Matthew Poole and continuators on John 3:29

29 He that hath the bride, is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom which standeth, and heareth him, rejoyceth greatly because of the bridegrooms voice : This my joy therefore is fulfilled. .

Christ, whose the Church is by a right of Redemption, and by its having given up its self to him, 2 Cor. 8.5. He is the Bridegroom of it, Matth. 22.2. 2 Cor. 11.2. Eph. 5.23, 25, 26. As his Father was the Husband of the Jewish Church; it belongeth to him to give Laws to it, and to order Matters and Affairs in it.

I am but as one who is the Friend of the Bridegroom, one of the Children of the Bride-chamber, Matth. 9.15. and have by my Preaching prepared the People of the Iews for him; And in stead of being troubled to hear that he is come, I rejoyce greatly to hear his Voice.

So far am I from repining to hear that multitudes go to him, that my joy is fulfilled, (that is) I have no greater Satisfaction than to hear it.

Marginal references: Cant. 5.16.