshipper was allowed to bring to the temple an animal of his own selection. But let him try it! In all likelihood it would not be approved by the judges, the privileged venders who filled the money-chests of Annas! Hence, to save trouble and disappointment, animals for sacrifice were bought right here in the outer court, which was called the court of the Gentiles because they were permitted to enter it.

Of course, the dealers in cattle and sheep would be tempted to charge exorbitant prices for such animals. They would exploit the worshippers. And those who sold pigeons would do likewise, charging, perhaps, $4 for a pair of doves worth a nickel.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref8 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8” 59) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.30.13|AUTODETECT|” �� And then there were the money-changers, sitting cross-legged behind their little coin-covered tables. They gave the worshipper lawful, Jewish coin in exchange for foreign currency. It must be borne in mind that only Jewish coins were allowed to be offered in the temple, and every worshipper women, slaves, and minors excepted had to pay the annual temple tribute of half a shekel 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.30.13|AUTODETECT|” Ex. 30:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.56.7|AUTODETECT|” ). The money-changers would charge a certain fee for every exchange-transaction. Here, too, there were abundant opportunities for deception and abuse. And in view of these conditions the Holy Temple, intended as a house of prayer for all people, had become a den of robbers 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.56.7|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 56:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.7.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.7.11|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 7:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.17|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 15, 16.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 What Jesus did about this is stated in verses 15 and 16. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Out of pieces of cord) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or rope not difficult to find where so many animals are tied up ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 he made a whip. And drove all out of the temple.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 But to what does the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 all) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (������) refer? Merely to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the sheep and the oxen?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 That is the picture drawn by the ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref9 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9” A.R.V.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 However, the ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref10 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10” A.V.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and the ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11” R.S.V.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 favor the idea that Jesus actually drove out all the wicked traffickers together with the sheep and oxen. The latter view is not only better from a grammatical point of view��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12” 60) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.12|AUTODETECT|” �� but is also supported by ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.12|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . In the second cleansing of the temple, described in that passage, it is definitely stated that the cattle-dealers were themselves driven out. If that happened ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 then,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 we may take for granted that it also took place ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 now) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Filled with holy zeal Jesus turned his attention to the money-changers and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 he threw their tables upside down) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 so that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 he scattered their coins. And he said to those who sold the pigeons, Take these things out;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 i.e., he told those who sold doves to remove the crates in which they were kept. When he added, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Stop making��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref13 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13” 61) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� my Father s house a house of merchandise,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.14.21|AUTODETECT|” 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.14.21|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 14:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.49|AUTODETECT|” ) he exercised his right as the Father s only-begotten Son 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.49|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:49) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 17. And his disciples recalled that it is written, Zeal for thy house will consume me.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The disciples, witnessing this manifestation of the zeal of their Lord for the house of his Father, are filled with fear that Jesus may suffer what David had to endure in his day; namely, that this zeal in some way would result in his being consumed. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.0|AUTODETECT|” Now, in expressing this thought use is made of ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 69) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.68.0|AUTODETECT|” , which is one of six Psalms most often referred to in the New Testament (the others being Pss. 2, 22, 89, 110, and 118). Other echoes of various passages of this Psalms 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.68.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 68) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.34|AUTODETECT|” in the LXX) are heard in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.34|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.48|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.48|AUTODETECT|” 48) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.36|AUTODETECT|” Mark 15:36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.36|AUTODETECT|” Luke 23:36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.25|AUTODETECT|” John 15:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.28|AUTODETECT|” 19:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.9|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.3|AUTODETECT|” 15:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.26|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.5|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 3:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.8|AUTODETECT|” 13:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.1|AUTODETECT|” 16:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.8|AUTODETECT|” 17:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.12|AUTODETECT|” 20:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.15|AUTODETECT|” 15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.4|AUTODETECT|” ; and 21:27. While some of these are quotations, others are allusions, references more or less indirect. Jesus himself (15:25) cites ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.4|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 69:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.21|AUTODETECT|” , They hated me without a cause, and refers it to his own experience. In fulfilment of ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.21|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 69:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 he uttered the word from the cross, I thirst (19:28). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.0|AUTODETECT|” From this it appears that ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 69) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.9|AUTODETECT|” is Messianic. It is possible that the disciples so regarded it even at this time, but that cannot be proved. These men, watching Jesus in the act of cleansing the temple, are reminded of ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.9|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 69:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Note, however, that they, fearing that in some way what ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 once happened) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to David, when he suffered reproaches as a result of his burning zeal for the cause of Jehovah, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 is going to happen) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to Jesus, change the tense from the past (LXX ���������) to the future (�����������). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 18. The Jews, accordingly, said to him, What sign do you show us for doing these things?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The hostile Jewish authorities (perhaps temple-police, scribes, priests) now ask that Jesus vindicate his drastic action. He has taken it upon himself to act in the capacity of a Reformer. Now let him prove that he had the right to act as he did. But this request was ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 stupid) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.3.1-39.3.3|AUTODETECT|” . The temple-cleansing was itself a sign. It was a definite anticipatory fulfilment of ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.3.1-39.3.3|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 3:1 3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.0|AUTODETECT|” ( The Lord whom ye seek will suddenly come to his temple & he will purify the sons of Levi ) and also as was shown under verse 17 of ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 69) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . The majestic manner in which Jesus performed this task, so that none, seeing him, even dared to resist, was proof sufficient that the Messiah had entered the temple and was purging it, as had been predicted. What additional sign could one ask for? ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The request for a sign was not only stupid, however; it was also ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 wicked) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . It was the result of unwillingness to admit guilt. The authorities should have been ashamed of all this graft and greed within the temple-court. Instead of asking Jesus by what right he had cleansed the temple, they should have confessed their sins and thanked him. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 19, 20. Jesus answered and said) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (to them). ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Break down this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 We have here another ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 mashal;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that is, a paradoxical saying, a veiled and pointed remark, often in the form of a riddle. The first one was uttered by John the Baptist (see explanation of 1:15). The one now under discussion requires very careful consideration, for it contains several terms which (probably in Aramaic as well as in Greek) lend themselves to twofold interpretation.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref14 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14” 62) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Thus, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 break down) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (������) is a term which is applicable both to the tearing down of a building and the destruction of the human body. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 This sanctuary) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (�x� ���� ������) could refer to the sacred shrine (Holy Place and Holy of holies usually, but in verse 20 probably the entire temple, including the courts; otherwise the Jews could not have said ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 forty-six) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 years); but it might also indicate man s physical frame viewed as a dwelling-place of the Spirit. And finally, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 I will raise up) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (����) is an expression used with respect to both reconstruction of buildings and resuscitation of individuals. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The Jews, instead of jumping at the conclusion that Jesus was referring to nothing else than the physical structure which he had just cleansed, should have pondered this paradox. After all, their own literature was full of just such veiled sayings. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.61|AUTODETECT|” But they completely misinterpreted the mashal (verse 20). Afterward they even twisted it as if Jesus had said that he himself would destroy the temple 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.61|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:61) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.6.14|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.6.14|AUTODETECT|” Acts 6:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 What, then, did the Lord really mean? The first part of the saying must not be interpreted as a direct command, as if Jesus were actually ordering them to break down or destroy. The meaning of the entire saying may be paraphrased as follows: ) Even though you, Jews, by your wickedness, are clearly breaking down the sanctuary of my body (see explanation of verse 17) and even though, as a result, you are also destroying your own temple of stone and the entire system of religious practices connected with it ; nevertheless, in three days I will raise up that sanctuary (referring to his resurrection from the dead) and, as a result, I will establish a new temple with a new cult: the Church, with its worship of the Father in spirit and in truth. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 The type and the Antitype cannot be separated. Israel s physical temple (or tabernacle) was the place in which God dwelt. Hence, it was the type of Christ s body, which also, and in a far superior sense, was the dwelling-place of God) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . If anyone destroys the second, Christ s body, he also pulls down the first, the temple of stone at Jerusalem. This is true for two reasons: a. when Christ is crucified, the physical temple and its entire cult cease to have any meaning (when Jesus died, the veil was rent!); also b. the terrible crime of nailing him to the cross results in the destruction of Jerusalem with its physical temple. Similarly, the raising again of the body of Christ (cf. 10:18), so that the resurrected Lord now sends forth his Spirit, implies the establishment of the new temple which is his Church 8 1 -1 9 0 0 made without hands,) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.58|AUTODETECT|” cf. ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.58|AUTODETECT|” Mark 14:58) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ). On the Church as the sanctuary of Christ see also ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.16|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.16|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 6:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.21|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.4|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.4|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 2:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The Jews, however, said, For forty-six years this sanctuary has been in the process of building, and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 you,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 will you raise it up in three days?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The Fourth Gospel contains numerous instances of unwarranted, crassly literal interpretation. The enemies of Jesus, the people with whom he came in contact, and frequently even his own disciples, fail to see the Antitype in the type; or, at least, they do not discern that the physical symbolizes the spiritual; see also, in this connection, the following passages: 3:3, 4; 4:14, 15; 4:32, 33; 6:51, 52; 7:34, 35; 8:51, 52; 11:11, 12; 11:23, 24; 14:4, 5.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref15 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15” 63) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.40.6|AUTODETECT|” The Jews see only the literal sanctuary. Had they studied the scriptures with a believing heart, they would have known that the temple, together with all its furniture and ceremonies, was only a type, destined for destruction 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.40.6|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 40:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.40.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.40.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.3.16|AUTODETECT|” and ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.3.16|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 3:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Because of their unbelief and darkened minds they now point to the fact��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref16 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16” 64) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� that the temple has been in process of building for forty-six years, 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Bk. 15, xi; E. Sch�rer, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A History of the Jewish People in the Time of Christ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , sec. ed., I, i, 438; and our ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Bible Survey) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 61, 415.) Herod the Great began to reign in the year 37 b.c., and, according to Josephus, began building the temple in the eighteenth year of his reign; hence, in the year 20 19 b.c. So, in the Spring of 27 a.d. the Jews could say that it had already taken forty-six years to build their temple. It is interesting to note that this grand structure was not finished until & just a few years before it was destroyed by the Romans! ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 & and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref17 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17” 65) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� will raise it up in three days? This was spoken, as is evident from the very language, in a tone of contempt: it took ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 us) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 forty-six years, and we are not yet finished; but ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 think that you can re-erect it in just three days! ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 21. But he was speaking about the sanctuary of his body.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The author added these words, because he realized that even among the readers there might be those who would fail to understand that, for the reason already stated (pp. 123, 125), the temple was a type of Christ s body. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 22.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Because the truth had been cast in the form of a mashal (veiled saying), it lingered in the mind of the disciples. Again and again they turned it over in their minds. But until the day of Christ s resurrection they failed to see its meaning. No doubt this was due in part to their unwillingness to accept the fact that the Messiah would certainly suffer and die. We can easily see that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 when, therefore, he was raised from the dead) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 on the third day,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 suddenly ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 his disciples remembered that he had said this,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 and in three days) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 I will raise it up. So then ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 they believed the scripture) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (all the various references in the Old Testament to the necessity of Christ s suffering, death, and resurrection) ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and the word which Jesus had spoken) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (i.e., 2:19). ) 8 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.12-43.2.22|AUTODETECT|” Synthesis of ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.12-43.2.22|AUTODETECT|” John 2:12 22) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 See Outline on p. 68. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Son of God revealing himself to ever-widening circles: to Jerusalem, the cleansing of the temple (outward Reformation).) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.69.9|AUTODETECT|” Probably in late February or early March of the year 27 a.d. Jesus in the company of his mother, brothers, and disciples went down to Capernaum, the town of John and James. After a brief visit there he went up to Jerusalem, to attend the Passover, a religious and harvest festival, lasting seven days. When, upon entering his Father s house, he observed the terrible traffic that was being conducted in its outer court, the graft connected with the sale of animals and money-exchange, he made a whip and drove out of the temple all these thieves, together with their animals. He upset the little tables of the money-changers so that the coins were poured out over the floor. To those who sold pigeons he said, Take these things out!

Stop making my Father s house a house of merchandise. His disciples saw in this a fulfillment of ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.9|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 69:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.3.1-39.3.3|AUTODETECT|” . The Jews, utterly failing to understand that what Jesus had just done was a fulfillment of ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.3.1-39.3.3|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 3:1 3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and therefore a proof of his authority as Messiah, asked that he would vindicate his deed by means of a sign. Jesus then uttered the profound mashal, Break down this sanctuary and in three days I will raise it up. The Jews, because their minds were darkened by unbelief, expressed amazement at the idea that Jesus would raise up ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 in just three days) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 a structure which had already been in building for forty-six years and was not yet finished. However, the Lord actually referred to the sanctuary of his body, of which the earthly temple was a type. The very fact that Jesus arose ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 on the third day) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 opened the minds of the disciples so that they then understood the veiled saying about raising up the sanctuary ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 in three days) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 By means of this temple-cleansing Jesus: ) (1) attacked the secularizing spirit of the Jews. One should not tamper with holy things; ) (2) exposed graft and greed; ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.17|AUTODETECT|” (3) assailed the anti-missionary spirit: the court of the Gentiles had been built as an invitation for them to worship the God of Israel 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.17|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ); but Annas and his sons were using for their own selfish purpose that which had been intended as a blessing for the nations; and ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.0|AUTODETECT|” (4) fulfilled Messianic prophecy 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 69) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.3.0|AUTODETECT|” and ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.3.0|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 2:23 25 ) 23 Now while he was in Jerusalem during Passover Feast, many trusted in his name when they observed his signs which he was doing. 24 But Jesus was not trusting himself to them, because he knew all men, 25 and because he did not need to��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref18 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18” 66) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� have anyone bear testimony concerning man, for he himself knew what was in man. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 2:23. Now while he was in Jerusalem during Passover Feast.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Jesus remained in Jerusalem during the entire Passover Feast (see on 2:13). ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Many trusted in his name;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 i.e., because of the manner in which his power was displayed they accepted him as a great prophet and perhaps even as the Messiah. This, however, is not the same as saying that they surrendered their hearts to him. Not all faith is saving faith (cf. 6:26). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 These people, who had flocked to Jerusalem from every quarter, accepted him (in the sense explained) ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 when they observed) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (����������, see on 1:14; note 33) ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the signs) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (�p ������, see on 1:11) ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 which he was doing) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Signs are done in order to strengthen true, saving faith (20:30, 31). Of themselves they do not create faith. The Holy Spirit must do this. Moreover, once saving faith is present, one will believe in the word of Jesus even when there is no sign. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 24, 25. But Jesus was not trusting himself to them.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Note the contrast between ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 many trusted) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (���������) and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 he was not trusting himself) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (�P� ��������� �P���) to them. Jesus did not look upon all these individuals as being true believers to whom his cause could be entrusted. The reason why he did not do this was ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 because he knew all men;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 i.e., knew just what was in the heart of anyone with whom he would come in contact. This had become amazingly clear when the Lord saw Simon for the first time and when he first met Nathaniel. It would seem, however, that in this verse (2:24) the connection is rather with that which follows: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and because he did not need to have anyone bear testimony concerning man, for he himself knew what was in man;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 i.e., it was not necessary for Jesus to listen to ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 testimony) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (for this word see on 1:7); concerning any particular person, for his own penetrating eyes were able to look into the very depths of that person s heart; take, as an example, Nicodemus. So, chapter 3 relates the story of Christ s conversation with this Jewish leader. Hence, though 2:23 25, in a sense, is a continuation of the preceding paragraph (for in both Jesus work in Jerusalem is described), yet the chapter-division might have been made after verse 22. This becomes evident when the last verse of chapter 2 and the first verse of chapter 3 are read together; thus: ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 He himself knew what was in ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 man) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Now there was ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 a man) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, etc. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 For Synthesis see after 3:21. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 52 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See Ch. Kopp, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Das Kana des Evangeliums) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Cologne, 1940. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 53 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 As F. W. Grosheide contends in ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Kommentaar op het Nieuwe Testament, Johannes) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , I., p. 167, note 1. Josephus affirms that by rapid travel Jerusalem may be reached in three days from Galilee 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Life) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 LVII). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 54 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 S.BK., p. 401. A Jewish wedding often lasted a week, and new guests constantly arrived. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 55 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See M. Smith, Notes on Goodspeed s Problems of New Testament Translation, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 JBL) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.11.12|AUTODETECT|” , Dec. 1945, pp. 112, 113; also ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.11.12|AUTODETECT|” Judg. 11:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , What hast thou to do with me? Cf. T. Gallus, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Quid mihi et tibi, mulier? Nondum venit hora mea) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.4|AUTODETECT|” 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.4|AUTODETECT|” Joh. 2:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 VD) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , 22(1942). 41 50. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 56 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 For synonyms see R. C. Trench, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Synonyms of the New Testament) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 339 344. In 4:48 ����� (wonder) is linked with �������, as also often in the book of Acts. On ������� see F. Stagg �HMEION in the Fourth Gospel, unpublished dissertation, submitted to the faculty of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, 1943. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” 57 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 On E�� see pp. 55, 57. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 58 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Closely connected with this is the question: Was 2:13 3:21 misplaced? For the reasons given we do not believe this. See E. B. Redlich, St. John 1 3: A Study in Dislocation. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ExT) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.13-43.3.21|AUTODETECT|” 55 (1944) 89 92; and G. Ogg, The Jerusalem Visit of ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.2.13-43.3.21|AUTODETECT|” John 2:13 3:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ExT) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 56 (1944) 70 72. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 59 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 A. Edersheim, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , New York, 1897, vol. I, p. 370. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 11 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” A.R.V. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 American Standard Revised Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 11 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10” A.V. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Authorized Version (King James) ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 11 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” R.S.V. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Revised Standard Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref12” 60 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The nearest antecedent of ������ is ��z� ���������p�. Besides, if ������ refers only to the animals, one would have expected ��z� ���� before � ������� in verse 15 (just as in verse 14). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref13” 61 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� and the present active imperative. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref14” 62 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Cf. F. W. Gingrich, Ambiguity of Word Meaning in John s Gospel, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ClW) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 37 (1943 1944) 77. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref15” 63 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Cf. D. W. Riddle and H. H. Hutson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 New Testament Life and Literature) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Chicago, Ill., 1946, pp. 192, 193. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref16” 64 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Note the aorist. Though it had taken forty-six years, yet the entire building process over all these years is here viewed as one fact. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref17” 65 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Note the emphatic ��v �z at the very beginning. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 66 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 On 4�� see pp. 46, 48. )