Peter said to him, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 37. This commandment was already in the old law, where it is written, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself; how then does our Saviour call it a new command? It is new, not because we simply love one another; but because we love one another, as he has loved us: not as men love one another, as being fellow creatures, but united in love, as being all the children of the Most High; that so we may be brethren to his only begotten Son, bearing to all the same love that he has borne to us. Saint Augustine tract. 64. in Joan.—By this shall I moreover know that you truly love me. V.