John

The last, or second-last apostolic writing, this Gospel was probably written around AD 96, after John’s banishment to Patmos in 95 AD by Domitian, which ended a year later with the emperor’s death. Unlike the other Gospels, some events are told out of sequence, and John’s Gospel may have been written as a commentary or supplement to other extant Gospel writings.

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 1

1 In the beginning was the Word1, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God2. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.3 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.4 18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.5 19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? 20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. 21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.6 22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. 24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? 26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;7 27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. 35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;8 36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! 37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? 39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. 43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. 44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.9 46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! 48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.10 49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. 50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. 51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.11

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God! 2 He was with God when the universe began. 3 Everything that exists was made by him, and nothing came into existence without him. 4 In him was (divine) life, and that life was the light of man. 5 And the Light is shining in the darkness, and the darkness has not extinguished it. 6 Now there was a man sent by God whose name was John (Yochannon). 7 John came to proclaim the Light and lead people to it, that all men might believe through him. 8 John himself was not the Light, but he was sent to bear witness to the Light, 9 Which was the true Light that enlightens every man who comes into the world. 10 He was in the world and made the world, but the world did not know who he was. 11 He came to his own people, and they would not accept him. 12 But to as many as did accept him and believe in his person and position, he gave the power to become the sons of God. 13 For these sons were born not of flesh and blood, or through the will of man, but (were born in spirit) through the will of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we beheld his glory--which was the glory of one begotten by the Father, full of grace and truth! 15 John bore witness of him, and told the people: This is the one about whom I have been saying, “He who is coming after me is preferred to me, for he existed before me!” 16 And we have all partaken from his fullness, and received undeserved grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No man has ever seen God, but the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, has revealed Him to us. 19 Now this is what happened during John’s ministry: The Judeans sent priests and Levites to him from Jerusalem, asking: Just who are you? 20 He didn’t hold back, and made it clear: I am not the Messiah! 21 So they asked: If you’re not the Messiah, what are you? Are you Elijah? John said: I am not. So they asked: Then are you the prophet Moses said was coming (whom all the people were required to hear)? And John answered: No. 22 To this, they said: Then who are you? Tell us who you claim to be so we can report to the elders who sent us. 23 John’s answer was: I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the path of the Lord, as Isaiah prophesied. 24 Now those who had been sent, went out at the behest of the Pharisees. 25 And they asked John: Why are you baptizing if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet? 26 John answered: I am immersing in mere water, but there is a man standing amongst you all, whom you don’t know. 27 He’s the one coming after me, who is preferred to me--a man whose sandal straps I am unworthy to untie. 28 These things happened in Bethabara, beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing people. 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming to him, and he exclaimed: Behold the (sacrificial) lamb of God, who will take away the sins of the world! 30 He is the one of whom I said, “After me, a man is coming who is preferred to me, for he existed before me.” 31 I did not know who he was, but I knew he was coming to be revealed to Israel, and so I started baptizing with water (as a precursor to his arrival). 32 And John testified about him, saying: I saw the Holy Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and resting upon him. 33 And as I say, I did not know who he was, but (God) who sent me to baptize with water also told me, “The one upon whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who will baptize people with the Holy Spirit.” 34 And I saw this happen, and I proclaim that he is the Son of God! 35 The next day John was standing (at the river) with two of his disciples. 36 He saw Jesus walking in the distance, and once more said: Behold the lamb of God! 37 The two disciples heard this, and followed after Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following, and he said: What is it that you wish? They answered: Rabbi, where are you staying? 39 He said to them: Come and see. So they followed to where he was staying and remained with him that day, for it was around (4 PM). 40 One of the two who had heard John speak, and followed Jesus, was Andrew, Shimon Peter’s brother. 41 He went out and found his brother, Shimon, and told him: We have found the “Anointed One”--the Messiah! 42 So Philip brought Shimon to Jesus, and when Jesus saw him, he said: You are Shimon (meaning a reed), the son of Jonah. You will be called Cephas (meaning stone). 43 The next day, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip, and said: Follow me! 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city Andrew and Peter (Cephas) were from. 45 Philip went and found Nathanael, and told him: We have found the one Moses and the prophets wrote about in the Scriptures--Jesus of Nazareth, son of Joseph! 46 Nathanael wondered in response: Can any good thing come out of a place like Nazareth? Philip said: Come see for yourself! 47 When they arrived and Jesus saw Nathanael approach, he said about him: Behold! A true Israelite of honesty and integrity! 48 Nathanael replied: Where do you know me from? Jesus answered: Before Philip called you, when you happened to be under the fig tree, I saw you (in a vision). 49 Nathanael answered back: Rabbi--you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel! 50 Jesus said in response: Simply because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree you believe in me? You will see much greater things than that before we’re done! 51 Truly, truly, I say to you that hereafter you will see heaven revealed, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man!

1. The word here is logos, which is sometimes translated as “Divine expression” in some Bibles. John’s apparent use of a Hellenistic term has caused some confusion, for the usage in Greek can refer to the written Scriptures along with terms such as “wisdom” or “utterance.” In Hellenism, however, it also embodied a concept of Deity somewhat similar in our culture to what we might call “the Force.” That sort of principle was developed in later centuries in Kabalistic writings dealing with the 10 Sephiroth, or 10 emanations proceeding from God which permeate the universe, the highest being “the Word.” However, John was not employing a Greek word that expressed his true thoughts, but rather translating a Hebrew word into the closest Greek counterpart despite that counterpart’s flawed meaning in Hellenistic culture.

The actual use of the word is derived from a Hebrew word memre. Memre means “word,” but in Jewish philosophy was far richer than Hellenism’s impersonal force that set the universe in motion and sustained it. “The Word” in Hebrew usage embodied the very living essence and being of God through which He created all things. So identifiable is “the Word” with God Himself that an Aramaic targum of Genesis actually says that Adam and Eve heard “the Word of the Lord” walking in the garden! John’s usage here, as shown in the last half of the verse, is clearly to affirm that “the Word” was Christ Himself, and that “the Word” is Deity.

2. The great problematic statement for the Jehovah’s Witnesses, for instance, who deny the Deity of Christ. Relying upon the fact that the text does not include the word ho (the) before the word “God”--which would make Christ the Father--they go on to insert their own indefinite article a, making Christ merely “a God.” While it is not absolutely impossible to render the verse as they choose to (in opposition to all Christian writings before the 19th century), it is poor grammar at best, and is quickly refuted by John’s use of logos in the verse (when its Hebrew understanding is acknowledged over the Greek).

3. Better paraphrased as: “And from his fullness, we have received undeserved grace upon grace.”

4. An important verse calling into question a popular teaching within Messianic Judaism, which in its zeal to honor the Torah makes no distinction between the Mosaic and Christian covenants. Grace did not necessarily exist in the same way during the Old covenant as it now does under the New. True, men were always saved by God's grace, but that manifestation of grace was limited because of the boundaries of Torah, which demanded obedience and mandated direct punishment for transgression. Under the New covenant, the punishment for transgression has fallen upon Christ on the cross, and thus the measure of God's grace toward Man is no longer held back by the limitations of the written Torah.

5. Some take this verse literally, and believe that any appearances of God in the Old Testament were all pre-incarnate appearances of Jesus. While some undoubtedly were, there seem to be some issues with this notion, as verses like Dan. 7:14, Acts 7:56, and Rev. 5:6 appear to show visions of the Father and Son together, while Moses appeared to see at least part of God’s glory on earth. John could actually mean that no fallen mortal has ever seen God in His unveiled fullness, but in taking human form, Jesus has now provided a means for God to again interact directly with fallen humanity face-to-face as in the Garden of Eden.

6. Several possible Messiahs were expected by the Jews: The Messiah ben Joseph, a “Suffering Messiah” (Gen. 49:22-23); the prophet like unto Moses (Deut. 18:15); and, of course, the Messiah ben David, the conquering Messiah. The men here are asking John if he claims to be any of the expected Messiahs, or if he is the Elijah who is to precede the arrival of the Messiah ben David. John’s denial is probably a Spirit-inspired utterance, for the original Elijah will indeed return before Christ’s second coming (Matt. 17:11). John here has come in the spirit and authority of Elijah, and thus, in a sense, he is Elijah, but in a sense is not, for the greater Elijah still has an appointed task ahead.

7. “Among you” by some is mistakenly believed to refer to Jesus being some sort of Pharisee. John is probably referring to the crowd on the bank of the river, among whom Jesus was apparently standing, but not yet ready to be baptized.

8. Andrew, Peter’s brother, and probably John.

9. Not necessarily referring to Jesus being the son of Joseph the carpenter, but possibly a reference to the Messiah ben Joseph, which Jesus seems to be more akin to than a conquering military Messiah. This Messiah was expected by many to come before the greater Messiah ben David.

10. We aren’t given enough information to know what Jesus means when He mentions Nathanael being under a fig tree. Jews would sometimes pray under fig trees--the symbol for Israel--and Nathanael, apparently a pious man, may have been praying for the Messiah to come as he sat underneath such a tree. This Word of Knowledge--not changing water into wine--is the first recorded miracle of Jesus.

11 A reference to Joseph’s dream in Gen. 28.

 

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee1; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. 3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman2, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. 5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. 6 And there were set there six water pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.3 7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the water pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast4. And they bare it. 9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. 11 This beginning of miracles5 did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. 12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren6, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. 13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, 14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:7 15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; 16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. 17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.8 18 Then answered the Jews9 and said unto him, What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? 19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I10 will raise it up. 20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?11 21 But he spake of the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. 23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. 24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

1 The third day thereafter, a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee, and Jesus’ mother was there. 2 Jesus, along with the twelve disciples, was invited to it. 3 When they ran low on wine, Jesus’ mother said to her son: They have no wine. 4 Jesus responded: Ma’am--what is that to you and me? My time has not come yet. 5 But his mother told the servants: Do whatever he tells you to. 6 Now there were six stone water pots used for Jewish ritual purification of objects, and they held around twenty gallons each. 7 Jesus ordered the servants: Fill those up with water. So they did, all the way up to the brim. 8 Then Jesus told them: Go ladle some out and take it to the Levite presiding over the feast. So they brought it to the man. 9 When the Levite tasted the wine created out of the water and didn’t know where it came from--though the servants knew--he summoned the groom, 10 And told him: Everyone always puts the best wine out at the beginning of the banquet, and after the guests have drunk their fill, they bring the watered-down wine to finish up with. But you kept the best wine until the end! 11 This was Jesus’ first (public) miracle that manifested his glory. It took place in Cana of Galilee, and the event anchored the disciples’ faith in him. 12 After this, Jesus, his mother, his kinsmen, and his twelve disciples, went down to Capernaum, but remained there for only a few days. 13 Now the Jewish Passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 At the Temple, he found people selling sacrificial oxen, sheep, and doves, along with changing money (--and they were actually disrespecting the Temple by sitting down while doing these things)! 15 After making a whip of ropes, he lashed them out of the Court of Gentiles, drove out the sheep and oxen, poured out the money-changers’ cash boxes, and overturned their tables. 16 He shouted to the dove sellers: Get these things out of here--don’t make my Father’s house a place of business! 17 When he did this, the disciples recalled the Scripture verse, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. 19 Jesus replied to them: Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 20 Then the Judeans spat back: It took forty-six years to build this Temple complex, and you’ll raise it up in three days, will you?! 20 Then the Judeans spat back: It took forty-six years to build this Temple complex, and you’ll rebuild it in three days, will you?! 21 But he meant the temple of his body. 22 So after Jesus had risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had told them this, and they believed the Scripture and what Jesus had said (about rising from the dead). 23 Now when Jesus was in Jerusalem at the Passover, by the time the day of Sacrifice came, many believed in him as Messiah when they saw all the miracles he did. 24 But Jesus did not trust them because he knew what men are like, 25 And he did not need to know any details about them, for he, himself, knew what was in the heart of man.

1. Some believe this was the marriage of John the apostle, although it’s impossible to know for certain. Since it’s said Mary “was there,” while Jesus was only “called,” it seems she may have had something to do with the wedding itself, and possibly this means that a relative of Jesus--perhaps a sister, if not John--was marrying someone. Some also theorize that the reason they ran out of wine is because Jesus showed up with 12 friends the host hadn’t counted on.

2. The term is not as cold in the original language as it is in English. “Woman,” in this sense, would be a term of honor akin to saying, “Ma’am.”

3. Around 8 gallons or possibly around 20; we can’t know for sure how the measurement was determined.

4. In all probability, this was a Levite who presided over the ceremony to bless the couple. It was not necessarily a rabbi.

5. It should be noted that changing water into wine is not the first miracle Jesus did, but rather this act and those recorded elsewhere in the Gospels (the miracle with the catch of fish, for instance) are “the beginning of miracles”--i.e. the start of His public miracle ministry. By the way, verse 9 uses the word oinos, and thus shows that the wine was alcoholic and not grape juice as some teach!

6. The “brethren” are possibly brothers of Christ, but more likely cousins since at the Crucifixion Jesus gives Mary over to John to take care of.

7. These all sold sacrificial animals and exchanged coinage at an exorbitant rate, the profits of which went to Annas, enabling him to bribe the Romans to keep the office of High Priest in his family. The reason that the vendors are mentioned as “sitting” is because it was forbidden to sit in any court other than the Court of Women.

8. An example of John’s Gospel jumping forward out of chronological order, for this is actually the second time Jesus drove out the vendors, in the days just prior to the Crucifixion. Although I have yet to find a reference source to substantiate it, tour guides in Israel make the claim that the vendors never returned to the Temple after Christ’s cleansing of it.

9. The first example of the word ioudaoi arbitrarily being translated as “Jews” to make an arbitrary distinction between the followers of Christ and the Jewish people. The word, in this instance, should be translated as “Judeans.”

10. An important verse showing the nature of equality, and yet distinction, within the triune Godhead. Here, Jesus says that He will raise Himself from the dead, while Peter (Acts 2:24) gives credit for that to God, and Paul (Romans 8:11) gives credit to the Holy Spirit. In the case of Peter and Paul, it is unlikely that either is making a measured theological statement to consciously promote Trinitarian belief, but rather that these were Spirit-inspired declarations bringing forth the mosaic that eventually reveals the triune nature of God.

11. We aren’t precisely certain how the elders here are dating the construction of the Temple, and whether they are or are not including two or three years of preparation time prior to actual construction. Assuming they are not, this dates the event to 29 or 30 AD, fitting perfectly with the year of the Crucifixion. Josephus mentions that Herod began the Temple in the 18th year of his reign, and lived for a total of 37 years after being made king by Caesar. Jesus would have been born in his 35th year of reign, and supposing Jesus to be 30 at this time, there would indeed be 46 years between Herod’s 18th year of reign and Christ’s 30th year upon the earth.

 

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler1 of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi2, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit3, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.4 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master5 of Israel, and knowest not these things? 11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? 13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 6 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. 22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. 23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. 24 For John was not yet cast into prison. 25 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews7 about purifying. 26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. 27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. 28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.8 31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. 32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. 33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. 34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.9 35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.10

1 There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a member of the panel of Jerusalem who interpreted Jewish Law. 2 He came secretly by night, and told Jesus: Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who comes from God, for no man can do the miracles you do if God is not with him. 3 Jesus answered: Truly, truly I say to you: Unless a man is born twice, he cannot see the Kingdom of God (nor will he be in the resurrection of the just). 4 Nicodemus then asked: How can an old man be born twice? Can he climb back into his mother’s womb, and be born a second time? 5 Jesus answered: Truly, truly I say to you: Unless a man is born both of water and Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God (nor will he be in the resurrection of the just)! 6 That which is birthed of flesh is mere flesh. But that which is birthed of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Don’t wonder that I said to you, ‘You must be born twice’. 8 The wind blows where it wants, and you see and hear its effects, but you don’t know where it comes from or what makes it (for it is beyond your comprehension). So it is with everyone who is birthed through the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus then asked: How can this be the case? 10 Jesus answered: Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you have no knowledge of the concepts I’m expressing? 11 Truly, truly I say to you: My disciples and I have testified about what we know and have seen, yet you do not accept our witness. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you can’t believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No man has ascended into heaven but he who came down from heaven--even the Son of Man who is from heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 That whosoever will believe in him will not perish, but have everlasting life! 16 For God so loved humanity that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him will not perish, but have everlasting life! 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save the world through him! 18 He who believes on him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is already condemned, because he did not believe in the person and position of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is what condemns them: That the light came into the world, but men preferred darkness rather than light, as evidenced by the fact that their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who practices evil hates the light and won’t come to it, lest his deeds be shown for what they are (--that they are of Satan). 21 But he who practices truth is drawn to the light so his deeds may be seen for what they are: that they are of God. 22 After these things, Jesus and the disciples went out and encamped in the Judean wilderness, baptizing people there. 23 John was also baptizing in Aenon, near Salem, because there was a lot of water there, and people came there to be baptized. 24 This was before Herod Antipas threw John into a dungeon. 25 Then a question arose between John’s disciples and some Judeans about ritual purification (because some were wondering if Jesus’ baptism was in conflict with John’s). 26 So they came to him, and said: Rabbi--the man who was with you beyond the Jordan, the one you testified about--is baptizing, and the people are all flocking to him. (Is he right to be baptizing?) 27 John replied: A man can receive nothing (--such as commission to a ministry--) unless it is given by God in heaven. 28 You, yourselves, recall that I denied being the Messiah, but that I was sent to announce him. 29 It’s the groom who possesses the bride, not the best man. But the best man stands at the groom’s side and greatly rejoices when he hears the groom’s approaching voice. Thus, I rejoice in this. 30 (And, like the best man, I now step aside, having played my role.) He must grow greater, and I must now recede into the background. 31 He who came from heaven above is above everything. But I, who am of the earth, am nothing more than a man, and can only speak the limited revelations of a man. He who is from heaven outranks everything and everyone (and his revelations and understanding are far greater than my own). 32 And what he has seen and heard (in heaven), he testifies to, but no man accepts what he is testifying about. 33 But anyone who receives his message has made a declaration that he agrees that God is true, 34 For he whom God has sent speaks the very words of God Himself, for God has given him an unlimited amount of wisdom of the Spirit. 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given control of everything to him. 36 He who believes on the Son has everlasting life, but he who does not believe on the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God will be upon him (forever)!

1. Nicodemus (Nakdimon in Hebrew), from the language used about him, appears to have held a high position within Jerusalem. He may well have been a member of the Beit Din, a three-judge tribunal of men who were masters of rabbinic law. Their task was to judge local matters of a religious nature, passing issues of special difficulty on to the Sanhedrin for a final determination.

2. Nicodemus’ use of the word rabbi shows that he has already accepted that Jesus is the Messiah, or at least a true prophet, for no judge of Israel would use the word rabbi to one of lesser status as the word, in this instance, is an indication of submission.

3. Better translated as: “Unless a man be born of water and spirit.”

4. Jesus is not inventing the evangelical term Born Again! The term was well known to Judaism, and referred to the status of a new convert who had repented from sin and come under covenant with God. What Nicodemus fails to comprehend is that he must put aside the philosophies and religious training he has grown up with, and begin to think an entirely new way with respect to sin and justification, making a transition from a Pharisaic to a Christian worldview, and through that to gain eternal life.

Also, Jesus’ words are often translated as being “born from above,” which technically can be rendered in that way. However, Nicodemus’ reply in verse 4 shows that “Born Again” is a better understanding of Jesus’ words, as is Peter’s using the term in 1 Peter 1:23.

 

5. Better translated as: “Teacher.”

6. Here is the great illustration of salvation Jesus gives which so many denominations fail to grasp: Reconciliation to God comes through nothing more difficult than for a man to look back to the Crucifixion with faith. As shown in Numbers 21, those who were dying from the bite of the serpents had only to look at the serpent upon the pole to live--not look to the serpent and be baptized...not look at the serpent and obey commandments...not look at the serpent and perform meritorious works. They simply were to look, and believe the word that they would be saved by looking to the serpent on the pole! The fact that Jesus Himself acknowledges the tie-in with the brazen serpent upon the pole--the very symbol of sin and the devil--reveals the false teaching of some who deny or redefine in a 180-degree manor Paul’s own words that Christ was “made to be sin” on the cross. Those who think there was only purity on all possible levels of the cross clearly miss the point of Jesus’ own illustration, and Paul’s words in 2 Cor. 5:21.

7. Absolutely should be translated Judeans, for indeed there were disputes between the Pharisees of Judea and regions like Galilee over extraneous ritual washings and the like.

8. Words true for all of us, for only if we decrease our own will can Christ’s will increase in our lives.

9. Better paraphrased as: “For he whom God has sent teaches the mysteries of God, for God has given him an unlimited amount of wisdom of the Spirit.”

10. A sobering warning to some sincere people who mistakenly believe that somehow “good” people who never hear the Gospel message, or else sincerely reject it in favor of heartfelt commitment to Islam, Judaism, or what have you, can obtain eternal life without conscious faith in Christ’s atonement. There simply is no other way! The exception would be those who die before they know right from wrong (Deut. 1:39), and probably those who for some reason are incapable of knowing right from wrong, or making a decision for or against Christ. These may reach heaven, but without a reward; or they may be resurrected at the Millennium to live out their lives on earth, making the choice for or against Christ they could not make in their first life. The Bible doesn't say for certain.

 

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4

1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, 2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) 3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. 4 And he must needs go through Samaria.1 5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. 7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. 8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)2 9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.3 10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. 11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? 12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? 13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. 15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. 17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: 18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. 19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.4 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.5 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.6 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.7 27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman8: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? 28 The woman then left her water pot9, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. 31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. 32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. 33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? 34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest?10 Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. 39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. 40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his own word;11 42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. 43 Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee. 44 For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country. 45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast. 46 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. 48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. 49 The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. 50 Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. 52 Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. 54 This is again the second miracle12 that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

1 When the Lord came to know that the Pharisees were aware that he was baptizing more disciples than John-- 2 Though Jesus did not do the baptizing, the disciples did-- 3 He left Judea for Galilee. 4 But he had to pass through Samaria to reach his destination. 5 On the way, Jesus came to a city in Samaria called Sychar, which is near the parcel of land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus--being exhausted from the long walk--sat beside it to rest. It was about (noon). 7 It happened that a Samaritan woman came out to draw water from the well, and Jesus told her: Give me a drink of water. 8 His disciples, you see, had gone into town to buy meat. 9 Then the Samaritan woman said: How is it that you--a Jew--ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink, seeing that you Jews won’t even drink out of the same cups we use? 10 Jesus answered back: If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that’s asking “Give me a drink of water,” you would have asked him for water, and he would give you the real living water! 11 The woman said: Sir--the water down in the well is too deep to reach without a rope and bucket, so how could you have any living water to give me? 12 Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well and drank from it along with his children and livestock? (Even he needed a rope and bucket.) 13 Jesus answered: Whoever drinks the water down in that well will get thirsty again. 14 But whoever drinks the living water I offer will never thirst again. The living water I give shall be a wellspring inside him that springs forth to everlasting life. 15 The woman then said: Sir, then give me this water so I never thirst again and won’t have to walk all the way out here for water! 16 Jesus answered: Go get your husband, then return. 17 To this, the woman replied: I have no husband. Jesus said back: You’ve answered well to say you have no husband. 18 You’ve had five husbands, and the man you’re living with now isn’t married to you, so you’ve spoken truthfully. 19 The woman now said: Sir, I realize you must be a prophet! 20 Now tell me--our fathers worshipped God in the temple here, at Mount Gerazim, but you Jews say Jerusalem is the place to worship God. (Which is right, or does it make a difference?) 21 Jesus said in response: Woman, believe me--the time is coming when whether you worship the Father at Mount Gerazim or Jerusalem will be irrelevant. 22 But more importantly, you Samaritans worship a God you don’t really know, while we Jews know Whom we worship, for salvation comes from us. 23 But the time is coming, and now is beginning, when the true worshippers of the Father will worship Him in spirit and in truth, for those are the sorts of worshippers the Father wants. (Thus, where you worship God is irrelevant, for the place to worship God is in your heart.) 24 For God is a spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. 25 The woman now said: I know that when the Messiah comes--the one they call Christ--he will answer all the questions. 26 Jesus said to her: I, who speak to you, am the Messiah! 27 About this time the disciples returned and were amazed to see that he was talking with a Samaritan woman of all things. But none of them asked her, “What do you want?” or asked Jesus, “Why are you talking to her?” 28 The woman, meanwhile, actually left her rope and bucket, and ran back into town where she found the townsmen, whom she told: 29 Come see a man who told me all I ever did! Is this not the Messiah?! 30 So (out of curiosity) they came out of the city, and followed her back to the well. 31 Meantime, the disciples encouraged Jesus, saying: Rabbi, eat something. 32 But he said: I have food to eat that you don’t know about. 33 Therefore, they asked one another: Did someone else bring him some food to eat? 34 Jesus said: My food is to do the will of Him who sent me, and to finish the work He gave me to do. 35 Isn’t there a saying, In four months comes the harvest? I tell you, lift up your eyes and look upon the fields, for the harvest is ready even now! 36 The wages of both the sower and the reaper is the fruit of souls who will gain eternal life--and both can rejoice together with the same pay. 37 It’s a true saying that, One plants/another harvests. 38 I sent you to reap a harvest you had no part in planting. It was others, who came before you, that did the planting, and you are now doing your part in continuing and being blessed by their past labors. 39 Now many of the Samaritans there believed on Jesus because of what the woman had told them: “Come see a man who told me all I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans reached him, they begged him to stay in Sychar, so Jesus remained there for two days. 41 And many more believed in Jesus because of the teachings they heard from his own mouth, 42 And they told the woman: Now we believe, not because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves, and we realize this is the Christ, the savior of the world! 43 After the two days, Jesus went on to Galilee. 44 Jesus had said, “A prophet receives no honor in his own country.” 45 But when he arrived in Galilee the people received him, having seen the things he had done at the Feast, because they had been there as well. 46 Jesus eventually returned to Cana of Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain nobleman from Capernaum whose son was deathly ill. 47 When he heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he found him and begged him to come back and heal his son who was near death. 48 Jesus said to him: Except you people see miraculous signs and wonders, you will not believe. 49 The nobleman begged him, saying: Sir--please come back with me before my child dies! 50 Jesus replied: Go home--your son lives. So the man believed what Jesus told him, and went back home. 51 As he was on the way back, his servants met him, and announced: Your son is alive and well! 52 Then the nobleman asked what time his son began to improve, and they told him it was around (1 PM). 53 So the nobleman realized it was at the same time Jesus had told him, “Your son lives.” And he and his entire household believed in Jesus. 54 This was the second (public) miracle Jesus did when he was in Galilee, having returned from Judea.

1. Traveling through Samaria, according to Josephus, was the quickest way to get from Jerusalem to Galilee, and was a three-day trip of about twelve miles per day.

2. They probably went themselves into the city, leaving Jesus at the well because they considered Him too good to defile Himself by entering a Samaritan village.

3. The poor woman in this, one of the most magnificent tales of Christ’s ministry, is almost always accused of trying to deflect attention away from her sin by throwing out a theological question. In actuality, her legitimate question--and Jesus’ direct answer which never again brings up her sin--suggests to me she honestly took advantage of the opportunity to ask a prophet a question that had been debated for centuries. It should be noted that this woman is the first person noted in the Gospels to whom Jesus clearly, and unequivocally, reveals He is the Messiah. By the way, she actually says something akin to, “We don’t use the same dishes,” not, “The Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.” There was, you see, mutual hatred between Jew and Samaritan, with the Jews treating the Samaritans as half-breeds, and the Samaritans hating the Judeans for the burning of their temple by John Hyrcanus. The Mishna, by the way, shows Jewish contempt for Samaritans by equating Samaritan bread with pork.

Sychar is within view of Mt. Gerazim, where the Samaritans had their rival temple to that of Jerusalem, and this well was several hundred yards out of town, confirming that the woman was undoubtedly somewhat of an outcast with respect to the other local women since she traveled that far for water. The well is particularly beautiful, being  deep and fed by cool underground streams. Since the waters are spring-fed, they were known as mayim chaim, or “living waters” even in the time of Jesus--who used this term in his sermon.

As a point of interest, the Samaritans of today claim to possess an ancient Torah scroll written by Abisha, the great-grandson of Aaron.

 

4. A statement all too often passed over by some of my brothers in the Messianic movement who cling a bit too tightly to the notion that God wants all Christians to worship Him in the manner the Jews do.

5. An important verse showing that the Jews of Christ’s time--despite problems with some of the religious Movements--indeed knew the One True God.

6. As did the Jews, the Samaritans did expect a Messiah to come--known as the Taheb--and restore some of the sacred vessels of the first tabernacle, and to teach them the ways of righteousness.

7. Jesus’ first recorded affirmation that He is the Messiah.

8. Because, in the culture, it is next to unthinkable for a man to be speaking in public with a woman--even his wife or sister!

9. John illustrates her great level of excitement by mentioning her leaving the water pot, for a bucket/water pot and rope was quite a valuable--and necessary--commodity in that part of the ancient world, and no person would normally let it out of his sight.

10. Harvest time was around April or May, showing this event happens in December. There is no evidence, although it is suspected, that Jesus is quoting a saying of the time.

11. It is noteworthy that this is the only recorded mission of Christ in which He reaps a harvest of souls by doing no miracles, and using only preaching. As a point of interest, an ancient sect of Christians called Dositheans, after their founder Dositheus, an early disciple of John the Baptist, lived in Samaria. Dositheus is thought by some to have been one of the original 70 disciples of Christ. The Christians of Samaria, however, seem to have quickly drifted into heresy, teaching that Jesus was the reincarnation of Seth. Simon Magus, of Acts 8 fame, was supposedly a disciple of Dositheus.

12. Meaning the second public miracle.

 

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 5

1 After this there was a feast of the Jews1; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.2 5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?3 7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. 9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.4 11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. 12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? 13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. 15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.5 16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. 17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.6 18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.7 19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 20 For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth: and he will show him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. 21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. 22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: 23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father.8 He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. 25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. 26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; 27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. 30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. 31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.9 32 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. 33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. 34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. 35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. 36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. 37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. 38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. 39 Search the scriptures10; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. 41 I receive not honour from men. 42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. 43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.11 44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. 46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. 47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

1 After this, Jesus returned to Jerusalem during another Passover. 2 Now at Jerusalem is a spring with five porches called Bethesda (meaning House of Mercy), which is down by the sheep market. 3 In the porches lay a great crowd of sick and infirmed people waiting for the water to be disturbed. 4 (For every so often, an angel would disturb the water, and whoever stepped in first would be healed of whatever ailments he had.) 5 A certain cripple was there who had been in that state for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and came to understand he had been crippled for that many years, he asked: Do you really want to be made whole? 7 The cripple answered: Sir, I have no one who can lift me into the spring when the water is stirred up--someone always beats me in! 8 Jesus told him: Rise, pick up your mat, and walk! 9 And immediately the man was healed, took up his mat, and began walking home. This happened to be done on a Sabbath. 10 Some Judeans spotted him, and said: This is the Sabbath--you’re violating the Law by carrying the burden of a mat! 11 But the man answered back: The man who healed me told me to pick up my mat, and walk. 12 So they demanded to know: Who told you that?! 13 But the man who had been healed couldn’t show them, for Jesus had left the area due to the large crowd that had gathered. 14 Jesus later spotted him in one of the Temple courts and came up to him, saying: You are made whole now--sin no more, lest a worse thing befall you! 15 Then the man went out and told the Judeans that Jesus was the one who had restored his limbs to full strength. 16 Therefore, the Judeans persecuted Jesus and wanted to slay him for doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus told them: My Father works (--doing good on the Sabbath--) and so do I! 18 That statement made the Judeans want to kill him all the more, for not only had Jesus violated their notion of what the Sabbath is, but he had called God his Father, making himself equal with God. 19 Then Jesus added: Truly, truly, I say to you: The Son can do nothing on his own--only what he sees the Father do! Thus, the things the Father does, the Son does likewise! 20 For the Father is very fond of the Son, and shows him all the things He does, and will show him even greater things--things that will amaze you. 21 For as the Father raises and gives life to the dead, even so the Son will give (eternal) life to whomever he chooses. 22 For the Father judges no man, but has given the right to pass judgment to the Son, 23 So that all men may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him! 24 Truly, truly, I tell you: He who hears my Message and believes on Him who sent me has everlasting life, and shall not face condemnation, but has made the transition from death to life. 25 Truly, truly, I tell you: The time is coming, and is now starting, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and the ones who hear it will live. 26 For as the Father is the source of life, so He has enabled the Son to also be a source of life, 27 And has given him the authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of Man (--the bar Enash DSaniel prophesied of)! 28 Don’t be shocked by this, for the time is coming in which all who are in the grave will hear his voice, 29 And will come out. Those who have done good will come out to enter the resurrection of life, while those who did evil will come out to the resurrection of damnation! 30 I can’t do anything of my own volition. As God tells me, I judge--and my judgment is fair, because I am not seeking my own will, but the will of the Father who sent me. 31 If I testify on my own behalf (for my own glory), I am a fraud. 32 There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know his testimony of me is true. (That person is John.) 33 You sent inquisitors to John, and he testified about the truth. 34 But the best testimony about me is not from man (but from God). Even so, I boast of John’s testimony for your own good, that you might be saved. 35 John was a bright and shining light, and for a short time you were willing to rejoice in his light (until you realized he wouldn’t dance to your tune). 36 But I have a greater testimony than John: the miracles my Father have given me to accomplish. These miracles testify that I haven’t come on my own, but that the Father sent me. 37 And the Father Himself, who did send me, has testified about me. But you have never heard His voice, nor ever seen Him in person (as I have). 38 Nor does His Message live in your hearts, because you don’t believe the one He has sent to you. 39 You constantly study the Scriptures, for you think they will lead you to eternal life, and those very Scriptures tell you about me. 40 Yet you will not come to me in order to have true life. 41 I will accept no honor from men, 42 Because I know you don’t have the love of God dwelling in your hearts! 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you reject me. (Someday,) one will come in his own name, and him you’ll eagerly accept. 44 How can you (come to the knowledge of the truth and) believe, when you crave the approval of each other instead of the approval of God alone? 45 Don’t think I will be the one bringing accusations against you to the Father. The one who will do that is Moses, in whom you trust! 46 For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me as well, because Moses wrote (and prophesied) about me. 47 But if you won’t believe his writings, how can you believe what I tell you?

1. Probably Passover.

2. Verse 4 is not in the oldest manuscripts and does not appear in any Gospel texts until the 5th century, although Tertullian (On Baptism, chap. 5) seems to have been aware of it in the 2nd century, as well as the Diatesseron.

3. Possibly better paraphrased as: “Do you really want to get well?” Some believe the man had just given up and sunk into an attitude of despair.

4. David Stern believes that to carry one’s mat within the confines of Jerusalem on the Sabbath would have technically been Lawful, but assuming the man lived outside the city, he would have been breaking rabbinic law to leave the gates with the mat in his hands, and thus he may have been stopped by the elders at the city gates, and warned. It is equally likely these were simply some of the more strict Shammaiites, rebuking him for carrying a burden on the Sabbath.

5. Showing these were indeed elders who had questioned the act--and we can only imagine what greater bane fell upon this fool in the following days after he betrayed Jesus to them.

6. Stern suggests that Jesus is pointing out that God “works” on the Sabbath (by maintaining the earth, and even by causing the human body to heal normally, even though it is a Sabbath), and so the Son is equally expected to.

7. Jesus has just equated Himself with God by declaring that He can do the “work” of healing on the Sabbath, which otherwise the Shammaiites forbid to ordinary men who are commanded to rest.

8. An interesting use of the word phileo, the intimate love of friendship, rather than agape, the typical word for selfless, sacrificing, spiritual love for others. Were Jesus speaking in our vernacular, he might actually say something along the lines of, “God doesn’t just love me--He actually likes me!”

9. This statement is utter blasphemy to a Jewish mind, suggesting that any man--even the Messiah--is to be honored as God is honored. The natural understanding of Christ’s words is that He is revealing His divinity, for otherwise the elders are perfectly correct: God does not share His glory with man.

10. Better paraphrased as: “If I’m doing my works to promote my own glory,rather than God’s, I am a fraud.”

11. Better understood as: “You constantly study the Scriptures, for you think they will lead you to eternal life, and those very Scriptures tell you about me. Yet you will not come to me in order to have true life.”

12. Thought by some to be a prophetic reference to the coming Antichrist.

 

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 6

1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. 2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. 3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. 4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. 5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? 6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth1 of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad2 here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. 12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. 13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. 15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.3 16 And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, 17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. 18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. 19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. 20 But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. 21 Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went. 22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone; 23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:) 24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. 25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? 26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. 27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. 28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?4 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. 30 They said therefore unto him, What sign showest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? 31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. 32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. 37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. 41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. 42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? 43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. 44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. 46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. 47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life. 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. 52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. 58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. 59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. 60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? 61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? 62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.5 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.6 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. 70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? 71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

1 After these events, Jesus sailed across the Sea of Galilee, which is called the Sea of Tiberius by the Romans. 2 And a great multitude of people followed him because of all the miracles they had seen him perform on the sick. 3 Meanwhile, Jesus went up onto a mountain, and sat down with his disciples. 4 This was when the Jewish Feast of Passover was at hand. 5 When Jesus looked up and saw what a great crowd was gathering, he asked Philip: Where will we ever buy enough bread to feed all these people? 6 But he said this to test Philip’s faith, because he knew what he had in mind. 7 Philip answered: Six months’ wages wouldn’t buy enough bread for everyone in this mob to take one bite! 8 Now one of the other disciples, Andrew, the brother of Shimon Peter, spoke up, and said: 9 There’s a boy here who has five barley loaves and a pair of small fish--but what good is that among so many? 10 But Jesus said: Make the men sit down. Now it was a very grassy area, so the men, who numbered five thousand, sat down as ordered. 11 Then Jesus took the barley loaves, and when he had given thanks to God, he broke them up and distributed them to the disciples who then distributed them to the people. He did that with the fish as well, giving the people as much as they wanted. 12 When everyone was full, he told the disciples: Gather up the leftovers so nothing is lost. 13 They did this, and filled twelve baskets with leftover bread from the five barley loaves! 14 Then, when the men in the crowd saw this miracle of Jesus, they said: Surely this is the prophet Moses said would come into the world! 15 When Jesus concluded they would try to force him to be king, he left the area and went alone to a mountain. 16 That evening, the disciples went down to the sea of Galilee, 17 And entered a boat with the intention of sailing to Capernaum. Now it became dark, and Jesus still had not returned to them, 18 And then the lake was hit by a tremendous windstorm, whipping the water into a maelstrom. 19 So when they had rowed several miles in the face of the storm, they saw Jesus walking atop the sea, making his way toward them, and they were terrified. 20 But he called out to them: It’s I--don’t be afraid! 21 Then they let him board, and the boat immediately arrived at its destination. 22 The next day, the crowds saw no other boats on shore after Jesus’ disciples had sailed off. They knew that Jesus hadn’t departed with them, but that the disciples had left by themselves. 23 Once word of the miracle had spread to Tiberius, boatloads of people began arriving at the place where the Lord had performed the miracle of the loaves after giving thanks. 24 When the people on shore saw that neither Jesus nor the disciples were there, they took to boats themselves and sailed over to Capernaum, hoping to find him. 25 When they found him there on the other side of the sea, they said: Rabbi, when did you come here? 26 Jesus answered, and said: Truly, truly, I tell you: You’re not looking for me because you saw miracles (and believed in who I am)--you’re only here because you ate the loaves I fed you with! 27 Don’t seek for the meat that is here today, and gone tomorrow--seek for the meat leading to eternal life that the Son of Man will give you, for God the Father has ordained him to that task! 28 (Frustrated,) the crowd then asked: Well, then what sort of thing must we do to be able to perform miracle works of God (like you do)? 29 Jesus responded: Believe on the one who was sent by Him--that is the thing He wants from you. 30 They therefore replied: Then what sign do you have to show us so we can see it, and believe what you say? What deed will you do? 31 Our ancestors received manna to eat in the desert. The Scripture says, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. (Since you want us to follow you, is it not reasonable--even Scriptural--for you to do the same for us as well?) 32 Then Jesus said to them: Truly, truly, I tell you: Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven; but my Father did, who now gives you the true bread from heaven! 33 For the true bread of God is he who came down from heaven and gives life to mankind. 34 Then they said to him: Lord, forever give us this bread you speak of. 35 Jesus’ reply was: I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me shall never hunger; and he who believes on me will never thirst either! 36 But as I said, you do not believe in me even though you have seen me. 37 All whom the father gives me shall find their way to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out! 38 For I came down from heaven not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of the Father who sent me: That of all He has given me, I shall lose none, but will raise them up on the last day. 40 And this too is the will of the Father who sent me: That everyone who sees and believes on the Son may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 41 Then the Judeans murmured at him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 And they said: Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose parents we know? Then how can he claim, ‘I came down from heaven’? 43 Jesus then answered the crowd: Stop murmuring amongst yourselves. 44 No man can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him to me, and I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the scrolls of the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Thus, every man who has heard and been taught (the truth) by the Father will come to me. 46 Not that any mortal man has ever seen the Father, except him who is of God--he has seen the Father! 47 Truly, truly, I tell you: He who believes on me has everlasting life! 48 I am the bread of life! 49 The bread you spoke of in the wilderness? Your ancestors ate that manna, and they are all dead. 50 But I am the bread that came down from heaven, which a man can eat and never die! 51 For I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If any man eats this bread, he will live forever, and the bread I give is my flesh, which I will offer up to give life to the world. 52 Hearing this, the Judeans argued amongst themselves, saying: How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 53 Then Jesus answered: Truly, truly, I tell you: Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, you will have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day! 55 For indeed, my flesh is meat, and my blood is drink. 56 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood dwells in me and I in him. 57 As the living Father has sent me, and as I live by the Father, so he who consumes me will live by me! 58 So then, I am the bread that came down from heaven, not the manna your ancestors ate--all of whom are now dead! The bread I am will give eternal life to whoever eats it! 59 These things Jesus said as he taught in the synagogue in Capernaum. 60 Many of his disciples, when they heard all this, said to each other: This makes no sense. Who can understand what he means? 61 When Jesus perceived that his disciples murmured at his words, he said to them: Does this offend you? 62 What if you were to see the Son of Man ascend back to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit that gives life, and man’s efforts (to find life on his own, through efforts of his own) are pointless! The teachings I impart to you are (revelation), and they are life. 64 But there are some of you here who do not believe. For Jesus knew from the beginning who did not truly believe, and who would betray him. 65 Jesus concluded: This is why I said to you that no man can come to me unless the Father enables him to. 66 From that point, many of Jesus’ disciples returned home, and no longer followed him. 66 From that point, many of Jesus’ disciples returned home and no longer followed him. 68 Then Shimon Peter answered: Lord, to whom would we go? You alone have the teachings of eternal life. 69 And we are absolutely convinced, and believe, that you are the Messiah, Son of the Living God! 70 Jesus answered: Have I not chosen you all, and one of you is a devil? 71 He was referring to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, who was one of the twelve, and the one who would betray him.

1. Months’ worth of a workman’s daily wages.

2. Probably young John Mark who, with Barnabas and perhaps other relatives, followed Jesus about at times.

3. Jesus refuses their overtures to make Him king because it is God who has appointed the time of His coronation, and also because they wish to make Him king only because their needs were being met. (See verse 26.)

4. Most theologians reasonably understand the people to be asking “What must we do, so we can do the things God wants us to.” However, they are actually frustrated at Jesus’ rebuke, and are asking what they need to do in order to perform supernatural works for themselves since Jesus isn’t cooperating. Unlike other Gospel writers, the word for “works” (ergon) is repeatedly used by John (25 times compared to 5/2/and 2 in the other Gospels) in context of both normal and supernatural deeds, while the other writers tend to limit it to normal deeds, and so rarely use the word. As we see from the context of both Jesus’ words and what happens by the end of the chapter, the people absolutely do not (verse 36) believe in Him. Thus, they cannot be speaking in humility and asking how they might please God--but instead are asking what they need to do in order to work the sort of miracles they’ve seen Jesus do. Jesus gives them a straight answer despite their attitude, but their attitude causes them to reject Him by the end of the chapter.

5. Jesus’ words here make no real sense to a Western mind. Saying, “My words are spirit,” is as non sequitur as saying, “My words are grapefruit.” Because of this, theologians faced with this puzzling remark, and no frame of reference for it, typically default to the Holy Spirit, and assume Jesus must be saying that His words are anointed by the Spirit, come from the Spirit, or something along those lines. However, Jesus did not say anything of the sort! He said His words “are spirit”! A westerner can’t comprehend that statement, but an Eastern listener understands that Jesus is making a word play by using the word spirit in one of its Eastern meanings apart from the Holy Spirit: that of a revelation! Thus, they know Jesus is saying that He is giving them a revelation of the way to eternal life through a word play, using the word “spirit” to refer both to the Holy Spirit, and the revelations coming from mouth of the Son of God.

6. Jesus had a habit of offending people’s minds to reveal what was in their hearts. Verses like 53-56, alluding to eating flesh and drinking blood were absolutely blasphemous in the minds of observant Jews, for the Torah forbids both. It would be akin to walking into a strict Holiness church of today, and announcing that only those who commit fornication and adultery can be saved. For whatever reason Christ chose to work in this manner, His calculated sayings to offend the mind caused those who were not truly His to fall away.

 

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 7

1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.1 2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand. 3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. 4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, show thyself to the world. 5 For neither did his brethren believe in him. 6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. 7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. 8 Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come. 9 When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee. 10 But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. 11 Then the Jews2 sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? 12 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people. 13 Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews. 14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. 15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? 16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. 18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? 20 The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee? 21 Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. 22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. 23 If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? 24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. 25 Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill? 26 But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? 27 Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is. 28 Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. 29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me. 30 Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. 31 And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done? 32 The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him. 33 Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. 34 Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come. 35 Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? 36 What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come? 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast3, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)4 40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. 41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? 42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? 43 So there was a division among the people because of him. 44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. 45 Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? 46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. 47 Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? 48 Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? 49 But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed. 50 Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) 51 Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? 52 They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.5 53 And every man went unto his own house.

1 After these events, Jesus traveled about Galilee, but would not go into Judea because the Judeans wanted to kill him. 2 Now the Jewish Festival of Sukkot (Tabernacles) was at hand. 3 Jesus’ kinsmen thus told him: Go back to Judea, and let your disciples there see the same miracles you’re doing here. 4 No man makes a name for himself by staying hidden. If you can do all these miraculous things, don’t do them in secret--do them openly, for the whole world to see! 5 For his kinsmen didn’t believe in him either. 6 Jesus answered: My time is not yet come, but any time is a good time for you, isn’t it? 7 The world has no reason to hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its whole system is evil. 8 If you want to go to the Feast, then go! I’m not ready to go (because God hasn’t released me to go yet). 9 After saying this, Jesus remained in Galilee for a time. 10 But after his kinsmen had gone up, he subsequently followed, but he did so in secret. 11 Now the Judeans looked for him amongst the crowd assembled for the Feast, and they wondered: Where is he? 12 And there was a great debate among the people with some saying, “He is a good man,” while others said, “No, he’s deceiving the people!” 13 But no one voiced their opinion loudly, because they were afraid of saying something that would offend the Judean religious leaders. 14 Now during the middle part of the Feast, Jesus went into the Temple courts and taught the people. 15 And the Judeans marveled, saying: How did this man learn to read and teach the Scriptures, seeing as he has never been trained by any yeshiva? 16 Jesus answered them: This is not my doctrine--it is the doctrine of Him who sent me. 17 If any man does His will, he will know if the doctrines I teach are of myself, or of God. 18 He who preaches his own doctrine seeks his own glory. He who seeks the glory of the One who sent him is sincere and guiltless. 19 Didn’t Moses give you the Torah, yet none of you keeps it? Why are you plotting to kill me? 19 Didn’t Moses give you the Torah, yet none of you keep it? Why are you plotting to kill me? 21 Jesus replied: I did one miracle on the Sabbath, and you all were amazed I would do such a thing on that day. 22 Now Moses gave you the laws about circumcision--though it came down from the Patriarchs first, of course--and you have no problem breaking the law of Resting by circumcising an infant on the Sabbath yourselves. 23 So if you agree it is permissible to work on the Sabbath by doing a physical operation of circumcision, why would you be angry that I had made a sick man whole on the Sabbath? 24 Judge not according to outward appearance, but judge righteously! 25 Then some residents of Jerusalem said: Isn’t this the man they want to kill? 26 But look--he speaks boldly, in their faces, and they can’t respond. Do the elders actually know he is the Messiah? 27 The strange thing is, we know where this man comes from, but won’t the Messiah arrive out of nowhere? 28 Then Jesus cried out to the crowd in the Temple courtyard as he taught: You may know me and where I come from, yet I did not come on my own, but the One who sent me is true--and you don’t know Him! 29 But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent me! 30 Then the elders sought to take him into custody, but no one could because his hour had not yet arrived. 31 And many people believed in him, saying: (If he’s not the Messiah,) when the Messiah does come, will he do more miracles than this man? 32 When the Pharisees heard the people saying such things, they and the chief Sadducee priests assigned some Temple officers to take him. 33 Jesus said to them: I will be with you only for a little while longer, and then I will go to Him who sent me. 34 You will seek me, but not find me, for where I am you cannot come. 35 The Judeans said among themselves: Where will he go that we can’t find him? Does he mean he’ll go to the Jews living abroad, and teach the Gentiles? 36 What kind of saying is this, ‘You will seek me, but not find me,’ and ‘Where I am, you cannot come’? 37 In the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood forth, and shouted out: If any man is thirsty--let him come to me, and drink! 38 He who believes on me, as the Scripture says, Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 Jesus here was referring to the Spirit of God, which those who believed in him would receive, for the Holy Spirit had not yet been given to man because Jesus had not been glorified yet. 40 Many of those present, when they heard him speak these words, said: This man is certainly the prophet Moses spoke about! 41 Others said: This is the Messiah! But some wondered: Will the Messiah come out of Galilee? 42 Hasn’t the Scripture prophesied that the Messiah will come from David’s line, out of Bethlehem where David was from? 43 So the people were divided over him. 44 Some still wanted to take him into custody, but no man laid hands on him. 45 Then the officers ordered to apprehend Jesus returned to the chief Sadducee priests and Pharisees who had sent them. They were asked: Why haven’t you brought him in? 46 They replied: No man ever spoke like this man! 47 Then the Pharisees who were present said: Are you deceived too? 48 Have any of the elders of Israel, or any of the schools of the Pharisees believed on him? 49 (Only) these common people (have,) who don’t know the Torah, and are cursed by God! 50 Nicodemus, the one who had come to Jesus by night, replied: 51 Does our Torah judge any man before he has a chance to defend himself? 52 They answered: Are you a Galilean too? Search the Scriptures--no prophet is prophesied to come out of Galilee! 53 After this, everyone went back home.

1. Should be translated: “For he would not walk in Judea because the Judeans sought to kill him.”

2. Should be translated: “Judeans.”

3. This is the culmination of the Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles), during which water and wine are mixed together by the High Priest, and verses from the Old Testament dealing with water are spoken. Jesus probably shouted out His famous statement, “come unto me, and drink” as the High Priest said prayers for rain. As a point of interest, during this Festival a series of golden lamps were set up in the Court of Women, the wicks of which were made from the swaddling cloths of the priests. The lamps were known as the Lights of the World. It is also during the seven days of this Feast that a total of 70 bulls were sacrificed to atone for the sins of the Gentiles. This is important to note because Judaism today asserts that sacrifice cannot atone for intentional sin, but only for unintentional sin. Since the 70 bulls were sacrificed for the Gentile nations that obviously were not in a state of repentance, we can see that the notion is a false one. (For those interested, the Talmud solves the problem of how a Jew who commits an intentional sin obtains forgiveness by claiming that repentance moves the category of sin from willful to unintentional in God’s eyes.)

4. This is an important verse to contradict the theology of some who present an unbiblical teaching that the Holy Spirit has always indwelt the people of God. In point of fact, the Holy Spirit did not indwell believers until after the Crucifixion and the subsequent events of Acts 2. Thus, using David’s words imploring God not to take the Holy Spirit from him is no evidence whatever contradicting the notion of a “second blessing” of the Holy Spirit available to believers. It is true that the Holy Spirit fell upon and anointed some of the men and women of God in prior ages, but there is a distinct difference between the pre-Christianity fellowship of the Spirit, and the literal indwelling and release of the Spirit available after the Crucifixion.

5. They are almost certainly meaning that there is no prophecy of a prophet to arise from Galilee, for they cannot have been unaware that Jonah was a Galilean.

 

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 8

1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,1 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.2 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. 12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. 14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. 15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. 16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. 17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. 19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. 20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury3, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come. 21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins:4 whither I go, ye cannot come. 22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come. 23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. 25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. 26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. 27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. 28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. 30 As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33 They5 answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. 37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. 38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. 39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. 41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. 42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. 46 Which of you convinceth me of sin?6 And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? 47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. 48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? 49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. 50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. 51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. 52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. 53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? 54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: 55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. 57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? 58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am7. 59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

1 Jesus now went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early the next morning, he returned to the Temple and sat down to teach the throng of people. 3 As he was doing this, the Torah teachers and Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught committing adultery. When they made her stand forth with them, 4 They said to Jesus: Rabbi--this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery! 5 Moses, in the Torah, commanded that women like her should be stoned for that sin. What do you say? 6 They said this to try to trick Jesus and get something to use against him. But Jesus simply stooped down, and with a finger began writing in the dust on the ground as though he hadn't heard them. 7 When they pressed the point, he stood up and said: Fine--let whichever of you who has never committed (the same) sin cast the first stone at her. 8 Then he bent down, and began to write again. 9 Those who heard his statement, being convicted by their consciences, now began drifting away, one by one, starting with the oldest, down to the youngest. Finally, the woman was left behind with the crowd that had assembled to hear Jesus preach. 10 When Jesus stood up and saw the woman left alone, he said: Woman, where are the ones who accused you? Who is here to condemn you? 11 She said: No one, Lord. And Jesus replied: Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more. 12 Then Jesus proclaimed: I am the light of the world! He who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life! 13 The Pharisees thus said to him: You’re testifying about yourself, so your testimony is not true! 14 Jesus replied: Even though I testify about myself, my testimony is still true, because I know where I came from, and where I’m returning to. But you have no idea of where I came from or where I’m returning to. 15 You pass judgment (on me) according to fleshly logic, even though I judge no man. 16 But if I did set myself up as judge, my judgment would be accurate, because I would not be the only one doing the judging--so would the Father who sent me. 17 It’s written in your own Torah that the testimony of two witnesses is acceptable proof in court. 18 I testify about who and what I am, and so does my Father. 19 Then they asked him: Where is your father? Jesus answered: You don’t know me or my Father! If you knew me, you would know my Father as well! 20 Jesus spoke these words in the Courtyard of Women as he taught at the Temple, and no one laid a hand on him, for his hour had not yet come. 21 Then Jesus added: I will go where I must, and you will seek me, but will continue on without repenting until you die and are lost--for where I am going you cannot come! 22 Then the Judean (Pharisees there) said: (Hah!) Will he kill himself? Is that what he means when he says “Where I am going you cannot come?” 23 Jesus’ response was: You are from beneath, and I am from above. You are of this world, and I am not. 24 That is why I said that you all will die in your sins, for if you do not believe I am He, you will continue in your sins until you die (and are lost)! 25 They asked: Then who are you? Jesus retorted: I am the same one I’ve told you I was from the beginning! 26 I have many things to say to you and to pass judgment on--but He who sent me is true, and I tell the world what I heard Him say. 27 They did not understand that he was speaking about the Father. 28 Then Jesus added: When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize I am He, and that I am doing nothing on my own, but I am only speaking what my Father has taught me. 29 And He that sent me is with me. The Father has not abandoned me, for I always do the things that please Him. 30 As Jesus spoke these words, many believed on hi