The delay in taking away the stone was caused by the sister of the dead, who said, By this time he stinketh, for he hath been dead four days. If she had not said this, it would not be said, Jesus said, Take away the stone. Some delay had arisen; it is best to let nothing come between the commands of Jesus and doing them.
Reproduced in full. Translation: Oxford 1841 (Newman), public domain (Public domain).
Also cites: tom. in Joan. xxviii.