John 11:1–16

Verse 1. At the end of the preceding chapter, we are told that Jesus went into the place where John was first baptizing. This place, as may be gather from Saint John, (chapter 1 verse 28. and 44) was Bethania; but not the Bethania where the sisters of Lazarus resided. The Bethania where Christ was at this time was beyond the Jordan, and was likewise called Bethabara; whereas the Bethania where Lazarus lay sick, was two miles to the south of Jerusalem, and formed a part of the suburbs of that city. It is called the town of Martha and Mary, because they lived there; in the same manner as Bethsaida is called the city of Peter and Andrew. Calmet.

Verse 4. This sickness is not unto death. That is, though he truly die, it is not designed that he remain dead. Witham.—This sickness is not unto death; because his death itself was not unto death, but rather to the working of a great miracle, by which men were brought to the true faith, and thus avoided an eternal death. Saint Augustine, tract. 49. in Joan.—Lazarus indeed died of this sickness, but he did not die as other men, to continue dead; for Jesus raised him again to the glory of God. SS. Cyril, Chrys. and so forth

Verse 9. Some, by the day in this place, understand the time preceding the Passion of our Saviour; and, by the night, the time of his Passion. Theophy.—By this he encouraged his disciples, assuring them that the day of his sojournment on earth was not yet over; and therefore that the Jews, with all their malice and hatred, could not hurt him. But when the night (the time of his Passion) comes, then their power over him commenced. This is your hour, says he to them, and the power of darkness. Calmet.—The Hebrews then divided the day into twelve parts of equal duration, from the rising to the setting sun. V.

Verse 11. Lazarus … sleepeth. It is strange that the disciples could imagine that Christ spoke of an ordinary sleep, and that he would go two or three days’ journey to awake him. Nothing but the fear and concern they were under, could make them think so. Witham.

Verse 12. To men indeed he was dead, but to God he slept. For the Almighty as easily raised him from his grave, as man can raise the slumberer from his bed. Saint Augustine tract. 49. in Joan.

Verse 15. When Christ says, that you may believe, we must not suppose he means, that they might begin then for the first time to believe, but that their faith, already begun, might be increased; for the faith of the disciples still stood in need of miracles, to make it grow more strong and rooted. Saint Augustine as above.

Verse 16. Thomas … said, let us also go, that we may die with him. That is, with Jesus: this he said, exhorting the other disciples not to fear. Witham.—The words, Thomas and Didymus, have the same radical signification; both meaning twins.

“Didymus” means “Twin”.