1. His object in foretelling *these things* was that the Apostles might not be scandalized; _i.e._, might not waver in the faith amid the trials that were before them. But what are “these things” to which He refers? Some, as St. Aug., understand the reference to be to the promise of the Comforter (xv. 26, 27). Others, as Mald., to the persecutions that awaited the Apostles, because the prediction of those persecutions now would prepare the Apostles for them; nay, when those persecutions should come, they would be another proof of the omniscience, and, therefore, of the Divinity of Christ. Others, as A Lap., combine both the preceding opinions. This appears to us the correct view, for Christ has spoken towards the end of the preceding chapter, both of the persecutions that the Apostles were to endure, and of the Comforter, who was to come to them; and the prediction of both facts was calculated to sustain them when trials should come. On the one hand, they would not become disspirited by _unexpected_ reverses; on the other, they would trust in the Comforter, who had been promised. 2. Absque synagogis facient 2. They will put you out of vos: sed venit hora, ut omnis the synagogues: yea, the hour qui interficit vos, arbitretur cometh, that whosoever killeth obsequium se praestare Deo: you, will think that he doth a service to God. 2. *They will put you out of the synagogues* (or rather, synagogue) _i.e._ excommunicate you. Compare ix. 22; xii. 42. Yea, He continues, the time is approaching when persecution will be so violent that your countrymen will think that they do a service to God by putting you to death. The mention of the synagogue proves that the reference is to _Jewish_ persecutions. No doubt many of the Jews thought, like St. Paul (Acts xxvi. 9; 1 Tim. i. 13), that they were pleasing God by persecuting Christians. Their ignorance, however, while it extenuated, did not wholly excuse, their sin, for it was culpable. They ought to have known from Christ’s words and works, and from the fulfilment of prophecy in Him, that He was the Messias, to whom, therefore, they were bound to hearken (Deut. xviii. 19), and whose religion was to perfect and supplant their own. 3. Et haec facient vobis, quia 3. And these things will they non noverunt Patrem neque me. do to you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. 3. See above on xv. 21. 4. Sed haec locutus sum vobis: 4. But these things I have ut, cum venerit hora eorum, told you, that when the hour reminiscamini quia ego dixi shall come, you may remember vobis. that I told you of them.