“et non tantum pro gente, sed ut filios Dei, qui erant dispersi, congregaret in unum.”
“And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.”
“and not only for the nation, but also for the scattered children of God, to gather them together into one.”
“and not for the nation only, but that he might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.”
“and not for the nation only, but that he might also gather together into one the children of God that are scattered abroad.”
[2.] The evangelist enlarges upon this word of Caiaphas (v. 52), not for that nation only, how much soever it thought itself the darling of Heaven, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. Observe here,
Verses 47-53 There can hardly be a more clear discovery of the madness that is in man's heart, and of its desperate enmity against God, than what is here recorded. Words of prophecy in the mouth, are not clear evidence of a principle of grace in the heart. The calamity we seek to escape by sin, we take the most effectual course to bring upon our own heads; as those do who think by opposing Christ's kingdom, to advance their own worldly interest. The fear of the wicked shall come upon them. The conversion of souls is the gathering of them to Christ as their ruler and refuge; and he died to effect this. By dying he purchased them to himself, and the gift of the Holy Ghost for them: his love in dying for believers should unite them closely together.