John 13:8 Commentary - Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

1) "Peter saith unto him," (legei auto Petros) "Peter responded directly to him," in fervent, emphatic protest, with a sincere heart, though wrong.

2) "Thou shalt never wash my feet." (ou me nipses mou tous poclas eis ton aiona) "You shall by no means, ever wash my feet," at all, under any circumstances, not knowing the meaning of what he was really saying. He refused to take the disciples' place, as a learner, for a moment, not realizing that in his protest he was trying to be master to his Lord.

3) "Jesus answered him," (apekrithe lesous auto ean me nipso se) "Jesus replied to him, unless I wash you," cleanse you, Tit 3:5; Exo 30:17-21. Unless I wash you in the higher, spiritual sense, of which this is only symbolic, 1Co 6:11; Eph 5:26.

4) "Thou hast no part with me." (ouk echeis meros met' emou) "You have no part with me;" Only at this point did the symbolic meaning of redemptive cleansing, in this act, dawn on Peter, 1Jn 1:7; Rom 3:24-25; Heb 9:22.