And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.
Ver. 9. We find no evil in this man] God, when he pleaseth, can find patrons of his cause among his very enemies. (Beza.)
But if a spirit or an angel, &c.] It is well observed by a reverend man from this Scripture, that men will grant truths or not, as their passions lead them. Before Paul revealed himself to be a Pharisee, they all with one consent cried out, "This man is not worthy to live." But now that he shows himself to be on their side, "I am a Pharisee, and the son of a Pharisee," oh, how finely do they mince the matter. "Perhaps an angel hath revealed it to him;" he was an honest man then. So men either judge, or not judge, as their passions and affections carry them.