23. He who hateth me hateth my Father also. This is a remarkable passage, which teaches us that no man can hate the doctrine of the Gospel without manifesting his impiety against God. There are many, indeed, who profess differently in words; for, though they abhor the Gospel, still they wish to be thought very good servants of God; but it is false, for a contempt of God is concealed within. In this manner Christ discovers the hypocrisy of many by the light of his doctrine; and on this subject we have spoken more largely under that passage,
Whosoever doeth what is evil hateth the light (89) (John 3:20,)
and under that passage,
He who honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father, (90) (John 5:23.)
(89) See vol. 1, p. 128.
(90) See vol. 1, p. 199.