If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.
22. If I had not come. He had said that the Jews regarded the Gospel with hatred, because they did not know God. Lest any one should think that this tended to alleviate their guilt, he adds, that it is through malice that they are blind, just as if one were to shut his eyes, that he might not be compelled to see the light.
Hatred marks the devil's kingdom as love marks Christ's. The world, those devoted to this world and its god, whether Jew or Gentile, forms one body against Him. But mark the difference: God's people, taught to hate the sins of sinners, still love their persons and do them good. A spiteful, malicious spirit belongs to the world, not to Christ.
AI summary
Commenting on John 15:18-25
But this cometh to pass,.... This hatred against Christ, and which is pointed at his people for his sake, and reaches to the Father also on his account, is suffered to be, and therefore should be patiently borne: that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law: either in Psa 35:19, or rather in Psa 69:4; which is a psalm of Christ...