1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.

24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

30 I and my Father are one.

31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.

42 And many believed on him there.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The parable of the good shepherd.
Here is a parable or similitude, taken from the customs of the East, in the management of sheep. Men, as creatures depending on their Creator, are called the sheep of his pasture. The church of God in the world is as a sheep-fold, exposed to deceivers and persecutors. The great Shepherd of the sheep knows all that are his, guards them by his providence, guides them by his Spirit and word, and goes before them, as the Eastern shepherds went before their sheep, to set them in the way of his steps. Ministers must serve the sheep in their spiritual concerns. The Spirit of Christ will set before them an open door. The sheep of Christ will observe their Shepherd, and be cautious and shy of strangers, who would draw them from faith in him to fancies about him.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
He that entereth not by the door - By Christ. He is the only lawful entrance. Into the sheepfold - The Church. He is a thief and a robber - In God's account. Such were all those teachers, to whom our Lord had just been speaking.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ, (Colossians 2:3,)he who turns aside from him to go elsewhere neither keeps the road nor enters by the door.Now, whoever shall not despise Christ or his instructor will easily rid himself of that hesitation which keeps so many in a state of perplexity, what is the Church, and who are they to whom we ought to listen asshepherdsFor if they who are called shepherds attempt to lead us away from Christ, we ought to flee from them, at the command of Christ, as we would flee fromwolves orthieves; and we ought not to form or maintain intercourse with any society but that which is agreed in the pure faith of the Gospel. For this reason Christ exhorts his disciples to separate themselves from the unbelieving multitude of the whole nation, not to suffer themselves to be governed by wicked priests, and not to allow themselves to be imposed upon by proud and empty names.
McArther Bible Commentary
Jesus' discourse on Himself as the "Good Shepherd" flowed directly from chapter 9, as Jesus continued to talk to the very same people. The problem of chapter 9 was that Israel was led by false shepherds who drew them astray from the true knowledge and kingdom of Messiah (Joh 9:39-41). In chapter 10, Jesus declared Himself to be the "Good Shepherd" who was appointed by His Father as Savior and King, in contrast to the false shepherds of Israel who were self-appointed and self-righteous (Psa 23:1; Isa 40:11; Jer 3:15; cf. Isa 56:9-12; Jer 23:1-4; Jer 25:32-38; Eze 34:1-31; Zec 11:16).
Bible Cross References
Joel 2:9 John 10:7 John 10:8 John 10:9

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The parable of the good shepherd.
Here is a parable or similitude, taken from the customs of the East, in the management of sheep. Men, as creatures depending on their Creator, are called the sheep of his pasture. The church of God in the world is as a sheep-fold, exposed to deceivers and persecutors. The great Shepherd of the sheep knows all that are his, guards them by his providence, guides them by his Spirit and word, and goes before them, as the Eastern shepherds went before their sheep, to set them in the way of his steps. Ministers must serve the sheep in their spiritual concerns. The Spirit of Christ will set before them an open door. The sheep of Christ will observe their Shepherd, and be cautious and shy of strangers, who would draw them from faith in him to fancies about him.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on Matthew 24:23, 24.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 15:11 John 10:11 John 10:12

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The parable of the good shepherd.
Here is a parable or similitude, taken from the customs of the East, in the management of sheep. Men, as creatures depending on their Creator, are called the sheep of his pasture. The church of God in the world is as a sheep-fold, exposed to deceivers and persecutors. The great Shepherd of the sheep knows all that are his, guards them by his providence, guides them by his Spirit and word, and goes before them, as the Eastern shepherds went before their sheep, to set them in the way of his steps. Ministers must serve the sheep in their spiritual concerns. The Spirit of Christ will set before them an open door. The sheep of Christ will observe their Shepherd, and be cautious and shy of strangers, who would draw them from faith in him to fancies about him.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on Matthew 24:23, 24.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
To him the door keeper openeth - Christ is considered as the shepherd, (John 10:11) . As the door in the first and following verses. And as it is not unworthy of Christ to be styled the door, by which both the sheep and the true pastor enter, so neither is it unworthy of God the Father to be styled the door keeper. See (Acts 14:27) ; (Colossians 4:3) ; (Revelation 3:8) ; (Acts 16:14) . And the sheep hear his voice - The circumstances that follow, exactly agree with the customs of the ancient eastern shepherds. They called their sheep by name, went before them and the sheep followed them. So real Christians hear, listen to, understand, and obey the voice of the shepherd whom Christ hath sent. And he counteth them his own, dearer than any friend or brother: calleth, advises, directs each by name, and leadeth them out, in the paths of righteousness, beside the waters of comfort.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
To him the porter openeth.If by the wordPorterany one choose to understand God, I do not object; and Christ even appears expressly to contrast the judgment of God with the false opinion of men in approving of pastors, as if he had said, “There are others, indeed, whom the world generally applauds, and on whom it willingly confers honor; but God, who holds the reins of government, does not acknowledge or approve of any but those who leadthe sheep by this road.”He calleth his own sheep by name.I consider this as referring to the mutual consent of faith; because the disciple and the teacher are united together by the one Spirit of God, so that the teacher goes before, and the disciple follows. Some think that it denotes the intimate knowledge which everyshepherd ought to have of each of his flock, but I do not know if this rests on solid grounds.
McArther Bible Commentary
the doorkeeper. The doorkeeper was a hired undershepherd who recognized the true shepherd of the flock, opened the gate for Him, assisted the shepherd in caring for the flock, and especially guarded them at night. the sheep hear his voice. Near Eastern shepherds stand at different locations outside the sheep pen, sounding out their own unique calls that their sheep recognize. As a result, the sheep gather around the shepherd. he calls his own sheep by name. This shepherd goes even further by calling each sheep by its own special name. Jesus' point is that He comes to the fold of Israel and calls out His own sheep individually to come into His own messianic fold. The assumption is that they are already in some way His sheep, even before He calls them by name (see Joh 10:25-27; Joh 6:37, Joh 6:39, Joh 6:44, Joh 6:64-65; Joh 17:6, Joh 17:9, Joh 17:24; Joh 18:9).
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 27:23 John 10:4 John 10:9 John 10:16 1 John 4:6 3 John 1:14 Revelation 3:20

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The parable of the good shepherd.
Here is a parable or similitude, taken from the customs of the East, in the management of sheep. Men, as creatures depending on their Creator, are called the sheep of his pasture. The church of God in the world is as a sheep-fold, exposed to deceivers and persecutors. The great Shepherd of the sheep knows all that are his, guards them by his providence, guides them by his Spirit and word, and goes before them, as the Eastern shepherds went before their sheep, to set them in the way of his steps. Ministers must serve the sheep in their spiritual concerns. The Spirit of Christ will set before them an open door. The sheep of Christ will observe their Shepherd, and be cautious and shy of strangers, who would draw them from faith in him to fancies about him.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on Matthew 24:23, 24.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on 2 Corinthians 11:14.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
He goeth before them - In all the ways of God, teaching them in every point, by example as well as by precept; and the sheep follow him - They tread in his steps: for they know his voice - Having the witness in themselves that his words are the wisdom and the power of God. Reader, art thou a shepherd of souls? Then answer to God. Is it thus with thee and thy flock?
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Because they know his voice.Though he speaks here of ministers, yet, instead of wishing that they should beheard, he wishes that God should beheard speaking by them; for we must attend to the distinction which he has laid down, that he alone is a faithfulpastor orshepherdof the Church, who conducts and governs his sheep by the direction of Christ. We must attend to the reason why it is said thatthe sheep follow; it is, becausethey knowhow to distinguishshepherdsfrom wolves bythe voiceThis is the spirit of discernment, by which the elect discriminate between the truth of God and the false inventions of men. So then, inthe sheepof Christ a knowledge of the truth goes before, and next follows an earnest desire to obey, so that they not only understand what is true, but receive it with warm affection. And not only does he commend the obedience of the faith, because the sheep assemble submissively atthe voiceof the shepherd, but also because they do not listen to the voice ofstrangers,and do not disperse when any one cries to them.
McArther Bible Commentary
Unlike Western shepherds who drive the sheep from the side or behind, often using sheep dogs, Near Eastern shepherds lead their flocks, their voice calling them to move on. This draws a remarkable picture of the master/disciple relationship. New Testament spiritual leadership is always by example, i.e., a call to imitate conduct (cf. 1Ti 4:12; 1Pe 5:1-3).
Bible Cross References
John 10:3 John 10:5 John 10:16 John 10:27

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The parable of the good shepherd.
Here is a parable or similitude, taken from the customs of the East, in the management of sheep. Men, as creatures depending on their Creator, are called the sheep of his pasture. The church of God in the world is as a sheep-fold, exposed to deceivers and persecutors. The great Shepherd of the sheep knows all that are his, guards them by his providence, guides them by his Spirit and word, and goes before them, as the Eastern shepherds went before their sheep, to set them in the way of his steps. Ministers must serve the sheep in their spiritual concerns. The Spirit of Christ will set before them an open door. The sheep of Christ will observe their Shepherd, and be cautious and shy of strangers, who would draw them from faith in him to fancies about him.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on Matthew 24:23, 24.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
They will not follow a stranger - One whom Christ hath not sent, who doth not answer the preceding description. Him they will not follow - And who can constrain them to it? But will flee from him - As from the plague. For they know not the voice of strangers - They cannot relish it; it is harsh and grating to them. They find nothing of God therein.
Bible Cross References
John 10:4 John 10:16

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ the Door.
Many who hear the word of Christ, do not understand it, because they will not. But we shall find one scripture expounding another, and the blessed Spirit making known the blessed Jesus. Christ is the Door. And what greater security has the church of God than that the Lord Jesus is between it and all its enemies? He is a door open for passage and communication. Here are plain directions how to come into the fold; we must come in by Jesus Christ as the Door. By faith in him as the great Mediator between God and man. Also, we have precious promises to those that observe this direction. Christ has all that care of his church, and every believer, which a good shepherd has of his flock; and he expects the church, and every believer, to wait on him, and to keep in his pasture.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
They - The Pharisees, to whom our Lord more immediately spake, as appears from the close of the foregoing chapter.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
This parable.This is the reason why, proudly vaunting of their wisdom, they rejected the light of Christ; for in a matter not very obscure they are exceedingly dull of apprehension.But they did not understand what things they were which he spoke to them.In this clause the Greek manuscripts differ. Some copies might be literally rendered,they did not understand what he saidAnother reading, which I have followed, is more full, though it amounts to the same meaning. The third reading is, thatthey did not know that he who spoke of himself was the Son of God; but this is not much approved.
McArther Bible Commentary
illustration. The word here is best translated "illustration" or "figure of speech" and conveys the idea that something cryptic or enigmatic is intended in it. It occurs again in Joh 16:25, Joh 10:29, but not in the synoptics. Having given the illustration (Joh 10:1-5), Jesus then began to draw salient spiritual truth from it.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 13:34 Mark 4:34 John 16:25 John 16:29 2 Peter 2:22

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ the Door.
Many who hear the word of Christ, do not understand it, because they will not. But we shall find one scripture expounding another, and the blessed Spirit making known the blessed Jesus. Christ is the Door. And what greater security has the church of God than that the Lord Jesus is between it and all its enemies? He is a door open for passage and communication. Here are plain directions how to come into the fold; we must come in by Jesus Christ as the Door. By faith in him as the great Mediator between God and man. Also, we have precious promises to those that observe this direction. Christ has all that care of his church, and every believer, which a good shepherd has of his flock; and he expects the church, and every believer, to wait on him, and to keep in his pasture.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I am the door - Christ is both the Door and the Shepherd, and all things.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
I reckon nothing to be worth knowing but Jesus Christ, (1 Corinthians 2:2.)And this mode of expression conveys the same meaning as if Christ had testified that to him alone we must all be gathered together. Therefore, he invokes and exhorts all who desire salvation to come to him. By these words, he means that in vain do they wander about who leave him to go to God, because there is but one open door, and all approach in any other way is prohibited.
McArther Bible Commentary
I am the door. This is the third of seven "I AM" statements of Jesus (see Joh 6:35; Joh 8:12). Here, He changes the metaphor slightly. While in verses Joh 10:1-5 He was the shepherd, here He is the gate. While in verses Joh 10:1-5, the shepherd led the sheep out of the pen, here He is the entrance to the pen (Joh 10:9) that leads to proper pasture. This section echoes Jesus' words in Joh 14:6 that He is the only way to the Father. His point is that He serves as the sole means to approach the Father and partake of God's promised salvation. As some Near Eastern shepherds slept in the gateway to guard the sheep, Jesus here pictures Himself as the gate.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 36:38 John 10:1 John 10:9

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ the Door.
Many who hear the word of Christ, do not understand it, because they will not. But we shall find one scripture expounding another, and the blessed Spirit making known the blessed Jesus. Christ is the Door. And what greater security has the church of God than that the Lord Jesus is between it and all its enemies? He is a door open for passage and communication. Here are plain directions how to come into the fold; we must come in by Jesus Christ as the Door. By faith in him as the great Mediator between God and man. Also, we have precious promises to those that observe this direction. Christ has all that care of his church, and every believer, which a good shepherd has of his flock; and he expects the church, and every believer, to wait on him, and to keep in his pasture.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Whosoever are come - Independently of me, assuming any part of my character, pretending, like your elders and rabbis, to a power over the consciences of men, attempting to make laws in the Church, and to teach their own traditions as the way of salvation: all those prophets and expounders of God's word, that enter not by the door of the sheepfold, but run before I have sent them by my Spirit. Our Lord seems in particular to speak of those that had undertaken this office since he began his ministry, are thieves - Stealing temporal profit to themselves, and robbers - Plundering and murdering the sheep.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
they who go out from us were not of us, but that they who were of us remain with us to the end, (1 John 2:19.)This passage ought to strike us with the deepest shame; first, because we are so ill accustomed to the voice of ourShepherd, that there are hardly any who do not listen to it with indifference; and, next, because we are so slow and indolent to follow him. I speak of the good, or of those who are at least passable; for the greater part of those who boast that they are Christ’s disciples kick fiercely against him. Lastly, as soon as the voice of anystranger has sounded in our ears, we are hurried to and fro; and this lightness and unsteadiness sufficiently shows how little progress we have hitherto made in the faith. But if the number of believers is smaller than might be desired, and if out of this small number a large proportion be continually dropping off, faithful teachers have this consolation to support them, that the elect of God, who are Christ’ssheep,listen to them. It is our duty, indeed, to labor diligently, and to strive by every possible method, that the whole world may be brought, if possible, into the unity of the faith; but let us, in the meantime, be well satisfied with belonging to the number.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 23:1 Ezekiel 34:2 John 10:1

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ the Door.
Many who hear the word of Christ, do not understand it, because they will not. But we shall find one scripture expounding another, and the blessed Spirit making known the blessed Jesus. Christ is the Door. And what greater security has the church of God than that the Lord Jesus is between it and all its enemies? He is a door open for passage and communication. Here are plain directions how to come into the fold; we must come in by Jesus Christ as the Door. By faith in him as the great Mediator between God and man. Also, we have precious promises to those that observe this direction. Christ has all that care of his church, and every believer, which a good shepherd has of his flock; and he expects the church, and every believer, to wait on him, and to keep in his pasture.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
If any one - As a sheep, enter in by me - Through faith, he shall be safe - From the wolf, and from those murdering shepherds. And shall go in and out - Shall continually attend on the shepherds whom I have sent; and shall find pasture - Food for his soul in all circumstances.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
If any man enter by me.The highest consolation of believers is, that when they have once embraced Christ, they learn that they are out of danger; for Christ promises to them salvation and happiness. He afterwards divides it into two parts.He shall go in and out, and find pasture.First, they shall go safely wherever they find necessary; and, next, they shall be fed to the full. Bygoing in and out, Scripture often denotes all the actions of the life, as we say in French,aller et venir, (to go and come,)which means,to dwellThese words, therefore, present to us a twofold advantage of the Gospel, that our souls shall find pasture in it, which otherwise become faint and famished, and are fed with nothing but wind; and, next, because he will faithfully protect and guard us against the attacks of wolves and robbers.
McArther Bible Commentary
These two verses are a proverbial way of insisting that belief in Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God is the only way of being "saved" from sin and hell and receiving eternal life. Only Jesus Christ is the one true source for the knowledge of God and the one basis for spiritual security.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 34:14 Ezekiel 36:38 John 10:1 John 10:3 John 10:7 John 14:6

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ the good Shepherd.
Christ is a good Shepherd; many who were not thieves, yet were careless in their duty, and by their neglect the flock was much hurt. Bad principles are the root of bad practices. The Lord Jesus knows whom he has chosen, and is sure of them; they also know whom they have trusted, and are sure of Him. See here the grace of Christ; since none could demand his life of him, he laid it down of himself for our redemption. He offered himself to be the Saviour; Lo, I come. And the necessity of our case calling for it, he offered himself for the Sacrifice. He was both the offerer and the offering, so that his laying down his life was his offering up himself. From hence it is plain, that he died in the place and stead of men; to obtain their being set free from the punishment of sin, to obtain the pardon of their sin; and that his death should obtain that pardon. Our Lord laid not his life down for his doctrine, but for his sheep.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The thief cometh not but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy - That is, nothing else can be the consequence of a shepherd's coming, who does not enter in by me.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
See that no man rob you through vain philosophy, (Colossians 2:8.)I am come.This is a different comparison; for Christ, having hitherto called himselfthe door,and declared that they who bring sheep to thisdoor are trueshepherds, now assumes the character of a shepherd, and indeed affirms that he is the onlyshepherdIndeed, there is no other to whom this honor and title strictly belongs; for, as to all the faithfulshepherds of the Church, it is he who raises them up, endows them with the necessary qualifications, governs them by his Spirit, and works by them; and therefore they do not prevent him from being the only Governor of his Church, or from holding the distinction of being the onlyShepherdFor, though he employs their ministry, still he does not cease to fulfill and discharge the office of ashepherd by his own power; and they are masters and teachers in such a manner as not to interfere with his authority as a Master. In short, when the termshepherd is applied to men, it is used, as we say, in a subordinate sense; and Christ shares the honor with his ministers in such a manner, that he still continues to be the onlyshepherd both of themselves and of the whole flock.That they may have life.When he says thathe is come, that the sheep may have life, he means that they only who do not submit to hisstaff and crook (Psalm 23:4) are exposed to the ravages of wolves and thieves; and — to give them greater confidence — he declares thatlife is continually increased and strengthened in those who do not revolt from him. And, indeed, the greater progress that any man makes in faith, the more nearly does he approach to fullness of life,because the Spirit, who is life, grows in him.
Bible Cross References
John 5:40 John 10:11

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ the good Shepherd.
Christ is a good Shepherd; many who were not thieves, yet were careless in their duty, and by their neglect the flock was much hurt. Bad principles are the root of bad practices. The Lord Jesus knows whom he has chosen, and is sure of them; they also know whom they have trusted, and are sure of Him. See here the grace of Christ; since none could demand his life of him, he laid it down of himself for our redemption. He offered himself to be the Saviour; Lo, I come. And the necessity of our case calling for it, he offered himself for the Sacrifice. He was both the offerer and the offering, so that his laying down his life was his offering up himself. From hence it is plain, that he died in the place and stead of men; to obtain their being set free from the punishment of sin, to obtain the pardon of their sin; and that his death should obtain that pardon. Our Lord laid not his life down for his doctrine, but for his sheep.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.From the extraordinary affection which he bears towards thesheep,he shows how truly he acts towards them as ashepherd;for he is so anxious about their salvation, that he does not even spare his own life. Hence it follows, that they who reject the guardianship of so kind and amiable ashepherd are exceedingly ungrateful, and deserve a hundred deaths, and are exposed to every kind of harm. The remark of Augustine is exceedingly just, that this passage informs us what we ought to desire, what we ought to avoid, and what we ought to endure, in the government of the Church. Nothing is more desirable than that the Church should be governed by good and diligentshepherdsChrist declares thathe is the good shepherd,who keeps his Church safe and sound, first, by himself, and, next, by his agents. Whenever there is good order, and fit men hold the government, then Christ shows that he is actuallythe shepherdBut there are many wolves and thieves who, wearing the garb ofshepherds, wickedly scatter the Church. Whatever name such persons may assume, Christ threatens that we must avoid them.
McArther Bible Commentary
Jesus picked up another expression from verses Joh 10:1-5, i.e., He is the "good shepherd" in contrast to the present evil leadership of Israel (Joh 9:40-41). This is the fourth of seven "I AM" statements of Jesus (see Joh 10:7, Joh 10:9; Joh 6:35; Joh 8:12). The term good has the idea of "noble" and stands in contrast to the "hireling" who cares only for self-interest.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 23:1 Isaiah 40:11 Ezekiel 34:2 Ezekiel 34:11 Ezekiel 34:23 John 10:2 John 10:14 John 10:15 John 10:17 John 10:18 John 15:13 Hebrews 13:20 1 Peter 2:25 1 Peter 5:4 1 John 3:16 Revelation 7:17

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ the good Shepherd.
Christ is a good Shepherd; many who were not thieves, yet were careless in their duty, and by their neglect the flock was much hurt. Bad principles are the root of bad practices. The Lord Jesus knows whom he has chosen, and is sure of them; they also know whom they have trusted, and are sure of Him. See here the grace of Christ; since none could demand his life of him, he laid it down of himself for our redemption. He offered himself to be the Saviour; Lo, I come. And the necessity of our case calling for it, he offered himself for the Sacrifice. He was both the offerer and the offering, so that his laying down his life was his offering up himself. From hence it is plain, that he died in the place and stead of men; to obtain their being set free from the punishment of sin, to obtain the pardon of their sin; and that his death should obtain that pardon. Our Lord laid not his life down for his doctrine, but for his sheep.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
But the hireling - It is not the bare receiving hire, which denominates a man a hireling: (for the labourer is worthy of his hire; Jesus Christ himself being the Judge: yea, and the Lord hath ordained, that they who preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel:) but the loving hire: the loving the hire more than the work: the working for the sake of the hire. He is a hireling, who would not work, were it not for the hire; to whom this is the great (if not only) motive of working. O God! If a man who works only for hire is such a wretch, a mere thief and a robber, what is he who continually takes the hire, and yet does not work at all? The wolf - signifies any enemy who, by force or fraud, attacks the Christian's faith, liberty, or life. So the wolf seizeth and scattereth the flock - He seizeth some, and scattereth the rest; the two ways of hurting the flock of Christ.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
But the hireling.Byhirelings we are to understand those who retain the pure doctrine, and who proclaim the truth, as Paul says, to serve a purpose rather than from pure zeal. Though such persons do not serve Christ faithfully, yet we ought to hear them; for Christ wished thatthe Pharisees should be heard,because they sat in Moses’ seat, (Matthew 23:2;) and, in like manner, we ought to give such honor to the Gospel, as not to shrink from its ministers, though they be not good men. And as even the slightest offenses render the Gospel distasteful to us, that we may not be hindered by such false delicacy, let us always remember what I have formerly suggested, that if the Spirit of Christ does not operate so powerfully in ministers, as to make it plainly evident that he is theirshepherd, we suffer the punishment of our sins, and yet our obedience is proved.And he who is not the shepherd.Though Christ claims for himself alone the name of ashepherd, yet he indirectly states that, in some respects, he holds it in common with the agents by whom he acts. For we know that there have been many, since the time of Christ, who did not hesitate to shed their blood for the salvation of the Church; and even the prophets, before his coming, did not spare their own life. But in his own person he holds out a perfect example, so as to lay down a rule for his ministers. For how base and shameful is our indolence, if our life is more dear to us than the salvation of the Church, which Christ preferred to his own life!What is here said about laying down life for the sheep, may be viewed as an undoubted and principal mark of paternal affection. Christ intended, first, to demonstrate what a remarkable proof he gave of his love toward us, and, next, to excite all his ministers to imitate his example. Yet we must attend to the difference between them and him. Helaid down his lifeas the price of satisfaction, shed his blood to cleanse our souls, offered his body as a propitiatory sacrifice, to reconcile the Father to us. Nothing of all this can exist in the ministers of the Gospel, all of whom need to be cleansed, and receive atonement and reconciliation to God by that single sacrifice. But Christ does not argue here about the efficacy or benefit of his death, so as to compare himself to others, but to prove with what zeal and affectionhe is moved towards us, and, next, to invite others to follow his example. In short, as it belongs exclusively to Christ to procure life for us by his death, and to fulfill all that is contained in the Gospel, so it is the universal duty of allpastors orshepherds, to defend the doctrine which they proclaim, even at the expense of their life, and to seal the doctrine of the Gospel with their blood, and to show that it is not in vain that they teach that Christ has procured salvation for themselves and for others.But here a question may be put. Ought we to reckon that man a hireling,who, for any reason whatever, shrinks from encountering the wolves? This was anciently debated as a practical question, when tyrants raged cruelly against the Church. Tertullian, and others of the same class, were, in my opinion, too rigid on this point. I prefer greatly the moderation of Augustine, who allows pastors to flee on the condition that, by their flight, they contribute more to the public safety than they would do by betraying the flock committed to their charge. And he shows that this is done, when the Church is not deprived of well-qualified ministers, and when the life of the pastor in particular is so eagerly sought, that his absence mitigates the rage of enemies. But it the flock — as well as the pastor — be in danger,and if there be reason to believe that the pastor flees, not so much from a desire to promote the public advantage as from a dread of dying, Augustine contends that this is not at all lawful, because the example of his flight will do more injury than his life can do good in future. The reader may consult the Epistle to Bishop Honoratus, (Ep. 108) On this ground it was lawful for Cyprian to flee, who was so far from shuddering at death, that he nobly refused to accept the offer of saving his life by a treacherous denial of his Master. Only it must be held that a pastor ought to prefer his flock, or even a single sheep, to his own life.Whose own the sheep are not.Christ appears here to make allshepherds besides himself to be, without exception, hirelings; for, since he alone isshepherd, none of us have a right to say that the sheep which he feeds arehis ownBut let us remember that they who are guided by the Spirit of God reckon that to betheir own which belongs to their Head; and that not in order to claim power for themselves, but to keep faithfully what has been committed to their charge. For he who is truly united to Christ will never cease to take an interest in that which He valued so highly. This is what he afterwards says:
McArther Bible Commentary
sees the wolf coming … flees. The hireling (or hired hand) likely represents religious leaders who perform their duty in good times, but who never display sacrificial care for the sheep in times of danger. They stand in contrast to Jesus, who laid down His life for His flock (see Joh 15:13).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 7:15 John 10:2 John 10:13

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ the good Shepherd.
Christ is a good Shepherd; many who were not thieves, yet were careless in their duty, and by their neglect the flock was much hurt. Bad principles are the root of bad practices. The Lord Jesus knows whom he has chosen, and is sure of them; they also know whom they have trusted, and are sure of Him. See here the grace of Christ; since none could demand his life of him, he laid it down of himself for our redemption. He offered himself to be the Saviour; Lo, I come. And the necessity of our case calling for it, he offered himself for the Sacrifice. He was both the offerer and the offering, so that his laying down his life was his offering up himself. From hence it is plain, that he died in the place and stead of men; to obtain their being set free from the punishment of sin, to obtain the pardon of their sin; and that his death should obtain that pardon. Our Lord laid not his life down for his doctrine, but for his sheep.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The hireling fleeth because he is a hireling - Because he loves the hire, not the sheep.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
The hireling fleeth.The reason is,because he careth not for the sheep, which means, that his heart is not moved by the scattering of the flock, because he thinks that it does not at all belong to him. For he who looks to thehire, and not to the flock, though he may deceive others, when the Church is in a state of tranquillity, yet when he comes into the contest, will give proof of his treachery.
Bible Cross References
John 10:12 John 10:14 1 Corinthians 7:32 1 Corinthians 7:33

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ the good Shepherd.
Christ is a good Shepherd; many who were not thieves, yet were careless in their duty, and by their neglect the flock was much hurt. Bad principles are the root of bad practices. The Lord Jesus knows whom he has chosen, and is sure of them; they also know whom they have trusted, and are sure of Him. See here the grace of Christ; since none could demand his life of him, he laid it down of himself for our redemption. He offered himself to be the Saviour; Lo, I come. And the necessity of our case calling for it, he offered himself for the Sacrifice. He was both the offerer and the offering, so that his laying down his life was his offering up himself. From hence it is plain, that he died in the place and stead of men; to obtain their being set free from the punishment of sin, to obtain the pardon of their sin; and that his death should obtain that pardon. Our Lord laid not his life down for his doctrine, but for his sheep.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I know my sheep - With a tender regard and special care: and am known of mine - With a holy confidence and affection.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
And I know my sheep, and am known by mine.In the former clause, he again holds out his love towards us; forknowledge proceeds from love, and is accompanied by care. But it means also that he utterly disregards all who do not obey the Gospel, as he repeats in the second clause, and confirms what he had formerly said, that — on the other hand —he is known by the sheep
Bible Cross References
Psalm 1:6 Isaiah 40:11 Isaiah 53:11 Nahum 1:7 John 10:11 John 10:13 John 10:27 2 Timothy 2:19

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ the good Shepherd.
Christ is a good Shepherd; many who were not thieves, yet were careless in their duty, and by their neglect the flock was much hurt. Bad principles are the root of bad practices. The Lord Jesus knows whom he has chosen, and is sure of them; they also know whom they have trusted, and are sure of Him. See here the grace of Christ; since none could demand his life of him, he laid it down of himself for our redemption. He offered himself to be the Saviour; Lo, I come. And the necessity of our case calling for it, he offered himself for the Sacrifice. He was both the offerer and the offering, so that his laying down his life was his offering up himself. From hence it is plain, that he died in the place and stead of men; to obtain their being set free from the punishment of sin, to obtain the pardon of their sin; and that his death should obtain that pardon. Our Lord laid not his life down for his doctrine, but for his sheep.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
As the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father - With such a knowledge as implies an inexpressible union: and I lay down my life - Speaking of the present time. For his whole life was only a going unto death.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
As the Father knoweth me.It is unnecessary, and is not even expedient, that we should enter into those thorny questions, How is it that the Father knows his Wisdom? For Christ simply declares that, so far as he is the bond of our union with God, he is placed between Him and us; as if he had said, that it is no more possible for him to forget us, than that he should be rejected or disregarded by the Father. At the same time, he demands the duty which we mutually owe to him, because, as he employs all the power which he has received from the Father for our protection, so he wishes that we should be obedient and devoted to him, as he is wholly devoted to his Father, and refers everything to him.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 11:27 Luke 10:22 John 10:11 John 10:17 John 10:18

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ the good Shepherd.
Christ is a good Shepherd; many who were not thieves, yet were careless in their duty, and by their neglect the flock was much hurt. Bad principles are the root of bad practices. The Lord Jesus knows whom he has chosen, and is sure of them; they also know whom they have trusted, and are sure of Him. See here the grace of Christ; since none could demand his life of him, he laid it down of himself for our redemption. He offered himself to be the Saviour; Lo, I come. And the necessity of our case calling for it, he offered himself for the Sacrifice. He was both the offerer and the offering, so that his laying down his life was his offering up himself. From hence it is plain, that he died in the place and stead of men; to obtain their being set free from the punishment of sin, to obtain the pardon of their sin; and that his death should obtain that pardon. Our Lord laid not his life down for his doctrine, but for his sheep.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I have also other sheep - Which he foreknew; which are not of this fold - Not of the Jewish Church or nation, but Gentiles. I must bring them likewise - Into my Church, the general assembly of those whose names are written in heaven. And there shall be one flock - (Not one fold, a plain false print) no corrupt or divided flocks remaining. And one shepherd - Who laid down his life for the sheep, and will leave no hireling among them. The unity both of the flock and the shepherd shall he completed in its season. The shepherd shall bring all into one flock: and the whole flock shall hear the one shepherd.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
There is one God, says Paul, one faith, one baptism. Therefore we ought to be one, as we are called into one hope, (Ephesians 4:4, 5.)Now though this flock appears to be divided into differentfolds,yet they are kept within enclosures which are common to all believers who are scattered throughout the whole world; because the same word is preached to all, they use the same sacraments, they have the same order of prayer, and every thing that belongs to the profession of faith.And they shall hear my voice.We must observe the way in which the flock of God is gathered. It is, when all haveone shepherd, and whenhis voice aloneis heardThese words mean that, when the Church submits to Christ alone, and obeys his commands, and hearshis voiceand his doctrine,then only is it in a state of good order. If Papists can show us that there is any thing of this sort among them, let them enjoy the title of The Church, of which they vaunt so much. But if Christ is silent there, if his majesty is trodden under foot, if his sacred ordinances are held up to scorn, what else is their unity but a diabolical conspiracy, which is worse and far more to be abhorred than any dispersion? Let us therefore remember that we ought always to begin with the Head. Hence also the Prophets, when they describe the restoration of the Church, always join David the king with God; as if they said, that there is no Church where Christ does not reign, and that there is no kingdom of God, but where the honor ofshepherd is granted to Christ.
McArther Bible Commentary
not of this fold. This refers to Gentiles who will respond to His voice and become a part of the church (cf. Rom 1:16). Jesus' death was not only for Jews (see notes on Joh 10:1, Joh 10:3), but also non-Jews whom He will make into one new body, the church (see notes on Joh 11:51-52; cf. Eph 2:11-22).
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 56:8 Ezekiel 34:6 Ezekiel 34:12 Ezekiel 34:23 Ezekiel 37:24 John 10:3 John 10:4 John 10:5 John 10:27 John 11:52 John 17:20 Romans 11:25 Ephesians 2:13 1 Peter 2:25

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ the good Shepherd.
Christ is a good Shepherd; many who were not thieves, yet were careless in their duty, and by their neglect the flock was much hurt. Bad principles are the root of bad practices. The Lord Jesus knows whom he has chosen, and is sure of them; they also know whom they have trusted, and are sure of Him. See here the grace of Christ; since none could demand his life of him, he laid it down of himself for our redemption. He offered himself to be the Saviour; Lo, I come. And the necessity of our case calling for it, he offered himself for the Sacrifice. He was both the offerer and the offering, so that his laying down his life was his offering up himself. From hence it is plain, that he died in the place and stead of men; to obtain their being set free from the punishment of sin, to obtain the pardon of their sin; and that his death should obtain that pardon. Our Lord laid not his life down for his doctrine, but for his sheep.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
(Isaiah 6:8; Philippians 2:6-8; see EGW on Mark 16:6). Christ Man's Surety
—Not one of the angels could have become surety for the human race: their life is God's; they could not surrender it. The angels all wear the yoke of obedience. They are the appointed messengers of Him who is the Commander of all heaven. But Christ is equal with God, infinite and omnipotent. He could pay the ransom for man's freedom. He is the eternal self-existing Son, on whom no yoke had come; and when God asked, “Whom shall I send?” He could reply, “Here am I; send Me.” He could pledge Himself to become man's surety; for He could say that which the highest angel could not say,—I have power over My own life, “power to lay it down, and ... power to take it again” (The Youth's Instructor, June 21, 1900).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I lay down my life that I may take it again - I cheerfully die to expiate the sins of men, to the end I may rise again for their justification.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
This is my beloved Son, in whom the good-pleasure of God dwells, (Matthew 3:17; 17:5.)But as he was made man on our account, and as the Father delighted in him, in order that he might reconcile us to himself, we need not wonder if he declares it to be the reason why the Father loveth him, that our salvation is dearer to him than his own life. This is a wonderful commendation of the goodness of God to us, and ought justly to arouse our whole souls into rapturous admiration, that not only does God extend to us the love which is due to the only-begotten Son, but he refers it to us as the final cause. And indeed there was no necessity that Christ should take upon him our flesh, in which he wasbeloved, but that it might be the pledge of the mercy ofhis Father in redeeming us.That I may take it again. As the disciples might be deeply grieved on account of what they had heard about the death of Christ, and as their faith might even be greatly shaken, he comforts them by the hope of his resurrection, which would speedily take place; as if he said, that he would not die on the condition of being swallowed up by death, but in order that he might soon rise again as a conqueror. And even at the present day, we ought to contemplate the death of Christ, so as to remember, at the same time, the glory of his resurrection. Thus, we know that he islife, because, in his contest with death, he obtained a splendid victory, and achieved a noble triumph.
McArther Bible Commentary
take it again. Jesus repeated this phrase twice in these two verses, indicating that His sacrificial death was not the end. His resurrection followed in demonstration of His messiahship and deity (Rom 1:4). His death and resurrection resulted in His ultimate glorification (Joh 12:23; Joh 17:5) and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Joh 7:37-39; cf. Act 2:16-39).
Bible Cross References
John 10:11 John 10:15 Hebrews 1:9

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ the good Shepherd.
Christ is a good Shepherd; many who were not thieves, yet were careless in their duty, and by their neglect the flock was much hurt. Bad principles are the root of bad practices. The Lord Jesus knows whom he has chosen, and is sure of them; they also know whom they have trusted, and are sure of Him. See here the grace of Christ; since none could demand his life of him, he laid it down of himself for our redemption. He offered himself to be the Saviour; Lo, I come. And the necessity of our case calling for it, he offered himself for the Sacrifice. He was both the offerer and the offering, so that his laying down his life was his offering up himself. From hence it is plain, that he died in the place and stead of men; to obtain their being set free from the punishment of sin, to obtain the pardon of their sin; and that his death should obtain that pardon. Our Lord laid not his life down for his doctrine, but for his sheep.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
(Isaiah 6:8; Philippians 2:6-8; see EGW on Mark 16:6). Christ Man's Surety
—Not one of the angels could have become surety for the human race: their life is God's; they could not surrender it. The angels all wear the yoke of obedience. They are the appointed messengers of Him who is the Commander of all heaven. But Christ is equal with God, infinite and omnipotent. He could pay the ransom for man's freedom. He is the eternal self-existing Son, on whom no yoke had come; and when God asked, “Whom shall I send?” He could reply, “Here am I; send Me.” He could pledge Himself to become man's surety; for He could say that which the highest angel could not say,—I have power over My own life, “power to lay it down, and ... power to take it again” (The Youth's Instructor, June 21, 1900).
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on ch. 1:4; 20:17.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I lay it down of myself - By my own free act and deed. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again - I have an original power and right of myself, both to lay it down as a ransom, and to take it again, after full satisfaction is made, for the sins of the whole world. This commission have I received of my Father - Which I readily execute. He chiefly spoke of the Father, before his suffering: of his own glory, after it. Our Lord's receiving this commission as mediator is not to be considered as the ground of his power to lay down and resume his life. For this he had in him self, as having an original right to dispose thereof, antecedent to the Father's commission. But this commission was the reason why he thus used his power in laying down his life. He did it in obedience to his Father.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
By the obedience of one many were made righteous, (Romans 5:19.)But I lay it down of myself.These words may be explained in two ways; either that Christ divests himself of life, but still remains what he was, just as a person would lay aside a garment from his body, or, that he dies by his own choice.This commandment have I received from my Father.He recalls our attention to the eternal purpose of the Father, in order to inform us that He had such care about our salvation, that he dedicated to us his only-begotten Son great and excellent as he is;and Christ himself, who came into the world to be in all respects obedient tothe Father, confirms the statement, that he has no other object in view than to promote our benefit.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 26:53 John 2:19 John 5:26 John 10:11 John 10:15 John 14:31 John 15:10 Philippians 2:8 Hebrews 5:8

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The Jews' opinion concerning Jesus.
Satan ruins many, by putting them out of conceit with the word and ordinances. Men would not be laughed out of their necessary food, yet suffer themselves thus to be laughed out of what is far more necessary. If our zeal and earnestness in the cause of Christ, especially in the blessed work of bringing his sheep into his fold, bring upon us evil names, let us not heed it, but remember our Master was thus reproached before us.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
A division therefore arose again.The advantage gained by Christ’s discourse was, that it procured him some disciples; but as his doctrine has also many adversaries, hence arisesa division, so that they are split into parties, who formerly appeared to be one body of the Church. for all, with one consent, professed that they worshipped the God of Abraham and complied with the Law of Moses; but now, when Christ comes forward, they begin to differ on his account. If that profession had been sincere, Christ, who is the strongest bond of charity, and whose office it is to gather those things which are scattered, would not break up their agreement. But Christ, by the light of his Gospel, exposes the hypocrisy of many who, while they had nothing but a false and hypocritical pretense, boasted that they were the people of God.Thus, the wickedness of many is still the reason why the Church is troubled by divisions, and why contentions are kindled. Yet those who disturb the peace, throw the blame on us, and call us Schismatics; for the principal charge which the Papists bring against us is, that our doctrine has shaken the tranquillity of the Church. Yet the truth is, that, if they would yield submissively to Christ, and give their support to the truth, all the commotions would immediately be allayed. But when they utter murmurs and complaints against Christ, and will not allow us to be at rest on any other condition than that the truth of God shall be extinguished, and that Christ shall be banished from his kingdom, they have no right to accuse us of the crime of schism; for it is on themselves, as every person sees, that this crime ought to be charged. We ought to be deeply grieved that the Church is torn bydivisions arising among those who profess the same religion; but it is better that there are some who separate themselves from the wicked, to be united to Christ their Head, than that all should be of one mind in despising God. Consequently, when schisms arise, we ought to inquire who they are that revolt from God and from his pure doctrine.
McArther Bible Commentary
The Jews once again had a mixed reaction to Jesus' words (see Joh 7:12-13). While some charged Him with demon possession (see Joh 7:20; Joh 8:48; cf. Mat 12:22-32), others concluded His works and words were a demonstration of God's sanction upon Him.
Bible Cross References
John 6:52 John 7:43 John 9:16

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The Jews' opinion concerning Jesus.
Satan ruins many, by putting them out of conceit with the word and ordinances. Men would not be laughed out of their necessary food, yet suffer themselves thus to be laughed out of what is far more necessary. If our zeal and earnestness in the cause of Christ, especially in the blessed work of bringing his sheep into his fold, bring upon us evil names, let us not heed it, but remember our Master was thus reproached before us.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
He hath a devil.They employ the most offensive reproach which they can devise, in slandering Christ, that all may shudder at the thought of hearing him. For wicked men, that they may not be forced to yield to God, in a furious manner, and with closed eyes, break out into proud contempt of him, and excite others to the same rage, so that not a single word of Christ is heard in silence. But the doctrine of Christ has sufficient power in itself to defend it against slanders. And this is what believers mean by their reply,
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 29:26 Matthew 11:18 Mark 3:21 John 7:20

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The Jews' opinion concerning Jesus.
Satan ruins many, by putting them out of conceit with the word and ordinances. Men would not be laughed out of their necessary food, yet suffer themselves thus to be laughed out of what is far more necessary. If our zeal and earnestness in the cause of Christ, especially in the blessed work of bringing his sheep into his fold, bring upon us evil names, let us not heed it, but remember our Master was thus reproached before us.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
These are not the words - The word in the original takes in actions too.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
These are not the words of a demoniac.It is as if they demanded that men should judge from the fact itself; for the truth, as we have said, is strong enough to maintain itself. And this is the only protection of our faith, that wicked men will never be able to hinder the power and wisdom of God, and his goodness also,from shining in the Gospel.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 4:11 Matthew 4:24 John 9:32 John 10:22

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
His discourse at the feast of dedication.
All who have any thing to say to Christ, may find him in the temple. Christ would make us to believe; we make ourselves doubt. The Jews understood his meaning, but could not form his words into a full charge against him. He described the gracious disposition and happy state of his sheep; they heard and believed his word, followed him as his faithful disciples, and none of them should perish; for the Son and the Father were one. Thus he was able to defend his sheep against all their enemies, which proves that he claimed Divine power and perfection equally with the Father.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
It was the feast of the dedication - Instituted by Judas Maccabeus, 1Macc. iv, 59, when he purged and dedicated the altar and temple after they had been polluted. So our Lord observed festivals even of human appointment. Is it not, at least, innocent for us to do the same?
John Calvin Bible Commentary
And it was the feast of Dedication.The Greek word (ἐγκαίνια) which we have translateddedication,properly signifiesrenovations; because the temple, which had been polluted, was again consecrated by the command of Judas Maccabaeus; and at that time it was enacted that the day of the newdedication orconsecration should be celebrated every year as a festival, that the people might recall to remembrance the grace of God, which had put an end to the tyranny of Antiochus. Christ appearedin the temple at that time, according to custom, that his preaching might yield more abundant fruit amidst a large assembly of men.
McArther Bible Commentary
Feast of Dedication. The Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, which celebrates the Israelite victory over the Syrian leader Antiochus Epiphanes, who persecuted Israel. In c. 170 B.C. he conquered Jerusalem and desecrated the Jewish temple by setting up a pagan altar to displace the altar of God. Under the leadership of an old priest named Mattathias (his family name was called the Hasmoneans), the Jews fought guerrilla warfare (known as the Maccabean Revolt; 166-142 B.C.) against Syria and freed the temple and the land from Syrian dominance until 63 B.C. when Rome (Pompey) took control of Palestine. It was in 164 B.C. on 25 Chislev (December approximately), that the Jews liberated the temple and rededicated it. The celebration is also known as the "Feast of Lights" because of the lighting of lamps and candles in Jewish homes to commemorate the event. it was winter. John indicated by this phrase that the cold weather drove Jesus to walk on the eastern side of the temple in the sheltered area of Solomon's porch, which after the resurrection became the regular gathering place of Christians where they would proclaim the gospel (see Act 3:11; Act 5:12).
Bible Cross References
John 10:21 John 10:23

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
His discourse at the feast of dedication.
All who have any thing to say to Christ, may find him in the temple. Christ would make us to believe; we make ourselves doubt. The Jews understood his meaning, but could not form his words into a full charge against him. He described the gracious disposition and happy state of his sheep; they heard and believed his word, followed him as his faithful disciples, and none of them should perish; for the Son and the Father were one. Thus he was able to defend his sheep against all their enemies, which proves that he claimed Divine power and perfection equally with the Father.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
In Solomon's portico - Josephus informs us, that when Solomon built the temple, he filled up a part of the adjacent valley, and built a portico over it toward the east. This was a noble structure, supported by a wall four hundred cubits high: and continued even to the time of Albinus and Agrippa, which was several years after the death of Christ.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
And Jesus was walking in the temple, in Solomon’s porch.The Evangelist gives toSolomon’s porchthe designation of the temple; not that it was the sanctuary, but only an appendage to the templeNor does he mean the ancientporch which was built bySolomon, which had been altogether destroyed by the Chaldeans, but that which the Jews — perhaps immediately after their return from the Babylonish captivity — built after the pattern of the ancientporch, and gave it the same name, that it might be more highly honored; and Herod afterwards built a new temple.
Bible Cross References
John 10:22 Acts 3:11 Acts 5:12

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
His discourse at the feast of dedication.
All who have any thing to say to Christ, may find him in the temple. Christ would make us to believe; we make ourselves doubt. The Jews understood his meaning, but could not form his words into a full charge against him. He described the gracious disposition and happy state of his sheep; they heard and believed his word, followed him as his faithful disciples, and none of them should perish; for the Son and the Father were one. Thus he was able to defend his sheep against all their enemies, which proves that he claimed Divine power and perfection equally with the Father.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you, and your souls shall find rest, (Matthew 11:28, 29.)Therefore, those who come to Christ ought to be prepared in the same manner as those men pretend to be. But they are wrong in accusing Christ, as if he had not hitherto confirmed their faith; for it was entirely their own fault that they had not a full and perfect knowledge of him. But this is always the case with unbelievers, that they choose rather to remain in doubt than to be founded on the certainty of the word of God. Thus, in our own day, we see many who voluntarily shut their eyes, and spread the clouds of their doubt, in order to darken the clear light of the Gospel. We see also many light spirits, who fly about in idle speculations, and never find, throughout their whole life, a permanent abode. Tell us plainly.When they demand that Christ shall declare himself freely, or openly and boldly, their meaning is, that he may no longer convey his meaning indirectly, and in a circuitous manner. Thus they charge his doctrine with obscurity, which, on the contrary, was abundantly plain and distinct, if the men who heard it had not been deaf. Now this history warns us, that we cannot avoid the artifices and slanders of wicked men, if we are called to preach the Gospel. Wherefore, we ought to be on the watch, and not to be surprised at it as a new thing, when the same thing happens to us as to our Master.
McArther Bible Commentary
tell us plainly. In light of the context of verses Joh 10:31-39, the Jews were not seeking merely for clarity and understanding regarding who Jesus was, but rather wanted Him to declare openly that He was Messiah in order to justify attacking Him.
Bible Cross References
Mark 8:32 Luke 22:67 John 1:19 John 10:31 John 10:33 John 16:25

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
His discourse at the feast of dedication.
All who have any thing to say to Christ, may find him in the temple. Christ would make us to believe; we make ourselves doubt. The Jews understood his meaning, but could not form his words into a full charge against him. He described the gracious disposition and happy state of his sheep; they heard and believed his word, followed him as his faithful disciples, and none of them should perish; for the Son and the Father were one. Thus he was able to defend his sheep against all their enemies, which proves that he claimed Divine power and perfection equally with the Father.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
I have told you.Our Lord Jesusdoes not conceal that he is the Christ, and yet he does not teach them as if they were willing to learn, but rather reproaches them with obstinate malice, because, though they had been taught by the word and works of God, they had not yet made any progress. Accordingly, that they do not know him, he imputes to their own fault, as if he said: “My doctrine is easily enough understood, but the blame lies with you, because you maliciously resist God.”The works which I do.He speaks of hisworks,in order to convict them of being doubly obstinate; for, besides the doctrine, they had a striking testimony in his miracles, if they had not been ungrateful to God. He twice repeats the words,You do not believe, in order to prove that, of their own accord, they were deaf to doctrine, and blind to works; which is a proof of extreme and desperate malice. He says thathe did the works in the name of his Father;because his design was, to testify the power of God in them, by which it might be openly declared that he came from God.
Bible Cross References
John 5:36 John 8:56 John 8:58 John 10:37 John 10:38

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
His discourse at the feast of dedication.
All who have any thing to say to Christ, may find him in the temple. Christ would make us to believe; we make ourselves doubt. The Jews understood his meaning, but could not form his words into a full charge against him. He described the gracious disposition and happy state of his sheep; they heard and believed his word, followed him as his faithful disciples, and none of them should perish; for the Son and the Father were one. Thus he was able to defend his sheep against all their enemies, which proves that he claimed Divine power and perfection equally with the Father.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Ye do not believe, because ye are not of my sheep - Because ye do not, will not follow me: because ye are proud, unholy, lovers of praise, lovers of the world, lovers of pleasure, not of God.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Because you are not of my sheep.He assigns a higher reason why they do not believe either in his miracles or in his doctrine. It is, because they are reprobate. We must observe Christ’s design; for, since they boasted of being the Church of God, that their unbelief may detract nothing from the authority of the Gospel, he affirms that the gift ofbelievingis a special gift. And, indeed,before that men know God, they must first be known by him, as Paul says, (Galatians 4:9.) On the other hand, those to whom God does not look must always continue to look away from him. If any one murmur at this, arguing that the cause of unbelief dwells in God, because he alone has power to makesheep; I reply, He is free from all blame, for it is only by their voluntary malice that men reject his grace. God does all that is necessary to induce them to believe, but who shall tame wild beasts?This will never be done, till the Spirit of God change them intosheepThey who are wild will in vain attempt to throw on God the blame of their wildness, for it belongs to their own nature. In short, Christ means that it is not wonderful, if there are few who obey his Gospel, because all whom the Spirit of God does not subdue to the obedience of faith are wild and fierce beasts. So much the more unreasonable and absurd is it, that the authority of the Gospel should depend on the belief of men; but believers ought rather to consider, that they are the more strongly bound to God, because, while others remain in a state of blindness, they are drawn to Christ by the illumination of the Spirit. Here, too, the ministers of the Gospel have ground of consolation, if their labor be not profitable to all.
McArther Bible Commentary
This clearly indicates that God has chosen His sheep and it is they who believe and follow (see notes on Joh 10:3, Joh 10:16; cf. Joh 6:37-40, Joh 6:44, Joh 6:65). Key Word Believe: Joh 1:7; Joh 5:44; Joh 6:64; Joh 7:5; Joh 10:26; Joh 11:48; Joh 13:19; Joh 20:31-lit. "to place one's trust in another." True belief in Jesus requires one to completely trust Him for salvation (Joh 3:15-16). When Jesus walked the earth, many people believed in His miraculous powers, but they would not put their faith in Jesus Himself (Joh 6:23-26). Others wanted to believe in Jesus only as a political defender of Israel (Mar 15:32). However, one must be careful to believe and trust in the Jesus presented in the Scriptures-the Son of God who humbly sacrificed Himself to deliver true believers from the bondage of sin (Gal 1:3-4; Php 2:5-8).
Bible Cross References
John 8:47 John 10:27

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
His discourse at the feast of dedication.
All who have any thing to say to Christ, may find him in the temple. Christ would make us to believe; we make ourselves doubt. The Jews understood his meaning, but could not form his words into a full charge against him. He described the gracious disposition and happy state of his sheep; they heard and believed his word, followed him as his faithful disciples, and none of them should perish; for the Son and the Father were one. Thus he was able to defend his sheep against all their enemies, which proves that he claimed Divine power and perfection equally with the Father.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, &c. - Our Lord still alludes to the discourse he had before this festival. As if he had said, My sheep are they who, Hear my voice by faith; Are known (that is, approved) by me, as loving me; and Follow me, keep my commandments, with a believing, loving heart. And to those who, Truly believe (observe three promises annexed to three conditions) I give eternal life. He does not say, I will, but I give. For he that believeth hath everlasting life. Those whom, I know truly to love me, shall never perish, provided they abide in my love. Those who follow me, neither men nor devils can pluck out of my hand. My Father who hath, by an unchangeable decree, given me all that believe, love, and obey, is greater than all in heaven or earth, and none is able to pluck them out of his hand.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
My sheep hear my voice.He proves by an argument drawn from contraries, that they are notsheep, because they do not obey the Gospel. For God effectually calls all whom he has elected, so that thesheep of Christ are proved by their faith. And, indeed, the reason why the name ofsheep is applied to believers is, that they surrender themselves to God, to be governed by the hand of the Chief Shepherd, and, laying aside the fierceness of their nature, become mild and teachable. It is no small consolation to faithful teachers, that, though the greater part of the world do not listen to Christ, yet he has hissheep whom he knows, and by whom he is also knownLet them do their utmost to bring the whole world into the fold of Christ; but when they do not succeed according to their wish, let them be satisfied with this single consideration, that they who aresheep will be gathered by their agency. The rest has been already explained.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 66:22 John 10:4 John 10:14 John 10:16

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
His discourse at the feast of dedication.
All who have any thing to say to Christ, may find him in the temple. Christ would make us to believe; we make ourselves doubt. The Jews understood his meaning, but could not form his words into a full charge against him. He described the gracious disposition and happy state of his sheep; they heard and believed his word, followed him as his faithful disciples, and none of them should perish; for the Son and the Father were one. Thus he was able to defend his sheep against all their enemies, which proves that he claimed Divine power and perfection equally with the Father.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, &c. - Our Lord still alludes to the discourse he had before this festival. As if he had said, My sheep are they who, Hear my voice by faith; Are known (that is, approved) by me, as loving me; and Follow me, keep my commandments, with a believing, loving heart. And to those who, Truly believe (observe three promises annexed to three conditions) I give eternal life. He does not say, I will, but I give. For he that believeth hath everlasting life. Those whom, I know truly to love me, shall never perish, provided they abide in my love. Those who follow me, neither men nor devils can pluck out of my hand. My Father who hath, by an unchangeable decree, given me all that believe, love, and obey, is greater than all in heaven or earth, and none is able to pluck them out of his hand.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
And they shall never perish.It is an inestimable fruit of faith, that Christ bids us be convinced of our security when we are brought by faith into his fold. But we must also observe on what foundation this certainty rests. It is because he will be a faithful guardian of our salvation, for he testifies that our salvation is inhis handAnd if this were not enough, he says that they will be safely guarded by the power ofhis FatherThis is a remarkable passage, by which we are taught that the salvation of all the elect is not less certain than the power of God is invincible. Besides, Christ did not intend to throw this word foolishly into the air, but to give a promise which should remain deeply axed in their minds; and, therefore, we infer that the statement of Christ is intended to show that the elect are absolutely certain of their salvation. We are surrounded, indeed, by powerful adversaries, and so great is our weakness, that we are every moment in imminent danger of death; but as He whokeeps what we have committed to him (2 Timothy 1:12) isgreater or more powerfulthan all, we have no reason to tremble as if our life were in danger.Hence, too, we infer how mad is the confidence of the Papists, which relies on free-will, on their own virtue, and on the merits of their works. Widely different is the manner in which Christ instructs his followers, to remember that, in this world, they may be said to be in the midst of a forest, surrounded by innumerable robbers, and are not only unarmed and exposed as a prey, but are aware that the cause of death is contained in themselves, so that, relying on the guardianship of God alone, they may walk without alarm. In short, our salvation is certain, because it is in the hand of God; for our faith is weak, and we are too prone to waver. But God, who has taken us under his protection, is sufficiently powerful to scatter, with his breath alone, all the forces of our adversaries. It is of great importance for us to turn our eye to this, that the fear of temptations may not dismay us; for Christ even intended to point out the way in whichsheep are made to live at ease in the midst of wolves.And none can wrest them out of my Father’s hand.The wordand, in this passage, meansthereforeFor, since the power of God is invincible, Christ infers that the salvation of believers is not exposed to the ungovernable passions of their enemies, because, ere they perish, God must be overcome, who has taken them under the protection ofhis hand.
McArther Bible Commentary
The security of Jesus' sheep rests with Him as the good shepherd, who has the power to keep them safe. Neither thieves and robbers (Joh 10:1, Joh 10:8) nor the wolf (Joh 10:12) can harm them. Verse Joh 10:29 makes clear that the Father ultimately stands behind the sheep's security, for no one is able to steal from God, who is in sovereign control of all things (Col 3:3). See notes on Rom 8:31-39. No stronger passage in the OT or NT exists for the absolute, eternal security of every true Christian.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 27:3 Jeremiah 23:4 John 6:27 John 6:37 John 6:39 John 10:29 John 17:2 1 Peter 1:5 1 John 1:2 1 John 2:25 1 John 5:11

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
His discourse at the feast of dedication.
All who have any thing to say to Christ, may find him in the temple. Christ would make us to believe; we make ourselves doubt. The Jews understood his meaning, but could not form his words into a full charge against him. He described the gracious disposition and happy state of his sheep; they heard and believed his word, followed him as his faithful disciples, and none of them should perish; for the Son and the Father were one. Thus he was able to defend his sheep against all their enemies, which proves that he claimed Divine power and perfection equally with the Father.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, &c. - Our Lord still alludes to the discourse he had before this festival. As if he had said, My sheep are they who, Hear my voice by faith; Are known (that is, approved) by me, as loving me; and Follow me, keep my commandments, with a believing, loving heart. And to those who, Truly believe (observe three promises annexed to three conditions) I give eternal life. He does not say, I will, but I give. For he that believeth hath everlasting life. Those whom, I know truly to love me, shall never perish, provided they abide in my love. Those who follow me, neither men nor devils can pluck out of my hand. My Father who hath, by an unchangeable decree, given me all that believe, love, and obey, is greater than all in heaven or earth, and none is able to pluck them out of his hand.
Bible Cross References
John 10:28 John 10:30 John 14:28

Verse 30

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
His discourse at the feast of dedication.
All who have any thing to say to Christ, may find him in the temple. Christ would make us to believe; we make ourselves doubt. The Jews understood his meaning, but could not form his words into a full charge against him. He described the gracious disposition and happy state of his sheep; they heard and believed his word, followed him as his faithful disciples, and none of them should perish; for the Son and the Father were one. Thus he was able to defend his sheep against all their enemies, which proves that he claimed Divine power and perfection equally with the Father.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I and the Father are one - Not by consent of will only, but by unity of power, and consequently of nature. Are - This word confutes Sabellius, proving the plurality of persons: one - This word confutes Arius, proving the unity of nature in God. Never did any prophet before, from the beginning of the world, use any one expression of himself, which could possibly be so interpreted as this and other expressions were, by all that heard our Lord speak. Therefore if he was not God he must have been the vilest of men.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
I and my Father are one.He intended to meet the jeers of the wicked; for they might allege that the power of God did not at all belong to him, so that he could promise to his disciples that it would assuredly protect them. He therefore testifies that his affairs are so closely united to those of the Father, that the Father’s assistance will never be withheld from himself and hissheepThe ancients made a wrong use of this passage to prove that Christ is (ὁμοούσιος) of the same essence with the Father. For Christ does not argue about the unity of substance, but about the agreement which he has with the Father, so that whatever is done by Christ will be confirmed by the power of his Father.
McArther Bible Commentary
I and My Father are one. Both Father and Son are committed to the perfect protection and preservation of Jesus' sheep. The sentence, emphasizing the united purpose and action of both in the security and safety of the flock, presupposes unity of nature and essence (see Joh 5:17-23; Joh 17:22).
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 6:4 John 10:29 John 10:36 John 17:21

Verse 31

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The Jews attempt to stone Jesus.
Christ's works of power and mercy proclaim him to be over all, God blessed for evermore, that all may know and believe He is in the Father, and the Father in Him. Whom the Father sends, he sanctifies. The holy God will reward, and therefore will employ, none but such as he makes holy. The Father was in the Son, so that by Divine power he wrought his miracles; the Son was so in the Father, that he knew the whole of His mind. This we cannot by searching find out to perfection, but we may know and believe these declarations of Christ.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Then the Jews again took up stones.As true religion, in maintaining the glory of God, burns with its own zeal which the Spirit of God directs, so unbelief is the mother of rage, and the devil hurries on the wicked in such a manner, that they breathe nothing but slaughter. This result shows with what intention they put the question to Christ; for the open confession, of which they pretended to be desirous, instantly drives them to madness. And yet, though they are hurried along, with such violence, to oppress Christ, there can be no doubt that they assigned some plausible reason for their judgment, as if they were acting according to the injunction of the Law, by which God commands that false prophets shall be stoned, (Deuteronomy 13:5.)
McArther Bible Commentary
For the third time John records that the Jews attempted to stone Jesus (see Joh 5:18; Joh 8:59). Jesus' assertion (Joh 10:30) that He was One with the Father affirmed His claim to deity and caused the Jews to seek His execution (Joh 10:33). Although the OT permitted stoning in certain instances (e.g., Lev 24:16), the Romans reserved the right of capital punishment for themselves (Joh 18:31). Nevertheless, out-of-control Jews attempted a mob action in lieu of legal proceedings (see Act 7:54-60).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 12:14 John 1:19 John 8:59 John 10:24 John 10:32 John 11:8

Verse 32

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The Jews attempt to stone Jesus.
Christ's works of power and mercy proclaim him to be over all, God blessed for evermore, that all may know and believe He is in the Father, and the Father in Him. Whom the Father sends, he sanctifies. The holy God will reward, and therefore will employ, none but such as he makes holy. The Father was in the Son, so that by Divine power he wrought his miracles; the Son was so in the Father, that he knew the whole of His mind. This we cannot by searching find out to perfection, but we may know and believe these declarations of Christ.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Many good works I have shown you.Here Christ not only says that they have no reason for their cruelty, but accuses them of ingratitude, in making so unjust a requital for God’s favors. Nor does he only state that he has done them a service by one or two works, but that in many ways he has been kind to them. Next, he upbraids them with being ungrateful, not only to himself, but rather to God, when he says that he is the minister of the Father, who openly manifested his power, that it might be known and attested to them. For when he says thatthe good workswere from the Father, he means that God was the Author of them. The meaning may be thus summed up, “God intended to make known to you, by me, distinguished benefits; he has conferred them upon you by my hand. Banish me as much as you please, I have done nothing that does not deserve praise and good-will. In persecuting me, therefore, you must show your rage against the gifts of God.” But the question has greater force to pierce their consciences than if he had made a direct assertion.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 35:12 Psalm 109:5 Jeremiah 37:18 John 10:31 John 10:33

Verse 33

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The Jews attempt to stone Jesus.
Christ's works of power and mercy proclaim him to be over all, God blessed for evermore, that all may know and believe He is in the Father, and the Father in Him. Whom the Father sends, he sanctifies. The holy God will reward, and therefore will employ, none but such as he makes holy. The Father was in the Son, so that by Divine power he wrought his miracles; the Son was so in the Father, that he knew the whole of His mind. This we cannot by searching find out to perfection, but we may know and believe these declarations of Christ.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
We stone thee not for a good work.Though wicked men carry on open war with God, yet they never wish to sin without some plausible pretense. The consequence is, that when they rage against the Son of God, they are not content with this cruelty, but bring an unprovoked accusation against him, and constitute themselves advocates and defenders of the glory of God. A good conscience must therefore be to us a wall of brass, by which we boldly repel the reproaches and calumnies with which we are assailed. For whatever plausibility may adorn their malice, and whatever reproach they may bring on us for a time, if we fight for the cause of God, he will not refuse to uphold his truth. But as the wicked never want pretences for oppressing the servants of God, and as they have also hardened impudence, so that, even when vanquished, they do not cease to slander, we have need of patience and meekness, to support us to the end.But for blasphemy.The wordblasphemy,which among profane authors denotes generally every kind of reproach, Scripture refers to God, when his majesty is offended and insulted.Because thou, being a man, makest thyself God.There are two kinds ofblasphemy,either when God is deprived of the honor which belongs to him, or when anything unsuitable to his nature, or contrary to his nature, is ascribed to him. They argue therefore that Christ is ablasphemer and a sacrilegious person, because,being a mortal man, he lays claim to Divine honor. And this would be a just definition ofblasphemy,if Christ were nothing more than a man. They only err in this, that they do not design to contemplate his Divinity, which was conspicuous in his miracles.
McArther Bible Commentary
make Yourself God. There was no doubt in the minds of those Jews that Jesus was claiming to be God (cf. Joh 5:18).
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 24:16 John 5:18 John 10:24 John 10:32 John 19:7 Philippians 2:6

Verse 34

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The Jews attempt to stone Jesus.
Christ's works of power and mercy proclaim him to be over all, God blessed for evermore, that all may know and believe He is in the Father, and the Father in Him. Whom the Father sends, he sanctifies. The holy God will reward, and therefore will employ, none but such as he makes holy. The Father was in the Son, so that by Divine power he wrought his miracles; the Son was so in the Father, that he knew the whole of His mind. This we cannot by searching find out to perfection, but we may know and believe these declarations of Christ.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
(Psalms 82:6) .
John Calvin Bible Commentary
I have said, You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High; where God expostulates with the kings and judges of the earth, who tyrannically abuse their authority and power for their own sinful passions, for oppressing the poor, and for every evil action. He reproaches them that, unmindful of Him from whom they received so great dignity, they profane the name of God. Christ applies this to the case in hand, that they receive the name of gods, because they are God’s ministers for governing the world. For the same reason Scripture calls the angelsgods, because by them the glory of God beams forth on the world. We must attend to the mode of expression:
McArther Bible Commentary
Quoted from Psa 82:6 where God calls some unjust judges "gods" and pronounces calamity against them. Jesus' argument is that this psalm proves that the word god can be legitimately used to refer to others than God Himself. His reasoning is that if there are others whom God can address as "god" or "sons of the Most High," why then should the Jews object to Jesus' statement that He is "the Son of God" (Joh 10:36)?
Bible Cross References
Psalm 82:6 John 8:17 John 10:35 John 12:34 John 15:25 Romans 3:19 1 Corinthians 14:21

Verse 35

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The Jews attempt to stone Jesus.
Christ's works of power and mercy proclaim him to be over all, God blessed for evermore, that all may know and believe He is in the Father, and the Father in Him. Whom the Father sends, he sanctifies. The holy God will reward, and therefore will employ, none but such as he makes holy. The Father was in the Son, so that by Divine power he wrought his miracles; the Son was so in the Father, that he knew the whole of His mind. This we cannot by searching find out to perfection, but we may know and believe these declarations of Christ.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
If he (God) called them gods unto whom the word of God came, (that is, to whom God was then speaking,) and the Scripture cannot be broken - That is, nothing which is written therein can be censured or rejected.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
resist the power are rebels against God, because there is no power but what is ordained by God, (Romans 13:1, 2.)It will, perhaps, be objected, that other callings also are from God, and are approved by him, and yet that we do not, on that account, call farmers, or cowherds, or cobblers, godsI reply, this is not a general declaration, that all who have been called by God to any particular way of living are calledgods; but Christ speaks of kings, whom God has raised to a more elevated station, that they may rule and govern. In short, let us know that magistrates are calledgods, because God has given them authority. Under the termLaw,Christ includes the whole doctrine by which God governed his ancient Church; for since the prophets were only expounders of the Law, the Psalms are justly regarded as an appendage to the Law. Thatthe Scripture cannot be brokenmeans, that the doctrine of Scripture is inviolable.
McArther Bible Commentary
Scripture cannot be broken. An affirmation of the absolute accuracy and authority of Scripture (see notes on Mat 5:17-19).
Bible Cross References
John 10:34 John 10:36

Verse 36

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The Jews attempt to stone Jesus.
Christ's works of power and mercy proclaim him to be over all, God blessed for evermore, that all may know and believe He is in the Father, and the Father in Him. Whom the Father sends, he sanctifies. The holy God will reward, and therefore will employ, none but such as he makes holy. The Father was in the Son, so that by Divine power he wrought his miracles; the Son was so in the Father, that he knew the whole of His mind. This we cannot by searching find out to perfection, but we may know and believe these declarations of Christ.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Say ye of him whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world - This sanctification (whereby he is essentially the Holy One of God) is mentioned as prior to his mission, and together with it implies, Christ was God in the highest sense, infinitely superior to that wherein those judges were so called.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 1:5 John 3:17 John 5:17 John 6:69 John 10:30 John 10:35

Verse 37

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The Jews attempt to stone Jesus.
Christ's works of power and mercy proclaim him to be over all, God blessed for evermore, that all may know and believe He is in the Father, and the Father in Him. Whom the Father sends, he sanctifies. The holy God will reward, and therefore will employ, none but such as he makes holy. The Father was in the Son, so that by Divine power he wrought his miracles; the Son was so in the Father, that he knew the whole of His mind. This we cannot by searching find out to perfection, but we may know and believe these declarations of Christ.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
If I do not the worksLest the Jews might reply that it was in vain for him to boast of sanctification, and of all that depended on it, he again draws their attention to his miracles, in which there was a sufficiently evident proof of his Divinity. This is in the shape of a concession, as if he had said, “I do not wish you to be bound to give me credit on any other condition than that you see the fact plainly before your eyes.You may safely reject me, if God has not openly given testimony to me.”The works of my Father.He gives them this name, because those works were truly Divine, and because so great power shone in them, that they could not be ascribed to a man.
Bible Cross References
John 10:25 John 15:24

Verse 38

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The Jews attempt to stone Jesus.
Christ's works of power and mercy proclaim him to be over all, God blessed for evermore, that all may know and believe He is in the Father, and the Father in Him. Whom the Father sends, he sanctifies. The holy God will reward, and therefore will employ, none but such as he makes holy. The Father was in the Son, so that by Divine power he wrought his miracles; the Son was so in the Father, that he knew the whole of His mind. This we cannot by searching find out to perfection, but we may know and believe these declarations of Christ.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
That ye may know and believe - In some a more exact knowledge precedes, in others it follows faith. I am in the Father and the Father in me. I and the Father are one - These two sentences illustrate each other.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
But if I do.He shows that they are held plainly convicted of unbelieving and sacrilegious contempt, because they render no reverence or honorto what are undoubtedly the works of God. This is a second concession, when he says, “Though I allow you to doubt of my doctrine, you cannot deny, at least, that the miracles which I have performed are from God. You therefore openly reject God, and not a man.”That you may know and believe.Though he placesknowledge before faith, as iffaith were inferior to it, he does so, because he has to do with unbelieving and obstinate men, who never yield to God, until they are vanquished and constrained by experience; for rebels wish toknow before theybelieveAnd yet our gracious God indulges us so far, that he prepares us forfaith by aknowledge of his works. But theknowledge of God and of his secret wisdom comes afterfaith, because the obedience of faith opens to us the door of the kingdom of heaven.That the Father is in me, and I in him.He repeats the same thing which he had said before in other words,I and my Father are oneAll tends to this point, that in his ministry there is nothing contrary to his Father. “The Father, he says,is in me; that is, Divine power is manifested in me.”And I am in my Father;that is, “I do nothing but by the command of God, so that there is a mutual connection between me and my Father.” For this discourse does not relate to the unity of essence, but to the manifestation of Divine power in the person of Christ, from which it was evident that he was sent by God.
McArther Bible Commentary
believe the works. Jesus did not expect to be believed merely on His own assertions. Since He did the same things that the Father does (see notes on Joh 5:19), His enemies should consider this in their evaluation of Him. The implication is, however, that they were so ignorant of God that they could not recognize the works of the Father or the One whom the Father sent (see also Joh 14:10-11).
Bible Cross References
John 3:2 John 5:36 John 10:25 John 11:4 John 14:10 John 14:11 John 14:20 John 17:21 John 17:23 1 John 3:24

Verse 39

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He departs from Jerusalem.
No weapon formed against our Lord Jesus shall prosper. He escaped, not because he was afraid to suffer, but because his hour was not come. And He who knew how to deliver himself, knows how to deliver the godly our of their temptations, and to make a way for them to escape. Persecutors may drive Christ and his gospel our of their own city or country, but they cannot drive him or it out of the world. When we know Christ by faith in our hearts, we find all that the Scripture saith of him is true.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Therefore they sought again to seize him.This was undoubtedly that they might drive him out of the temple, and immediately stone him; for their rage was not at all abated by the words of Christ. As to what the Evangelist says, thathe escaped out of their hands,this could not be accomplished in any other way than by a wonderful exertion of Divine power. This reminds us that we are not exposed to the lawless passions of wicked men, which God restrains by his bridle, whenever he thinks fit.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 12:14 Luke 4:30 John 7:30 John 8:59

Verse 40

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He departs from Jerusalem.
No weapon formed against our Lord Jesus shall prosper. He escaped, not because he was afraid to suffer, but because his hour was not come. And He who knew how to deliver himself, knows how to deliver the godly our of their temptations, and to make a way for them to escape. Persecutors may drive Christ and his gospel our of their own city or country, but they cannot drive him or it out of the world. When we know Christ by faith in our hearts, we find all that the Scripture saith of him is true.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
To the desert place where John baptized, and gave so honourable a testimony of him.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
He went away beyond Jordan.Christ passedbeyond Jordan,that he might not have to fight continually without any advantage. He has therefore taught us, by his example, that we ought to avail ourselves of opportunities, when they occur. As to the place of his retreat, the reader may consult the observations which I have made at Chapter 1, verse 28.
McArther Bible Commentary
He went away again beyond the Jordan. Because of the increasing hostility (see Joh 10:39), Jesus went from the region of Judea into the unpopulated area across the Jordan River. to the place where John was baptizing at first. Cf. Mat 3:1-6; Mar 1:2-6; Luk 3:3-6. This is probably a reference to either Perea or Batanea, the general area in the tetrarchy of Philip in the east and northeast of the Sea of Galilee. The statement is ironic, since the area where John first began became the last area in which Jesus stayed before He left for Jerusalem and crucifixion. The people remembered John's testimony to Christ and affirmed their faith in Him (Joh 10:41-42).
Bible Cross References
John 1:28 John 11:7

Verse 41

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He departs from Jerusalem.
No weapon formed against our Lord Jesus shall prosper. He escaped, not because he was afraid to suffer, but because his hour was not come. And He who knew how to deliver himself, knows how to deliver the godly our of their temptations, and to make a way for them to escape. Persecutors may drive Christ and his gospel our of their own city or country, but they cannot drive him or it out of the world. When we know Christ by faith in our hearts, we find all that the Scripture saith of him is true.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
John did no miracle - An honour reserved for him, whose forerunner he was.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
And many came to him.This large assembly shows that Christ did not seek solitude, in order to cease from the discharge of his duty, but to erect a sanctuary of God in the wilderness, when Jerusalem, which was his own abode and dwelling-place,had obstinately driven him out. And indeed this was a dreadful vengeance of God, that, while the temple chosen by God wasa den of robbers, (Jeremiah 7:11;Matthew 21:13,) the Church of God was collected in a despised place.John indeed did no miracle.They infer that Christ is more excellent thanJohn, because he has distinguished himself by so many miracles, whileJohn did not perform a single miracleNot that we ought always to judge frommiracles,but thatmiracles, when united with doctrine, have no small weight, as has already been repeatedly mentioned. Their argument is defective; for they compare Christ with John, but they express only one part of the comparison. Besides, they take for granted, that John was an eminent prophet of God, and that he was endued with extraordinary grace of the Holy Spirit. They justly argue, therefore, that Christ ought to be preferred to John, because it was only by the fixed Providence of God that it was brought about thatJohn, though in other respects a very great prophet, yet was not honored by performing any miracle. Hence they conclude, that this was done on Christ’s account, that he might be more highly esteemed.But all that John said.It appears that this was not spoken by themselves, but was added by the Evangelist, in order to show that there were two reasons which induced them to believe in Christ. On the one hand,they saw that the testimony which John had given to him was true; and, on the other hand,the miracles of Christ procured for him greater authority.
Bible Cross References
John 1:27 John 1:30 John 2:11 John 3:27

Verse 42

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He departs from Jerusalem.
No weapon formed against our Lord Jesus shall prosper. He escaped, not because he was afraid to suffer, but because his hour was not come. And He who knew how to deliver himself, knows how to deliver the godly our of their temptations, and to make a way for them to escape. Persecutors may drive Christ and his gospel our of their own city or country, but they cannot drive him or it out of the world. When we know Christ by faith in our hearts, we find all that the Scripture saith of him is true.
Bible Cross References
John 2:23 John 7:31