John 16:2 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

They shall put you out of the synagogue:— That is, "They shall excommunicate you." See Ch. John 9:22 and 1 Corinthians 16:22. Instead of, He doth God service, we may render the original, offereth a sacrifice to God. The word λατρεια, signifiesallthedifferentpartsof divine worship, and so must be determined to particulars by the circumstances. Here it signifies sacrifice, because it is joined with προσφερειν, a word which constantly denotes the offering up of sacrifice. See Romans 12:1. This gives a beautiful turn to our Lord's sentiment. "The time shall come, when the killing of you shall be thought a part of the worship of God, and equally acceptable with the offering of sacrifices." This passage intimates, as Archbishop Leighton observes on the text, that the servants of Christ should be considered, not only as sheep for the slaughter, but as sheep for the altar too. See Acts 8:1; Acts 9:1; Acts 23:14; Acts 23:35.