Chapter 8
Chapter Outline
The Pharisees and the adulteress. (1–11)
Christ's discourse with the Pharisees. (12–59)Verses 1–11
Christ neither found fault with the law, nor excused the prisoner's guilt; nor did he countenance
the pretended zeal of the Pharisees. Those are self-condemned who judge others, and yet do the
same thing. All who are any way called to blame the faults of others, are especially concerned to
look to themselves, and keep themselves pure. In this matter Christ attended to the great work about
which he came into the world, that was, to bring sinners to repentance; not to destroy, but to save.
He aimed to bring, not only the accused to repentance, by showing her his mercy, but the prosecutors
also, by showing them their sins; they thought to insnare him, he sought to convince and convert
them. He declined to meddle with the magistrate's office. Many crimes merit far more severe
punishment than they meet with; but we should not leave our own work, to take that upon ourselves
to which we are not called. When Christ sent her away, it was with this caution, Go, and sin no
more. Those who help to save the life of a criminal, should help to save the soul with the same
caution. Those are truly happy, whom Christ does not condemn. Christ's favour to us in the
forgiveness of past sins should prevail with us, Go then, and sin no more.
Verses 12–16
Christ is the Light of the world. God is light, and Christ is the image of the invisible God. One
sun enlightens the whole world; so does one Christ, and there needs no more. What a dark dungeon
would the world be without the sun! So would it be without Jesus, by whom light came into the
world. Those who follow Christ shall not walk in darkness. They shall not be left without the truths
which are necessary to keep them from destroying error, and the directions in the way of duty,
necessary to keep them from condemning sin.
Verses 17–20
If we knew Christ better, we should know the Father better. Those become vain in their
imaginations concerning God, who will not learn of Christ. Those who know not his glory and
grace, know not the Father that sent him. The time of our departure out of the world, depends upon
God. Our enemies cannot hasten it any sooner, nor can our friends delay it any longer, than the
time appointed of the Father. Every true believer can look up and say with pleasure, My times are
in thy hand, and better there than in my own. To all God's purposes there is a time.
Verses 21–29