John 11:23 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.— Our Lord's meaning was, that he should be raised immediately, (see John 11:40.) according to her desire; yet, as the thing was so great, and beyond even her own expectation, she durst not understand him in any sense that favoured her wishes: (see John 11:24 and on Matthew 28:17.) therefore, to cherish her weak faith, and, as it were, to raise her by gradual steps to the belief and acknowledgment of his sovereign power, our Lord said unto her, in the most emphatical words, "I am the resurrection and the life: by me the general resurrection shall be accomplished, and by me a most glorious and happy life shall be given to all my faithful people, and be maintained even to eternal ages. He, therefore, that perseveringly believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he ere long live again; and his re-animated body shall be again united to that soul, which, in its separate state, continues its dependance on my power and faithfulness; and even at present I can loose the bands of death; and, though thy brother is now holden by it, I can recal him when I please to life. And every one that is now living, and perseveringly believes in me, shall never die; death shall be so disarmed and transformed, that it shall hardly deserve the name; the better part of the believer being immediatelyconveyed to immortal life and glory, and the body only keeping awhile in the dust, till I come to awaken it to everlasting vigour and joy." See ch. John 5:24 John 8:51. 2 Timothy 1:10. Hebrews 2:14; Hebrews 12:22-23.Ephesians 2:6.