John the Baptist, like Jesus, had his own community, his own circle of disciples and followers. Jesus washed those who came to Him; John did the same. In the eyes of those around them, and even, as it appears, in the eyes of some of John's disciples, their activity was...
John the Baptist, like Jesus, had his own community, his own circle of disciples and followers. Jesus washed those who came to Him; John did the same. In the eyes of those around them, and even, as it appears, in the eyes of some of John's disciples, their activity was if not identical, then very similar. Apparently some of John's disciples considered their teacher to be the Messiah, who, like Jesus, was hiding His messiahship for the time being.
And then John has to set the record straight. He reminds his followers that he himself never made any claim to messiahship. But the main thing, according to John, is something else: messiahship is not a human matter at all; it is God's matter, and if it "has not been given from above," then there can be no talk of messiahship. John, like Jesus Himself, is trying to make his listeners understand that one does not become the Messiah; one is born as the Messiah. And there can be no competition, rivalry, or choice here. He, John, was not born the Messiah, and therefore he will never become Him. He has another mission.
Indeed, if the messianic Kingdom really were what many wanted it to be then and at other times, if it were an earthly, religious-political phenomenon, everything would be different: the messianic calling would then be something resembling the prophetic calling, something that could be given to anyone whom God chooses. But the Kingdom to which Jesus bears witness is above all a spiritual reality, and it is inseparably bound to His own person: He carries it in Himself, carries it from the very beginning. He was born the Messiah, and there can be no alternative to Him. John understands and acknowledges this, and he tries to explain the same thing to his disciples and followers.
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5:28 Did not we strictly command you, not to teach? - See the poor cunning of the enemies of the Gospel. They make laws and interdicts at their pleasure, which those who obey God cannot but break; and then take occasion thereby to censure and punish the innocent, as guilty. Ye would bring the blood of this man upon us - An artful and invidious word. The apostles did not desire to accuse any man. They simply declared the naked truth.
5:29 Then Peter - In the name of all the apostles, said - He does not now give them the titles of honour, which he did before, Actus 4:8; but enters directly upon the subject, and justifieswhat he had done. This is, as it were, a continuation of that discourse, but with an increase of severity.
5:30 Hath raised up Jesus - Of the seed of David, according to the promises made to our fathers.
5:31 Him hath God exalted - From the grave to heaven; to give repentance - Whereby Jesus is received as a Prince; and forgiveness of sins - Whereby he is received as a Saviour.Hence some infer, that repentance and faith are as mere gifts as remission of sins. Not so: for man co - operates in the former, but not in the latter. God alone forgives sins.
5:32 And also the Holy Ghost - A much greater witness.