11:52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that {i} were scattered abroad.
(i) For they were not gathered together in one country, as the Jews were, but were to be gathered from all quarters, from the east to the west.
11:52 Not for that nation only. It did behoove Jesus to die, in order to save, not that nation only, but that he should gather together in one the children of God.
11:52 But that, he might gather into one - Church, all the children of God that were scattered abroad - Through all ages and nations.
11:47-53 There can hardly be a more clear discovery of the madness that is in man's heart, and of its desperate enmity against God, than what is here recorded. Words of prophecy in the mouth, are not clear evidence of a principle of grace in the heart. The calamity we seek to escape by sin, we take the most effectual course to bring upon our own heads; as those do who think by opposing Christ's kingdom, to advance their own worldly interest. The fear of the wicked shall come upon them. The conversion of souls is the gathering of them to Christ as their ruler and refuge; and he died to effect this. By dying he purchased them to himself, and the gift of the Holy Ghost for them: his love in dying for believers should unite them closely together.
