=6. This parable spake Jesus unto them.= Rather _allegory_ or _obscure saying_. The original word (παροιμία) is different from that in the other Evangelists translated _parable_, and the structure of the teaching is somewhat different from that of the parables narrated by the other Evangelists. See on the nature of the parable, Matthew, ch. 13, Prel. Note. This, however, more nearly approximates a true parable than any other of Christ’s instructions reported by John.--=But they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.= That is, the Pharisees to whom he was speaking did not understand the meaning and application of his imagery. “They did not feel the application of it; they did not see what shepherds and sheepfolds had to do with them. They could hardly have given a greater proof how little they understood the things which were written in the books they prized most--how their worship of the divine letter had destroyed all commerce between their minds and the realities which it set forth.”--(_Maurice._) 7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I[395] am the door of the sheep. [395] Eph. 2:18. =7.= Verses 7-10 inclusive, contain the first application of the parable, primarily to the Pharisees as religious teachers of Israel, and secondarily to all that claim to be shepherds of God’s people, then or now.--=I am the door.= “That is, through me all the truths and blessings of religion are to be communicated to the flock, or people of God. Whoever addresses them as an authorized teacher must enter through me.”--(_Norton._) It is the Holy Spirit (the porter, ver. 3) who opens Christ to the heart and the heart to Christ, and makes it possible for either the sheep (the learners) or the under-shepherd (the teacher) to enter into the fold through him (chaps. 6:37, 44; 14:26; 15:26). 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.