John 8:31

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - John 8:31-37

We have in these verses, I. A comfortable doctrine laid down concerning the spiritual liberty of Christ's disciples, intended for the encouragement of those Jews that believed. Christ, knowing that his doctrine began to work upon some of his hearers, and perceiving that virtue had gone out of him, turned his discourse from the proud Pharisees, and addressed himself to those weak believers. When he had denounced wrath against those that were hardened in unbelief, then he spoke comfort to those... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 8:31-32

8:31-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had come to believe in him: "If you remain in my word, you are truly my disciples: and you will know the truth: and the truth will make you free." Few New Testament passages have such a complete picture of discipleship as this. (i) Discipleship begins with belief. Its beginning is the moment when a man accepts what Jesus says as true, all that he says about the love of God, all that he says about the terror of sin, all that he says about the real... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 8:31

Then said Jesus to those Jews that believed on him ,.... For he knew instantly who they were, and when they believed on him; and therefore he immediately turned himself to them, and thus addressed them; if ye continue in my word ; meaning the Gospel, called his, because he was both the author, and preacher, and sum, and substance of it: and to continue in it, is having cordially received it, to abide by it, and hold it fast, and not to be moved from it, by the temptations of Satan; the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 8:31

If ye continue in my word - Or, in this doctrine of mine. It is not enough to receive God's truth - we must retain and walk in it. And it is only when we receive the truth, love it, keep it, and walk in it, that we are the genuine disciples of Christ. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 8:31

Verse 31 31.If you continue in my word. Here Christ warns them, in the first place, that it is not enough for any one to have begun well, if their progress to the end do not correspond to it; and for this reason he exhorts to perseverance in the faith those who have tasted of his doctrine. When he says that they who are firmly rooted in his word, so as to continue in him, will truly be his disciples, he means that many profess to be disciples who yet are not so in reality, and have no right to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 8:30-32

The bondage of the Jews, and the source of true liberty. The effect of the previous discourse was remarkable. I. THE INTELLECTUAL ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS BY THE JEWS . "As he spake these words, many believed on him." They accepted his statements, and believed him to be the Messiah. They were not, however, true believers, because Jesus afterwards represents them as seeking to kill him ( John 8:37 ). II. THE COUNSEL OF OUR LORD TO THE NEW CONVERTS .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 8:31

"My disciples." Teaching and learning are the condition alike of the intellectual and of the moral life of humanity. All men who live do both, and good men do both well. Of the scholar of Oxenford, Chaucer says, "And gladly would he learn, and gladly teach." Christianity, being a Divine religion, accepts and adapts itself to this condition of our existence. I. THE MASTER . Christ was acknowledged to be a Hebrew Rabbi, even a Prophet. But the enlightened knew him to be the Teacher... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 8:31

Genuine discipleship. In the earlier part of his ministry Jesus probably had a great many disciples. At all events this might be suspected. He taught a great deal, and the testimony is that he spoke "with authority, and not as the scribes." We may be sure he was always ready to speak concerning the things of the kingdom of heaven. In synagogue, in temple, in the homes of the people, out in the open air, he lost no opportunity. He that soweth sparingly, reapeth sparingly. Thus a large... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 8:31-32

(4) The test Christ supplied to those who admitted his testimony—true discipleship and freedom. Jesus therefore said to the Jews who had believed him —or, had become believing, and were now waiting for some special sign that their belief of his words was to be immediately rewarded by some closer conformity between his next step and their own prepossessions— If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples. Short of making the word of Jesus the resting place for both heart and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 8:31-32

True Christian discipleship. I. IN ITS CONDITIONS . These are: 1 . The possession of Christ ' s Word. 2 . A vital possession of Christ ' s Word. The possession is not merely outward and intellectual, but inward and spiritual. The Word must be in the soul, and the soul in the Word. Christ is in the Christian, and the Christian is in Christ. Christ's Word is in his disciple, and the disciple is in his Word. Both mean the same, only in the latter prominence is given to... read more

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