8 The disciples told him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just trying to stone you, and are you going there again?"
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
Rabbi, the Jews but lately sought to stone thee. When the disciples dissuade him from going, they do so, not so much perhaps on his account as on their own, for each of them is alarmed about himself, as the danger was common to all. Avoiding the cross, and being ashamed to own it, they allege -- what is more plausible -- that they are anxious about their Master. The same thing happens every day with many. For they who, through a dread of the cross, shrink from the performance of their duty, eagerly seek excuses to conceal their indolence, that they may not be thought to rob God of the obedience due to him, when they have no good cause to do so.
Of late - About four months before, John 10:31.
The Jews of late sought to stone thee - It was but a few weeks before that they were going to stone him in the temple, on the day of the feast of the dedication, John 10:31.
(3) [His] disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
(3) This alone is the sure and right way to life, to follow God boldly without fear, who calls us and shines before us in the darkness of this world.
His disciples said unto him, master,.... Addressing him very reverently, and with great concern for his safety, as well as their own:
the Jews of late, or but now,
sought to stone thee; as they had attempted to do twice in a very little time; see John 8:59;
and goest thou thither again? where there are so many enemies; and so much danger, and but little hope of doing much good; whereas here he was among his friends, and in safety, and very useful.
His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought, &c.--literally, "were (just) now seeking" "to stone thee" (John 10:31).
goest thou thither again?--to certain death, as John 11:16 shows they thought.
*More commentary available at chapter level.