John Calvin Commentary John 2:11

"This beginning of his signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed on him." — John 2:11 (ASV)

This beginning of miracles. The meaning is that this was the first of Christ’s miracles. For when the angels announced to the shepherds that he was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:8), when the star appeared to the Magi (Matthew 2:2), when the Holy Spirit descended on him in the shape of a dove (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; John 1:32), though these were miracles, yet, strictly speaking, they were not performed by him; but the Evangelist now speaks of the miracles of which he was himself the Author.

For it is a frivolous and absurd interpretation which some give, that this is considered the first among the miracles Christ performed in Cana of Galilee, as if a place where we do not read that he was ever present more than twice had been selected by him for a display of his power.

It was rather the Evangelist’s intention to mark the order of time Christ followed in exercising his power. For until he was thirty years of age, he kept himself concealed at home, like one who held no public office. Having been consecrated at his baptism to carry out his office, he then began to appear in public and to show by clear proofs for what purpose he was sent by the Father.

We need not wonder, therefore, if he delayed until this time the first proof of his Divinity. It is a high honor given to marriage that Christ not only graciously chose to be present at a wedding banquet but also honored it with his first miracle.

There are some ancient Canons that forbid the clergy to attend a marriage. The reason for the prohibition was that by being spectators of the wickedness usually practiced on such occasions, they might in some measure be regarded as approving of it. But it would have been far better to bring such gravity to those places as to restrain the licentiousness in which unprincipled and depraved men indulge when they are out of the sight of others. Let us, on the contrary, take Christ’s example for our rule, and let us not suppose that anything other than what we read he did can be profitable to us.

And manifested his glory; that is, he then gave a striking and illustrious proof by which it was ascertained that he was the Son of God. For all the miracles he exhibited to the world were each a demonstration of his divine power. The proper time for displaying his glory had now come, when he wished to make himself known according to his Father’s command. From this, we also learn the purpose of miracles, for this expression amounts to a declaration that Christ, in order to manifest his glory, performed this miracle. What, then, should we think of those miracles that obscure the glory of Christ?

And his disciples believed on him. If they were disciples, they must already have possessed some faith. But as they had until now followed him with a faith that was not distinct and firm, they began at that time to devote themselves to him, acknowledging him as the Messiah who had already been announced to them.

Christ’s forbearance is great in considering as disciples those whose faith is so small. And indeed, this doctrine applies generally to us all, for the faith that is now full grown first had its infancy. Nor is it so perfect in anyone that it is not necessary for every single person to make progress in believing. Thus, those who now believed may be said to begin to believe, insofar as they daily make progress toward the goal of their faith. Let those who have obtained the first-fruits of faith always labor to make progress.

These words also point out the benefit of miracles: namely, that they should be seen as intended for the confirmation and progress of faith. Whoever twists them to any other purpose corrupts and debases their entire use, as we see that Papists boast of their pretended miracles for no other purpose than to bury faith and to turn people’s minds away from Christ to created things.