When we reflect on today’s passage, everything in it seems strange. It is strange that John the Baptist sends to question Jesus when he has already been given a sign from Heaven. It is impossible to imagine that this sign...
When we reflect on today’s passage, everything in it seems strange. It is strange that John the Baptist sends to question Jesus when he has already been given a sign from Heaven. It is impossible to imagine that this sign was not understood and accepted by him, the greatest of the prophets born of women.
Jesus’ reply is not easy to understand either. Why could He not answer directly? He is dealing not with Pharisees eager to catch Him out in His words, but with a man who, as we learn from the other Gospels, is expecting death soon, wholly devoted yet for some reason temporarily bereft of faith.
John needs the Saviour’s support. Yet He says nothing new, only what everyone already knows: ‘The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news preached to them.’ And finally, why does John not come himself, but merely send his disciples? Perhaps this is where the answer lies.
Perhaps the reason is that John is asking more for his disciples’ sake, while his own faith remains strong. And Jesus understands this, which is why He does not give a direct answer. Yet although this answer is indirect, it is utterly complete. We need to learn to see the miracle. This is not easy, but only then will we understand that we need not wait for anyone else: we have our beloved Lord Jesus Christ.
3
3:1 He desireth a good work - An excellent, but laborious, employment.
3:2 Therefore - That he may be capable of it. A bishop - Or pastor of a congregation. Must be blameless - Without fault or just suspicion. The husband of one wife - This neither means that a bishop must be married, nor that he may not marry a second wife; which it is just as lawful for him to do as to marry a first, and may in some cases be his bounden duty. But whereas polygamy and divorce on slight occasions were common both among the Jews and heathens, it teaches us that ministers, of all others, ought to stand clear of those sins. Vigilant, prudent - Lively and zealous, yet calm and wise. Of good behaviour - Naturally flowing from that vigilance and prudence.
3:4 Having his children in subjection with all seriousness - For levity undermines all domestic authority; and this direction, by a parity of reason, belongs to all parents.
3:6 Lest being puffed up - With this new honour, or with the applause which frequently follows it. He fall into the condemnation of the devil - The same into which the devil fell.
3:7 He ought also to have a good report - To have had a fair character in time past. From them that are without - That are not Christians.Lest he fall into reproach - By their rehearsing his former life, which might discourage and prove a snare to him.
3:8 Likewise the deacons must he serious - Men of a grave, decent, venerable behaviour. But where are presbyters? Were this order essentially distinct from that of bishops, could the apostle have passed it over in silence? Not desirous of filthy gain - With what abhorrence does he everywhere speak of this! All that is gained (above food and raiment) by ministering in holy things is filthy gain indeed; far more filthy than what is honestly gained by raking kennels, or emptying common sewers.
3:9 Holding fast the faith in a pure conscience - Steadfast in faith, holy in heart and life.
3:10 Let these he proved first - Let a trial be made how they believe.Then let them minister - Let them be fixed in that office.
3:11 Faithful in all things - Both to God, their husbands, and the poor.
3:13 They purchase a good degree - Or step, toward some higher office.And much boldness - From the testimony of a good conscience.