John 12

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:35

Christ's reply is introduced with a simple εἶπεν . Jesus therefore said to them , not in answer to their question, but by taking up a title of dignity that he had claimed before, tie evidently assumes to be the Light of the world ( John 8:12 ), and now the time is almost over when they could see its luster or discern other things, either themselves, or their sins, or this world, or the next world, by that Light. The time for further instruction, or remonstrance, or declarations is at... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:35

Light on the path. The occasion of this admonition is intelligible enough. The Jews were naturally perplexed at Jesus' saying ( John 12:32 ) concerning his approaching death, and the mysterious power which in and after his death he should exercise over men. No wonder that they asked who this Son of man could be. Jesus did not want to discourage them from this inquiry as one of great speculative interest; truth, especially upon the highest themes, must be reverently and earnestly... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:35

A warning to the traveler. I. A HINT THAT HE IS MAKING NO PROGRESS . We are in this life like travelers, who have so much of their journey to do in so many hours. There is ample time if only they will keep steadily on, remembering that the sun does not stop, waiting on their convenience and their indolence. While these Jews were disputing, doubting, and deferring, their opportunities were slipping away. They talked as if their decision affected Jesus rather than themselves,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:36

But he concludes with one more glorious invitation. As , up to this moment, you have the Light, Believe in the Light ; treat it as light—receive the revelation I have given you (cf. the ninth and eleventh chapters); "Work while it is called today;" "stumble not;" make no irreparable mistake. "Become "—so walk that ye may become yourselves sons of Light , illumined and luminous. This fine expression is found in Luke 16:8 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:5 ; and, with alteration of υἱοὶ ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:36

"Sons of light." This remarkable expression occurs four times in the New Testament. In Luke 16:8 the Lord Jesus contrasts with the children of this generation the sons of light. In this passage he holds out the prospect before those who believe on the Light that they will become sons of light. Paul, in Ephesians 5:8 , admonishes Christians to walk as children of light, and in 1 Thessalonians 5:5 assures Christians that they are all sons of light. The designation is instructive and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:37

Though he had done so many signs in their presence, yet they believed not on him, If " so many" be the correct reading, John is simply implying what he elsewhere expresses, that a widespread knowledge was possessed by him of groups of miraculous signs, of which he recorded only seven crucial symbolic specimens; (a) Signs in heaven, earth and sea; (b) startling miracles on human nature, and (c) on dead men, did not compel belief. The inaccessibility of the people reveals... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:37-41

The causes of Jewish unbelief. The evangelist now turns to the remarkable failure of the Messiah's work in Israel, and proceeds to account for it. I. THE UNBELIEF OF THE JEWS WAS INEXCUSABLE . "But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him." 1. It is implied that Jesus did many more miracles than the seven recorded in this Gospel . 2. The miracles were done "before them, " so as to leave them without this excuse of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:37-43

6. The reflections of the evangelist . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:38

In order that the words of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who believed our report? or the message which the prophets have delivered—the prediction they made of a suffering and rejected Christ, of One who would "sprinkle many nations," and in the very "travail of his soul see his seed." To whom was the arm of the Lord revealed? It does not mean that no hearts responded to the appeal, that the voice from heaven fell on no susceptible ears; but that it is one of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 12:39-40

In these verses, however, a deeper difficulty still is involved. The διὰ τοῦτο ... ὅτι leave us no option (see John 7:21 , John 7:22 ) but to translate: For from this reason they were unable to believe (see other illustrations of the usage, John 5:18 ; John 8:47 ; John 10:17 ). There was a moral impossibility inherited by them through ages of rebellion and insensibility to Divine grace, and through their misuse of Divine revelation. The issue of it was, "'they could not... read more

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