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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 12:31

Now is the judgment of this world - Greek: “crisis.” This expression, doubtless, has reference to his approaching death, and whatever he means by judgment here relates to something that was to be accomplished by that death. It cannot mean that then was to be the time in which the world was to be finally judged, for he says that he did not come then to judge the world John 12:47; John 8:15, and he has clearly declared that there shall be a future day when he will judge all mankind. The meaning... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 12:32

Be lifted up - See John 3:14; John 8:28.Will draw - John 6:44. The same word is used in both places.All men - I will incline all kinds of men; or will make the way open by the cross, so that all men may come. I will provide a way which shall present a strong motive or inducement - the strongest that can be presented to all men to come to me. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 12:34

We have heard out of the law - Out of the Old Testament; or rather we have been so taught by those who have interpreted the law to us.That Christ - That the Messiah.Abideth for ever - Will remain forever, or will live forever. The doctrine of many of them certainly was that the Messiah would not die; that he would reign as a prince forever over the people. This opinion was founded on such passages of Scripture as these: Psalms 110:4, “Thou art a priest forever;” Daniel 2:44; Daniel 8:13-14. In... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 12:35

Yet a little while is the light with you - Jesus did not reply directly to their question. He saw that they were offended by the mention of his death, and he endeavored to arrive at the same thing indirectly. He tells them, therefore, that the light would be with them a little while, and that they ought to improve the opportunity while they had it to listen to his instructions, to require with candor, and thus to forsake their false notions respecting the Messiah.The light - John 1:4. It is... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 12:36

While ye have light - This implied two things:1.That he was the light, or was the Messiah.2.That he was soon to be taken away by death.In this manner he answered their question - not directly, but in a way to convey the truth to their minds, and at the same time to administer to them a useful admonition. Jesus never aroused the prejudices of men unnecessarily, yet he never shrank from declaring to them the truth in some way, however unpalatable it might be.Believe in the light - That is, in the... read more

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