John 8:31-32

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 8:31-59

describe a further conversation, not with the same audience. The words record a vivid conflict between the Lord and the Jews who believed him, who accepted the Messianic claims, but persisted in interpreting them, not by his word, but by their own ideas of the theocratic kingdom, by their privileges as children of Abraham, by their national animosity to their nearest neighbours the Samaritans, by their inability to press behind the veil of his humanity to his Divine nature. Their faith was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 8:32

The liberating truth. There are two kinds of freedom: the freedom of the liberated prisoner and the freedom of the manumitted slave. Living in a country like England, we are most likely to think of the former kind. But it is quite evident that Jesus was thinking of servitude rather than captivity. Many may have to be under restraint because they have broken laws; it is right that they should be prisoners for a time, perhaps even for all their lives. But servitude never can be right; it has... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 8:31

If ye continue in my word - If you continue to obey my commandments and to receive my doctrines.Then are ye ... - This is the true test of Christian character. John 14:21; “he that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.” See John 2:4; Joh 3:24; 2 John 1:6. In this place Jesus cautions them against too much confidence from their present feelings. They were just converted - converted by a single sermon. They had had no time to test their faith. Jesus assures them that if... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 8:32

Shall know the truth - See the notes at John 7:17.The truth shall make you free - The truth here means the Christian religion. Compare Galatians 3:1; Colossians 1:6. The doctrines of the true religion shall make you free - that is, it will free you from the slavery of evil passions, corrupt propensities, and grovelling views. The condition of a sinner is that of a captive or a slave to sin. He is one who serves and obeys the dictates of an evil heart and the promptings of an evil nature, Romans... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - John 8:30-32

John 8:30-32. As he spake these words, many believed on him Believed that he was the Messiah, and were strongly inclined to follow him as such. Some have supposed that the ambiguity of the expression, in John 8:28, ( When you have lifted up the Son of man,) induced those here spoken of to believe him to be the Messiah; supposing that it intimated an exaltation to some temporal authority and power. “Hearing him speak,” says Dr. Macknight, “of a temporal kingdom, as they supposed, they began... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - John 8:31-59

91. True freedom; true sonship (John 8:31-59)Jesus used an illustration from slavery to show the people how he could help them in their need. They all knew that slaves could not free themselves. The only person who could free them was the owner of the house in which the slave worked, or the owner’s son, acting on his father’s authority. The Jews were slaves, in bondage to sin and unable to free themselves. The only one who could free them was God, acting through his Son Jesus. They would find... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - John 8:31

said = spake, as in John 8:27 , John 8:28 . to. Greek pros, App-104 . believed on = had believed. App-160 . Thus distinguishing these Jews from the true believers of John 8:30 . Note the emphatic word "ye" in next clause. continue = abide. See note on John 1:32 . My word = the word which is Mine. Greek. logos. See note on Mark 9:32 . are ye = ye are. indeed = truly. Greek. alethos, See note on John 1:47 . Trusting in Him , not merely admitting His claims. read more

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