If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 22. They would not have sin, or would not be guilty of sin: that is, they might be excused, as to their not believing me to be their Messias: but after so many instructions, which I have given them, and so many, and such miracles done in their sight, which also were foretold of their Messias, they can have no excuse for their obstinate sin of unbelief. They have hated both me, and my Father: that is, by hating me, the true Son, who have one and the same nature with my Father, they have also hated him, though they pretend to honour him as God. See on this chap. Saint Augustine (tract. 81.) and Saint John Chrysostom (hom. lxxvi) lat. edit. hom. lxxvii in Joan. in the Greek.