But all these things will they do to you for my name’s sake, because they don’t know him who sent me.
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
Hatred shown to Christ's followers is hatred shown to Christ Himself; and hatred to Christ is hatred to the Father. All the world's enmity toward Christ, His Gospel, and His ministers springs from the natural rebellion against God that lives in every unregenerate heart. Since both Christ and the Father are hated by the world, God's children may rest easier under the world's malice.
AI summary
They persecute you because they refuse to believe that God sent me. They understand neither His character nor His justice; they are so swollen with pride that they will not accept a salvation that humbles men. That refusal hardens into resolved unbelief, and so they strike at me and at you.
AI summary