And for the purpose of consolation, he expressed it with denial in every story. "When" means: at the time "he said to them" they did not take their time in seeking evidence, nor in seeking a beautiful way. He referred to his relation to them by saying: "their brother" as an addition in the consolation of this noble Prophet. And he referred to the goodness of his manners, and his drawing them in with his gentleness and kindness, by saying: "Do you not fear?" meaning: you should have piety, which is a fear that compels you to place between yourselves and His wrath a protection through obedience to Him by the Oneness and leaving the turning to others.