and he was pleased to accommodate himself even to Thomas, rather than leave him in his unbelief.
We ought thus to bear with the weak, Ro 15:1, 2. This warning is given to all. If we are faithless,
we are Christless and graceless, hopeless and joyless. Thomas was ashamed of his unbelief, and
cried out, My Lord and my God. He spoke with affection, as one that took hold of Christ with all
his might; “My Lord and my God.” Sound and sincere believers, though slow and weak, shall be
graciously accepted of the Lord Jesus. It is the duty of those who read and hear the gospel, to
believe, to embrace the doctrine of Christ, and that record concerning him, 1Jo 5:11.
Verses 30 , 31
There were other signs and proofs of our Lord's resurrection, but these were committed to
writing, that all might believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Saviour of sinners, and the
Son of God; that, by this faith, they might obtain eternal life, by his mercy, truth, and power. May
we believe that Jesus is the Christ, and believing may we have life through his name.
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Christ appears to his disciples. (1–14)
His discourse with Peter. (15–19)
Christ's declaration concerning John. (20–24)
The conclusion. (25)Verses 1–14
Christ makes himself known to his people, usually in his ordinances; but sometimes by his
Spirit he visits them when employed in their business. It is good for the disciples of Christ to be
together in common conversation, and common business. The hour for their entering upon action
was not come. They would help to maintain themselves, and not be burdensome to any. Christ's
time of making himself known to his people, is when they are most at a loss. He knows the temporal
wants of his people, and has promised them not only grace sufficient, but food convenient. Divine
Providence extends itself to things most minute, and those are happy who acknowledge God in all
their ways. Those who are humble, diligent, and patient, though their labours may be crossed, shall
be crowned; they sometimes live to see their affairs take a happy turn, after many struggles. And
there is nothing lost by observing Christ's orders; it is casting the net on the right side of the ship.
Jesus manifests himself to his people by doing that for them which none else can do, and things
which they looked not for. He would take care that those who left all for him, should not want any
good thing. And latter favours are to bring to mind former favours, that eaten bread may not be
forgotten. He whom Jesus loved was the first that said, It is the Lord. John had cleaved most closely
to his Master in his sufferings, and knew him soonest. Peter was the most zealous, and reached