58. In verse 56, He spoke of the day of His mortal life, [pg 164] now He declares His eternity. Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham was made (γενέσθαι, came into being), I am (ἐγώ εἴμι).
| 59. Tulerunt ergo lapides, ut iacerent in eum. Iesus autem abscondit se, et exivit de templo. | 59. They took up stones therefore to cast at him. But Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple. |
59. Understanding Him to claim to be eternal, as He really did, they took up stones to stone Him, the Law commanding that a blasphemer, as they accounted Him, should be stoned (Lev. xxiv. 16). But Jesus hid Himself, most probably rendered Himself invisible, and thus passed out of the temple, showing us that it is sometimes advisable, and conducive to the greater glory of God, that we should flee from danger, even when we are persecuted for God's sake. Many ancient authorities add at the end of this verse: “And going through the midst of them went His way, and so passed by;” but more probably the words are a gloss.
Chapter IX.
1-7. Jesus cures a man born blind.
8-13. Comments of the man's neighbours, who bring him to the Pharisees.
14. It was on the Sabbath day the cure was wrought.
15-23. Interview between the man and the Pharisees. They refuse to believe that he had been blind, and summon his parents in order to ascertain the truth. The parents declare that he had indeed been born blind.