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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - John 14:28 - 14:28
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28. ἐχάρητε ἄν. Ye would have rejoiced that I am going. Comp. the construction in Joh 4:10, Joh 11:21; Joh 11:32. Winer, p. 381. Their affection is somewhat selfish: they ought to rejoice at His gain rather than mourn over their own loss. And His gain is mankind’s gain.
ὅτι ὁ πατήρ. Because the Father is greater than I. Therefore Christ’s going to Him was gain. This was a favourite text with the Arians, as implying the inferiority of the Son. There is a real sense in which even in the Godhead the Son is subordinate to the Father: this is involved in the Eternal Generation and in the Son’s being the Agent by whom the Father works in the creation and preservation of all things. Again, there is the sense in which the ascended and glorified Christ is ‘inferior to the Father as touching His manhood.’ Lastly, there is the sense in which Jesus on earth was inferior to His Father in Heaven. Of the three this last meaning seems to suit the context best, as shewing most clearly how His going to the Father would be a gain, and that not only to Himself but to the Apostles; for at the right hand of the Father, who is greater than Himself, He will have more power to advance His kingdom. See notes on 1Co 15:27-28; Mar 13:32, [Joh 16:19].