Verse 27 Peace I leave with you. This was the customary Hebrew form of farewell, and, of course, like other such forms, was used ordinarily without much regard to its import and signification. Jesus says that he pronounces the benediction, not as the world ordinarily do, that is, as a mere form, but that he truly invokes upon them a real peace. It was, however, peace of mind, not peace in regard to external circumstances; for perhaps twelve men never came together who had to pass through so many exciting scenes of persecution, trial, suffering, and worldly tribulation, in every form, as these disciples, to whom Jesus thus, at midnight, in their solitary chamber, promised this peculiar peace, and which he left them as his legacy. All these trials Jesus foresaw, and frankly foretold John 15:18-21,16:1-4; and more distinctly still, John 16:32,33. This last promise was fulfilled; and nothing is more striking, in the subsequent history of the apostles, than the contrast between the perils, dangers, and agitations, of their condition, on the one hand, and the calm contentment and happiness of their hearts on the other. They enjoyed, at all times, a certain deep-seated repose and calmness of soul, which could not be reached or disturbed by external agitations.