This commentary is a work in progress and may be revised as study continues. If you have a question, spot an error, or want to discuss a passage, please reach out.
1Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
2And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
13The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.
14Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
15Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
16And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
17It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
18I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
19Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
20These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
21Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
22Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
23And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
24I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
25Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.
The phrase “from the beginning” may refer to when Jesus first began speaking to them about who He is during His earthly ministry. However, He may also have been referring more broadly to God's revelation of Himself through the Scriptures, as God spoke through the prophets and Moses testified of Him:
“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39
“For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.” John 5:46
26I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
27They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
28Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
29And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
30As he spake these words, many believed on him.
This belief is not unto salvation
At first glance, this may appear to indicate that these Jews believed unto salvation. After all, we read in John 3:18, "He that believeth on him is not condemned." However, we must be careful not to assume that every occurrence of someone believing on Jesus necessarily indicates saving faith. Scripture shows that people can believe something about Jesus, acknowledge His claims, or be persuaded by what they see and hear without necessarily receiving Him unto salvation.
We see an example of this in John 2:23–25, where many are said to have believed in His name after witnessing His miracles, yet Jesus did not commit Himself unto them because He knew what was in man. See also John 12:42–43.
In John 6:68–69, Peter declares that the disciples believe and are sure that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Yet in John 16:31, Jesus asks them, "Do ye now believe?" Furthermore, Thomas later refuses to believe the testimony of the other disciples concerning Christ's resurrection (John 20:24–25).’
Therefore, we must distinguish between an initial type of belief or acknowledgment of Jesus and belief that constitutes genuine saving faith. The context here makes that distinction clear. Although many believed on Him (verse 30), Jesus immediately addresses those Jews in verse 31 and tells them that they must continue in His word to be His disciples indeed. As we continue reading, Jesus exposes their true spiritual condition: they are not free (verse 32), the devil is their father (verse 44), and their initial belief had not resulted in salvation. In fact, Jesus explicitly tells them that they do not believe Him (verses 45–46).
31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
“my word”
The word is not Jesus Himself but rather what He teaches. One might think of John 1 where Jesus is called the Word of God but here “My” is Jesus so “word” cannot also be Jesus or else it would be redundant. The word here is the words of God as paralleled in the parable of the sower:
“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.” Luke 8:11
“continue in my word”
Jesus is addressing those who are stated to have believed on him but noticed he says they must “continue” in His word. Continuing in His word does not mean these people were saved and then must be sure not to apostatize but rather, if they continue in what Jesus taught about the kingdom and God they eventually would become a disciple, someone saved. This seed, the word, must take root in a person. They must hear and learn as John 6:45 tells us. We see again in the parable of the sower one that believes the word taught but it doesn’t stick:
”They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.” Luke 8:13
32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Here is one of the key verses that brings clarification. Freedom and truth are presented as future outcomes, not present realities, indicating they are not yet saved and they are not yet free. They must continue in what He taught and they would eventually get it and believe for salvation. Jesus tells them freedom is possible with Him in verse 36:
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
33They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
37I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
38I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
39They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
40But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
41Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
42Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
43Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Jesus now tells us plainly that God is not their Father. This further confirms that the belief described in verse 30 was not saving faith. Although many had believed on Him, Jesus had already made clear in verses 31–32 that they must continue in His word to be His disciples indeed and know the truth that makes them free. Now He exposes the true spiritual condition of those who oppose Him, identifying the devil as their father.
45And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
46Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
If being told that their father was the devil wasn't clear enough, Jesus now states plainly in both verses 45 and 46 that they do not believe Him. Notice the connection: He tells them the truth, yet they refuse to believe Him. Their rejection is not because Jesus has spoken falsely or done anything sinful, but because they are unwilling to receive the truth He speaks.
47He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
How does a person become“of God”?
Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly commands us to humble ourselves, promising grace to the humble:
Old Testament:
”Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD” 2 Kings 22:19
See also: 2 Cor 7:14; 12:6-7; 32:26; 34:17; Isa 57:15; Dan 10:12
New Testament:
”God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5
See also: Jas. 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:6; Matt. 18:4; Matt. 23:12; Luke 14:11
We are the ones that need to prepare our hearts so that we have good soil:
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you." Hosea 10:12.
“Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.” Jeremiah 4:3
It all boils down to pride. In the parable of the sower, we read that only one soil had an “honest and good heart.” This soil not only heard the word but also kept it, just as John 6:45 describes two things that must happen: hearing and learning from the Father. We see a similar pattern in the disciples, who received the word Jesus gave them (John 17:8) and kept it (John 17:6):
“But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience” Luke 8:15
If you are of God, you will hear God’s words
In order to be of God you must be humble to receive the words He sent throughout time. God spoke to Israel through the prophets (Hebrews 1:1), such as Moses but lots of them in pride didn’t believe Moses:
“And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” Luke 16:31
“For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” John 5:46-47
Those that did receive Moses and the prophets were “hearing and learning” from the Father and are the ones that received Jesus and those that didn’t rejected Jesus, their Messiah:
”...Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me” John 6:46
48Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
49Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
50And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
51Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
52Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.
53Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
54Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:
55Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.
56Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
57Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
58Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
59Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
8
John 8 — Forever Word commentary
King James VersionThis commentary is a work in progress and may be revised as study continues. If you have a question, spot an error, or want to discuss a passage, please reach out.
1Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
2And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
13The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.
14Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
15Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
16And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
17It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
18I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
19Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
20These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
21Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
22Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
23And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
24I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
25Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.
The phrase “from the beginning” may refer to when Jesus first began speaking to them about who He is during His earthly ministry. However, He may also have been referring more broadly to God's revelation of Himself through the Scriptures, as God spoke through the prophets and Moses testified of Him:
“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39
“For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.” John 5:46
26I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
27They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
28Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
29And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
30As he spake these words, many believed on him.
This belief is not unto salvation
At first glance, this may appear to indicate that these Jews believed unto salvation. After all, we read in John 3:18, "He that believeth on him is not condemned." However, we must be careful not to assume that every occurrence of someone believing on Jesus necessarily indicates saving faith. Scripture shows that people can believe something about Jesus, acknowledge His claims, or be persuaded by what they see and hear without necessarily receiving Him unto salvation.
We see an example of this in John 2:23–25, where many are said to have believed in His name after witnessing His miracles, yet Jesus did not commit Himself unto them because He knew what was in man. See also John 12:42–43.
In John 6:68–69, Peter declares that the disciples believe and are sure that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Yet in John 16:31, Jesus asks them, "Do ye now believe?" Furthermore, Thomas later refuses to believe the testimony of the other disciples concerning Christ's resurrection (John 20:24–25).’
Therefore, we must distinguish between an initial type of belief or acknowledgment of Jesus and belief that constitutes genuine saving faith. The context here makes that distinction clear. Although many believed on Him (verse 30), Jesus immediately addresses those Jews in verse 31 and tells them that they must continue in His word to be His disciples indeed. As we continue reading, Jesus exposes their true spiritual condition: they are not free (verse 32), the devil is their father (verse 44), and their initial belief had not resulted in salvation. In fact, Jesus explicitly tells them that they do not believe Him (verses 45–46).
31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
“my word”
The word is not Jesus Himself but rather what He teaches. One might think of John 1 where Jesus is called the Word of God but here “My” is Jesus so “word” cannot also be Jesus or else it would be redundant. The word here is the words of God as paralleled in the parable of the sower:
“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.” Luke 8:11
“continue in my word”
Jesus is addressing those who are stated to have believed on him but noticed he says they must “continue” in His word. Continuing in His word does not mean these people were saved and then must be sure not to apostatize but rather, if they continue in what Jesus taught about the kingdom and God they eventually would become a disciple, someone saved. This seed, the word, must take root in a person. They must hear and learn as John 6:45 tells us. We see again in the parable of the sower one that believes the word taught but it doesn’t stick:
”They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.” Luke 8:13
32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Here is one of the key verses that brings clarification. Freedom and truth are presented as future outcomes, not present realities, indicating they are not yet saved and they are not yet free. They must continue in what He taught and they would eventually get it and believe for salvation. Jesus tells them freedom is possible with Him in verse 36:
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
33They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
37I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
38I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
39They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
40But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
41Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
42Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
43Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Jesus now tells us plainly that God is not their Father. This further confirms that the belief described in verse 30 was not saving faith. Although many had believed on Him, Jesus had already made clear in verses 31–32 that they must continue in His word to be His disciples indeed and know the truth that makes them free. Now He exposes the true spiritual condition of those who oppose Him, identifying the devil as their father.
45And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
46Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
If being told that their father was the devil wasn't clear enough, Jesus now states plainly in both verses 45 and 46 that they do not believe Him. Notice the connection: He tells them the truth, yet they refuse to believe Him. Their rejection is not because Jesus has spoken falsely or done anything sinful, but because they are unwilling to receive the truth He speaks.
47He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
How does a person become “of God”?
Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly commands us to humble ourselves, promising grace to the humble:
Old Testament:
”Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD” 2 Kings 22:19
See also: 2 Cor 7:14; 12:6-7; 32:26; 34:17; Isa 57:15; Dan 10:12
New Testament:
”God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5
See also: Jas. 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:6; Matt. 18:4; Matt. 23:12; Luke 14:11
We are the ones that need to prepare our hearts so that we have good soil:
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you." Hosea 10:12.
“Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.” Jeremiah 4:3
It all boils down to pride. In the parable of the sower, we read that only one soil had an “honest and good heart.” This soil not only heard the word but also kept it, just as John 6:45 describes two things that must happen: hearing and learning from the Father. We see a similar pattern in the disciples, who received the word Jesus gave them (John 17:8) and kept it (John 17:6):
“But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience” Luke 8:15
If you are of God, you will hear God’s words
In order to be of God you must be humble to receive the words He sent throughout time. God spoke to Israel through the prophets (Hebrews 1:1), such as Moses but lots of them in pride didn’t believe Moses:
“And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” Luke 16:31
“For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” John 5:46-47
Those that did receive Moses and the prophets were “hearing and learning” from the Father and are the ones that received Jesus and those that didn’t rejected Jesus, their Messiah:
”...Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me” John 6:46
48Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
49Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
50And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
51Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
52Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.
53Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
54Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:
55Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.
56Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
57Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
58Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
59Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.