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EXECUTIVE EDITORJack W. Hayford, Litt.D.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITORPaul G. Chappell, Ph.D. Kenneth C. Ulmer, Ph.D., D.Min.

OLD TESTAMENT EDITORSJudy Brown, Ed.DRoy Hayden, Ph.D.

NEW TESTAMENT EDITORSJonathan David Huntzinger, Ph.D.

Gary Matsdorf, M.A.

THOMAS NELSON BIBLESA Division of Thomas Nelson, Inc.

www.ThomasNelson.com

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Spirit-Filled Life Mission Statement

The mission of Spirit-Filled Life Bibles and reference products is to serve the body of Christ with abroad range of trustworthy products marked by biblical soundness, balanced scholarship and a

sense of honor toward the modern-day working of the Holy Spirit. These resources are designed toprovide biblical equipping for practical living in Gods kingdom and around the world.

New Spirit-Filled Life BibleCopyright 2002 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

The Holy Bible, New King James VersionCopyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

The text of the New King James Version (NKJV) may be quoted or reprinted without priorpermission with the following qualifications:

(1) up to and including 1,000 verses may be quoted in printed form as long as the versesquoted amount to less than 50% of a complete book of the Bible and make up less than50% of the total work in which they are quoted;

(2) all NKJV quotations must conform accurately to the NKJV text.

Any use of the NKJV text must include a proper acknowledgment as follows:Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.Used by permission. All rights reserved.

However, when quotations from the NKJV text are used in church bulletins, orders of service,Sunday School lessons, church newsletters, and similar works in the course of religious instructionor services at a place of worship or other religious assembly, the following notice may be used atthe end of each quotation: NKJV.

For quotation rights not covered by the above guidelines, write to Thomas Nelson Publishers, Attn:Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000.

All Rights ReservedPrinted in the United States of America

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1007 06 05 04 03 02

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ContentsIntroduction to the New Spirit-Filled Life Bible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .viEditors and Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .viiiKingdom Dynamics (with Index) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xiiWord Wealth (with Index) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xxiTruth-In-Action (with Index) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xxviiiCharts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xxxIn-Text Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xxxiPreface to the New King James Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xxxiiiSpecial Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xxxviiBooks of the Old and New Testaments with Their Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xxxviii

The Old Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Bridging the Testaments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1276Harmony of the Gospels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1278

The New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1287Dealing with Last ThingsThe Rapture, Second Coming, and Millennium . . . . .1805In Studying the Book of Revelation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1809

Holy Spirit Gifts and Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1849The Holy Spirit and Restoration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1859Aflame with Passion for World Evangelism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1865The Believers Potential and Pathway for Ministering Healing to the Nations . . . . . .1869Understanding Messianic Jewish Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1874How to Lead a Person to the Savior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1883

Concordance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

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IntroductionThe waves of successive seasons of revival blessing throughout church history have

left recurring high-water marks. These signs of the Holy Spirits surgings across the Earthand throughout time have, as a rule, been the result of Gods signal use of anointed men,whose leadership not only was the spearhead making a holy penetration in their world, butwhose name became the designation of that revival era. Accordingly we note the strata ofchurch history by the mention of names, such as Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin,Knox, Huss, Wesley, Finney, and Moody.

But with the opening of the twentieth century, from out of the wellsprings of the holi-ness tradition, a revival broke forth, which is distinctive in two ways. First, the wave ofrenewal it gave rise to in the church internationally has not receded; rather, it has contin-ued to roll forward and to engulf leaders and laity in every historic tradition and contem-porary circle of Christianity. Second, this revival has not been characterized by theleadership of any primary personality to set its agenda or establish its style. One historianhas referred to the Pentecostal-Charismatic revival as a movement without a man,thereby noting the phenomenon that its broadening tide of influence is dynamically globaland impacting in every sector of the church. No one can proscribe the movements bound-aries, none can inscribe his name upon it, and who can describe it in any other way thanby Peters words at Pentecost: This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: . . . and inthe last days . . . I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh (Acts 2:16, 17)?

As the waves of this renewal have spread, the common denominator of those itengulfs is not a doctrinal position as much as it is a mutual sharing in a new dynamic. Thisnew is neither novel nor unprecedented, but simply a rekindling and release of the sim-plicity and power inherent in the New Testament churchthe life and ministry of Jesuscontinuing in His body today after the manner of the Books of Acts. Because of this, it hascharacteristically been difficult to prepare a single study Bible to serve this broad commu-nity. Their convictions about the Person of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, aton-ing death, literal resurrection, and majestic ascension are essentially in agreement. Theirview of the authority of the Word of God and its divine inspiration is absolute and uni-formly the same. And their experience of the contemporary operations of the HolySpiritwhose fullness, fruit, gifts, and works of power are welcomed and realized todayas at the churchs inceptionis held in general accord. However, by reason of the breadthof their denominational backgrounds, a wide diversity characterizes this band. They willbe found at all points of the spectrum on such issues as: 1) Calvinism contrasted withArminianism; 2) Dispensational contrasted with Covenant theology; 3) Premillennial,Postmillennial, and Amillennial differences in prophetic interpretation; and 4) views andpractices on the place and purpose of speaking in tongues with reference to thebelievers initial infilling with the Holy Spirit.

The striking fact, given this widely diverse group, is that their movement togetherreflects not a lack of conviction about those points wherein they view Scripture and expe-rience differently, but a response to the Holy Spirits compulsion to give place to anotheroverarching conviction. These leaders choose to let brotherly love prevail in the church, toseek peace and pursue it, and to acknowledge the prayer of our Lord Jesus that they maybe one. None of these lack biblical depth or theological convictions, but are people whorealize Ephesians 4:13s unity of the faith focuses our mutual knowledge of the Son ofGod and not our private textbooks. We meet at the Table of communionrememberingChrists cross through which we have all been redeemed; celebrating His body to which wehave been called; and testifying to the power of His blood that has redeemed, washed, andjustified us from our sins. It is there we have found onenessunder Jesus lordship, and

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where we choose to stand together as more and more of His body grow toward a perfectman, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ . . . speaking the truth in love (see Eph.4:1315).

From this broad context and at this point in Gods dealings throughout Christschurch globally, we have come to study and to serve, hoping that this Bible may contributeto the ongoing stream of the Holy Spirits workings today and tomorrow. The team ofscholars, pastor-teachers, writers, and editors express gratitude to God and to the execu-tive leadership of Thomas Nelson Publishers for the privilege of involvement in this his-toric project. The Spirit-Filled Life Bible, released in 1991, was the first of its kind, in whicha broadly representative team from more than twenty denominations and independent fel-lowships were banded together to produce a study Bible integrating the Pentecostal-Charismatic viewpoint. In noting this, the Executive Editor and his associates wish toacknowledge the earlier efforts of several Pentecostal teachers and scholars who have pro-vided study Bible resources prior to the landmark event the Spirit-Filled Life Bible occa-sioned. While its uniqueness in scope and persons involved distinguishes this presentwork, it is with gratitude and humility that we salute that worthy group who preceded usin such efforts at leading the people of God into His Word at greater depth.

As Executive Editor, I offer my most respectful thanks to my Christian brothers andsisters who have accomplished the written and editorial work herein. Special personalacknowledgment is also appropriate to my son, Jack Hayford III, for his arduous labors inthis project, as well as to Janet Kemp, Susanne Mahdi, Renee McCarter, and John Silver.

May God be pleased to multiply the fruit of the labor of all who have given themselvesto present you, the reader-student, with this Bible. We commit this work to Him with thepsalmists prayer: And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish thework of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands (Ps. 90:17).

Jack W. HayfordExecutive Editor

Introductory Addendum to the New Spirit-Filled Life BibleWith the release of the New Spirit-Filled Life Bible, a distinct sense of humility is felt,

for God has clearly chosen to bless our work as we prayed. Not only has this Bible studyand ministry resource found acceptance among multitudes in all parts of the church today,but a constant stream of heartfelt remarks and correspondence has confirmed its personalusefulness and practical ministry value. The sum of the vast majority would distill to onetestimony: This study Bible has deepened my life in Christ and my life in the Holy Spirit, helpingme grow and increasing my effectiveness as a servant of Jesus. For that, and for the fruit beingmultiplied in the church through the spiritual growth of its members and their ministry,we offer high praise to God.

This Bibles study resources rest on the foundation of the first Spirit-Filled Life Bibleand the work of two exceptional men, Dr. Sam Middlebrook and Dr. Jerry Horner, whoserved diligently as Old and New Testament editors, respectively, and whose legacies arereflected in this new work. We also extend our special thanks to the new contributors tothis editionmen and women who have enabled us to broaden even further the scope ofour pursuit. They not only expanded dimensions of Kingdom Dynamics we offer here, butmany articles by respected friends from additional evangelical circles demonstrate theirdistinct graciousness and their vision for mutuality in the whole body of Christ. Withthese, we must acknowledge the superb editorial assistance and dedicated diligence ofCaroline Erickson in bringing the second edition to fruition, not to mention the splendideditorial group at Nelson. Blessings upon each of these!

vii I N T R O D U C T I O N

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T H E G O S P E L A C C O R D I N G T O

JOHNAUTHOR

Early church tradition attributes theFourth Gospel to John the beloveddisciple (13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20), who belonged to theinner circle of Jesus followers (see Matt. 17:1; Mark 13:3).According to Christian writers of the second century, Johnmoved to Ephesus, probably during the Jewish War of A.D.6670, where he continued his ministry. For instance, Irenaeus,the bishop of Lyons in the latter part of the second century, stated that John, the disci-ple of the Lord, who also leaned upon His breast, did himself publish a Gospel duringhis residence in Ephesus in Asia (Against Heresies 3.1.1).

Some scholars suggest that John 19:35 and 21:24 may reflect another author whofaithfully collected the apostles eyewitness account and testimonials. However, the bulkof the evidence, both internal and external, supports John the apostle as the author.

DATE

The same tradition that locates John in Ephesus suggests that hewrote his Gospel in the latter part of the first century. In theabsence of substantial evidence to the contrary, most scholars accept this tradition.

PURPOSE

In a broad sense, John wrote to provide the Christians of theprovince of Asia (now in Asia Minor) with a fuller understand-ing of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. More specifically, he wrote to lead his read-ers to a settled faith on the basis of the words and works of Jesus, with the result thatthey may have life in His name (20:31).

JOHN AND THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS

While John most likely knew of the other three Gospelaccounts, he chose not to follow their chronologicalsequence of events as much as a topical order. In this case they may have used commonoral and/or literary traditions. The broad outline is the same, and some particular eventsin Jesus ministry are common to all four books. Some of the distinctive differences are:1) Instead of the familiar parables, John has lengthy discourses; 2) In place of the manymiracles and healings in the Synoptics, John uses seven carefully picked miracles, whichserve as signs; 3) The ministry of Jesus revolves around three Passover Feasts, insteadof the one cited in the Synoptics; 4) The I am sayings are uniquely Johannine.

CONTENT

John divides the ministry of Jesus into two distinct parts: chapters212 give insight into His public ministry, while chapters 1321 relate His private ministry to His disciples. In 1:118, called the Prologue, Johndeals with the theological implications of the first coming of Jesus. He shows Jesus pre-existent state with God, His deity and essence, as well as His incarnation.

CHRIST REVEALED

AUTHOR:The Apostle John

DATE:About A.D. 85

THEME:Knowing God byBelieving in JesusChrist

KEY WORDS:Believe, BearWitness, Life

AUTHOR

DATE

PURPOSE

CONTENT

JOHN AND THESYNOPTIC GOSPELS

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The book presents Jesus as the only begotten Son of God whobecame flesh. For John, Jesus humanity meant essentially atwofold mission: 1) As the Lamb of God (1:29), He procured the redemption ofmankind; 2) Through His life and ministry He revealed the Father. Christ consistentlypointed beyond Himself to the Father who had sent Him and whom He sought to glo-rify. In fact, the very miracles Jesus performed, which John characterized as signs,bore testimony to the divine mission of the Son of God. As the Son glorified the Fatherin ministry and passion, so the Father glorified the Son. But, as John shows, the Sonsglorification came at the Crucifixion (12:32, 33), not only in the postresurrection exalta-tion. By believing that Jesus is the Christ, the readers of Johns Gospel become partici-pants in the life Jesus brought out of death (20:31).

THE HOLY SPIRIT AT WORK

Unique to John is the designation of the Holy Spirit as Com-forter or Helper (14:16), literally one called alongside.He is another Helper, namely, one of the same kind as Jesus, thereby extending theministry of Jesus to the end of this age. It would be a grave error, however, to understandthe Spirits purpose merely in terms of one needed in predicaments. On the contrary,John demonstrates that the Spirits role encompasses every facet of life. In regard to theworld outside of Christ, He works as the agent who convicts of sin, righteousness, andjudgment (16:811). The experience of being born of the Spirit is descriptive of NewBirth (3:6). Because God in essence is Spirit, those who worship Him must do so spiri-tually, that is, as directed and motivated by the Holy Spirit (4:24). Further, in anticipa-tion of Pentecost, the Spirit becomes the divine enabler for authoritative ministry(20:2123).

The Holy Spirit also fulfills a definite function in relation to Christ. While the Fathersent the Spirit in the name of Christ, the Spirit never draws attention to Himself, nordoes He speak in His own authority. Instead, His mission is to glorify Jesus and todeclare Christs teaching to the disciples (16:14).

John reveals the function of the Holy Spirit in continuing the work of Jesus, leadingbelievers into an understanding of the meanings, implications, and imperatives of thegospel, and enabling them to do greater works than those done by Jesus (14:12).Present-day believers in Christ may thus view Him as their contemporary, not merely asa figure from the distant past.

PERSONAL APPLICATION

In seeking to fulfill his purpose as stated in 20:20, 31, John con-fronts his readers with claims of Jesus that demand a personalresponse. A positive response of faith in Jesus . . . the Christ, the Son of God resultsin life in His name. John records the assertion of Jesus that He came that they mighthave life and that they might have it more abundantly (10:10), and he makes it clear thatlife is not an independent quality unrelated to God or to Christ. The knowledge of theonly true God and Jesus Christ (17:3), which implies fellowship as well as intellectualunderstanding, is the key to the meaning of eternal life.

J O H N 1442

CHRISTREVEALED

THE HOLY SPIRITAT WORK

PERSONALAPPLICATION

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The Eternal Word

IN the beginning awas the *Word, and thebWord was cwith God, and the Word wasdGod.2 aHe was in the beginning with God.3 aAll things were made through Him,and without Him nothing was made thatwas made.4 aIn Him was *life, and bthe life was thelight of men.5 And athe light shines in the *darkness,and the darkness did not 1comprehend it.

Johns Witness: The True Light6 There was a aman *sent from God,whose name was John.7 This man came for a awitness,* to bearwitness of the Light, that all through himmight bbelieve.8 He was not that Light, but was sent tobear witness of that aLight.

1443 J O H N 1:8

6 aMatt. 3:117*See WW at

John 20:21.7 aJohn

3:2536;5:3335b[John 3:16]

*See WW atActs 26:22.

8 aIs. 9:2; 49:6

1:1 In the beginning: An allusion to Gen. 1:1, with the inten-tion of linking Jesus the Word with the God of creation. Theevent of Jesus incarnation, therefore, had cosmic significance.The Word is Jesus Christ, the eternal, ultimate expression ofGod. In the OT God spoke the world into existence; in thegospel God spoke His final word through the living Word, HisSon. The phrase the Word was God attributes deity to theWord without defining all of the Godhead as the Word.

1:3 John declares that Jesus was the divine agent who wasresponsible for the entire creation.1:4, 5 Life and light belong to Johns fundamental vocabu-lary in describing the essence and mission of the incarnateWord.1:611 Johns Gospel records various testimonies concerningChrist, showing that faith in Him is based upon evidence. Thewitness of John the Baptist, as well as the other evidence,

1:5 comprehend, katalambano(kat-al-am-ban-oh); Strongs#2638: The word is capable ofthree interpretations: 1) Toseize, lay hold of, overcome.

As such, v. 5 could read, The darknessdoes not gain control of it. 2) To perceive,

attain, lay hold of with the mind; to appre-hend with mental or moral effort. With thismeaning the verse could be translated,The darkness is unreceptive and does notunderstand it. 3) To quench, extinguish,snuff out the light by stifling it. The dark-ness will never be able to eliminate it.Light and darkness essentially are antago-nistic. The Christians joy is in knowingthat light is not only greater than darknessbut will also outlast the darkness.

CHAPTER 1

1 a1 John 1:1bRev. 19:13c[John 17:5]d[1 John 5:20]

*See WW atActs 19:20.

2 aGen. 1:13 a[Col. 1:16,

17]4 a[1 John 5:11]

bJohn 8:12;9:5; 12:46

*See WW at 1 John 5:20.

5 a[John 3:19]1Or overcome

*See WW atJohn 12:46.

O U T L I N EO F

J O H N

Prologue 1:118

I. Jesus public ministry 1:1912:50A. Preparation 1:1951B. Wedding at Cana 2:112C. Ministry in Jerusalem 2:133:36D. Jesus and the Samaritan

woman 4:142E. Healing of the

noblemans son 4:4354F. Sabbath healing at the pool

of Bethesda 5:115G. Honoring the Father and

the Son 5:1629H. Witnesses to the Son 5:3047I. Ministry in Galilee 6:171J. Conflict in Jerusalem 7:19:41K. Jesus the Good Shepherd 10:142L. Ministry at Bethany 11:112:11

M. Triumphal entry to Jerusalem 12:1219N. Final rejection: unbelief 12:2050

II. Jesus ministry to the disciples 13:117:26A. Modeling servanthood 13:120B. Pronouncements of betrayal

and denial 13:2138C. Preparation for Jesus

departure 14:131D. Fruitfulness by abiding 15:117E. Dealing with rejection 15:1816:4F. Understanding Jesus

departure 16:533G. Jesus prayer for His disciples 17:126

III.Jesus passion and resurrection 18:121:23A. Jesus arrest 18:114B. Trial before the high priest 18:1527C. Trial before Pilate 18:2819:16D. Crucifixion and burial 19:1742E. Resurrection and

appearances 20:121:23

Epilogue 21:24, 25

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9 aThat1 was the true Light which giveslight to every man coming into the world.10 He was in the world, and the world wasmade through Him, and athe world did not*know Him.11 aHe came to His 1own, and His 2owndid not receive Him.12 But aas many as received Him, to themHe gave the 1right* to become children ofGod, to those who believe in His name:13 awho were born, not of blood, nor ofthe will of the flesh, nor of the will of man,but of God.

The Word Becomes Flesh14 aAnd the Word bbecame cflesh* anddwelt among us, and dwe beheld His *glory,the glory as of the only begotten of theFather, efull of grace and truth.15 aJohn bore witness of Him and criedout, saying, This was He of whom I said,bHe who comes after me 1is preferredbefore me, cfor He was before me. 16 1And of His afullness* we have allreceived, and grace for grace.17 For athe law was given through Moses,but bgrace and ctruth* came through JesusChrist.18 aNo one has seen God at any time. bTheonly begotten 1Son, who is in the bosom ofthe Father, He has declared Him.

A Voice in the Wilderness19 Now this is athe testimony of John,when the Jews sent priests and Levitesfrom Jerusalem to ask him, Who areyou?20 aHe confessed, and did not deny, butconfessed, I am not the Christ.21 And they asked him, What then? Areyou Elijah? He said, I am not. Are youathe Prophet? And he answered, No.22 Then they said to him, Who are you,that we may give an answer to those whosent us? What do you say about your-self ?23 He said: aI am

bThe voice of one crying in thewilderness:

Make straight the way of the LORD, as the prophet Isaiah said.24 Now those who were sent were from thePharisees.25 And they asked him, saying, Why thendo you baptize if you are not the Christ, norElijah, nor the Prophet?26 John answered them, saying, aI baptizewith water, bbut there stands One amongyou whom you do not know.27 aIt is He who, coming after me, 1is pre-ferred before me, whose sandal strap I amnot worthy to loose.28 These things were done ain 1Bethabarabeyond the Jordan, where John was baptiz-ing.

The Lamb of God29 The next day John saw Jesus comingtoward him, and said, Behold! aThe Lamb ofGod bwho *takes away the sin of the world!

30 This is He of whom I said, After mecomes a Man who 1is preferred before me,for He was before me.31 I did not know Him; but that Heshould be revealed to Israel, atherefore Icame baptizing with water.32 aAnd John bore witness, saying, I sawthe *Spirit descending from heaven like adove, and He remained upon Him.

J O H N 1:9 14449 aIs. 49:6 1Or

That was thetrue Lightwhich, cominginto theworld, giveslight to everyman.

10 aHeb. 1:2*See WW at

John 8:32.11 a[Luke 19:14]

1His ownthings ordomain 2Hisown people

12 aGal. 3:261authority

*See WW atMark 3:15.

13 a[1 Pet. 1:23]14 aRev. 19:13

bGal. 4:4cHeb. 2:11 dIs.40:5 e[John8:32; 14:6;18:37]

*See WW atMatt. 26:41. See WW atJohn 2:11.

15 aJohn 3:32b[Matt. 3:11]c[Col. 1:17]1ranks higherthan I

16 a[Col. 1:19;2:9] 1NU For

*See WW atEph. 3:19.

17 a[Ex. 20:1]b[Rom. 5:21;6:14] c[John8:32; 14:6;18:37]

*See WW atJohn 4:24.

18 aEx. 33:20 b1 John 4:91NU God

19 aJohn 5:3320 aLuke 3:1521 aDeut.

18:15, 1823 aMatt. 3:3

bIs. 40:3

26 aMatt. 3:11bMal. 3:1

27 aActs 19:41ranks higherthan I

28 aJudg. 7:241NU, MBethany

29 aRev. 5:614b[1 Pet. 2:24]

*See WW atJohn 16:22.

makes the worlds rejection of Jesus inexcusable. The phrasecoming into the world (v. 9) refers to Christ, not to everyman. By His coming He has become the true Light to thosewho believe, but He is also that Light that, in a general sense,enlightens the human conscience and thereby makes allmankind responsible before God (Rom. 1:19, 20).1:13 The New Birth does not come by physical descent, humaneffort, or human volition, but by the power of God.1:14 Dwelt literally means tabernacled. The analogy is thatof the tabernacle in the wilderness when God pitched His tentamong those of the Hebrews and manifested His glory there, soJesus identified Himself with humanity by becoming flesh . . .and we beheld His glory.1:16 The fact that John states that grace comes from His full-ness teaches that grace is more than Gods disposition or imper-sonal favor. It is God meeting us at our point of need in thePerson of Jesus Christ, including all His power and provision.

1:17 The law: See text and notes on Rom. 7:125.1:18 Only begotten describes the unique, loving relationshipof the Son with the Father. See note on 3:16.1:23 John prepared the way for the Messiah by his call to repen-tance. The quote from Isaiah depicts preparations made inadvance of a kings visit to a province of his realm. The road issmoothed and leveled.1:24 The Pharisees: See note on Matt.16:6.1:2527 All John could do was administer the sign; only theMessiah can bestow that which is signifiedthe cleansing,renewing power of the Holy Spirit.1:29 The sacrificial language of Johns declaration is taken fromthe OT and points to the universal scope of Christs mission.Clearly, this was not an awareness that gradually dawned uponJesus, but one that shaped His entire earthly ministry from thestart. See notes on Lev. 4:3; 16:8.

1:29 sin, hamartia (ham-ar-tee-ah); Strongs #266: Literally,missing the mark, failure, of-fense, taking the wrong course,wrongdoing, sin, guilt. The NT

uses the word in a generic sense for concretewrongdoing (8:34, 46; 2 Cor. 11:7; James1:15); as a principle and quality of action(Rom. 5:12, 13, 20; Heb. 3:13); and as a sin-ful deed (Matt. 12:31; Acts 7:60; 1 John 5:16).

30 1ranks higher than I 31 aMatt. 3:6 32 aMark 1:10*See WW at Rom. 7:6.

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33 I did not know Him, but He who sentme to baptize with water said to me, Uponwhom you see the Spirit descending, andremaining on Him, athis is He who baptizeswith the *Holy Spirit.34 And I have seen and testified that this isthe aSon of God.

The First Disciples35 Again, the next day, John stood withtwo of his disciples.36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, hesaid, aBehold the Lamb of God!37 The two disciples heard him speak, andthey afollowed Jesus.38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them fol-lowing, said to them, What do you seek?They said to Him, Rabbi (which is to say,when translated, Teacher), where are Youstaying?39 He said to them, Come and see. Theycame and saw where He was staying, andremained with Him that day (now it wasabout the tenth hour).40 One of the two who heard John speak,and followed Him, was aAndrew, SimonPeters brother.41 He first found his own brother Si-mon, and said to him, We have found the 1Messiah (which is translated, theChrist).42 And he brought him to Jesus. Nowwhen Jesus looked at him, He said, Youare Simon the son of 1Jonah. aYou shall be

called Cephas (which is translated, 2AStone).

Philip and Nathanael43 The following day Jesus wanted to go toGalilee, and He found aPhilip and said tohim, Follow Me.44 Now aPhilip was from Bethsaida, thecity of Andrew and Peter.45 Philip found aNathanael and said tohim, We have found Him of whom bMosesin the law, and also the cprophets, wroteJesus dof Nazareth, the eson of Joseph.46 And Nathanael said to him, aCan any-thing good come out of Nazareth? Philipsaid to him, Come and see.47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming towardHim, and said of him, Behold, aan Israel-ite indeed, in whom is no deceit!48 Nathanael said to Him, How do Youknow me? Jesus answered and said to him,Before Philip called you, when you wereunder the fig tree, I saw you.49 Nathanael answered and said to Him,Rabbi, aYou are the Son of God! You arebthe King of Israel!50 Jesus answered and said to him,Because I said to you, I saw you under thefig tree, do you believe? You will seegreater things than these.51 And He said to him, Most assuredly, Isay to you, ahereafter1 you shall see heavenopen, and the angels of God ascending anddescending upon the Son of Man.

1445 J O H N 1:51

43 aJohn 6:5;12:21, 22;14:8, 9

44 aJohn 12:2145 aJohn 21:2

bLuke 24:27c[Zech. 6:12]d[Matt. 2:23]eLuke 3:23

46 aJohn 7:41,42, 52

47 aPs. 32:2;73:1

49 aMatt. 14:33bMatt. 21:5

51 aGen. 28:121NU omitshereafter

33 aMatt. 3:11*See WW at

Acts 7:33.34 aJohn 11:2736 aJohn 1:2937 aMatt. 4:20,

2240 aMatt. 4:1841 1Lit.

Anointed One42 aMatt. 16:18

1NU John 2Gr.Petros, usuallytranslatedPeter

1:33 Johns witness was reliable because it came by divine reve-lation. As the Lamb of God, Jesus justifies us and takes awaysin (v. 29); as the baptizer with the Holy Spirit, He fills us andendues us with an enabling power.1:3542 Jesus called His first disciples from among those whoalso followed John the Baptist. Since only Andrew is named asone of the first two disciples (v. 40), the other was probablyJohn, the author of this Gospel.1:46 Nathanael is not insulting Nazareth. Rather he knows thatNazareth seems too obscure, and further, is not the prophesiedbirthplace of the Messiah; so he voices his difficulty in acceptingPhilips assertion.1:4751 Jesus supernatural insight into Nathanaels characterconvinces this true Israelite that he has been confronted bythe Son of God, the King of Israel. Even through the facade ofNathanaels skepticism, Jesus discerned his transparency of spirit.

Wild

erne

ssof

Jud

ea

Mediterranean

Sea

DeadSea

Jord

anR.

Exact location questionable?

JerusalemJericho

Bethabara

Machaerus

Aenon?Salim?

Scythopolis

Nazareth

1990 Thomas Nelson, Inc.

0 40 Mi.

0 40 Km.

NJUDEA

SAMARIA

PEREA

DECAPOLIS

GALILEE

Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee to be baptized byJohn the Baptist in the Jordan River. After His temptationin the wilderness around Jericho, Jesus returned to Galilee.

B A P T I S M A N D T E M P T A T I O N

02687-43-John 5/3/02 11:53 AM Page 1445

Water Turned to Wine

2On the third day there was a awedding inbCana of Galilee, and the cmother ofJesus was there.2 Now both Jesus and His disciples wereinvited to the wedding.3 And when they ran out of wine, themother of Jesus said to Him, They haveno wine.4 Jesus said to her, aWoman, bwhat doesyour concern have to do with Me? cMyhour has not yet come.5 His mother said to the servants, What-ever He says to you, do it.6 Now there were set there six waterpotsof stone, aaccording to the manner ofpurification of the Jews, containing twentyor thirty gallons apiece.7 Jesus said to them, Fill the waterpotswith water. And they filled them up to thebrim.8 And He said to them, Draw some outnow, and take it to the master of the feast.And they took it.9 When the master of the feast had *tastedathe water that was made wine, and did notknow where it came from (but the servantswho had drawn the water knew), the masterof the feast called the bridegroom.10 And he said to him, Every man at thebeginning sets out the good wine, and whenthe guests have well drunk, then the inferior.You have kept the good wine until now!11 This abeginning of *signs Jesus did inCana of Galilee, band 1manifested Hisglory; and His *disciples believed in Him.

12 After this He went down to aCaper-naum, He, His mother, bHis brothers, andHis disciples; and they did not stay theremany days.

Jesus Cleanses the Temple13 aNow the Passover of the Jews was athand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.14 aAnd He found in the temple those whosold oxen and sheep and doves, and themoney changers 1doing business.15 When He had made a whip of cords, Hedrove them all out of the temple, with thesheep and the oxen, and poured out thechangers money and overturned the tables.16 And He said to those who sold doves,Take these things away! Do not make aMyFathers house a house of merchandise!17 Then His disciples remembered that itwas written, aZeal* for Your house 1haseaten Me up.18 So the Jews answered and said to Him,aWhat sign do You show to us, since Youdo these things?19 Jesus answered and said to them,aDestroy this temple, and in three days Iwill raise it up.20 Then the Jews said, It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will Youraise it up in three days?21 But He was speaking aof the temple ofHis body.22 Therefore, when He had risen from thedead, aHis disciples remembered that Hehad said this 1to them; and they believedthe Scripture and the word which Jesus hadsaid.

The Discerner of Hearts23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at thePassover, during the feast, many believed inHis name when they saw the asigns whichHe did.

J O H N 2:1 1446CHAPTER 2

1 a[Heb. 13:4]bJosh. 19:28cJohn 19:25

4 aJohn 19:26b2 Sam. 16:10cJohn 7:6, 8,30; 8:20

6 aMatt. 15:2;[Mark 7:3;Luke 11:39];John 3:25

9 aJohn 4:46*See WW at

John 8:52.11 aJohn 4:54

b[John 1:14]1revealed

*See WW atRev. 16:14. See WW atMatt. 10:1.

12 aMatt. 4:13;John 4:46bMatt. 12:46;13:55

13 aEx. 12:14;Deut. 16:16;John 5:1; 6:4;11:55

14 aMal. 3:1;Matt. 21:12;Mark 11:15,17; Luke19:45 1Lit. sit-ting

16 aLuke 2:4917 aPs. 69:9

1NU, M willeat

*See WW at 2 Cor. 11:2.

18 aMatt.12:38; John6:30

19 aMatt.26:61; 27:40;[Mark 14:58;15:29]; Luke24:46; Acts6:14; 10:40; 1 Cor. 15:4

21 a[Col. 2:9;Heb. 8:2; 1 Cor. 3:16;6:19; 2 Cor.6:16]

22 aLuke 24:8;John 2:17;12:16; 14:261NU, M omitto them

23 a[John 5:36;Acts 2:22]

2:1 Cana of Galilee was located about 8 miles northeast ofNazareth. According to 21:2, Cana was the home of Nathanael.2:4 The title woman does not convey a lack of respect or affec-tion. It was used in addressing people of rank. Some think Marywanted Jesus to take this occasion to present Himself openly asthe Messiah. However, it is not necessary to suppose she meantanything more than that Jesus assist her in arranging for thesupplying of the wine by natural means, since many believe thiswas probably a relatives wedding.2:5 See section 3 of Truth-In-Action at the end of John.2:11 As a sign, the miracle was not meant to draw attention toitself; rather, it was intended to demonstrate the power andglory of Jesus. All the miracles related by John testify to thedeity of Christ.2:1317 This event took place at the holiest site in Israel and at

the most solemn time of the year, when pilgrims thronged Jeru-salem. The synoptic Gospels record a second cleansing of thetemple near the end of Jesus ministry. Interpreted in the light ofthe messianic prophecy of Ps. 69:9 (v. 17), the incident strength-ened the conviction of the disciples that Jesus was indeed theMessiah. See note on Matt. 21:12.2:20 Herod the Great undertook a massive expansion and beau-tification of the temple in 20 B.C., so it was now about A.D. 26.2:2325 Jesus knowledge of human nature pierces the superfi-ciality of faith in Him on account of His miracles.2:23 The Passover: See text and notes on Ex. 12:111. Manybelieved in His name: Since the name represents the per-son, no qualitative difference exists between this expression andbelieves in Him (3:16).

2:11 glory, doxa (dox-ah);Strongs #1391: Comparedoxology, paradox, het-erodoxy, and orthodoxy.Originally, an opinion or esti-

mation in which one is held. Then theword came to denote the reputation, goodstanding, and esteem given to a person. Itprogressed to honor or glory given to peo-ples, nations, and individuals. The NT doxa

becomes splendor, radiance, and majestycentered in Jesus. Here doxa is the majestic,absolute perfection residing in Christ andevidenced by the miracles He performed.

02687-43-John 5/3/02 11:53 AM Page 1446

24 But Jesus did not commit Himself tothem, because He aknew all men,25 and had no need that anyone should tes-tify of man, for aHe knew what was in man.

The New Birth

3There was a man of the Phariseesnamed Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.2 aThis man came to Jesus by night andsaid to Him, Rabbi, we know that You area teacher come from God; for bno one cando these signs that You do unless cGod iswith him.3 Jesus answered and said to him, Mostassuredly, I say to you, aunless one is born1again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.4 Nicodemus said to Him, How can aman be born when he is old? Can he entera second time into his mothers womb andbe born?5 Jesus answered, Most assuredly, I sayto you, aunless one is born of water and theSpirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh isaflesh, and that which is born of the *Spiritis spirit.7 Do not marvel that I said to you, Youmust be born again.8 aThe wind blows where it wishes, andyou hear the sound of it, but cannot tellwhere it comes from and where it goes. Sois everyone who is born of the Spirit.9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him,aHow can these things be?10 Jesus answered and said to him, Areyou the teacher of Israel, and do not knowthese things?11 aMost assuredly, I say to you, We speakwhat We know and testify what We haveseen, and byou do not receive Our witness.12 If I have told you earthly things andyou do not believe, how will you believe if Itell you heavenly things?13 aNo one has ascended to heaven butHe who came down from heaven, that is,the Son of Man 1who is in heaven.14 aAnd as Moses *lifted up the serpent inthe wilderness, even so bmust the Son ofMan be lifted up,15 that whoever abelieves in Him should1not perish but bhave eternal life.16 aFor God so loved the world that Hegave His only begotten bSon, that whoever*believes in Him should not *perish buthave everlasting life.

1447 J O H N 3:16

6 aJohn 1:13; 1 Cor. 15:50

*See WW atRom. 7:6.

8 aPs. 135:7;Eccl. 11:5;Ezek. 37:9; 1 Cor. 2:11

9 aJohn 6:52, 6011 a[Matt.

11:27] bJohn3:32; 8:14

13 aDeut.30:12; Prov.30:4; Acts2:34; Rom.10:6; 1 Cor.15:47; Eph.4:9 1NU omitswho is inheaven

14 aNum. 21:9bMatt. 27:35;Mark 15:24;Luke 23:33;John 8:28;12:34; 19:18

*See WW atJames 4:10.

15 aJohn 6:47bJohn 3:361NU omits notperish but

16 aRom. 5:8;Eph. 2:4; 2 Thess. 2:16; [1 John 4:9,10; Rev. 1:5]b[Is. 9:6]

*See WW atRom. 10:9. See WW atLuke 9:56.

24 aMatt. 9:4;John 16:30;Rev. 2:23

25 a1 Sam. 16:7;1 Chr. 28:9;Matt. 9:4;[Mark 2:8];John 6:64;16:30; Acts1:24; Rev. 2:23

CHAPTER 3

2 aJohn 7:50;19:39 bJohn9:16, 33; Acts2:22 c[Acts10:38]

3 a[John 1:13;Gal. 6:15; Titus3:5; James1:18; 1 Pet.1:23; 1 John3:9] 1Or fromabove

5 aMark 16:16;[Acts 2:38]

3:1 Nicodemus (Conqueror of the People) was an influentialand respected member of the Sanhedrin. As a Pharisee, Nicode-mus was thoroughly trained in Jewish law and theology; Jesustherefore called him a teacher of Israel (3:10).3:2 Nicodemus may have come to Jesus at night because hewas fearful of losing his reputation and position. More likely hewas a particular example of those mentioned in 2:23; if so, hisnight visit would indicate a lack of certainty that Jesus was theMessiah Himself.3:3, 4 The Greek word translated again can also be renderedfrom above. Nicodemus clearly understood it in the formersense, whereas Jesus had both meanings in mind. To enter thekingdom of God, one must be born again, not by experiencinga second biological birth but by spiritual birth from above.3:3 See section 6 of Truth-In-Action at the end of John.

3:5 Water may refer to physical birth. The Hebrews used termssuch as water and drop in describing natural birth, andsuch an explanation fits the context. However, some see a refer-ence to the faith that is expressed in water baptism (not forbut because of salvation). Spirit refers to the spiritual birthbrought about by the renewing and transforming power of theHoly Spirit.3:14 The deliverance from sin described in Num. 21:49 is atype of the Crucifixion.3:16 The theme of this summary of the gospel is Gods lovemade manifest in an infinitely glorious manner. Only begottencan also be translated unique and is often used interchange-ably with beloved (see Matt. 3:17). The remainder of JohnsGospel is given to demonstrating Jesus unique relationship tothe Father.

3:15 New Birth, THE MES-SAGE OF THE KINGDOM.Upon repentance, a new orderof life opens to the believer inJesus Christ. Jesus used the

figure of new birth to dramatically indi-cate three things: 1) Without New Birth,there is no life and no relationship withGod (14:6). 2) In New Birth, new perspec-tive comes as we see the kingdom ofGod (3:3), Gods Word becomes clear,and the Holy Spirits works and wondersare believed and experiencedfaith isalive. 3) Through New Birth we are intro-ducedliterally we enter (v. 5)to anew realm, where Gods new kingdomorder can be realized (2 Cor. 5:17). NewBirth is more than simply being saved. Itis a requalifying experience, opening up thepossibilities of our whole being to thesupernatural dimension of life and fittingus for a beginning in Gods kingdom order.

(Matt. 3:1, 2; 4:17/Matt. 13:152) J.W.H.

3:16 loved, agapao (ag-ah-pah-oh); Strongs #25: Uncondi-tional love, love by choice andby an act of the will. The worddenotes unconquerable benev-

olence and undefeatable goodwill. Agapaowill never seek anything but the highestgood for fellow mankind. Agapao (the verb)and agape (the noun) are the words forGods unconditional love. It does not needa chemistry, an affinity, or a feeling. Agapaois a word that exclusively belongs to theChristian community. It is a love virtuallyunknown to writers outside the NT.

02687-43-John 5/3/02 11:53 AM Page 1447

17 aFor God did not send His Son into theworld to *condemn the world, but that theworld through Him might be *saved.18 aHe who believes in Him is not con-demned; but he who does not believe is con-demned already, because he has not believedin the name of the only begotten Son of God.19 And this is the condemnation, athat thelight has come into the world, and menloved *darkness rather than light, becausetheir deeds were evil.20 For aeveryone practicing evil hates thelight and does not come to the light, lest hisdeeds should be exposed.21 But he Who does the truth comes tothe light, that his deeds may be clearly seen,that they have been adone in God.

John the Baptist Exalts Christ22 After these things Jesus and His disci-ples came into the land of Judea, and thereHe remained with them aand baptized.23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenonnear aSalim, because there was much waterthere. bAnd they came and were baptized.24 For aJohn had not yet been thrown intoprison.25 Then there arose a dispute between someof Johns disciples and the Jews aboutpurification.26 And they came to John and said to him,Rabbi, He who was with you beyond theJordan, ato whom you have testifiedbehold, He is baptizing, and all bare comingto Him!27 John answered and said, aA man canreceive nothing unless it has been given tohim from heaven.28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I

said, aI am not the Christ, but, bI havebeen sent before Him.29 aHe who has the bride is the bride-groom; but bthe friend of the bridegroom,who stands and hears him, rejoices greatlybecause of the bridegrooms voice. There-fore this joy of mine is fulfilled.30 aHe must increase, but I must decrease.31 aHe who comes from above bis aboveall; che who is of the earth is earthly andspeaks of the earth. dHe who comes fromheaven is above all.32 And awhat He has seen and heard, thatHe testifies; and no one receives His testi-mony.33 He who has received His testimonyahas certified that God is *true.34 aFor He whom God has sent speaks thewords of God, for God does not give theSpirit bby measure.35 aThe Father loves the Son, and hasgiven all things into His hand.36 aHe who believes in the Son has ever-lasting life; and he who does not believe theSon shall not see life, but the bwrath of Godabides on him.

A Samaritan Woman Meets Her Messiah

4Therefore, when the Lord knew that thePharisees had heard that Jesus madeand abaptized more disciples than John2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize,but His disciples),3 He left Judea and departed again toGalilee.4 But He needed to go through Samaria.5 So He came to a city of Samaria whichis called Sychar, near the plot of groundthat aJacob bgave to his son Joseph.6 Now Jacobs well was there. Jesus there-fore, being wearied from His journey, satthus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.7 A woman of Samaria came to drawwater. Jesus said to her, Give Me a drink.8 For His disciples had gone away into thecity to buy food.9 Then the woman of Samaria said toHim, How is it that You, being a Jew, aska drink from me, a Samaritan woman? ForaJews have no dealings with bSamaritans.

J O H N 3:17 144817 aLuke 9:56*See WW at

John 18:31. See WW atLuke 7:50.

18 aJohn 5:24;6:40, 47;20:31

19 a[John 1:4,911]

*See WW atLuke 11:35.

20 aEph. 5:11,13

21 a1 Cor.15:10

22 aJohn 4:1, 223 a1 Sam. 9:4

bMatt. 3:5, 624 aMatt. 4:12;

14:326 aJohn 1:7,

15, 27, 34bMark 2:2;3:10; 5:24

27 a1 Cor. 3:5,6; 4:7

28 aJohn1:1927 bMal.3:1

29 a[2 Cor.11:2] bSong5:1

30 a[Is. 9:7]31 aJohn 3:13;

8:23 bMatt.28:18 c1 Cor.15:47 dJohn6:33

32 aJohn 3:11;15:15

33 a1 John 5:10*See WW at

Rom. 3:4.34 aJohn 7:16

bJohn 1:1635 a[Heb. 2:8]36 aJohn 3:16,

17; 6:47bRom. 1:18

CHAPTER 4

1 aJohn 3:22,26

5 aGen. 33:19bGen. 48:22

9 aActs 10:28 b2 Kin. 17:24

3:22 Jesus baptized in water by means of His disciples (see 4:2).3:29 The friend of the bridegroom was John the Baptist him-self. His great joy was being privileged, as forerunner, to preparethe people for the heavenly Bridegroom.3:31 John contrasts his own role with that of Jesus, assertingthe supremacy of Jesus.3:3236 The testimony of Jesus is true and should beaccepted as such. He Himself is of divine origin; He taught fromHis own divine experience. He received the Spirit in fullness,with nothing held back, and He alone has universal authority.However, since this enduement of the Holy Spirit is given to Hewhom God has sent, 20:21 would suggest a similar unlimitedresource of Holy Spirit fullness is available to obedient disciplesof His (Jesus).

4:4 The need to go through Samaria was not merely a geo-graphical consideration, but a divine compulsion.4:5 The exact location of Sychar is uncertain, but it likely was inthe vicinity of Shechem. See Gen. 33:18, 19; Josh. 24:32.4:6 By Jewish reckoning, the sixth hour was 12:00 noon; byRoman reckoning, it was 6:00 A.M. or 6:00 P.M.4:9 John inserts an explanatory note about the hostility betweenthe Jews and the Samaritans, who were a mixed race, the resultof Assyrians intermarrying with Jews who had stayed behind inthe northern territory following Israels demise (see 2 Kin.17:2441). Jews have no dealings with Samaritans does notmean Jews did not interact or share commerce (see v. 8) withSamaritans. Rather, Jews did not share eating or drinking vesselswith them.

3:21 been done, ergazomai (er-gad-zom-ahee); Strongs #2038:Compare energy. To work,be busy, accomplish some-thing, carry on a trade, pro-

duce things, be engaged in, toil, perform, todo business. Ergazomai is the opposite ofidleness, laziness, or inactivity.

02687-43-John 5/3/02 11:53 AM Page 1448

10 Jesus answered and said to her, If youknew the agift of God, and who it is whosays to you, Give Me a drink, you wouldhave asked Him, and He would have givenyou bliving water.11 The woman said to Him, Sir, You havenothing to draw with, and the well is deep.Where then do You get that living water?12 Are You greater than our father Jacob,who gave us the well, and drank from it him-self, as well as his sons and his livestock?13 Jesus answered and said to her, Who-ever drinks of this water will thirst again,14 but awhoever drinks of the water that Ishall give him will *never thirst. But thewater that I shall give him bwill become inhim a fountain of water springing up into*everlasting life.15 aThe woman said to Him, Sir, give methis water, that I may not thirst, nor comehere to draw.16 Jesus said to her, Go, call your hus-band, and come here.17 The woman answered and said, I haveno husband. Jesus said to her, You havewell said, I have no husband,

18 for you have had five husbands, and theone whom you now have is not your hus-band; in that you spoke truly.19 The woman said to Him, Sir, aI per-ceive that You are a prophet.20 Our fathers worshiped on athis moun-tain, and you Jews say that in bJerusalem isthe place where one ought to worship.21 Jesus said to her, Woman, believe Me,the hour is coming awhen you will neitheron this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, wor-ship the Father.22 You worship awhat you do not know;we know what we worship, for bsalvation*is of the Jews.23 But the hour is coming, and now is,when the true worshipers will aworship*the Father in bspirit cand truth; for theFather is seeking such to worship Him.24 aGod is Spirit, and those who worshipHim must worship in spirit and truth.

1449 J O H N 4:24

19 aMatt.21:11; Luke7:16, 39;24:19; John6:14; 7:40;9:17

20 aGen.12:68;33:18, 20;Judg. 9:7bDeut. 12:5,11; 1 Kin. 9:3;2 Chr. 7:12;Ps. 122:19

21 a[Mal. 1:11];1 Tim. 2:8

22 a[2 Kin.17:2841] b[Is.2:3; Luke24:47; Rom.3:1; 9:4, 5]

*See WW atLuke 19:9.

23 aMatt.18:20; [Heb.13:1014]bPhil. 3:3c[John 1:17]

*See WW atRev. 4:10.

24 a2 Cor. 3:17

10 a[Rom. 5:15]bIs. 12:3; 44:3;Jer. 2:13;Zech. 13:1;14:8; John7:38

14 a[John 6:35,58] bJohn7:37, 38

*See WW atMatt. 28:20. See WW atRev. 14:6.

15 aJohn 6:34,35; 17:2, 3;[Rom. 6:23; 1 John 5:20]

4:13, 14 In him a fountain indicates living water (v. 10) as agreat illustration of regeneration into everlasting life. Com-pare with 7:3739.4:20 This mountain refers to Mt. Gerizim, on which the Samar-itans built a temple as a rival place of worship, since they werenot welcome in the Jerusalem temple (see v. 21).

4:2124 See section 2 of Truth-In-Action at the end of John.4:2124 What matters is not where one worships but the atti-tude of heart and mind. True worship is not mere form and cer-emony but spiritual reality, which is in harmony with the natureof God, who is Spirit. Worship must also be in truth, that is,transparent, sincere, and according to biblical mandates.

4:49 Sensitivity, RECON-CILIATION. Jesus sense ofconstraint (needed) andchoice to travel throughSamaria (an area shunned by

the Jews) demonstrates great intentionalityin reaching out with reconciling love. Hereaches out with a divine love and a humansensitivity to a woman who was of a differ-ent race and whose morals were question-able. This is consistent with Jesus frequentreachings: Breaking the mold of the tra-ditionally religious, He became a friendof tax collectors and the generally sinfulwho were not only loathed by the suppos-edly righteous, but were thought to beunworthy of attention (Luke 5:2731).Jesus gave time and energy to relationships,which sometimes meant experiencing painand loss (John 11:35, 38). In 4:49, He pro-vides yet another life quality for us to emu-late: He calls us to enter intentionally andsensitively into the experiences of otherbrothers and sisters in Christ, even if theyare different from usculturally, ethnically,or denominationally.

(Ruth 1:16, 17/Matt. 20:2528) R.W./B.Mc.

4:24 truth, aletheia (al-ay-thi-ah); Strongs #225: Derivedfrom negative, a, and lanthano,to be hidden, to escapenotice. (Compare latent,

lethargy, lethal.) Aletheia is the oppositeof fictitious, feigned, or false. It denotesveracity, reality, sincerity, accuracy, integrity,truthfulness, dependability, and propriety.

4:23, 24 Honest Worship,PRAISE AND WORSHIP. Itis the believers responsibilityto discover how the Lordwants to be worshiped and to

explore and cultivate a relationship withHim out of which sincere, Holy Spirit-enabled worship will flow. Jesus instructsit; worship in spiritthat is, alivethrough new birth (John 1:12, 13; 3:6, 7)and aglow with Holy Spirit enablement (1 Cor. 14:15). This is not mechanical, rote,or merely human activity but dynamicallycapacitated spiritual action. In truthemphasizes biblical integrity joined to per-sonal honesty, manifest in a heart of sin-cerity, a humble manner of transparency,and a relational integrity. Meaning andbeing what we say, as well as being spiritu-ally energized in our worship, opens theway to that worship the Father seeks.

(Is. 61:3/Phil. 3:3) L.B.

02687-43-John 5/3/02 11:53 AM Page 1449

25 The woman said to Him, I know thatMessiah ais coming (who is called Christ).When He comes, bHe will tell us allthings.26 Jesus said to her, aI who speak to youam He.

The Whitened Harvest27 And at this point His disciples came, andthey marveled that He talked with awoman; yet no one said, What do Youseek? or, Why are You talking with her?28 The woman then *left her waterpot,went her way into the city, and said to themen,29 Come, see a Man awho told me allthings that I ever did. Could this be theChrist?

30 Then they went out of the city and cameto Him.31 In the meantime His disciples urgedHim, saying, Rabbi, eat.

32 But He said to them, I have food to eatof which you do not know.33 Therefore the disciples said to oneanother, Has anyone brought Him any-thing to eat?34 Jesus said to them, aMy food is to dothe will of Him who sent Me, and to bfin-ish* His work.35 Do you not say, There are still fourmonths and then comes athe harvest?Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes andlook at the fields, bfor they are already whitefor harvest!36 aAnd he who reaps receives *wages,and gathers fruit for eternal life, that bbothhe who sows and he who reaps may rejoicetogether.37 For in this the saying is true: aOnesows and *another reaps.38 I sent you to reap that for which youhave not labored; aothers have labored, andyou have entered into their labors.

The Savior of the World39 And many of the Samaritans of that citybelieved in Him abecause of the word of thewoman who testified, He told me all that Iever did.40 So when the Samaritans had come toHim, they urged Him to stay with them;and He stayed there two days.41 And many more believed because of Hisown aword.42 Then they said to the woman, Now webelieve, not because of what you said, forawe ourselves have heard Him and we knowthat this is indeed 1the Christ, the Savior ofthe world.

Welcome at Galilee43 Now after the two days He departedfrom there and went to Galilee.44 For aJesus Himself testified that aprophet has no honor in his own country.45 So when He came to Galilee, theGalileans received Him, ahaving seen allthe things He did in Jerusalem at the feast;bfor they also had gone to the feast.

J O H N 4:25 145025 aDeut. 18:15

bJohn 4:29, 3926 aDan. 9:25;

Matt. 26:63,64; Mark14:61, 62

28 *See WW atMark 1:20.

29 aJohn 4:25

34 aPs. 40:7, 8;Heb. 10:9bJob 23:12;[John 6:38;17:4; 19:30]

*See WW at 1 John 2:5.

35 aGen. 8:22bMatt. 9:37;Luke 10:2

36 aDan. 12:3;Rom. 6:22 b1 Thess. 2:19

*See WW atRev. 22:12.

37 a1 Cor. 3:59*See WW at

John 14:16.38 aJer. 44:4;

[1 Pet. 1:12]39 aJohn 4:2941 aLuke 4:32;

[John 6:63]42 aJohn 17:8;

1 John 4:141NU omits theChrist

44 aMatt.13:57; Mark6:4; Luke 4:24

45 aJohn 2:13,23; 3:2 bDeut.16:16

4:27 The Jews considered it improper for a rabbi to speak to awoman in public.4:35 The statement concerning four months was probably a

proverb signifying that there is no need to rush in performing atask.

4:28, 29 An Empowered Wit-ness (Woman of Samaria),BIBLICAL WOMEN. Con-sidering 1) the ongoing con-tempt of Jews for Samaritans

(v. 9); 2) the reputation of the woman (v.18); and 3) the cultural restrictions of maleand female interaction (v. 27), this scenariobecomes a classic lesson in Gods redemp-tive action. Jesus initiative forgives,restores, and empowers a woman, who per-suades men to heed a Jewish Messiah! OurSaviors grace, seen in this woman ofSamaria, illustrates how past overt orcovert prejudices, beliefs, practices, andexposures need not confine or destroy thepotential of a person. A transformedwoman became a great evangelistic influ-ence as many Samaritans respond to Jesusas Messiah (vv. 2930, 3941). An addedlesson of significance is to see the Saviorreaching out to those deemed different orindifferent, teaching the value of ouraffirming the worth of all people. Anunnamed Samaritan woman received life-changing revelation that had eluded manyrabbinical scholars (1 Cor. 1:2629)spiri-tual insight that propelled to anotherdimension, perceiving Jesus as a prophet(John 4:19), and then as the Christ (v.29). She is a model of how true revelationmay translate into a powerful witness.

(Luke 1:2656/Acts 9:36) B.A.

4:42 Savior, soter (so-tare);Strongs #4990: Comparesoteriology, the doctrine ofsalvation. From the same rootas sodzo, to save, and soteria,

salvation. The word designates a deliv-erer, preserver, savior, benefactor, rescuer.It is used to describe both God the Fatherand Jesus the Son.

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A Noblemans Son Healed46 So Jesus came again to Cana of Galileeawhere He had made the water wine. Andthere was a certain 1nobleman whose sonwas sick at Capernaum.47 When he heard that Jesus had come outof Judea into Galilee, he went to Him andimplored Him to come down and heal hisson, for he was at the point of death.48 Then Jesus said to him, aUnless youpeople see signs and *wonders, you will byno means believe.49 The nobleman said to Him, Sir, comedown before my child dies!50 Jesus said to him, Go your way; yourson lives. So the man believed the wordthat Jesus spoke to him, and he went hisway.51 And as he was now going down, his ser-vants met him and told him, saying, Yourson lives!52 Then he inquired of them the hourwhen he got better. And they said to him,Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever lefthim.53 So the father knew that it was at thesame hour in which Jesus said to him,Your son lives. And he himself believed,and his whole household.54 This again is the second sign Jesus didwhen He had come out of Judea intoGalilee.

A Man Healed at the Pool of Bethesda

5After athis there was a feast of the Jews,and Jesus bwent up to Jerusalem.2 Now there is in Jerusalem aby the SheepGate a pool, which is called in Hebrew,1Bethesda, having five porches.3 In these lay a great multitude of sickpeople, blind, lame, 1paralyzed, 2waitingfor the moving of the water.4 For an angel went down at a certaintime into the pool and *stirred up the water;then whoever stepped in first, after the stir-ring of the water, was made well of what-ever disease he had.5 Now a certain man was there who hadan infirmity thirty-eight years.

6 When Jesus saw him lying there, andknew that he already had been in that condi-tion a long time, He said to him, Do youwant to be made well?7 The sick man answered Him, Sir, Ihave no man to put me into the pool whenthe water is stirred up; but while I am com-ing, another steps down before me.8 Jesus said to him, aRise, take up yourbed and walk.9 And immediately the man was madewell, took up his bed, and walked. Andathat day was the Sabbath.10 The Jews therefore said to him who was*cured, It is the Sabbath; ait is not lawfulfor you to carry your bed.11 He answered them, He who made mewell said to me, Take up your bed andwalk. 12 Then they asked him, Who is the Manwho said to you, Take up your bed andwalk?13 But the one who was ahealed did notknow who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn,a multitude being in that place.

14 Afterward Jesus found him in the tem-ple, and said to him, See, you have beenmade well. aSin no more, lest a worse thingcome upon you.15 The man departed and told the Jewsthat it was Jesus who had made him well.

1451 J O H N 5:15

8 aMatt. 9:6;Mark 2:11;Luke 5:24

9 aJohn 9:1410 aEx. 20:10;

Neh. 13:19;Jer. 17:21, 22;Matt. 12:2;Mark 2:24;Luke 6:2

*See WW atMatt. 12:22.

13 aLuke 13:14;22:51

14 aMatt.12:45; [Mark2:5]; John8:11

46 aJohn 2:1,11 1royal offi-cial

48 aJohn 6:30;Rom. 15:19; 1 Cor. 1:22; 2 Cor. 12:12;[2 Thess. 2:9];Heb. 2:4

*See WW atActs 15:12.

CHAPTER 5

1 aLev. 23:2;Deut. 16:16bJohn 2:13

2 aNeh. 3:1, 32;12:39 1NUBethzatha

3 1withered 2NUomits the restof v. 3 and allof v. 4.

4 *See WW atLuke 24:38.

4:4654 The healing of the noblemans son not only demon-strates Jesus power to heal, but it underscores the principle thatHe did not regard signs and wonders as ends in themselves.Rather, they were at the very least intended to bring the recipi-ents of the miracle to faith in Christ.5:1 John did not identify this particular feast, and it is im-possible to determine which one it was. If it was the Passover,it introduces an important chronological device helping providea clearer calendaring of Jesus three and one-half years ofministry.5:2 Sheep Gate: Literally, the gate pertaining to sheep.Based on a later Christian tradition, the KJV incorrectly renderedit sheep market. Bethesda: The Hebrew beth eshda literallymeans Place of Outpouring, or House of Grace. Today the

pool is identified with practical certainty as the double pool atthe Church of St. Anne.5:315 Except for the duration of the mans illness, Johnsemphasis is not as much on the medical details of the case, ason the supernatural cure, its consequences, and its testimony toChrists life-giving power.5:4 The last phrase of v. 3 and all of v. 4 are omitted in someancient Greek manuscripts of John (see marginal note). Thestatements may reflect a popular tradition associated with thepool that the bubbling of the waters (v. 7), which some scholarsfeel was caused by an intermittent spring, was supernaturallycaused by an angel. Irrespective of the source of the watersbeing stirred, the testimony of Gods healing grace wasnonetheless present.

5:13 withdrawn, ekneuo (ek-nyoo-oh); Strongs #1593: Lit-erally to bend the headaside. To shun, avoid, turnaside, withdraw, retire. Used

only here in the NT, ekneuo describes Jesusleaving the premises after healing the lameman. Although some believe that Jesusslipped away to escape danger, othersbelieve that He was avoiding audienceapplause or the crisis precipitated with thereligious order by healing a man on theSabbath.

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Honor the Father and the Son16 For this reason the Jews apersecutedJesus, 1and sought to kill Him, because Hehad done these things on the Sabbath.17 But Jesus answered them, aMy Fatherhas been *working until now, and I havebeen working.18 Therefore the Jews asought all the moreto kill Him, because He not only broke theSabbath, but also said that God was HisFather, bmaking Himself equal with God.19 Then Jesus answered and said to them,Most assuredly, I say to you, athe Son cando nothing of Himself, but what He seesthe Father do; for whatever He does, theSon also does in like manner.20 For athe Father *loves the Son, andbshows Him all things that He Himselfdoes; and He will show Him greater *worksthan these, that you may marvel.21 For as the Father raises the dead andgives life to them, aeven so the Son gives lifeto whom He will.22 For the Father judges no one, but ahascommitted all *judgment to the Son,23 that all should honor the Son just asthey honor the Father. aHe who does nothonor the Son does not honor the Fatherwho sent Him.

Life and Judgment Are Through the Son24 Most assuredly, I say to you, ahe whohears My word and believes in Him whosent Me has everlasting life, and shall notcome into judgment, bbut has passed fromdeath into life.25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the houris coming, and now is, when athe dead willhear the voice of the Son of God; and thosewho hear will live.26 For aas the Father has life in Himself,so He has granted the Son to have blife inHimself,27 and ahas given Him authority to exe-cute judgment also, bbecause He is the Sonof Man.28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour iscoming in which all who are in the graveswill ahear His voice29 aand come forthbthose who havedone good, to the resurrection of life, andthose who have done evil, to the resurrec-tion of condemnation.30 aI can of Myself do nothing. As I hear,

I judge; and My judgment is *righteous,because bI do not seek My own will but thewill of the Father who sent Me.

The Fourfold Witness31 aIf I bear witness of Myself, My wit-ness is not 1true.32 aThere is another who bears witness ofMe, and I know that the witness which Hewitnesses of Me is true.33 You have sent to John, aand he hasborne witness to the truth.34 Yet I do not receive testimony fromman, but I say these things that you may besaved.35 He was the burning and ashining lamp,and byou were *willing for a time to rejoicein his light.36 But aI have a greater witness thanJohns; for bthe works which the Father hasgiven Me to finishthe very cworks that Idobear witness of Me, that the Father hassent Me.37 And the Father Himself, who sent Me,ahas testified of Me. You have neitherheard His voice at any time, bnor seen Hisform.38 But you do not have His word abidingin you, because whom He sent, Him you donot believe.39 aYou search the Scriptures, for in themyou think you have eternal life; and btheseare they which testify of Me.

40 aBut you are not willing to come to Methat you may have life.41 aI do not receive honor from men.42 But I know you, that you do not havethe love of God in you.43 I have come in My Fathers name, and

J O H N 5:16 145216 aJohn 8:37;

10:39 1NUomits andsought to killHim

17 a[John 9:4;17:4]

*See WW atJohn 3:21.

18 aJohn 7:1,19 bJohn10:30

19 aJohn 5:30;6:38; 8:28;12:49; 14:10

20 aMatt. 3:17b[Matt. 11:27]

*See WW atJohn 21:15. See WW atJohn 9:4.

21 a[John 11:25]22 a[Acts 17:31]*See WW at

Matt. 5:22.23 a1 John 2:2324 aJohn 3:16,

18; 6:47 b[1 John 3:14]

25 a[Col. 2:13]26 aPs. 36:9

b1 Cor. 15:4527 a[Acts 10:42;

17:31] bDan.7:13

28 a[1 Thess.4:1517]

29 aIs. 26:19bDan. 12:2

30 aJohn 5:19bMatt. 26:39

*See WW atMatt. 1:19.

31 aJohn 8:141valid as testi-mony

32 a[Matt. 3:17]33 a[John 1:15,

19, 27, 32]35 a2 Pet. 1:19

bMark 6:20*See WW at

Matt. 8:2.36 a1 John 5:9

bJohn 3:2;10:25; 17:4cJohn 9:16;10:38

37 aMatt. 3:17b1 John 4:12

39 aIs. 8:20;34:16 bLuke24:27

40 a[John 1:11;3:19]

41 a1 Thess. 2:6

5:1623 See section 3 of Truth-In-Action at the end of John.5:1618 If Jesus healing on the Sabbath evoked the wrath ofthe Jewish religious leaders, His claim to equality with Godearned Him their charge of blasphemy and its necessary deathsentence. From this point on, Jesus was on a collision coursewith the authorities.5:1923 Jesus did not act independently of the Father. On the con-trary, He understood that, because He and the Father were one,He did only what His Father showed Him. Jesus authority, then,

was not usurped, but derived from the Fathers authority. Con-versely, one cannot honor the Father apart from honoring the Son.5:2447 Jesus addresses the entire discourse of His relationshipto the Father to those who accused Him of blasphemy. In thediscourse Jesus love even for His enemies is made clear, a lovewhich He balances with His role as eschatological Judge (seeRev. 20:1115). While His desire is for them to be saved (v. 34),their problem is not that they cannot believe but that they areunwilling to accept His offer of life (v. 40).

5:39 Scriptures, graphe (graf-ay); Strongs #1124: Comparegraph, graphic, biogra-phy, autograph. A docu-ment, anything written, holy

writ, the Scriptures. Graphe points to thedivine author with the idea that what iswritten remains forever identified as the liv-ing voice of God. While some scholarsrestrict graphe to the OT writings, 2 Pet.3:16 includes the NT writings.

02687-43-John 5/3/02 11:53 AM Page 1452

you do not receive Me; if another comes inhis own name, him you will receive.44 aHow can you believe, who receivehonor from one another, and do not seekbthe honor that comes from the only God?45 Do not think that I shall accuse you tothe Father; athere is one who accuses youMoses, in whom you trust.46 For if you believed Moses, you wouldbelieve Me; afor he wrote about Me.47 But if you ado not believe his writings,how will you believe My words?

Feeding the Five Thousand

6After athese things Jesus went over theSea of Galilee, which is the Sea ofbTiberias.2 Then a great multitude followed Him,because they saw His signs which He per-formed on those who were adiseased.13 And Jesus went up on the mountain,and there He sat with His disciples.4 aNow the Passover, a feast of the Jews,was near.5 aThen Jesus lifted up His eyes, and see-ing a great multitude coming toward Him,He said to bPhilip, Where shall we buybread, that these may eat?6 But this He said to *test him, for HeHimself knew what He would do.7 Philip answered Him, aTwo hundreddenarii worth of bread is not sufficient forthem, that every one of them may have alittle.8 One of His disciples, aAndrew, SimonPeters brother, said to Him,9 There is a lad here who has five barleyloaves and two small fish, abut what arethey among so many?10 Then Jesus said, Make the people sitdown. Now there was much grass in theplace. So the men sat down, in numberabout five thousand.11 And Jesus took the loaves, and when Hehad given thanks He distributed them 1tothe disciples, and the disciples to those sit-ting down; and likewise of the fish, as muchas they wanted.

12 So when they were filled, He said to Hisdisciples, Gather up the fragments that*remain, so that nothing is lost.13 Therefore they gathered them up, andfilled twelve baskets with the fragments ofthe five barley loaves which were left overby those who had eaten.14 Then those men, when they had seenthe sign that Jesus did, said, This is trulyathe Prophet who is to come into theworld.

Jesus Walks on the Sea15 Therefore when Jesus perceived thatthey were about to come and take Him*by force to make Him aking, He departedagain to the mountain by Himself alone.16 aNow when evening came, His discipleswent down to the sea,17 got into the boat, and went over the seatoward Capernaum. And it was already*dark, and Jesus had not come to them.18 Then the sea arose because a great windwas blowing.19 So when they had rowed about 1three orfour miles, they saw Jesus walking on thesea and drawing near the boat; and theywere aafraid.20 But He said to them, aIt is I; do not beafraid.21 Then they willingly received Him intothe boat, and immediately the boat was atthe land where they were going.

1453 J O H N 6:21

12 *See WW atMatt. 25:29.

14 aGen. 49:10;Deut. 18:15,18; John 1:21;7:40; Acts3:22; 7:37

15 a[John 18:36]*See WW at

1 Thess. 4:17.16 aMatt.

14:23; Mark6:47

17 *See WW atJohn 12:46.

19 aMatt. 17:61Lit. 25 or 30stadia

20 aIs. 43:1, 2

44 aJohn 12:43b[Rom. 2:29]

45 aRom. 2:1246 a[Gen. 3:15];

Deut. 18:15,18; John 1:45;Acts 26:22

47 aLuke 16:29,31

CHAPTER 6

1 aMatt. 14:13;Mark 6:32;Luke 9:10, 12bJohn 6:23;21:1

2 aMatt. 4:23;8:16; 9:35;14:36; 15:30;19:2 1sick

4 aLev. 23:5, 7;Deut. 16:1;John 2:13

5 aMatt. 14:14;Mark 6:35;Luke 9:12bJohn 1:43

6 *See WW atRev. 2:10.

7 aNum. 11:21,22

8 aJohn 1:409 a2 Kin. 4:4311 1NU omits to

the disciples,and the disci-ples

6:1 John identifies the Sea of Galilee with the name by whichit was called when he wrote the Gospel. Tiberias, a city locatedon the lakes western shore, was founded about A.D. 20, so thelake probably was not known by its name during the ministry ofJesus.6:4 Johns second reference to the Feast of Passover, likely a yearafter the one mentioned in 2:13, does not require Jesus to go toJerusalem. Rather, in this case it serves as backdrop for the dis-course on Jesus as the Bread of Life (6:4158). See note on Ex.12:111.6:513 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of John.6:914 Apart from the Resurrection, the feeding of the 5,000 isthe only miracle recorded in all four Gospels.

6:12, 13 See note on Matt. 14:20.6:14, 15 The peoples response of This is truly the Prophetreflects the popular belief that a prophet like Moses, who fedthe Israelites with manna, would come into the world toestablish an earthly paradise. This sparked their messianic fervor,and they wanted to install Jesus as their political bread-Messiah, making Him king by force. Jesus would have none ofit (see Matt. 4:14).6:1621 In contrast to their concept of Jesus as an earthly rulerwith limited power, in walking on the water Jesus reveals Him-self as having supreme authority in all the universe.

6:11 given thanks, eucharisteo(yoo-khar-is-teh-oh); Strongs#2168: From eu, well, andcharizomai, to give freely.To be grateful, to express

gratitude, to be thankful. Eleven of thethirty-nine appearances of the word in theNT refer to partaking of the Lords Sup-per, while twenty-eight occurrencesdescribe the praise words given to theGodhead. During the second century,Eucharist became the generic term for theLords Supper.

02687-43-John 5/3/02 11:53 AM Page 1453

The Bread from Heaven22 On the following day, when the peoplewho were standing on the other side of thesea saw that there was no *other boat there,except 1that one 2which His disciples hadentered, and that Jesus had not entered theboat with His disciples, but His discipleshad gone away alone23 however, other boats came from Tibe-rias, near the place where they ate breadafter the Lord had *given thanks24 when the people therefore saw that Jesuswas not there, nor His disciples, they alsogot into boats and came to Capernaum,aseeking Jesus.25 And when they found Him on the otherside of the sea, they said to Him, Rabbi,when did You come here?26 Jesus answered them and said, Mostassuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, notbecause you saw the signs, but because youate of the loaves and were *filled.27 aDo not labor for the food which per-ishes, but bfor the food which endures toeverlasting life, which the Son of Man willgive you, cbecause God the Father has setHis seal on Him.28 Then they said to Him, What shall wedo, that we may work the works of God?29 Jesus answered and said to them, aThisis the work of God, that you believe in Himwhom He sent.30 Therefore they said to Him, aWhatsign will You perform then, that we maysee it and believe You? What work willYou do?31 aOur fathers ate the manna in thedesert; as it is written, bHe gave them breadfrom heaven to eat. 32 Then Jesus said to them, Mostassuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give

you the bread from heaven, but aMy Fathergives you the true bread from heaven.33 For the bread of God is He who comesdown from heaven and gives life to the world.34 aThen they said to Him, Lord, give usthis bread always.35 And Jesus said to them, aI am thebread of life. bHe who comes to Me shallnever hunger, and he who believes in Meshall never cthirst.36 aBut I said to you that you have seenMe and yet bdo not believe.37 aAll that the Father gives Me will cometo Me, and bthe one who comes to Me I will1by no means cast out.38 For I have come down from heaven,anot to do My own will, bbut the will ofHim who sent Me.39 This is the will of the Father who sentMe, athat of all He has given Me I shouldlose nothing, but should raise it up at thelast day.40 And this is the will of Him who sentMe, athat everyone who sees the Son andbelieves in Him may have everlasting life;and I will raise him up at the last day.

Rejected by His Own41 The Jews then 1complained about Him,because He said, I am the bread whichcame down from heaven.42 And they said, aIs not this Jesus, theson of Joseph, whose father and mother weknow? How is it then that He says, I havecome down from heaven?43 Jesus therefore answered and said tothem, 1Do not murmur among yourselves.44 aNo one can come to Me unless theFather who sent Me bdraws him; and I willraise him up at the last day.45 It is written in the prophets, aAnd theyshall all be taught by God. bThereforeeveryone who 1has heard and learned fromthe Father comes to Me.46 aNot that anyone has seen the Father,bexcept He who is from God; He has seenthe Father.47 Most assuredly, I say to you, ahe whobelieves 1in Me has everlasting life.48 aI am the bread of life.49 aYour fathers ate the manna in thewilderness, and are dead.

J O H N 6:22 145422 1NU omits

that 2NUomits whichHis discipleshad entered

*See WW atJohn 14:16.

23 *See WW atJohn 6:11.

24 aLuke 4:4226 *See WW at

Matt. 15:33.27 aMatt. 6:19

bJohn 4:14cActs 2:22

29 a[1 John3:23]

30 aMatt.12:38; 16:1

31 aEx. 16:15bEx. 16:4, 15;Neh. 9:15; Ps.78:24

32 aJohn 3:13,16

34 aJohn 4:1535 aJohn 6:48,

58 bJohn 4:14;7:37 cIs. 55:1,2

36 aJohn 6:26,64; 15:24bJohn 10:26

37 aJohn 6:45b2 Tim. 2:191certainly not

38 aMatt. 26:39bJohn 4:34

39 aJohn 10:28;17:12; 18:9

40 aJohn 3:15,16; 4:14;6:27, 47, 54

41 1grumbled42 aMatt. 13:5543 1Stop grum-

bling44 aSong 1:4

b[Phil. 1:29;2:12, 13]

45 aIs. 54:13bJohn 6:37 1Mhears and haslearned

46 aJohn 1:18bMatt. 11:27

47 a[John 3:16,18] 1NU omitsin Me

48 aJohn 6:33,35

49 aJohn 6:31,58

6:2271 This lengthy section provides us with the most in-depthNT explanation of the significance of Communion and how it isvastly more than a mere ordinance commemorating Jesusdeath.6:2830 The people placed primary emphasis on their works forGod and on Gods works for them (signs), whereas with Jesus,singular focus is on believing (that is, trusting) in the One whomGod sent.6:35 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of John.6:4851 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of John.6:48 This is the first of the seven I am sayings of Jesus, unique

to Johns Gospel. There is an unmistakable parallel to Gods cov-enant name (Yahweh) by which He revealed Himself to Moses inEx. 3:14, I AM WHO I AM. Jesus makes the pronouncementI am the bread of life three times (vv. 35, 48, 51). He is thereal heavenly bread, the true life-sustaining power; anythingelse, regardless of its religious significance in past or present, isan inadequate substitute.6:4959 Jesus carried the argument a step beyond the essentialrecognition that He is the Bread of Life. To believe in Him meansto partake of Him.

6:21 immediately, eutheos(yoo-theh-oce); Strongs #2112:From the adjective euthus,straight. Speedily, straight-way, immediately, directly,

presently, suddenly, quickly. The worddescribes what is happening right now incontrast to what happened before this time.

02687-43-John 5/3/02 11:53 AM Page 1454

50 aThis is the bread which comes downfrom heaven, that one may eat of it and notdie.51 I am the living bread awhich camedown from heaven. If anyone eats of thisbread, he will live forever; and bthe breadthat I shall give is My flesh, which I shallgive for the life of the world.52 The Jews therefore aquarreled amongthemselves, saying, How can this Mangive us His flesh to eat?53 Then Jesus said to them, Mostassuredly, I say to you, unless ayou eat theflesh of the Son of Man and drink Hisblood, you have no life in you.54 aWhoever eats My flesh and drinks Myblood has eternal life, and I will raise himup at the last day.

55 For My flesh is 1food indeed, and Myblood is 2drink indeed.56 He who eats My flesh and drinks Myblood aabides in Me, and I in him.57 As the living Father sent Me, and I livebecause of the Father, so he who feeds onMe will live because of Me.58 aThis is the bread which came downfrom heavennot bas your fathers ate themanna, and are dead. He who eats thisbread will live forever.59 These things He said in the synagogueas He taught in Capernaum.

Many Disciples Turn Away60 aTherefore many of His disciples, whenthey heard this, said, This is a 1hard say-ing; who can understand it?61 When Jesus knew in Himself that Hisdisciples 1complained about this, He said tothem, Does this 2offend you?62 aWhat then if you should see the Son ofMan ascend where He was before?63 aIt is the Spirit who gives life; the bfleshprofits nothing. The cwords that I speak toyou are spirit, and they are life.64 But athere are some of you who do notbelieve. For bJesus knew from the begin-ning who they were who did not believe,and who would betray Him.65 And He said, Therefore aI have saidto you that no one can come to Me unlessit has been granted to him by My Father.66 aFrom that time many of His discipleswent 1back and walked with Him no more.67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, Do youalso want to go away?68 But Simon Peter answered Him, Lord,to whom shall we go? You have athe wordsof eternal life.

69 aAlso we have come to believe andknow that You are the 1Christ, the Son ofthe living God.70 Jesus answered them, aDid I not chooseyou, the twelve, band one of you is a devil?71 He spoke of aJudas Iscariot, the son ofSimon, for it was he who would bbetrayHim, being one of the twelve.

Jesus Brothers Disbelieve

7After these things Jesus walked in Gali-lee; for He did not want to walk inJudea, abecause the 1Jews sought to killHim.

1455 J O H N 7:1

60 aMatt. 11:6;John 6:661difficult

61 1grumbled2make youstumble

62 aMark 16:19;John 3:13;Acts 1:9; 2:32,33; Eph. 4:8

63 aGen. 2:7; 2 Cor. 3:6bJohn 3:6c[John 6:68;14:24]

64 aJohn 6:36bJohn 2:24,25; 13:11

65 aJohn 6:37,44, 45

66 aLuke 9:62;John 6:60 1Oraway; lit. tothe back

68 aActs 5:2069 aMatt.

16:16; Mark8:29; Luke9:20; John1:49; 11:271NU Holy Oneof God.

70 aLuke 6:13b[John 13:27]

71 aJohn 12:4;13:2, 26bMatt.26:1416

CHAPTER 7

1 aMatt. 21:38;26:4; John5:18; 7:19,25; 8:37, 401The rulingauthorities

50 aJohn 6:51,58

51 aJohn 3:13bHeb. 10:5

52 aJohn 7:43;9:16; 10:19

53 aMatt. 26:2654 aJohn 4:14;

6:27, 4055 1NU true

food 2NU truedrink

56 a[1 John3:24; 4:15,16]

58 aJohn6:4951 bEx.16:1435

6:5358 See section 2 of Truth-In-Action at the end of John.6:53 To eat the flesh of Jesus and to drink His blood are tobe understood spiritually. The expressions point to the violentsacrificial death He would suffer and the necessity of believerspartaking in the benefits of His death by coming to Him andbelieving in Him (v. 35). Although we need not see in this thenecessity of our partaking of the Eucharist in order to obtain sal-vation, it does teach the very vital importance of Communion instrengthening our souls, bringing healing into our lives, and fortestifying to our faith.

6:60 The saying (vv. 3558) was hard in that it was difficult toaccept.6:71 Iscariot means Man of Kerioth. Since Kerioth was insouthern Judah, Judas Iscariot appears to have been the onlynon-Galilean disciple.7:1 John summarizes events that occurred during the six-monthperiod from April to October. The other Gospel writers give adetailed account (see Mark 79).

6:53, 54 Partaking in theBlood, THE BLOOD. Partak-ing in the covenant blood ofChrist is the means of beingjoined to God and receiving

the benefits of His life. Christ is the cov-enant sacrifice and is Gods provision forour sustenance. When we feed on Himthrough faith, we become partakers of thedivine nature (2 Pet. 1:4), which is life eter-nal. Through the Holy Spirits work, wereceive His life and partake of His promises(John 6:63). Those who share in this mys-tery of relationship with Christ are assuredof being raised up at the last day into eter-nal life.

(Matt. 26:28/Rom. 3:25) C.S.

6:68 Lord, kurios (koo-ree-oss);Strongs #2962: Originally, anadjective signifying authorityor having power. As a nounthe word designates the owner,

master, controller, one in authority. In directaddress, kurios is a title of respect given tomasters, teachers, and so on. Kurios in theOT was Yahweh, while in the NT the title istransferred to Jesus.

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2 aNow the Jews Feast of Tabernacleswas at hand.3 aHis brothers therefore said to Him,Depart from here and go into Judea, thatYour disciples also may see the *works thatYou are doing.4 For no one does anything in secretwhile he himself seeks to be known openly.If You do these things, show Yourself to theworld.5 For aeven His bbrothers did not believein Him.6 Then Jesus said to them, aMy time hasnot yet come, but your time is always ready.7 aThe world cannot hate you, but ithates Me bbecause I testify of it that itsworks are evil.8 You go up to this feast. I am not 1yetgoing up to this feast, afor My time has notyet fully come.9 When He had said these things to them,He remained in Galilee.

The Heavenly Scholar10 But when His brothers had gone up,then He also went up to the feast, notopenly, but as it were in secret.11 Then athe Jews sought Him at the feast,and said, Where is He?12 And athere was much complainingamong the people concerning Him. bSomesaid, He is good; others said, No, on thecontrary, He deceives the people.13 However, no one spoke openly of Himafor fear of the Jews.14 Now about the middle of the feast Jesuswent up into the temple and ataught.15 aAnd the Jews marveled, saying, Howdoes this Man know letters, having neverstudied?16 1Jesus answered them and said, aMydoctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me.17 aIf anyone wills to do His will, he shallknow concerning the doctrine, whether it isfrom God or whether I speak on My ownauthority.18 aHe who speaks from himself seeks hisown glory; but He who bseeks the glory ofthe One who sent Him is true, and cnounrighteousness is in Him.

19 aDid not Moses give you the law, yetnone of you keeps the law? bWhy do youseek to kill Me?20 The people answered and said, aYouhave a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?21 Jesus answered and said to them, I didone work, and