Commentary on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2.pdf

<strong>Commentary</strong> on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2
1. And when he had risen messengers before his face; and
thence, he came into the coasts they went and entered into a
of Judea, through the district town of the Samaritans, to make
which is beyond Jordan. And ready for him: 53. And they did
again the multitudes assemble to not receive him, because his face
him, and again he taught them, was as if he were going to
as he was accustomed. Jerusalem. 584 54. And when his
disciples James and John saw it,
they said, Lord, wilt thou that
we command fire to come down
from heaven, and consume them,
even as Elijah did? 55. And
Jesus, turning, rebuked them,
saying, You know not of what
spirit you are. 56. For the Son of
man is not come to destroy
men’s lives, but to save them.
And they went into another
village.
Mark 9:38. Master, we saw one. Hence it is evident that the name of Christ was at that time
so celebrated, that persons who were not of the number of his intimate disciples used that name,
or perhaps even abused it, for I will not venture to avouch any thing on this point as certain. It is
possible that he who is here mentioned had embraced the doctrine of Christ, and betaken himself
to the performance of miracles with no bad intention; but as Christ bestowed this power on none
but those whom he had chosen to be heralds of his Gospel, I think that he had rashly taken, or rather
seized upon, this office. Now though he was wrong in making this attempt, and in venturing to
imitate the disciples without receiving a command to do so, yet his boldness was not without success:
for the Lord was pleased, in this way also, to throw luster around his name, 585 as he sometimes
does by means of those of whose ministry he does not approve as lawful. It is not inconsistent with
this to say, that one who was endued with special faith followed a blind impulse, and thus proceeded
inconsiderately to work miracles.
I now come to John and his companions. They say that they forbade a man to work miracles
Why did they not first ask whether or not he was authorized? For now being in a state of doubt and
suspense, they ask the opinion of their Master. Hence it follows, that they had rashly taken on
584 “Pourtant que sa face estoit tournee pour aller en Ierusalem;” — “because his face was turned to go to Jerusalem.”
585 “Pour avancer la gloire de son nom;” — “to advance the glory of his name.”
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John Calvin