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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comJamieson Fausset Brown Commentary - John 10:1 - 10:1
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Joh 10:1-21. The good shepherd.
This discourse seems plainly to be a continuation of the closing verses of the ninth chapter. The figure was familiar to the Jewish ear (from Jer 23:1-40; Eze 34:1-31; Zec 11:1-17, etc.). “This simple creature [the sheep] has this special note among all animals, that it quickly hears the voice of the shepherd, follows no one else, depends entirely on him, and seeks help from him alone - cannot help itself, but is shut up to another’s aid” [Luther in Stier].
He that entereth not by the door - the legitimate way (without saying what that was, as yet).
into the sheepfold - the sacred enclosure of God’s true people.
climbeth up some other way - not referring to the assumption of ecclesiastical office without an external call, for those Jewish rulers, specially aimed at, had this (Mat 23:2), but to the want of a true spiritual commission, the seal of heaven going along with the outward authority; it is the assumption of the spiritual guidance of the people without this that is meant.