Joh 20:1

As soon as the Sabbath restrictions were past, ie after sunset on Saturday — the 3 women (close companions of Christ in life) prepare to give their last token of love to their Lord in his death. Early on Sunday morning, at first light in the east, they set out for the tomb. (Did the women make two separate visits to the tomb? See Mat 28:1n).

EARLY: “Those that seek me early shall find me” (Pro 8:17, KJV).

THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK: Lit, “day one of the seven”. The beginning of a new creation week! Cp Gen 1: a new creation, “day one”! God had said, “Let there be light”, and now there was! Cp Col 1:15-18: Jesus the beginning of the new creation! To the disciples, this day (when they understood it later) would mark the beginning of their new lives. This new “Sun” of the morning was to drive away the dark shadows of lost hope, and create a new spirit within the disciples (Isa 9:1,2; 2Co 4:6).

In referring to the morning after the Sabbath, John is noting the link with the offering of the firstfruits (Lev 23:10-15). Jesus was the firstfruits of them that slept; his resurrection is our guarantee (1Co 15:23).

MARY MAGDALENE WENT TO THE TOMB: Probably with the other women, Mary and Salome (see “we” of v 2; Mat 28:1; Mar 16:1; Luk 24:1), but perhaps she hurried on ahead of the others.

AND SAW THAT THE STONE HAD BEEN REMOVED FROM THE ENTRANCE: Lit, “taken, lifted away from”. Not just moved to one side, but carried completely away (ETRL 75), out of the trough where it rested. Prob rolled some distance away and laid flat (cp Mat 28:2; Mar 16:4).

Was ever a mountain so “large” as the great stone which sealed Christ’s tomb? Truly, as miracles go, no miracle has been or could be so great as the one that caused this “very large” stone to be removed, and thus proclaimed Christ’s tomb to be open… forevermore.

Jesus had told his followers, “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him’ ” (Mar 11:23). Of course, we have trouble with moving literal mountains, even as we have trouble explaining this passage.

But seen from a spiritual perspective, isn’t the greatest “mountain” of difficulty — which no man can move — death and the grave? Engineers with bulldozers and explosives can move even literal mountains. But who among them can move the mountainous “stone” that covers the grave? Not a one!

And even the disciples of Jesus could not move such a stone from the mouth of his sepulcher… not at that time; they were weeping in sorrow, and hiding in fear. It was the faith of Jesus alone — though he was dead and unconscious in the tomb — that moved the hand of the angels of God, and rolled back the stone. It may be said that the greatest miracle that Jesus ever performed was this: the blood of this wholly righteous man cried out from the depths of the earth, and the Father heard!

Do WE, today, have faith to move mountains? The answer, I believe, is really another question: ‘Do WE have faith that the greatest “mountain” has already been moved?’ “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mar 11:24). Our faith may be — not just a prospective — but also a retrospective faith: we look backward, and ask, ‘Do I really believe that the “mountain” has been moved?’ If we truly believe that, then — it is absolutely sure and certain — ALL THINGS are possible for us!

Joh 20:2

…Mary Magdalene, seeing the empty tomb, assumed that his dead body had been stolen away, and she ran to tell Peter and John. (The position of the stone, well away from the door — v 1n — convinces Mary the tomb has been abandoned: Dobson 111.) Notice that she has no thought of a resurrection. (Meanwhile, the other women, following behind, had climbed the slope to the tomb’s entrance, and met the angel of glory: Mar 16:2-6).

Joh 20:3

Vv 3-9: After the women go their way (vv 1,2), with the message from the angel (Mar 16:2-7), Peter and John, having been informed by Mary Magdalene that the body has been stolen, but not yet knowing of the angel’s revelation to the others, run to the tomb.

Joh 20:5

Perhaps at this point John thought the body still remained in the grave-clothes. In the Garden tomb, the head-cavity is not visible from the window (Dobson 126). John had to go inside, after Peter, for a closer inspection, before he could believe.

Joh 20:6

THE STRIPS OF LINEN LYING THERE: In ct resurrection of Lazarus, who came forth with graveclothes still on (Joh 11:44).

Joh 20:7

THE CLOTH WAS FOLDED UP BY ITSELF, SEPARATE FROM THE LINEN: The head wrappings were separated from the body wrappings. (Ct with theory behind the Turin Shroud; surely the best evidence for the Turin Shroud being a fake is that it is all in one piece.) In symbol, the head (Christ himself) — being the firstfruits — was raised before the body (ecclesia). Also, the whole scene in the tomb was one of order — there had been no hasty action; but rather as if one had risen from sleep and laid his bed clothes aside, to be dressed in other garments! (Besides, who would unwrap a corpse before carrying it off?)

Joh 20:8

Vv 8,9: How did John believe, if he did not understand the Scriptures? John believed in the resurrection of Jesus based simply on what he saw, not on a full understanding of the Scriptures concerning the resurrection. (This would only come later.) What did he see that convinced him? He saw the linen burial clothes lying within the tomb. He understood that no men in their right senses would first unwrap a corpse and then carry it away. The presence of the wrappings was the plainest proof that no one had carried away a dead body. Instead, Christ had risen, leaving behind the old grave clothes, and putting on new robes (provided by the angels, or his old robe newly washed: Joh 19:23,24?).

Joh 20:10

Vv 10-18: Jesus and Mary Magdalene: the Bridegroom meets the Bride! Song 2:11-13,14; 3:1-4; 4:7 (made clean by his sacrifice: Eph 5:25-27).

BACK TO THEIR HOMES: Or, simply, “back to their own”, ie friends and relatives, to tell them…

Joh 20:11

…Peter and John go their way (v 10). Now Mary, following behind the men, returned the second time to the tomb (still unaware of the angel’s appearance to the other women: Mar 16:2-7). There was no reason why she should linger here, except that this was the spot where she had last set eyes on her friend. In the past two days she had shed tears as never before, and now more than ever they refused to be restrained. If only she might be able to express her love in some last act of devotion to his poor dead body! But even this was denied her, for apparently his body had been stolen away. To this pathetic figure of sorrow and despair was soon to come one of the greatest privileges of all time: the first sight of the resurrected Lord! Within moments, the deepest despair was to give way forever to the greatest joy! (Cp with Song 3:2-4.)

Joh 20:12

Those who STAND in the presence of God (Luk 1:19) SIT in the empty tomb!

AT THE HEAD… AT THE FOOT: The tomb of the risen Christ is the true mercy-seat, the true Most Holy Place. Here is the ark of the covenant, and the mercy-seat, flanked by the cherubim, where the blood of the one true sacrifice has been poured out.

Joh 20:13

Apparently she does not realize that these two “men” are angels!

WHY ARE YOU CRYING?: There would have been cause for weeping if the tomb were NOT empty!

Joh 20:14

BUT SHE DID NOT REALIZE THAT IT WAS JESUS: ‘Perhaps this is one of Joseph’s men…’

Joh 20:15

Vv 15,16: She seems to have expected no help nor comfort in response to her appeal, for she is already moving away when one spoken word (“Mary”) stops her in her tracks. Does not that voice have a strangely familiar ring? She turned around, stared in shock, and then in a moment was at his side — grasping for the evidence by which to turn the impossible into certainty, and all the while incoherent with joy. There was nothing to say except one exultant word of greeting and self-reproach: “Rabboni!” The silent road from which no traveler returns had yielded back the one whom she longed to see above all others, and how blind she had been not to recognize it sooner. A wild jumble of emotions rushed through her mind, and all the while she sought added assurance by the evidence of her senses.

THINKING HE WAS THE GARDENER: Jesus WAS the “gardener”, the last “Adam” in another “paradise”!

THE GARDENER: Whom she would have seen, previously, with Joseph (Luk 23:55).

AND I WILL GET HIM: “And I will take him away” (AV). How could she have accomplished such a feat? Perhaps she could not have done it, but she would have died trying!

Joh 20:16

See Lesson, Mary at the Garden tomb.

Joh 20:17

“Do not keep clinging to me.” Jesus had other duties to perform: Christ the High Priest prepared to present to God the tokens (wounds?) of his sacrifice in the true “Most Holy” — heaven itself! An ascension at that very time — to God’s very presence — to show the tokens of the perfect sacrifice: the wounds in his hands and side. Antitype of the Day of Atonement, and entrance into the Most Holy Place: Lev 16.

DO NOT HOLD ON TO ME: She was already holding his feet (cp Mat 28:9). The words here sig “do not cling to; do not fasten upon me”: implying a continuance therein (Ellicott, Vincent, Thayer). Sw used 1Co 7:1; 2Co 6:17; 1Jo 5:19. And so Mary (the second “Eve”) is separated from the side of Jesus (the last “Adam”)!

I HAVE NOT YET RETURNED TO THE FATHER: Obviously, something Christ would do very soon, not 40 days later.

GO… TO MY BROTHERS: The sanctifier and the sanctified are all of one (God), and therefore brethren (Heb 2:11-15; Psa 22:22; cp also Psa 122:8; Rom 8:29).

MY FATHER AND YOUR FATHER… MY GOD AND YOUR GOD: A great distinction between Jesus’ Father and God, and theirs!

Joh 20:19

Jesus in the midst of: (1) thieves: Joh 19:18; (2) his disciples: Joh 20:19; (3) the teachers of the Law: Luk 2:46; (4) two or three: Mat 18:20; (5) the lampstands: Rev 1:13; (6) the throne: Rev 5:6.

PEACE BE WITH YOU: Reaffirming his last message before his death: Joh 16:33.

Joh 20:22

HE BREATHED ON THEM… THE HOLY SPIRIT: Typ the first creation. Here the Elohim of God breathes new life into the new creation. A giving of Spirit in general sense to all ecclesia: cp Mat 16:19; 18:18. Typ infusion of Spirit-nature in future.

Joh 20:23

Contrary to Catholic teaching: there is special ref to apostles only (vv 20,22). In NT, there is only one sacrificing priest — Christ (Heb 10:12) — and a universal priesthood of believers (1Pe 2:9), but no special priestly, clerical class.

“Forgive” = (poss) preaching forgiveness of sins. “Not forgive” = not preaching the gospel of forgiveness to men! Cp Mat 16:19. (Thus the great commission of the Synoptic gospels is given at end of John also.)

Joh 20:25

SO THE OTHER DISCIPLES TOLD HIM, ‘WE HAVE SEEN THE LORD!’: Details in Luk 24:36-48: the two on road to Emmaus.

Joh 20:27

It is Christ himself! Not an apparition: “Touch me!” (Luk 24:39,40).

STOP DOUBTING AND BELIEVE: “We sing ‘None have such reason to be glad’; and we read ‘Great peace have they that love Thy law’; and we recognize the wisdom of the exhortation and command ‘Rejoice always, and again, Rejoice!’ We ‘believe’ these things: why then do we not manifest our faith more consistently? Why are we ever troubled and worried and fearful and dissatisfied and unhappy? Truly there will be trouble and sorrow and disappointments and discouraging circumstances. These are recognized, necessary ingredients in the present training and disciplining and purifying and perfecting of God’s eternal family.

“The training is rigorous, but the purpose is known, and the necessity is realized, and the result is glorious. Why are we not then in constant transports of joy? Is it that we don’t really believe what we say we ‘believe’? Is the present a little more glamorous to us, and the future a little more hazy, than we care to admit? If we believe what we say we believe, and are doing what we know we should be doing, then the only possible result and reaction must be deep, constant, spiritual joy. If it isn’t, let us adjust our way of life and way of thinking until it is” (GVG).

Joh 20:28

MY GOD: One who acts on behalf of God may be called “God”: (a) angels: Gen 16:13; 18:13; Exo 23:20,21; Hos 12:3,5; (b) men: Exo 22:28; 22:6; 21:8 (elohim); Psa 138:1; Joh 10:34 (cit Psa 82:1,6); (c) the Messiah: Isa 8:13,14; 61:1,6; 64:4; 65:16; Zec 12:10; Mal 3:1; Joh 20:28; Heb 1:8.

Joh 20:29

…”Doubters” (like Thomas) help us strengthen our faith. These fishermen were not starry-eyed visionaries, willing to believe anything and everything. They were down-to-earth, matter-of-fact men… such men would never be carried away by hysteria into worshiping a phantom. They would never put their lives on the line because of a hoax.

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SEEN AND YET HAVE BELIEVED: “The last and greatest of the ‘Beatitudes’!” (MP 356).

Joh 20:31

Purpose: two-fold: (1) Personal belief, and (2) possession of life. “Believe” occurs 98 times in John, and only 35 in other 3. “Life” (zoan) occurs 36 times, and only 17 in other 3.

Joh 21:1

Background: the apostles had been told to go to Galilee to wait for Jesus (Mat 28:10).

SEA OF TIBERIAS: This name used only in Gospel of John. City of Tiberias was of no consequence until after AD 70. Thus this mention fixes date at after AD 70 (LB 398).

Joh 21:2

Seven disciples listed; where are the others?

Joh 21:3

THEY CAUGHT NOTHING: The 7 apostles attempt to sustain themselves by old livelihood. But they are totally unsuccessful: they catch nothing all night. Were they doing the wrong kind of fishing? (ct Joh 17:18; 20:21). Cp Psa 127:1.

Joh 21:4

Vv 4-6: Cp with Luk 5:4-7. Both incidents have: (1) sea of Galilee, (2) toiled all night, (3) no success at all, (4) at command of Jesus, they let down nets again; and (5) miraculously, a great catch of fish.

Contrasts with Luk 5:

This is the second of the historical accounts of the first century written by Luke. The Acts commences where the gospel record concludes, at the time of the ascension of Jesus. Whilst the book is historical, it is a great testimony to the Christians of the first century who withstood tremendous difficulties in their endeavor to hold fast to their faith and to preach the gospel.

Highlights

• Jesus’ ascension (Act 1:11): “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
• The Day of Pentecost. Peter’s preaching with the assistance of the Holy Spirit and the listeners’ response is very illuminating. “Brethren what shall we do? Repent said Peter, “Repent and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Act 2:37,38).
• Stephen’s trial for his belief and faith. His stoning and his forgiveness. “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Act 7:60).
• The conversion of Saul and his subsequent preaching of Jesus: “He is the Son of God” (Act 9:20).
• Peter and Cornelius — the Gentile. God has no favorites: “…in every nation anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him” (Act 10:35).
• Paul turns to the Gentiles. “I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles that you may bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth” (Act 13:47).
• The difficulties of the early Christians in accepting the concept if Gentile salvation (Act 11:1-18), and partial fulfillment of the Law of Moses (Act 15:1-35).
• Paul’s journeys — his stonings, his preaching in all parts of Asia minor; his defense before Roman authorities; his steadfast faith in the one whom he for some years persecuted.
• Paul’s house arrest in Rome and his continued enthusiasm for the preaching of the gospel (Act 28:30-31).

The outstanding testimony of Peter, Stephen, Paul, Silas, Barnabas and others (including Luke) is encouragement for Christ’s followers to stand up for their belief in him.

Outline

(Jerusalem is the center of operations in Acts 1-12; Antioch the new center in Acts 13-28.)

1. Act 1:1-14: Jesus’ ascension 2. Acts 1:15-26: A new apostle 3. Act 2:1-47: The Day of Pentecost 4. Act 3:1–5:42: The preaching of Peter and John 5. Act 6:1–8:3: Stephen’s defense 6. Act 8:4-40: The preaching of Philip 7. Act 9:1-31: Saul’s conversion 8. Act 9:32–11:21: Peter and Cornelius — a Gentile convert 9. Act 11:22–12:25: Jerusalem and Antioch 10. Act 13:1–21:16: Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles

(a) Act 13:1–15:39: First missionary journey (b) Act 15:40–18:6: Second missionary journey (c) Act 18:7–21:16: Third missionary journey

11. Act 21:17–26:32: The trial of Paul’s faith 12. Act 27:1–28:31: Paul’s journey to Rome

---

Act 1:1

See Lesson, Acts, statement of faith.

“The Gospel of the Holy Spirit” (Findl 1): Acts is the continuation of the work among men of the Holy Spirit that conceived (Luk 1:35) and led Christ (Luk 4:1,14…) to wilderness, to baptism, to Jerusalem, to cross. A 2nd 33-year (approx) period: 1st 33: life of Christ (individual); 2nd 33: life of Christ (multitudinous).

Luke as author (JAF 39-48).

The “we” passages: Act 16:10-18; 20:5-21:18; Act 27; 28 (cp JAF 46).

Act 1: “The record of the Acts of the Apostles flows from the statement of the Lord on the stake: ‘Father, forgive them for they know not what they do’ (Luk 23:34). Since the Father always answered the prayers of His Son, the result is seen in the work of the apostles, esp Peter and Paul. So the Gospel was extended to mankind. And in the 28 chapters, the drama of the work of Yahweh is expounded. The first chapter sets the stage in the ascension of the Master: [1] Christ’s last instructions and commission to the apostles: vv 1-8. [2] Angelic message of promise and hope: vv 9-11. [3] A period of prayer and waiting in Jerusalem: vv 12-14. [4] Appointment of Matthias to the apostleship: vv 15-26” (GEM).

FORMER: Lit, the first of several; ie, more than two?

THEOPHILUS: No longer called “most excellent” (Luk 1:1-4). Impl that the author is on more personal terms with him now. Or that Theophilus has abandoned or forfeited his worldly honors, due to becoming a Christian?

BEGAN TO DO: Quoting Gen 2:3 (LXX). Here, in Act 1, Christ’s early life concludes and his heavenly life (through Holy Spirit in disciples) begins.

Act 1:2

AFTER GIVING INSTRUCTIONS: The great commission: Mat 28:19; Mar 16:15; Luk 24:46-49.

THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT: This phrase may modify “he had chosen”.

Act 1:3

MANY CONVINCING PROOFS: Eleven separate occasions are recorded. See VL, Christ’s resurrection, reality.

KINGDOM OF GOD: Equivalent to the “restoring” the kingdom to Israel (v 6)! The kingdom was uppermost in Christ’s mind — the disciples continue to preach the Kingdom message after his ascension: Acts 8:12; 19:8; 20:25; 28:23.

Act 1:4

EATING: RSV has “staying” (a variant). For “eating”, see Luk 24:43,49.

DO NOT LEAVE JERUSALEM: And in this way the Law will go forth from Zion: Mic 4:2!

THE GIFT: The promise of the Holy Spirit, to authenticate their preaching work (Mar 16:17,18). The “Comforter” of Joh 14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7-16.

Act 1:5

JOHN BAPTIZED WITH WATER: Cp Luk 3:16… Although he performed no miracles: John 10:41.

IN A FEW DAYS: Within 10 days.

Act 1:6

Did they ask this because (1) they are standing on Olivet (v 12) and because Zec 13:7 is followed so closely by Zec 14:4? or (2) Act 1:5 says “in a few days”? or (3) they had just been discussing the Kingdom (v 3)? At any rate, the question was a reasonable one — demonstrating their understanding of the gospel preached by Christ.

ASKED: Imperfect: denoting repetition.

AT THIS TIME: That is, the time not long off (v 5).

RESTORE: Cp Act 1:6 (restore) with Act 3:20,21 (restore everything). Peter has not changed his belief about the “kingdom of God” even after Holy Spirit was given. The “gospel” is the good news of the Kingdom of ISRAEL! (Ct this with Church of Christ, who believe that “kingdom” came at Pentecost: Act 2!)

Act 1:7

// Mat 24:36; Mar 13:32.

TIMES: Kronos = absolute time.

DATES: Kairos = time in regard to periods (cp Dan 2:21, LXX).

Act 1:8

An outline of the Book of Acts: (1) preparation (Act 1:1-2:4); (2) in Jerusalem (Act 2:5-7:60); (3) in Judea and Samaria (Act 8:1-25; ct Mat 10:5,6); and (4) to the ends of earth: Africa (Act 8:26-40), toward Asia (9:1-16:5), toward Europe (Act 16:6-18:17), Asia again (Act 18:18-26:32), and Europe, to Rome (Act 27:1-28:31). In a sense, this list is not yet complete even now: cp Mat 24:13,14: we are a continuation of this witness — feeble though we be. God/Christ sends us, not angels… weak, frail people (1Co 1:20,21,26).

//Luk 24:50: “And he blessed them.” Poss High Priest’s blessing (Num 6:24-27).

Believers are not merely to wait for a coming of Christ at some indeterminate time (v 7). They are to work so long as Christ has not come (v 8)! Perhaps it is the very work of preaching that will be the sign that Christ is coming soon (v 6)!

MY WITNESSES: “Witnesses of me”. Fruit-bearers abiding IN Christ (Joh 15:5); witness-bearers speaking FOR Christ (Act 1:8); cross-bearers following AFTER Christ (Luk 14:27); burden-bearers being LIKE Christ (Gal 6:2).

ALL JUDEA: Incl all land of Jews, ie Galilee, Gilead also.

SAMARIA: Ct command: Do not enter (Mat 10:5).

Act 1:9

A CLOUD: A luminous cloud sym divine presence (Exo 40:34; Num 9:15; 1Ki 8:10; transfiguration: Mat 17:5). The cloud = his chariot (Psa 104:3). A cloud of angels (Mat 24:30; 26:64). The same “cloud” to be seen in 1Th 4:16,17; Rev 1:7. Act 1:9.

The Divine glory revealed in Israel as cloud (Exo 13:21,22; 14:19,20,24; 16:10; 19:16-19; 20:18; 24:15-19; 33:18-21 with Exo 34:4-7; 40:34-38; Num 10:34; 12:5,10; 14:9,10,14,21,22; Deu 31:14,15; Psa 105:39; 1Co 10:1,2). The same Shekinah glory appeared to Abraham (Gen 15:17; Act 7:2), David (Psa 18:6-15), Ezekiel (Eze 1:4; 10:4); Elijah (1Ki 19:11-13), Job (Job 38:1), apostles (Luk 9:34,35). Judgments of God in last days are manifest in this cloud (Dan 7:13; Joe 2:2; Zep 1:15; Eze 30:3; Isa 19:1; 25:5). Jesus will so come from heaven (Act 1:9,11; Luk 21:27; Mat 26:64).

Act 1:10

TWO MEN DRESSED IN WHITE: Two angels of the heavenly “cloud”, leaving behind a final message. Angels of God announced his birth. Angels sustained him in Gethsemane. Angels were at his resurrection, and now at his ascension. He ascended with a cloud and angels, and he shall return the same way: 2Th 1:7.

Act 1:11

MEN OF GALILEE: Prob only the apostles saw the ascension.

WHY DO YOU STAND HERE…?: In other words, ‘Get busy as witnesses’ (cp v 8). ‘Don’t stand here staring and dreaming! Get about your work. He’ll be back soon enough, and the time will pass best if you stay busy!’

“I could just see myself standing there staring into heaven also. Such roller coaster of emotions over Christ’s trial and death, his resurrection, then fellowshipping with him again, and now to see him taken up to the Father. I think I’d be standing there with my mouth hanging open… now he has left the ministry to us? But there is too much to be done to stand in confusion or doubt. Angels were sent to remind them of God’s purpose — the beautiful mystery revealed that Christ is to return the same way he left! And this is all it took for them to move forward. This promise is all it should take for us. It is our job to make things ready for the Master’s return. We are to witness to the ends of the earth the glorious plan of God — Christ’s kingdom will be established and the Earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord!” (CPv).

THIS SAME JESUS: Not merely a “manifestation”, but Jesus Christ himself: Luk 24:39 (myself); 1Th 4:16 (the Lord himself).

THIS SAME JESUS… WILL COME: For what purpose? Num 14:21 (to fill earth with glory); Isa 45:18/Psa 115:16 (to inhabit the earth); Gen 1:26,27 (to have dominion); 2Sa 7:12,13 / Isa 9:6,7 / Luk 1:32,33 (to rule on throne of David, forever). “They had learned their lesson; they knew that although the heavens had received him, he was with them still. With great joy in their hearts they returned to Jerusalem to offer their lives in his service. Two thousand years later we find ourselves in their place, the disciples of Jesus: loving the Lord they loved, serving the Lord they served. The world has changed strangely since their time, but the Gospel has not changed, nor has the commission. Where they failed, we find ourselves slipping. In the fountain of their strength we find the source of ours: the words of love that sustained and comforted them bring us peace and joy. As throughout their troubled lives they looked beyond to the final glory, so we echo their words, ‘Even so, come, Lord Jesus’ ” (MP 360).

IN THE SAME WAY: That is, physically, bodily, and with angels and a cloud (Dan 7:13; Mat 26:64), visibly (Zec 14:4; Eze 43:1-5; Rev 1:7).

Act 1:12

Describing this same scene, Luke 24:52 adds “Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.”

They had seen the heavenly glory and heard the heavenly voice. We are there with them. Now, history merges into eternity. We now hear the same voice, promising the same return. And we still wait for that return. Those men, and untold numbers of every age since, wait in the dust of the earth. We are yet alive, perhaps to hear the Trumpet, and the voice of the Archangel, when the Lord himself will descend from heaven. Will we be ready?

A SABBATH DAY’S WALK: Approx 2,000 cubits (1,000 yards). The basic concept is derived from Exo 16:29: “Everyone is to stay where he is on the seventh day; no one is to go out.” And the distance seems to be derived from Num 35:4,5: the basic measurement from the town to the suburban pasturelands.

Act 1:13

UPSTAIRS TO THE ROOM: “To the upper room”: Large meeting room, on upper floor of house. Word used only by Luke (cp Luk 9:37; 20:8). This, prob same house where Passover supper had been held — poss home of Mark’s mother (Act 12:12-17; SB 13:9).

Act 1:14

TOGETHER: Homothumadon: 11 times in Acts (with one accord); once elsewhere (Rom 15:6).

ALONG WITH THE WOMEN: Ct Jewish custom, keeping women separate (cp Gal 3:28).

MARY THE MOTHER OF JESUS: The last ref in NT.

AND WITH HIS BROTHERS: Who had previously been hostile: Mar 3:21; John 7:5.

Act 1:15

The Acts is concerned with the growth of the ecclesia through the preaching of the gospel. There is, through the early chapters, a delineation of the growth: (1) 120 (Acts 1:15); (2) 3,000 (Acts 2:41); (3) 5,000 (Acts 4:4); (4) multitudes, men and women (Acts 5:14); (5) great increase — many priests (Acts 6:7); (6) the churches were multiplied (Acts 9:31); and (7) much people (Acts 11:24).

Act 1:17

SHARED: “Was allotted his share” (or inheritance: Eph 1:11; Col 1:12). The process of casting lots. An example of that usage is Luk 1:9.

Act 1:18

Vv 18,19: A parenthetical expression, not in original discourse of Peter.

THE REWARD HE GOT FOR HIS WICKEDNESS: The “wages of sin” (Rom 6:23).

THERE HE FELL HEADLONG, HIS BODY BURST OPEN AND ALL HIS INTESTINES SPILLED OUT: Retranslation: “Being downcast, he screamed out (his remorse) in the midst (of the priests), and poured out all his feelings” (WAc 17). “Bowels” is always figurative in OT; cp Psa 109:18.

Difficulties appear when comparing with Mat 27:3-8. The first is: who bought the field, the priests or Judas? The second is: what funds Judas used to purchase the “field”? These may be resolved by noting that the Greek word for field in Mat 27:7 is “agros”, commonly meaning a piece of ground as normally meant by “field”. That in Acts 1:18 is “chorion” — better rendered by our word “smallholding”. It seems likely therefore that Acts 1:18 is recording what has only now become apparent, that (John 12:6) “Judas was a thief”, and that he had been salting away funds over a long period to acquire this smallholding for a personal possession.

The rather gruesome explanation of the details of Judas’ death may now be reconciled: Judas in his remorse fled to his smallholding, remote from the city, and there hanged himself and was not found for some time. His body may well have hung and decayed there in isolation, until the rope rotted and he fell headlong with the associated detail of Acts 1:18, and was subsequently found (Derek Palmer).

Act 1:19

FIELD OF BLOOD: In Mat 27, the blood is Christ’s (ref the betrayal); here, the blood is Judas’ (ref the suicide). Both the blood of Christ and that of Judas were memorials.

Act 1:20

PLACE (first): Gr “epaulis” = farm building; country house.

LET THERE BE NO ONE TO DWELL IN IT: Totally uninhabited, as a graveyard: Mat 27:7!

PLACE (second): Gr “episkopen” = superintendence, oversight.

Act 1:21

WENT IN AND OUT: An expression of constant social intercourse (Deu 28:6,19; 1Sa 18:13,16), or assuming leadership, as a shepherd (Num 27:17; 1Sa 18:13; 2Ch 1:10; Jos 14:11).

AMONG US: Or, “over us” (“epi”).

Act 1:22

See VL, Christ’s resurrection, reality.

Act 1:24

The first prayer addressed to an ascended Christ.

YOU KNOW EVERYONE’S HEART: Later, Peter seems to have the same power: Act 5:1-11.

Act 1:26

The lot falls to the one last mentioned and (apparently) least prominent. The appointment was the prerogative of Christ (Act 26:16; Joh 6:70). The idea of voting is inconsistent with “fell”. Holy Spirit guidance replaced lots after Pentecost. Cp also FCE 1,128; Xd 89:49.

When the lot was employed in Israel, it was done thoroughly, as in the case of Achan: first a tribe, then a family, and finally an individual. “Try the test several times, and see if it comes out the same way every time” (RR, Ber 67:412).

Act 2:1

DAY OF PENTECOST: Called in OT the day of firstfruits (Num 28:26); the feast of weeks (Exo 34:22; Deu 16:10); and the feast of harvest (Exo 23:16). From “fifty”: held 50 days after Passover (Lev 23:16). The time of the giving of the covenant (Exo 19; 20).

CAME: “Had been fulfilled”: Jewish day is a measure to be “filled up”.

IN ONE PLACE: Prob the temple itself (v 46) — the one area large enough to accommodate several thousand people.

Act 2:2

VIOLENT WIND: A “rushing, mighty wind” (KJV): associated with the cherubim and the Glory of God: Psa 18:10; 104:3; 148:8; Isa 25:6; Eze 1:4,24; 37:9 (Rev 11:11); Joh 3:8.

AND FILLED THE WHOLE HOUSE WHERE THEY WERE SITTING: “House” = “oikos”, the usual way to ref to Temple (Act 7:47,49; Luk 13:35; 19:46; etc). The temple is again filled with the Glory of God.

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26). “Jesus kept his promise. On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit was given to the apostles to the accompaniment of a great sound and what looked like tongues of fire (Acts 2:2,3).

“From that day onwards, the power of the Holy Spirit shewed itself in these men in a number of impressive ways. They spoke with different languages, they were inspired to preach in a way which moved men to repentance, they were guided to faultless interpretations of the ancient scriptures, and they were able to bring honour to the name of Christ by doing miracles of healing such as he had done. No wonder people have called the book of the Acts of the Apostles ‘The Gospel of the Holy Spirit.’

“The New Testament shows that these powers were for others, besides the apostles only. Other members of the growing church found themselves sharing in this rich overflow of blessing” (WGHS).

Act 2:3

TONGUES OF FIRE: Cp Psa 39:3; Jer 20:9. A fiery sword barred paradise; a fiery tongue reopened it. Cp Isa 6: burning coals placed on Isaiah’s lips to prepare him for a special preaching effort (Tes 51:190). Fire = purification and salvation on one hand; judgment and condemnation on the other.

THAT SEPARATED AND CAME TO REST ON EACH OF THEM: KJV has “cloven”; RSV has “distributed”. One great fire was split up into many smaller “tongues” of fire, resting upon each individual. Yahweh is a burning fire; burning words of His inspiration: cp Psa 39:3; Jer 20:9; Exo 3:2; 19:18; 1Ki 19:12; Mat 3:11; Rev 4:5.

Act 2:4

ALL OF THEM…: All the 120 (Act 1:15; cp Act 4:31), including women (Act 2:17). Other instances: Peter (Act 4:8), Stephen (Act 6:5; 7:55), Paul (Act 9:17; 13:9), Barnabas (Act 11:24), the disciples (Act 13:52).

WERE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT: As promised by John: Mat 3:11. And by Jesus: Joh 14:16-19,26; 16:7-14; Luk 24:49; Acts 1:8. And by Joel: see vv 5-11. Miraculous signs through the Holy Spirit: Acts 2:42,43; 6:8. Its purpose: Acts 8:6,7.

“To the thoughtful mind the greatest argument for the resurrection of Christ must always be the fact that Christianity rose with its founder. Nothing but Resurrection can explain the transformation of the men we saw running in panic from Gethsemane into the fearless evangelists of the Acts of the Apostles. These cowed, despondent men stood forth in the city they dreaded and faced rulers and people alike, indicting them for slaying their Lord, announcing his resurrection, and baptizing thousands of repentant Jews who trembled at their words. Before they had been in mortal fear of arrest; now they were to go forth boldly facing imprisonment, persecution and death, and they were to go forth gloriously, counting it joy to suffer for his sake” (MP 353).

AS THE SPIRIT ENABLED THEM: Or, “gave them utterance” (RSV): a peculiar word used only in Acts. Apparently to denote loud, clear, miraculous utterance.

Act 2:5

STAYING: That is, only for the short period of the Feast.

Act 2:6

BEWILDERMENT: The sw used in Gen 11:7,9 LXX: the “confounding” of the tongues at Babel. This is the miraculous reversal of that event!

Act 2:7

UTTERLY AMAZED: Those who heard were in “ecstasy”, not those who spoke!

GALILEANS: Who were the 120? The 12 apostles, and prob the 70 (Luk 10:17-20), and the Lord’s relatives and close friends (Act 1:12-14). Cp ideas, Isa 9:1,2; Mat 4:15,16). The Galileans spoke a different dialect than the Judeans. They were considered crude, unlearned, inept in Hebrew (cp Joh 7:52; Mar 14:70).

Act 2:8

With Jews scattered throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, it would be impossible for them to make three annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the great feasts. Jews from distant lands might favor coming at Pentecost, because of the better weather and traveling conditions in May.

Act 2:9

JUDEA: The dialect of Judea being different from that of Galilee.

Act 2:10

EGYPT: Jews were very numerous there.

Act 2:13

Act 2:13.

TOO MUCH WINE: “These men are full of new wine” (AV). Indeed they were (Mar 2:22)! “Excess of wine may give a man more TONGUE, but not more TONGUES!”

Act 2:14

THEN PETER STOOD UP: See Lesson, Peter: The look. “He who had not endured the questioning of a poor girl (in the High Priest’s palace), now in the midst of the people — all breathing murder — discourses with such confidence that this very thing becomes an unquestionable proof of the resurrection” (Chrysostom).

LIVE: Cp v 5: perhaps sig all who were “staying” in Jerusalem, even temporarily. Any way, he expands his “audience”, from Jerusalemites (here) to all men of Israel (v 22).

Act 2:16

Peter exploits the then-current signs of the times…

Act 2:17

ALL PEOPLE: No longer to be restricted (cp Gal 3:28).

YOUR… DAUGHTERS: Cp Philip’s 4 daughters (Act 21:9).

VISIONS… DREAMS: By day… and by night.

“The claim, sometimes made, that the Bible promises a revival of Holy Spirit powers in the last days, is correct, but the Scripture verses are often wrongly used, and nearly always misapplied. ‘And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions’ (Joel 2:28).

“The apostle Peter quoted these words at Pentecost (Acts 2:17), and applied them to Jews in Jerusalem in his time. If, as seems likely, there is to be a further fulfillment of these words, it can be expected to begin in Jerusalem as a blessing upon believing Jews, since the Joel passage specially mentions Mount Zion in Jerusalem (v 32); and then spread to believing Gentiles after the pattern of the bestowal of Spirit gifts in the first century. This scripture would therefore throw considerable doubt on the claims of modern charismatic movements whose beginnings are claimed to be everywhere except Mount Zion in Jerusalem” (WGHS). See Lesson, Holy Spirit gifts, available today?

Act 2:21

First fulfillment: escape of Christians from Pella.

The ultimate reason for the giving of the Holy Spirit (from Joel 2:32): opening the way of salvation to Gentiles (Rom 5:5; Act 5:32; 8:6-12; 1Th 1:5). The finishing of the Bible brought about this purpose (see Rev 22:18,19: the seal of completion). Later, Spirit gifts to cease: 1Co 13:8-10.

CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD: Or, “calls the Name of the LORD upon himself”: cp Act 22:16; Jam 2:7; Gen 48:16.

Act 2:22

ACCREDITED BY GOD TO YOU BY MIRACLES, WONDERS AND SIGNS: Proven by demonstration. The witness of the Father: Act 8:17,18.

“Think about those words, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, a man APPROVED of God’. The Father was approving of the Son. As his ministry began the Father’s words were, ‘This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased’; and on one occasion, the Son himself said, ‘I do ALWAYS those things that please Him.’ Extraordinary words that God should approve of a ‘man’ or be pleased with him. Yet Enoch also ‘pleased’ God. [Heb 11:5] Indeed men and women of faith always do. On more than one occasion God indicates that his pleasure is predicated not on sacrifices and rivers of oil, but on FAITHFUL and trusting service: ‘To this man (or woman) will I look, to him who trembles at My word.’ [Isa 66:2] Such are men and women approved of God” (Ken Chalmers).

AS YOU YOURSELVES KNOW: Even those who attributed the miracles to Beelzebub acknowledged the fact.

Act 2:23

SET PURPOSE AND FOREKNOWLEDGE: Predetermination and man’s freewill joined together: “Yet it was the LORD’S will…” (Isa 53:10).

WITH THE HELP OF WICKED MEN: Yet this purpose was forwarded by wicked men, who did not understand how they were fulfilling the will of God: 1Co 2:8; Mat 21:38.

Act 2:24

See VL, Christ’s resurrection, reality.

AGONY: Birth-pangs: Christ was “born” of the Holy Spirit from the tomb. Cp Col 1:18; Rev 1:5.

OF DEATH: Psa 116:3; 118:27.

IMPOSSIBLE: That is, incompatible with the Divine purpose.

Act 2:25

AT MY RIGHT HAND: In a court of law, the advocate stands at his client’s right hand (Psa 109:31).

Act 2:26

MY BODY ALSO WILL LIVE IN HOPE: “My flesh shall encamp on hope” — pitching its “tent” on the firm foundation.

Act 2:27

Resurrection (both that of Christ and that of his followers) is the foundation of life after death. V 27 is quoted from Psa 16:10, establishing the resurrection as an OT doctrine, as well as a NT one.

NOR WILL YOU LET YOUR HOLY ONE SEE DECAY: Jesus was buried in a tomb where no bodies had previously been laid: Joh 19:41.

Act 2:29

// Paul in Act 13:35-37.

CONFIDENTLY: That is, without reserve; freely.

PATRIARCH: Founder of royal line.

DIED AND WAS BURIED: Thus, this prophecy cannot apply to him.

HIS TOMB IS HERE TO THIS DAY: On Mt Zion, only about half a mile from where Peter was standing… where many of Judah’s kings shared a common tomb.

Act 2:30

KNEW: Davidic covenant: from 2Sa 7:16; Psa 89:3,4,35-37; 132:11; Luk 1:32. Even Jews knew the Messiah would fulfill the covenant to David: John 7:41,42.

Act 2:31

…Prob Christ’s tomb was by now sealed up again: so no one could verify the absence of his body.

Act 2:32

See VL, Christ’s resurrection, reality.

V 31 (Psa 16:9-11) ends with Christ in heaven, at God’s right hand. Vv 34,35 (Psa 110) begins with Christ in heaven, at God’s right hand. Order of events: resurrection, ascension, return, conquest.

WE… ALL: That is, the apostles (Act 1:22).

Act 2:33

EXALTED: “See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted” (Isa 52:13).

RIGHT HAND OF GOD: “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psa 16:11).

AND HAS POURED OUT: The Holy Spirit, a power subservient to the Father and the Son — used by them, poured out, given, a passive thing (cp v 38).

Act 2:34

Heaven is not the dwelling place of the redeemed: John 7:33,34; 8:21-23; 13:33; Mat 6:10. “No man ascended to heaven”: John 3:13.

Act 2:35

UNTIL: See Lesson, AN, Conditional deferment.

Act 2:36

THIS JESUS: “This same Jesus” (Act 1:11).

Act 2:38

Vv 38,39: Israel was constituted a nation by power of Spirit at Sinai (Exo 19:5,6,17-20), but following generations share in the blessings of that Spirit-birth (Deu 29:14,15). Spiritual Israel became a nation by the same Spirit-power at Jerusalem (vv 2-4; 1Pe 2:9,10); following generations partake of the blessings of that Spirit-birth (v 39). However, in neither case did the later generations see or possess Holy Spirit gifts in the same way as did the first generation! See Lesson, Gift of Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38,39).

REPENT: Baptism without repentance is meaningless. An old Jewish allegory pictures a proselyte being baptized, but never letting go of the serpent in his hand (LTJM 1:273).

AND BE BAPTIZED: Peter convinces the Jews of the Messiahship of Jesus: vv 22-36. Baptism: the first act of obedience after believing: Acts 8:12,36-39; 9:18; 10:47,48; 16:15; Luke 24:49. These obeyed: Acts 2:41.

Act 2:39

THE PROMISE IS FOR YOU AND FOR YOUR CHILDREN AND FOR ALL WHO ARE FAR OFF — FOR ALL WHOM THE LORD OUR GOD WILL CALL: Quoting Isa 59:19-21: ‘To those in Jacob who repent God (through the Holy Spirit?) will give the gift of forgiveness of sins… to yourselves, and to your children, and to your descendants from this time on.’

ALL WHO ARE FAR OFF: That is, even Gentiles (Eph 2:13). Cornelius in Act 10:43-48.

FOR ALL WHOM THE LORD OUR GOD WILL CALL: That is, EVEN for all… Even beyond the second generations, and even beyond the Gentiles in distant lands in the first century. The promise of the forgiveness of sins was and is for all men and women, in all time, and everywhere… whom the LORD will call!

Act 2:40

SAVE YOURSELVES: Lit, “Be saved.” What saves us? Grace (Eph 2:8,9). Hope (Rom 8:24). Belief (Mar 16:15). Baptism (1Pe 3:21). Gospel, and its memory (1Co 15:1,2). Blood of Christ (1Jo 1:7). Faith (Rom 5:1). Works (Jam 2:24). Ourselves (Act 2:40). Endurance (Mat 10:22). What saved the “drowning man”? The rock, the rope, another man, himself… or all of them?

CORRUPT GENERATION: As in Phi 2:15.

Act 2:41

See Lesson, Acts, conversions.

The increase of the gospel: Act 2:41,47; 4:4; 5:14; 6:1,7; 9:31; 12:24; 19:20.

ABOUT THREE THOUSAND: Not necessarily all baptized that same day, but the process of instruction began then! At the giving of the law, 3,000 were slain (Exo 32:28); with the gift of the Holy Spirit 3,000 were saved (Act 2:41).

Notice sequence in Joshua: an army of “about three thousand” (Jos 7:4); another army of “about five thousand” (Jos 8:12); and a king “hanged on a tree” (Jos 8:29). Cp sequence in Acts: 3,000 converts (Act 2:41); 5,000 converts (Act 4:4); and “Jesus, whom you killed by hanging on a tree” (Act 5:30; 10:39).

Act 2:42

The memorial meeting (each Sunday: Acts 20:7; 1Co 16:1,2; 11:26-30) summarized: note the typical connections with the Holy Place in tabernacle and temple: (a) “apostles’ teaching” or “doctrine”: the lampstand, its light burning bright; (b) “fellowship”: the offering or contribution; (c) “breaking of bread”: changed and eaten by priests every 7th day; (d) “prayer”: symbolized by the altar of incense [cp Exo 25].

Act 2:43

MANY WONDERS… WERE DONE BY THE APOSTLES: Acts 4:33; 5:12 — not by the whole congregation!

Act 2:44

TOGETHER: Gr “epi tou autos”: may imply unanimity of spirit and not sameness of physical location. Cp “everything in common” (here) and “to meet together” (“with one accord”: AV) (v 46).

COMMON: Gr “koinonos”: fellowship.

This idea of “having all things common” only seems to exist here in this original community at Jerusalem. This was forced, presumably, by the circumstances: many new converts were away from their homes, and they would need to pool their resources in order to stay together for a while. Elsewhere it seems it was not the case; Paul spoke quite often of the rich and the poor: 1Ti 6:17; Gal 2:10; 2Co 8:13-15; 9:6,7; 1Co 16:2.

Act 2:45

SELLING THEIR POSSESSIONS AND GOODS, THEY GAVE TO ANYONE AS HE HAD NEED: Despite the “commonality” of v 44, there was still some discretion as to disposal of personal property.

AS HE HAD NEED: Why such need? Mostly, due to the persecutions that arose. Cp Act 24:17; Rom 15:26; Gal 2:10; 1Co 16:1; 2Co 8:1-4; 9:1,2,12; Heb 10:32-34.

Act 2:46

TOGETHER: Gr “homothumadon”, lit ‘one mind’. Sw Act 1:14; 2:1,46; 4:24; 5:12; 8:6; 12:20; 15:25; 18:12; 19:29; Rom 15:6.

TEMPLE COURTS… THEIR HOMES: A combination of public and private worship. Did they meet in various houses, organized according to the peculiar language of each group (Tes 54:177)? Cp houses in Rom 16:5; 1Co 16:19; Col 4:5; Phm 1:2.

Joh 13:1

John 13: See Article, Foot-washing and a new commandment.

PASSOVER: Cp Joh 1:29: “The Lamb of God”! Background: Contentions among the disciples as to who will be the greatest (Luk 22:24). Note Christ’s parable of high and low seats (Luk 14:7-11).

John lists all four Passovers in Jesus’ ministry: Joh 2:13; 5:1; 6:4; 13:1. Proof of 3 1/2 year ministry.

THE FULL EXTENT OF HIS LOVE: Or, as mg, “to the last”; or poss “he now loved them completely,” or “he now loved them to the uttermost”. Gr “eis telos” lit = “to the end”; there is a verbal link, in Greek, with John 19:30: “It is ended [Gr ‘tetelestai’], or finished.”

“Unto the end” (as AV): “I am with you unto the end”: Mat 28:20. “He loved them unto the end”: Joh 13:1. “Who shall confirm you unto the end”: 1Co 1:8. “The rejoicing of hope firm unto the end”: Heb 3:6. “Beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end”: Heb 3:14. “Full assurance of hope unto the end”: Heb 6:11. “Keepeth my works unto the end”: Rev 2:26.

LOVE: Agape. The “love-feast” (Jud 1:12; cp 2Pe 2:13)?

Joh 13:2

SERVED: Lit “being”, although some mss have “having been”. Based on past tense, AV translates “ended”, but this does not accord with the rest of the narrative: cp vv 1,12,26.

DEVIL: Jewish leaders intent on using Judas to arrest Jesus. “You belong to your father the devil” (Joh 8:44). “Satan has desired to have (one of) you” (Luk 22:31).

Joh 13:3

ALL THINGS: The disciples? Cp Joh 3:35; 10:28,29.

UNDER HIS POWER: Lit “in his hands”: Used of consecration of priests in Exo 29:9; Lev 8:27. Jesus is aware of his impending sacrifice. Ct 1Co 15:27: “under his feet”.

FROM GOD: Phi 2:6: Being in the form (or status) of God.

TO GOD: (1) As a priest, to offer sacrifice, and/or (2) His ascension to heaven, after resurrection.

Joh 13:4

TOOK OFF HIS OUTER CLOTHING: Laying aside garments: a preview of coming crucifixion: Joh 19:23,24 (sw Joh 10:15). He “humbled himself” (Phi 2:5,8), being “clothed with humility” (1Pe 5:1-6). Special garments — like the High Priest on Day of Atonement.

Joh 13:5

Had Jesus asked the servants NOT to do their customary foot-washing, to see if any of the disciples would realize the need and undertake this work? But instead they were all interested in the best seats at the feast.

HE POURED WATER INTO A BASIN: The same water that was carried in the jar by the servant of the householder into that room (Mar 14:13; Luk 22:10).

FEET: That part of the body which, like the cursed serpent, tastes the dust. (Jesus kneels down, as a servant: Luk 22:27).

“Human nature combines with history to demand that power must be in natural opposition to humility and servitude. In revealing His love to man God shows how false such a conception is. He sent His Son for the salvation of man. We look for a revelation of glory and power; we find a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. We look for a conscience-stricken people bowing in reverence before his majesty, but we see the Baptist lifting him from the flowing waters of the Jordan. We wait for the fiery judgment of Heaven upon a faithless people, but we see the gentle touch of healing and hear the contented cries of little children. We look for the denunciation of the traitor, but we see the Savior kneeling at his feet with water and towel” (MP 320).

“Jesus also washed the feet of Judas Iscariot, removing from them the dust of the road that led to the High Priest’s house… the opportunity for Judas to repent of the evil deed in his heart, passing, as Jesus paused, washed his feet, and then moved on” (Shaul Arnold, Sh 106:7:10).

Joh 13:7

See VL, Disciples, slow comprehension.

WHAT I AM DOING: The greatest sacrifice, the greatest humility: to lay down life for his friends (Joh 15:13).

Joh 13:8

PART: Inheritance (cp Deu 12:12; 14:27).

Joh 13:9

The 3 cleansings in dedication of the priest (Lev 8:6,24; Exo 30:19).

Joh 13:10

CLEAN: Through the word: Joh 15:3; 17:17; Eph 5:26.

NOT EVERY ONE OF YOU: Ref to Judas (see Joh 13:11).

Joh 13:12

HE PUT ON HIS CLOTHES: Taking off / putting on garments: the High Priest on the Day of Atonement (Lev 16:23,24; cp Zec 3:4,5).

Joh 13:14

The humility of Jesus: Rom 15:1-4; 1Co 10:33 and 11:1; Phi 2:4-7; Eph 5:1,2.

I, YOUR LORD…: No one else could use such words!

Joh 13:15

Washing of feet: An “example” (Do as I have done), not an official church ordinance. A practical task, which in those days would convey a real benefit (1Ti 5:10). How is this to be done today? Consider 1Pe 5:5,6.

Joh 13:17

YOU WILL BE BLESSED IF YOU DO THEM: “Happiness is not in catering to desire, but in putting desire away. Happiness is not in seeking pleasure, but in recognizing and thankfully enjoying the myriad of pleasures that God showers bountifully on us every moment: in His love, in His Word, in His Purpose, in His marvelous Creation: from the infinitely small to the infinitely great — all infinitely beautiful. Happiness is not in getting, but in giving: not in being served, but in serving (though truly there is happiness in being served — if the service is of need beyond our own capacity to fill, and if the service is in love). Christ tells us where happiness is: in pureness of heart, in meekness, in mercifulness, in hungering and thirsting after righteousness. Don’t look for it anywhere else. It isn’t there. It must be created within ourselves. Its source is of God” (GVG).

Joh 13:18

Quoting Psa 41:9: “My close friend, whom I trusted.” Cp also Psa 55:12-14. Note: Jesus broke bread with Judas! Cp Joh 13:26.

HAS LIFTED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME: ‘As though I were the “serpent” (Gen 3:15; Num 21:1-9; Joh 3:14) and he the righteous “Seed”!’

Joh 13:19

I AM HE: Cp usage in Joh 8:24,28,58.

Joh 13:20

Context (vv 18,26…): Esp to accept one at the breaking of bread (cp 3Jo 1:5-8 with Mat 25:40; ct 3Jo 1:9,10 and Mat 25:45).

Joh 13:22

Vv 22-24: See VL: Disciples, awe of Jesus.

There is no hint that any of the disciples suspected Judas. An indication of how completely the traitor lived his own life in his own world even while continuing to be an intimate member of the apostles’ band.

Joh 13:23

RECLINING NEXT TO HIM: Cp same phrase, Joh 1:18.

Joh 13:24

(Peter had taken one of the “lower” seats: Luk 14:7-11.) Peter thinks that a traitor may be dealt with before he can do his work (explaining Joh 18:10). John, evidently wiser than Peter, learns the traitor’s identity but does not tell Peter.

Joh 13:26

“The greatest mark of esteem a host can pay a guest is to select a choice morsel out of the common dish and place it in his guest’s mouth.”

Joh 13:27

SATAN ENTERED: A messenger (from the High Priest?) comes into the house looking for Judas, and he goes downstairs to see him. (Since Judas is the treasurer, he is required from time to time to deal with people unknown to the other disciples.)

Joh 13:29

The disposal of Jesus’ personal effects: his purse to Judas (Joh 13:29), his clothes to soldiers (Joh 19:23), his mother to John (Joh 19:27), his “spirit” to God (Luk 23:46), and his body to Joseph (Joh 19:38).

Joh 13:30

HE WENT OUT: Like Cain (Gen 4:16) and the unforgiving debtor (Mat 18:28). “They went out from us” (1Jo 2:19).

AND IT WAS NIGHT: As at Passover, he went out into Egyptian “darkness” of death. Judas was one who walked in darkness (Joh 11:7-10). “This is your hour, when darkness reigns” (Luk 22:53). “Outer darkness” (Mat 25:30).

Joh 13:31

Judas’ final departure (purging the “leaven”) marks the beginning of Jesus’ most intimate conversation with the remaining disciples.

NOW: From the time Judas goes to see the Jewish authorities. Now, everything is set in motion for final act.

GOD IS GLORIFIED: God’s “glory” is that of grace and truth (Joh 1:14). For Christ, glory comes through suffering (Phi 2:9-11; Heb 2:9; 1Pe 1:11).

Joh 13:34

NEW: Why “new”? Because no one (until Christ) had ever given the perfect example (cp v 15) of how this command should be kept (Joh 15:12,13). Christ had set the “standard” for all men and all times and for all circumstances! Note: “AS I have loved you…”

Joh 13:35

ALL MEN: That is, all kinds (classes, or races) of men. Examples of “all” prob meaning “without distinction” rather than “without exception”: Joh 1:7,9; 3:26; 5:28; 8:2; 12:32; Rom 10:13; 1Ti 2:1,2; 4:15; 5:20; 6:17; Heb 2:9.

LOVE: Agape, or “love feast” (v 1; Jud 1:12). In the Breaking of Bread, disciples “proclaim”, in Christ’s death, his love for them (1Co 11:26).

Joh 13:36

FOLLOW LATER: In a similar death, by crucifixion (Joh 21:18,19)

Joh 13:37

Peter thinks he will lay down (sw Joh 10:11,15) his life for Jesus. Instead, Jesus will lay down his life for Peter. A great irony: cp David/God/build house: 2Sa 7.

Joh 13:38

Cp Peter’s boast to the impotent bluster of the rooster. (And so do all our pretensions and boasts sound to God!)

Joh 14:1

Cited from 2 psalms about the traitor (Psa 55:2,12-14; 109:22,28).

Joh 14:2

IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE: God’s house, on earth (2Sa 7; Mic 4:1,2; Isa 66:1,2; Joh 2:16; 1Pe 2:3-5; Eph 2:19-22; 1Co 3:9; Heb 8:2; Rev 3:12). Also, Joh 2:19-22 refs the “house” of Christ’s body — where “sons” (cp Joh 8:35) remain forever. Thus the “dwelling place” is “in” Jesus himself, wherever he is!

ROOMS: Cp the rooms for priests on duty in God’s house, the Temple. The “rooms” where God and Christ will “abide” (vv 16,17,23) with believers.

Joh 14:3

I go (to Golgotha: cp Joh 13:36) to prepare for you a place of sacrifice, a place (like the mercy-seat) where man might meet with God.

I WILL COME BACK: As the High Priest came back to the congregation with a special blessing on the Day of Atonement (Lev 9:23; Heb 9:28).

WHERE I AM: That is, ‘in my Father’s house’. More specifically, sitting on David’s throne (2Sa 7:13,14) in Jerusalem (Isa 2:2-4; 9:6,7; Luk 1:32,33).

Joh 14:4

Vv 4-9: See VL, Disciples, slow comprehension.

Joh 14:6

THE WAY: (In first century) = “the Truth” (in 20th century): Act 9:2; 19:9,23; 22:4; 24:22; Heb 9:8; 10:20.

A missionary lost his way in an African jungle. He could find no landmarks and the trail vanished. Eventually, stumbling on a small hut, he asked the native living there if he could lead him out. The native nodded. Rising to his feet, he walked directly into the bush. The missionary followed on his heels. For more than an hour they hacked their way through a dense wall of vines and grasses. The missionary became worried: “Are you sure this is the way? I don’t see any path.” The African chuckled and said over his shoulder, “Sir, in this place there is no path. I AM the path.”

And so it can be for us with our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the “path”. We have been lost in a trackless wilderness. For us there is no way out except death. Thus there is no salvation for us except to follow, implicitly and obediently, the one man who knows the way — the one man who, in fact, IS the “way” — no matter how hard that way might seem, or how uninviting. There is NO other way!

And the way IS hard and uninviting. It is the way of the cross!

How can this be said? Whereas most versions render John 14:6 as though there were three distinct “things” — “way” and “truth” and “life” — there may be good reason to see the three as fused or blended together: the NET suggests: “the way — even the truth and the life”, that is, the true way of life. “The way to the TREE of life” has been known since the garden of Eden (Gen 3:24). It is the way of obedience and sacrifice. The (true) way to the (true) tree of life — that is, the REAL and SUBSTANTIAL way to the REAL and SUBSTANTIAL tree of life — of which the one in Genesis was a symbol and a shadow — is the cross of Christ. The cross of Christ is called a “tree” in Gal 3:13; 1Pe 2:4; Rev 2:7; 22:2,14,19). This corresponds to Heb 10:19-22, which speaks of the most holy, the blood of Jesus, the new and living way (the way of life!), the priest, and the house of God.

The blood of Christ, shed on the cross, or “tree” of life, has opened the way into the presence of the Heavenly Father, who will confer life on those who approach Him in the proper way. There is no comfortable, and easy, and smooth road that conveys us there, without effort or pain. It is only by taking up the cross of our crucified Lord, and following him, through the trackless wilderness, that we may gain access to the Father.

But it is a journey well worth the taking.

Seven “I am’s” of John: “the bread of life” (Joh 6:35); “the light of the world” (Joh 9:5); “the door” (Joh 10:9); “the good shepherd” (Joh 10:11); “the way” (Joh 14:6); “the resurrection and the life” (Joh 11:25); and “the vine” (Joh 15:1).

Joh 14:7

To know Christ = to know God, since the Son reveals the Father’s character: Joh 1:14; 17:3; Col 1:15; 2:9; Heb 1:3. Christ’s words and works are from God: Heb 1:8,9; Joh 5:36; 9:33; 12:49,50.

Joh 14:9

ANYONE WHO HAS SEEN ME HAS SEEN THE FATHER: Jesus was the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation (karacter) of his being (Heb 1:3). “For in him all the fulness of God dwelt” (Col 1:19).

Joh 14:10

“The words of Jesus, the works of Jesus, the life of Christ, the teaching of Christ… they are the reflection of God; and as we read the record given to us in the Gospel narratives can we not see the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ [2Co 4:6]? Do we still ask, ‘Shew us the Father and it sufficeth us’ (v 8)? Or do we, like Moses of old need special manifestations on our behalf to teach us that God exists, and that His glory fills the earth? ‘He that hath seen me hath seen the Father’ [John 14:9], and the glory of God in Christ will commend itself to our reverence, to our love, to our service, to our certain acceptation. He is the highest expression of the creative work of God. The Word made flesh no longer manifests itself in the glory of Christ or in the framing of the ages, but embodying itself, identifying itself with the human flesh for the benefit of mankind and for the glory of God. Behold then the glory of God in Christ! What shall we look at? Look at his holiness. He did no sin. Simple words, but how much is expressed therein. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God [Rom 3:23]. ‘If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us’ [1Jo 1:8], and your heart and my heart know the truth of that judgment But his sinlessness was not the quality of his nature. Do not seek to honour Christ by speaking of his nature as immaculate.

“Rather do him the greater honour of testifying that his victory was over human flesh. He was tempted in all points like we are yet without sin. He was obedient unto death. And for what purpose? That he might save sinners. ‘This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners’ [1Ti 1:15]. His sinlessness was an essential condition for the forgiveness of sins. Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world [John 1:29]” (FWT).

Joh 14:12

GREATER: The apostles’ greater scope in preaching the gospel to Gentiles, after Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension.

Joh 14:14

“In my name” is not a magic charm. Rather, it sig ‘because you bear my name’ and/or ‘according to my purpose’ (cp Joh 15:7,16).

Joh 14:15

“Love” = agape, ie obedience. And obedience = love (Joh 13:34; 15:10,12).

Joh 14:16

COUNSELOR: Paraklete: Used 5 times, all in John’s writings: here; v 26; Joh 15:26; 16:7; 1Jo 2:1. The one who is called to stand alongside, as a legal counselor (“Advocate”) or personal “Comforter”. The Holy Spirit = “another Counselor”, because Christ is the first. The Counselor/Holy Spirit is personified (“he”) because it is implemented by an angel.

Joh 14:18

ORPHANS: In ct “little children” of Joh 13:33.

Joh 14:19

Joh 14:19.

The resurrected Christ would reveal himself only to believers, and no longer to the “world”.

Joh 14:23

MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM: Further allusion to the Tabernacle (Exo 25:8). This “dwelling” must be two-fold: God in us, and we in God. This involves keeping His commandments (Joh 14:10). If we enter God’s “house” through Christ (the “way”: v 6), then God will enter us, and we will be His “house”!

Joh 14:24

NOT MY OWN: Heb idiom: “not only… but also”.

Joh 14:26

See VL, Disciples, slow comprehension.

Holy Spirit, means of inspiration: Joh 2:22; 12:16; 13:7; 16:4.

“These words are specially valuable because they give us a firm assurance that the four gospels are true, accurate and dependable records of what our Lord said and did. Those who wrote had the special help of perfect memories and a better understanding of everything concerning Christ, in just the same way that Old Testament prophets were ‘moved by the Holy Spirit’ ” (WGHS).

Joh 14:27

Peace: made (Col 1:20), preached (Eph 2:17), enjoyed (Rom 5:1), filling hearts (Rom 15:13), given (John 14:27), keeping (Phi 4:7), and ruling (Col 3:15).

PEACE: Not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it spiritually. See Gal 5:22; Rom 5:1.

AS THE WORLD GIVES: That is, “Peace”, or “Shalom” as a common (and perhaps thoughtless) greeting among Jews.

DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED: “There is comfort in the confident words of a strong man: and there is assurance in the counsel, ‘Let not your hearts be troubled.’ But Jesus goes further and tells them how they might overcome their troubled thoughts. There was a foundation for peace in human lives, away from which there is only unrest and disquiet. The foundation was faith; faith in God, and then faith in him. The disciples had faith — but it needed to be fostered and strengthened. Belief in God must be accompanied by belief in him, the coupling together of God and himself as the objects of faith carrying an implicit claim that his words and his counsel had divine authority. The words had great value then, but their importance would increase as the days passed by and they took his gospel to the world and found opposition and difficulty such as he had encountered. The memory of his words, spoken during the crisis of his life, would nerve them to endure with fortitude and courage. They have not lost their value yet. In the midst of difficulty, and in a world that has ceased to believe, when doubt and despair stalk hand in hand, the man of faith can still hear the words of Jesus, and believing find heart’s ease” (CJo 153,154).

Joh 14:30

THE PRINCE OF THIS WORLD: Ref religious leaders of Israel — “archon” in Joh 3:1; 7:26,48; 12:31,42; 14:30; 16:11 — whose offices would be effectively ended by the sacrifice/resur of Christ (Joh 12:32). Caiaphas, the pseudo-high-priest — and the entire corrupt system over which he presided! Was Caiaphas (or his agent) also the “Satan” of the wilderness temptation (Mat 4:1-11; Mar 1:13; Luk 4:1-13)? Cp also the “devil” of Joh 13:2 and the “Satan” of Joh 13:27.

NO HOLD ON ME: Or “no power over me”: cp Jesus’ words to Pilate in Joh 19:11.

Joh 14:31

…Now they leave the Upper Room and make their way, through the dark streets of Jerusalem, to Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives… (Joh 18:1).

Joh 12:1

Interesting fact: 30% of gospel records are concerned with the last week of Christ’s life.

SIX DAYS BEFORE THE PASSOVER: The 10th of Nisan, the day the Passover lamb was set aside (Exo 12:3). Mary “sets aside” Jesus, by anointing him (vv 3,7).

Joh 12:2

MARTHA SERVED: As in Luk 10:38-42.

LAZARUS WAS AMONG THOSE RECLINING AT THE TABLE WITH HIM: “It would have been a strange thing if Lazarus had not been at the table where Jesus was, for he had been dead, and Jesus had raised him. For the risen one to be absent when the Lord who gave him life was at his house, would have been ungrateful indeed. We too were once dead, yea, and like Lazarus stinking in the grave of sin; Jesus raised us, and by his life we live — can we be content to live at a distance from him? Do we omit to remember him at his table, where he deigns to feast with his brethren? His least wish should be law to us. To have lived without constant intercourse with one of whom the Jews said, ‘Behold how he loved him,’ [John 11:36] would have been disgraceful to Lazarus; is it excusable in us whom Jesus has loved with an everlasting love? To have been cold to him who wept over his lifeless corpse, would have argued great brutishness in Lazarus. What does it argue in us over whom the Saviour has not only wept, but bled?” (CHS).

Joh 12:3

Mary at Jesus’ feet: to hear (Luk 10:39), to weep (Joh 11:32), and to worship (Joh 12:3).

See Lesson, Mary, “three women”.

PURE NARD: “Pistikos”, or genuine, nard: from rt “pistis”, or faith. Literally, the “ointment of faith”!

SHE POURED IT ON JESUS’ FEET: She anointed his feet instead of washing them (in ct Christ’s actions toward the apostles in Joh 13:5). Christ’s walk had no need of cleansing, but only of sanctifying.

AND THE HOUSE WAS FILLED WITH THE FRAGRANCE OF THE PERFUME: “Your name is like perfume poured out” (Song 1:3,12). She anoints Christ for his “burial” (v 7), but also for his resurrection (Psa 45:6-8,11). Cp Exo 30:25; Phi 4:18; 1Ki 8:10,11. Mary sees the dead made alive (her brother of Lazarus: Joh 11), yet is still persuaded that Christ will die. She understands the resurrection!

Joh 12:4

Is Judas Iscariot related to Simon (WGos 250)?

Joh 12:5

IT WAS WORTH…: Judas knew the EXACT value!

“There are many acts of homage that seem to have little practical value, yet they are fragrant, and Jesus understands the loving devotion from which they spring. Sometimes they are criticized because they are intangible; occasionally less worthy motives lie behind the depreciation. No one but Jesus had any right to assess the value of Mary’s action. Judas entering into this sacred intimacy was guilty of gross sacrilege. It is a scene which can be re-enacted and contains a lesson that we must all learn. It is fatally easy to pass harsh judgments upon tender expressions of love which we fail to understand” (MP 293).

Joh 12:6

NOT… BECAUSE HE CARED ABOUT THE POOR: Like the hirelings in Joh 10:13.

Joh 12:7

KJV has: “Against the day of my burying hath she KEPT this.” “Kept” is sw used for KEEPING commandments (Joh 8:51,55; 9:16; 14:21-24), ie the passover.

Joh 12:8

Cp Deu 15:11.

“We may be sure that the ears of Jesus were never closed to human need, but poverty cannot be eliminated in the days when mortals earn their bread by ‘sweat of face.’ The giving of alms affords some relief, but on occasion may do harm; indiscriminate giving on a large scale has been known to demoralize a district; in any case it provides no permanent cure for the problem of poverty. There are times when great issues demand all the resources, with which even the claims of poor and needy may not interfere. Such an occasion produced the loving gift of Mary. Only then had she the opportunity to anoint the Lord; and the opportunity knew no return” (CJo 134).

It has been said: “Since Jesus said, ‘The poor you have with you always’ (Joh 12:8), and we cannot change the world, why should we bother trying?”. But Jesus did not say, “Forget the poor because they are always there.” He said, in effect, “You will always have opportunities to help the poor.” When Jesus was present, his followers lavished gifts upon him, and they did well. But now that he is absent, we may forget that we can give gifts to Jesus just as well by helping his poor brethren. Who would ignore the needs of the Master? But now he sits at the right hand of God, and he no longer needs the cup of cold water, the food, the clothing. But someone else — who bears his holy name, or might — does!

Joh 12:10

SO THE CHIEF PRIESTS MADE PLANS TO KILL LAZARUS AS WELL: What extraordinary heights of futility! They plan to kill a man whom Jesus has just raised from the dead! As if he could not bring him back to life again… and again! If they had no better choice of action than this, perhaps they should reconsider their whole philosophy! But what choice did they have? Lazarus was “living proof” of the power of Jesus — and they simply could not accept him. Thus, as in the parable (Luk 16:28-31), “Send him to my father’s house… If one went to them from the dead, they would repent… No, if they do not hear Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded even if one rises from the dead!”

Joh 12:12

ON HIS WAY TO JERUSALEM: “A dress-rehearsal for the kingdom”.

Joh 12:13

From Psa 118:19-26: a familiar psalm sung at Passover and Pentecost, including: “open the gates… rejected stone… blessed is he that comes… bind sacrifice to the horns of the altar…” (Quoted by Christ himself as applicable to the Messiah: Mat 21:42.)

HOSANNA: “Save, pray”, from Psa 118:25: “Save, now, we beseech thee, O Lord.”

Joh 12:14

JESUS FOUND A YOUNG DONKEY AND SAT UPON IT: “An unusual sympathy between rider and mount for an unbroken colt to walk quietly in the midst of a shouting crowd” (SMk 152).

Joh 12:15

DO NOT BE AFRAID: See Zep 3:14,16.

COLT: Colt of an ass, humble — used by kings rather than the horse. Peaceful burden-bearer. The young donkey (spiritual Israel) is ridden by Christ; the “mother” (natural Israel) follows along (see Zec 9:9n).

Joh 12:16

See VL, Disciples, slow comprehension.

Joh 12:19

THE WHOLE WORLD: “Kosmos” = arrangement of things. Sig “the common people” (Mar 12:37). But see v 20: Gentiles there also.

Joh 12:20

Vv 20-22: See VL: Disciples, awe of Jesus.

GREEKS: Gentiles come at birth and then at death. In ct Jewish leaders, who reject.

Joh 12:21

WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE JESUS: “(The worldling) seeks satisfaction in earthly comforts, enjoyments, and riches. But the quickened sinner knows of only one good. ‘O that I knew where I might find HIM!’ When he is truly awakened to feel his guilt, if you could pour the gold of India at his feet, he would say, ‘Take it away: I want to find HIM.’ It is a blessed thing for a man, when he has brought his desires into a focus, so that they all centre in one object. When he has fifty different desires, his heart resembles a swamp of stagnant water, spread out into a marsh, breeding miasma and pestilence; but when all his desires are brought into one channel, his heart becomes like a river of pure water, running swiftly to fertilize the fields. Happy is he who hath one desire, if that one desire be set on Christ, though it may not yet have been realized… Such a man will never be content with mere ordinances. He will say, ‘I want Christ; I must have him — mere ordinances are of no use to me; I want him; do not offer me these; you offer me the empty pitcher, while I am dying of thirst; give me water, or I die. Jesus is my soul’s desire. I would see Jesus!’ ” (CHS).

Joh 12:22

Andrew, like his brother of Peter, is instrumental in bringing Gentiles to Christ.

Joh 12:23

THE HOUR HAS COME FOR THE SON OF MAN TO BE GLORIFIED: Christ could not be glorified by the Gentiles until he had laid down his life.

Poss, the disciples thought Jesus was about to set up his kingdom, and declare himself as king; they arrived wondering what places they might have. They went into the room seeing themselves as lords, not as servants but as lords! They even argued with each other during the meal about who would be the greatest amongst them (Luk 22:24).

Joh 12:24

// Psa 126:5,6; 1Co 15:36.

Joh 12:25

HATES: In the sense of “is prepared to abandon”.

Joh 12:26

WHERE I AM: At this very moment, Christ was (prob) in Gethsemane (cp Joh 18:2).

MY FATHER WILL HONOR THE ONE WHO SERVES ME: Cp God’s words to Eli (1Sa 2:30).

Joh 12:27

MY HEART IS TROUBLED: At the thought of his suffering and death.

Joh 12:29

THUNDERED: Thunder as voice of God: Exo 19:18,19; 20:18; Psa 81:7; 18:13; 29:3; Isa 29:6.

Joh 12:30

THIS VOICE WAS FOR YOUR BENEFIT, NOT MINE: The voice/thunder was audible to the bystanders. More usually, apparently, God spoke to His Son with nothing being heard by others.

Joh 12:31

THE PRINCE OF THIS WORLD: Ref religious leaders of Israel — “archon” in Joh 3:1; 7:26,48; 12:31,42; 14:30; 16:11 — whose offices would be effectively ended by the sacrifice/resurrection of Christ (Joh 12:32). Cp Joh 14:30; 16:11.

DRIVEN OUT: “Ekballo” = cast out; thrown out, ie, of power and position. Within one generation after the death and resur of Christ, the Jewish “prince” (the High Priest, and his temple!) would be no more! (This is, of course, the primary message of Hebrews.) For that matter, the DAY after his resurrection, the “prince” would be, effectively, nullified.

Joh 12:32

WHEN I AM LIFTED UP: The message to Nicodemus (Joh 3:13) all over again. See v 42 here.

WILL DRAW ALL MEN TO MYSELF: Lifting up a banner or sign is understandable. But here the lifting up was crucifixion! Naturally speaking, this was the least likely thing to draw men. All men, and Jews esp, would be totally repulsed by the spectacle of a crucified Messiah (1Co 1:23-29). Yet, as Christ said, it would be so!

ALL MEN: That is, all kinds (classes, or races) of men. Examples of “all” prob meaning “without distinction” rather than “without exception”: Joh 1:7,9; 3:26; 5:28; 8:2; 13:35; Rom 10:13; 1Ti 2:1,2; 4:15; 5:20; 6:17; Heb 2:9.

In the context here, “all men” thus sig Gentiles (v 20) as well as Jews.

Joh 12:33

TO SHOW: To “signify”, or to show by sign or type (Joh 3:14).

Joh 12:34

SO HOW CAN YOU SAY, ‘THE SON OF MAN MUST BE LIFTED UP’?: A crucified Messiah was not at all the kind of leader they were looking for!

Joh 12:35

THE LIGHT: Christ, the light of the world (Joh 8:12).

OVERTAKES: “Katalambano” = to take hold of, to overcome (as in Joh 1:5; cp v 48).

Joh 12:36

// 1Th 5:5; Eph 5:8; Luk 16:8.

Joh 12:40

HE HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES AND DEADENED THEIR HEARTS: The punishment of willful continuance in sin: Rom 1:28; 2Th 2:11.

Hard-heartedness is first seen in Pharaoh (Exo 4:21; 7:3,13; 8:15,32; 9:12,34; 10:1,20,27; 11:10; 14:4,8). So when this description is used of anyone in Israel, it is very pointed: ‘You are being like the oppressing Egyptians from whom I have delivered you!’ Cp Deu 15:7; 2Ch 36:13; Psa 95:8; Isa 63:17; Mark 10:5; 16:14; John 12:40; Rom 2:5.

Joh 12:42

BECAUSE OF THE PHARISEES THEY WOULD NOT CONFESS THEIR FAITH: Men like Nicodemus (Joh 3:10; 7:50-52) and Joseph of Arimathea, still beset by doubts and misgivings, believe, but cannot “obey” as yet.

Joh 12:44

NOT… BUT: That is, “not only… but also…”

Joh 12:45

ME… THE ONE WHO SENT ME: God manifestation: 1Ti 3:16.

Joh 12:46

I AM COME… AS A LIGHT: The Shekinah glory of the temple, as in Isa 6 (v 41 here).

LIGHT: The basis of responsibility: Psa 119:30; Heb 2:2,3; cp Joh 3:19. See Lesson, Resurrectional responsibility proofs.

Joh 12:47

I DO NOT JUDGE HIM: It is not Jesus’ personal prerogative or power to judge, but God’s power which has been committed to him: v 49; Joh 8:15,16; 5:30.

Joh 12:48

THE WORD: Christ IS the “Word of God”: Joh 1:1; 1Jo 1:1; Luk 1:2; Rev 19:13; 6:9; 1Pe 1:23,25; Heb 4:12.

THE LAST DAY: What is ”the last day”? Does it mean some day, long since past when, in a national sense, the Jews were punished for their (unenlightened?) rejection of Christ? (But how then explain “he” and “him” of v 48, instead of “they” and “them”?) It is far more reasonable to take a look at the other instances of the identical Greek phrase in John: “the last day”. It almost invariably means the day of resurrectional judgment: (a) John 6:39,40,44,54: Those who truly and fully believe will he raised up to eternal life “at the last day”. (b) John 7:37: “The last day” here is limited and defined by the immediate context — it is the last day of the feast. (c) John 11:24: “The last day” of resurrection. So in five of the other six occurrences, “the last day” means unambiguously the “day” of resurrection and judgment, while in the sixth instance it is rigidly limited by the context. So which is it in John 12:48?

These words are addressed at the Pharisees who believed (v 42), but did nothing about it! They are the living examples of “enlightened rejecters”.

The fall of Jerusalem was 35-40 years later. Many of these who hear Christ’s words would have died by them (cp Eze 18:20,30). A national judgment, while in the scope of God’s plan, is not on personal merits (Mat 23:32-36).

It has been asked, “How can this verse be about an ‘enlightened rejecter’? Can one be enlightened and yet receive not Jesus’ words?” The answer is “Yes”. There are different degrees of reception of Christ’s words. A Sunday School scholar may passively receive instruction in the Truth for years, then finally reach maturity and “reject” what he formerly “received”. A person may even “receive” the Truth so far as to be baptized, and then later “reject” the gospel and all it stands for. In fact, it may be argued that since Christ uses the word “reject” in verse 48, he necessarily implies an initial acceptance, or understanding, to some degree at least. We would not generally say, “A rejected our dinner invitation’ unless he: (a) received it, either verbally or in writing, (b) understood it, and finally, (c) refused to act upon it. If the postman had delivered our note to the wrong address, then it would not be fair to say Mr A rejected it. If it in fact came to A’s house but was written in unintelligible Latin, it still would not be fair to say he rejected it. But if it were written in his native tongue, if it came to his house, if indeed he opened it, read it, understood what it said, and then set it aside…. Yes, that is “receiving” in one sense — but not in the most important sense. In the most important sense he “received it not” — ie its desired effect of stirring up action was not achieved; he willfully and knowingly “rejected” it! To get into the tangle of contending that “to receive it not” must mean “never to know” suggests that there must be no better arguments for the special interpretation of John 12:48.

Joh 12:49

THE FATHER WHO SENT ME COMMANDED ME WHAT TO SAY AND HOW TO SAY IT: Christ spoke as he was instructed by the Father: Joh 7:16; 15:15; Heb 1:1,2; 2:3.

Joh 12:50

HIS COMMAND LEADS TO ETERNAL LIFE: God’s command, accepted, leads to eternal life. Therefore, His command, rejected, can lead only to eternal death!

Joh 9:1

John 9: Cp healing of the blind in Isa 42:6,7. There is no light in the mind of the flesh; true light comes only from God. Man cannot direct his steps (Jer 10:23). Some have eyes, but they see not (Psa 115:5). “…the blindness and poverty of man, proclaiming his need at the gateway of heaven” (MP 240).

AS HE WENT ALONG: As he came near: cp Isa 53; Heb 2:14,17: Jesus “came near” to us in the possession of human nature.

Joh 9:2

WHO SINNED…?: This question is answered in Luk 13:4.

OR HIS PARENTS: Not his immediate parents, but certainly his original parents. Our “blind” nature comes from the sin of Adam and Eve.

Joh 9:3

Silence was his settled policy for most of his ministry (Mat 9:30; 17:9; 12:16; Mar 1:34; 5:43; 7:36; 8:26; Luk 5:14), with one notable exception (Mar 5:19 — Legion with his family). But in last days of ministry, a change of course (Mat 21:1-11; Joh 7:37; 9:3; 11:4).

SO THAT THE WORK OF GOD MIGHT BE DISPLAYED IN HIS LIFE: “Phaneroo”: Christ manifesting the light of God: 1Jo 1:1,2,5.

Joh 9:4

WE MUST DO THE WORK OF HIM WHO SENT ME: Christ doing the work of his Father (Joh 4:34; 5:17-19), by speaking the word of his Father (Joh 7:16; 12:49,50; 3:34; Isa 59:20,21).

NIGHT IS COMING, WHEN NO ONE CAN WORK: The cessation of Holy Spirit gifts (Mic 3:6). Cp Rom 13:12.

More generally: “It is useless for young people to dream of the great service they will render some day. It is far better to make a start immediately on something near at hand and within the scope of present powers. Even if you have a great idea of real value but beyond the range of immediate possibilities it is still practicable to start work at once. The principle of the limited objective comes to our aid in this. If we were unable with our present strength to establish a home for the aged and unfortunate, we could even to-day give cheer and help to a few who are near at hand. This may be regarded if we will, as a first step in a much larger project, doing a little good and enlarging our knowledge at the same time. We cannot immediately write the great book which shall bring conviction and wisdom to all readers, but we may make a first step in the form of a preliminary essay which will be good exercise for us and perhaps give a little help to a few of our fellows. Thus with a series of limited steps we may accomplish something even now without any surrender of our great ideal of service, but rather making it more practicable. The great work of philanthropy or of reason may never be realized, but we shall have accomplished something better than idle dreams” (PrPr).

Joh 9:5

WHILE I AM IN THE WORLD: Both personally and by Holy Spirit — the Paraklete: Mar 16:20; Mat 28:20.

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD: Jesus is the antitype of the pillar of fire in the wilderness.

Seven “I am’s” of John: “the bread of life” (Joh 6:35); “the light of the world” (Joh 9:5); “the door” (Joh 10:9); “the good shepherd” (Joh 10:11); “the way” (Joh 14:6); “the resurrection and the life” (Joh 11:25); and “the vine” (Joh 15:1).

Joh 9:6

SPIT: Degradation, humiliation: Isa 50:6. Ordinarily, this would bring blindness — a serious inconvenience and irritant, and unclean besides — but by this extraordinary means Christ healed the man: that no flesh should glorify itself (1Co 1:29). Cp the “eyesalve” of Rev 3:18.

MUD: Or clay, the substance out of which Jesus himself was created. Suggesting a new birth: forming of clay as in the creation of Adam (Gen 2:7; cp Job 4:19; 10:9).

Joh 9:7

GO… WASH IN THE POOL: As Naaman was told to wash himself in the Jordan (2Ki 5:10).

SILOAM: Or “Shiloah” (Isa 8:6).

SENT: Christ was the one “sent” (v 4).

SO THE MAN WENT AND WASHED: Even though he could not as yet see! “Our blind eyes are touched by the ointment prepared by the mingling of the dust of the ground with the moisture from the mouth of him who was sent from heaven. But this does not cure us. We receive the command to go and wash in the waters of Apostleship (John is careful to point out that Siloam means Sent). It is a long and difficult journey. Some do not undertake it at all; some begin only to give it up and resume their begging at the gate. Often it is made shorter and easier by the friendly guidance of one who can see. It is the responsibility of all enlightened ones to listen for the tapping of the stick and the cry to be directed to the waters of Siloam. But faith and obedience are rewarded. With the washing of the waters we enter a new world illuminated by the Sun of Righteousness. This may mean estrangement, persecution and sacrifice, but it will also be an opportunity for witness and loyalty. Jesus will know. He will seek us out and invite us into a fellowship so deep and abiding that all the former relationships are like the phantom sounds and movements of the dark world from which we have been delivered” (MP 240,241).

Joh 9:14

Thus, once again, “work” on the Sabbath!

Joh 9:15

The “blind” legalists cannot see.

Joh 9:16

But notice that there is no attempt to deny the miracle itself!

Joh 9:18

He is first rejected by his religious community, and then by his family.

Joh 9:24

GIVE GLORY TO GOD: In other words, “confess your sin — in trying to deceive us — as did Achan” (Jos 7:19; cp Jer 13:15,16). “Your brothers who hate you, and exclude you because of my name, have said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy!’ Yet they will be put to shame” (Isa 66:5).

Joh 9:27

I HAVE TOLD YOU ALREADY AND YOU DID NOT LISTEN: ‘Perhaps you need Jesus to heal your ears, as he healed my eyes.’

DO YOU WANT TO BECOME HIS DISCIPLES?: A virtual admission of his own discipleship.

Joh 9:28

WE ARE DISCIPLES OF MOSES: But if they had believed Moses, they would have accepted Jesus (Joh 5:46).

Joh 9:29

Ct Joh 7:27: two self-contradictory statements. They did not know what to think!

Joh 9:31

GOD DOES NOT LISTEN TO SINNERS: But see Act 10:4n.

Joh 9:34

SIN AT BIRTH: Sinful nature: Rom 8:3; Jam 1:14.

THEY THREW HIM OUT: Which was nothing new to this man: Lev 21:18. Hirelings who do not care for sheep: Joh 10:13.

Joh 9:35

JESUS HEARD THAT THEY HAD THROWN HIM OUT: Excommunication was a process spanning prob 60 days, ie from Tabernacles (Joh 7:22 to Joh 8) to Dedication (Joh 10:22).

WHEN HE FOUND HIM: Cp Joh 6:37.

Joh 9:38

HE WORSHIPED HIM: See Lesson, Worship of Christ?

Joh 9:39

See Lesson, John’s figurative language.

Joh 9:40

ARE WE BLIND TOO?: Cp vv 1-7.

Joh 9:41

IF YOU WERE BLIND, YOU WOULD NOT BE GUILTY OF SIN: If they did not know, they could not be held responsible. Ignorance absolves from resurrectional responsibility: Psa 49:20.

Joh 10:1

See Lesson, Shepherds and hirelings.

The Good Shepherd: Moses (Psa 77:20) brought Israel out of sea (Isa 63:11,12). A type of Christ (Heb 13:20,21). David, the first king of Israel, was a shepherd; he typifies Christ (Eze 34:23). Cp Psa 23; Mic 7:15; Gen 49:24; Psa 80:1,17; Isa 40:1-11.

Joh 10:2

THE SHEPHERD: And others, following his example, may become shepherds also (1Pe 5:1-4).

Joh 10:3

CALLS… SHEEP BY NAME: That is, by HIS name, not theirs. Cp blind man in Joh 9:28,35.

AND LEADS THEM OUT: There was more than one flock in the fold, and there would be a process of separation where each shepherd called out his own flock. This may also be suggested by the mention of a “watchman” or doorkeeper in v 3, since only the larger sheepfolds would have such a guard (NET).

Joh 10:4

HIS SHEEP FOLLOW HIM BECAUSE THEY KNOW HIS VOICE: “On the roads of Palestine, and on the hills, you see the good shepherd. He comes along at the head of his flock, generally carrying over his shoulders a lamb or an injured sheep.

“A most remarkable thing is the sympathy that exists between him and his flock. He never drives them as our own shepherds drive their sheep. He always walks at their head, leading them along the roads and over the hills to new pasture; and, as he goes, he sometimes talks to them in a loud sing-song voice, using a weird language unlike anything I have ever heard in my life.

“Early one morning I saw an extraordinary sight not far from Bethlehem. Two shepherds had evidently spent the night with their flocks in a cave. The sheep were all mixed together and the time had come for the shepherds to go in different directions. One of the shepherds stood some distance from the sheep and began to call. First one, then another, then four or five animals ran toward him; and so on until he had counted his whole flock.

“More interesting than the sight of this was the knowledge that Jesus must have seen exactly the same sight and described it in his own words: ‘He calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger they will not follow…’ This parable spake Jesus unto them. ‘I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine’ ” (HVM 154).

Joh 10:6

FIGURE OF SPEECH: “Paroimia” = proverb, not usual “parabole”. Also in Joh 16:25,29. (See Lesson, John’s figurative language.)

Joh 10:7

GATE: Or “door”, as Psa 24:7.

I AM THE GATE FOR THE SHEEP: A traveler in the Middle East tells this story: “We reached a high ridge overlooking the village of Bethlehem. There we found a sheepfold, and went right in to inspect. It was not long before the owner appeared — a veteran, like Moses, with a long beard. ‘This is your sheepfold?’ my friend asked.

” ‘Aye.’

” ‘And is this where the sheep sleep?’ — pointing to a rough shelter thrown up against the rock in a corner.

“He nodded.

” ‘But you have no gate to the fold; how do you close them up at night?’

“The old man looked at us as if we ought to have known better. ‘I am the door,’ he said with emphasis; and, gathering his loose robe tight about his ankles, he was down in a moment, squatting in the doorway, back against one post, feet against the other, his knees drawn up and clasped by his weather-beaten old hands. Gently he bowed his head and closed his eyes, as many a time he had closed them to catch a few hours’ sleep under the starlight. ‘I am the door,’ he repeated. ‘I keep watch here at night. If thieves or wild beasts attempt to enter, they have to tackle me first. I have never lost a lamb from the fold.’ “

Joh 10:8

CAME: They “came”, but they were not “sent”!

Joh 10:9

Seven “I am’s” of John: “the bread of life” (Joh 6:35); “the light of the world” (Joh 9:5); “the door” (Joh 10:9); “the good shepherd” (Joh 10:11); “the way” (Joh 14:6); “the resurrection and the life” (Joh 11:25); and “the vine” (Joh 15:1).

WHOEVER ENTERS THROUGH ME WILL BE SAVED: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand” (Rom 5:1,2). “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit” (Eph 2:18). “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb 10:19-22).

COME IN AND GO OUT: Num 27:16,17.

Joh 10:11

// Rev 7:17.

See Lesson, Good shepherd.

Seven “I am’s” of John: “the bread of life” (Joh 6:35); “the light of the world” (Joh 9:5); “the door” (Joh 10:9); “the good shepherd” (Joh 10:11); “the way” (Joh 14:6); “the resurrection and the life” (Joh 11:25); and “the vine” (Joh 15:1).

“The true shepherd is always an example of courage and faithfulness in the discharge of his duty. He is ready to defend his flock against all foes, counting the care of the sheep of greater consequence than his own life. He knew his sheep by name, leading them to good pastures and quiet waters; he laid down his life for them. His sheep hear and know his voice, and follow him. He keeps them in safety, and no man is able to snatch them from him, for God has given them to him. These things are written concerning him, and they enable us to judge the immorality of his foes, whom he did not hesitate to compare with thieves and robbers and wolves, when he turns from them, and pronounces their doom. ‘Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat everyone the flesh of another’ (Zec 11:9)” (PAE 122).

Joh 10:13

HIRED HAND… CARES NOTHING FOR THE SHEEP: Cp Judas in Joh 12:6. Also, Phi 2:21; ct Phi 1:24,25.

Joh 10:15

Christ’s relation with Father // sheeps’ relationship with Christ.

Joh 10:16

OTHER SHEEP THAT ARE NOT OF THIS SHEEP PEN: Gentile sheep, in ct lost sheep of house of Israel (Mat 15:24; Rom 11:25-32). Cp Isa 42:1,6; Act 9:15; 1Ti 2:7.

THEY TOO WILL LISTEN TO MY VOICE: Jesus is quoting Psa 95:7. This psalm reminds Israel that many fell in the wilderness even though they had been delivered from Egypt. Very appropriate when we realize that Jesus is calling for commitment very close to the time of his death. Some would have continued with him for most if not all of his ministry, and were liable to fall away just as Jesus effected the real work of redemption through his death and resurrection.

MY VOICE: Through preaching of disciples: Luk 10:16; 2Co 5:20. Thus not necessarily Christ’s literal voice (as Mormons, etc assert).

ONE SHEPHERD: Cp Ecc 12:11. The mention of “one shepherd” probably caused the disciples to think of Eze 34:23; 37:24; probably they would have thought that the “other sheep”, then, were the kingdom of Israel who were taken captive by the Assyrians. However, Jesus clearly is thinking about the way in which even the Gentiles would be incorporated into his name.

Joh 10:18

God raised up Christ; it was not possible that death should hold him: Act 2:23,24,32; 3:15; 5:30; 10:39,40; 1Co 15:15.

AUTHORITY: “Exousia”, ie Mat 7:29; 21:23; Luk 7:8; Joh 5:27. Thus, a right bestowed by a higher power. “I am authorized…” (Weym). Cp Joh 5:19,30.

Joh 10:20

“Demoniacs” suffered from: blindness, dumbness (Mat 12:22; Luk 11:14), insanity, schizophrenia (Mar 3:21; 5:1-5; Joh 10:20), epilepsy (Mar 9:17-27), and arthritis (Luk 13:11-17).

Joh 10:22

FEAST OF DEDICATION: To commemorate the purification and restoration of the temple after its desecration by Antiochus Ephiphanes, 170 BC. Also called “Feast of lights”, or “Hannukah” – 25th of Chisleu (Dec) (1Ma 4:52-59; Ant 12:7:7).

IT WAS WINTER: Cp Christ’s frigid reception by the Jews.

Joh 10:23

SOLOMON’S COLONNADE: Where the wisdom of Solomon was heard from Christ.

Joh 10:24

At this time, the commonly held expectation of the coming of the Messiah: Mat 2:4-6r.

IF YOU ARE THE CHRIST, TELL US PLAINLY: Many were really looking only for an incriminating statement.

Joh 10:27

AND THEY FOLLOW ME: “We should follow our Lord as unhesitatingly as sheep follow their shepherd, for He has a right to lead us wherever He pleases. We are not our own, we are bought with a price — let us recognize the rights of the redeeming blood. The soldier follows his captain, the servant obeys his master, much more must we follow our Redeemer, to whom we are a purchased possession. We are not true to our profession of being Christians, if we question the bidding of our Leader and Commander. Submission is our duty, cavilling is our folly. Often might our Lord say to us as to Peter, ‘What is that to thee? Follow thou me’ [Joh 21:22]. Wherever Jesus may lead us, he goes before us. If we know not where we go, we know with whom we go. With such a companion, who will dread the perils of the road? The journey may be long, but his everlasting arms will carry us to the end… We should follow Christ in simplicity and faith, because the paths in which he leads us all end in glory and immortality. It is true they may not be smooth paths — they may be covered with sharp flinty trials, but they lead to the ‘city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God’ [Heb 11:10]. ‘All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep His covenant.’ Let us put full trust in our Leader, since we know that, come prosperity or adversity, sickness or health, popularity or contempt, His purpose shall be worked out, and that purpose shall be pure, unmingled good to every heir of mercy. We shall find it sweet to go up the bleak side of the hill with Christ; and when rain and snow blow into our faces, His dear love will make us far more blest than those who sit at home and warm their hands at the world’s fire. To the top of Amana, to the dens of lions, or to the hills of leopards, we will follow our Beloved. Precious Jesus, draw us, and we will run after Thee [Song 1:4]” (CHS).

Joh 10:28

I GIVE THEM ETERNAL LIFE: Eternal life, not a present possession: Joh 10:10; 11:25; 1Co 15:21; 1Jo 4:9; Phi 3:21. Even the identity of the sheep is yet uncertain: Mat 25:33,41-46; 7:21-23; Luk 13:26,27. However, see Lesson, Eternal life now?

THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH: “Perish” = the second death (cp Joh 3:16; Luk 13:3,5; cp Jer 51:53,57). For the disciple, death is not a “perishing” but a “sleep”: Joh 11:11,13; Mat 9:24; 1Th 4:13; 1Co 15:6,18.

NO ONE CAN SNATCH THEM OUT OF MY HAND: “Snatch” = “harpazo”. True of the “sheep”, but who can tell before the judgment which is a “sheep” and which is a “goat” (Mat 25:33)? Many who think they are sheep will be mistaken: Luk 13:26,27; Mat 7:21-23. So Jesus prays that his sheep will be protected: Joh 17:11,12; Luk 22:31,32. Likewise, Paul: 2Ti 1:12.

Joh 10:30

I AND THE FATHER ARE ONE: A oneness of purpose, mind, not a oneness of nature — cp John 17:11,21-23: Christ’s prayer that saints may be “one” with Christ and his Father. See Joh 5:19,30; 14:28. (See Lesson, John’s figurative language.)

Joh 10:33

YOU, A MERE MAN, CLAIM TO BE GOD: Like Adam and Eve, Moses presumed to appropriate God’s prerogative to himself — making himself “equal” with God in the matter of smiting the Rock (Num 20:10; ct Exo 17:4-7). Thus he lost the opportunity to lead Israel into the Land of promise. But Jesus never presumed to any office or position that was not his by right (Phi 2:5-12), and so he will receive an inheritance that far exceeds that of any one Land or people (Psa 82:8)!

Joh 10:34

IN YOUR LAW: This phrase covers not just the Pentateuch, but the entire OT (Joh 15:25; 12:34; Rom. 3:19; 1Co 14:21).

GODS: That is, God’s appointed representatives, called “elohim” or “gods” in Psa 82:1-6. See Exo 7:1; 21:6; 22:8,28. Angels also may bear the Yahweh-name (Act 7:30).

Joh 10:35

‘GODS’: Here the Greek word is without the definite article; thus its meaning is weakened, so as to sig men with responsibility from (and to) God.

TO WHOM THE WORD OF GOD CAME: Here “to” is used in the sense of “against”: cp Mar 12:12: “For they knew that he had spoken the parable against them”!

Joh 10:36

I AM GOD’S SON: So even here Christ does not assume the title of “God”.

SET APART… AND SENT INTO THE WORLD: As believers are sanctified (Joh 17:17,19), and sent into the world (Mar 16:15).

Joh 10:37

Vv 37,38: Miracles of healing (v 32), which were one means of caring for the poor and oppressed (Psa 82:3,4), were performed by Jesus in abundance. He appeals to his adversaries’ complete knowledge of all this, to condemn their rejection of him as blasphemy, but to no avail….

Joh 10:39

AGAIN THEY TRIED TO SEIZE HIM: And thus — stubbornly walking on in darkness (Psa 82:5) — they sealed their own fates!

Joh 10:40

ACROSS THE JORDAN: Perhaps “Judea beyond Jordan” (Joh 1:28; Mat 19:1,2), the territory in Gilead settled by the descendants of Jair of tribe of Judah (Jos 19:34; 1Ch 2:21,22; WEnj 139).