3:21 {4} And when his {n} friends heard [of it], they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.
(4) None are worse enemies of the gospel than they that should be enemies of it the least.
(n) Literally, they that were of him, that is, his relatives: for they that were mad were brought to their relatives.
3:21 His friends. Probably his relatives. See Mr 3:31. His brethren were not yet counted among his disciples.
He is beside himself. Carried away by an unwise enthusiasm.
3:21 His relations - His mother and his brethren, Mr 3:31. But it was some time before they could come near him.
3:13-21 Christ calls whom he will; for his grace is his own. He had called the apostles to separate themselves from the crowd, and they came unto him. He now gave them power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. May the Lord send forth more and more of those who have been with him, and have learned of him to preach his gospel, to be instruments in his blessed work. Those whose hearts are enlarged in the work of God, can easily bear with what is inconvenient to themselves, and will rather lose a meal than an opportunity of doing good. Those who go on with zeal in the work of God, must expect hinderances, both from the hatred of enemies, and mistaken affections of friends, and need to guard against both.
