These things I command you,— 'Εντελλομαι υμιν, I inculcate upon you."I haveexplained to you the high nature and vast importance of your office, as my apostles; and I have put you in mind of my loving you so as to die for you, that I may inspire you with ardent love to one another; and you will much need the help of this principle in the execution of your office. It will animate you to be diligent; it will inspire youwith fortitude; it will enable you to lay down your life in the cause; for that you will meet with opposition and persecution while you preach the gospel, is certain: but this cannot surprize you, when you consider how I your Master have been hated and persecuted by the Jews." Dr. Lardner would render the original of the last clause, John 15:18 it hated me your chief,— εμε πρωτον υμων,— which certainly makes the expression more lively, and exactly parallel to Matthew 10:24-25. Thus the expression, ων πρωτος ειμι εγω, is well translated, of whom I am chief, 1 Timothy 1:15.
Related Commentaries of John 15:17
John 15:17-18
17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.
18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.