John 3:14

the serpent We here have some evidence of the date of the Gospel. The Ophitic is the earliest Gnostic system of which we have full information. The serpent is the centre of the system, at once its good and evil principle. Had this form of Gnosticism been prevalent before this Gospel was written, this verse would scarcely have stood thus. An orthodox writer would have guarded his readers from error: an Ophitic writer would have made more of the serpent.

even so Christ here testifies to the prophetic and typical character of the O.T.

must It is so ordered in the counsels of God. Hebrews 2:9-10.

be lifted up On the cross: the lifting up does not refer to the exaltation of Christ to glory. The glory to which the cross led (crux scala coeli) is not included. Comp. John 8:28 and John 12:32; and for other symbolic language about His death comp. Matthew 12:40.