John 2:2

Ver. 2. “ Now Jesus also was bidden to the marriage, as well as His disciples. ”

There is a contrast between the imperfect, was there, which is used in speaking of Mary, and the aorist was bidden, applied to Jesus and His disciples. Jesus was bidden only on His arrival, while Mary, at that time, was already there. It appears from all these points that the family in question was quite closely related to that of the Lord; this is likewise proved by the authoritative attitude which Mary assumes in the following scene.

The singular, was bidden, is owing to the fact that the disciples were not bidden except in honor, and, as it were, in the person, of their Master. Rilliet, with some commentators, translates: had been bidden. But when? Before going to His baptism (Schleiermacher), or later, through a messenger? Two very improbable suppositions. Moreover, the added words: as well as His disciples, are incompatible with this meaning. For they could not have been invited before it was known that Jesus had disciples.