John 6:60 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - John 6:60-71

We have here an account of the effects of Christ's discourse. Some were offended and others edified by it; some driven from him and others brought nearer to him. I. To some it was a savour of death unto death; not only to the Jews, who were professed enemies to him and his doctrine, but even to many of his disciples, such as were disciples at large, who were his frequent hearers, and followed him in public; a mixed multitude, like those among Israel, that began all the discontents. Now here we... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 6:59-65

6:59-65 When they had heard this discourse many of his disciples said: "This word is hard! Who is able to listen to it?" Jesus well knew within himself that his disciples were murmuring about this; so he said to them: "Does this cause you to stumble? What then if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he formerly was? The life-giving power is the Spirit; the flesh is of no help. The words which I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some who do not believe." For... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 6:60

Many therefore of his disciples ,.... Not of the twelve, nor of the seventy, but of the multitude of the disciples, who followed him from place to place, attended on his ministry, and might be baptized in his name; see John 4:1 ; when they had heard this ; that his flesh and blood were truly and really meat and drink, and that none had life in them, or should have eternal life, but such as eat and drink the same: said, this is an hard saying ; or it is to be objected to; so קשיא... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 6:60

Many therefore of his disciples - So it appears that he had many more than the twelve, who constantly accompanied him. This is a hard saying; who can hear it? - Who can digest such doctrine as this? It is intolerable: it is impracticable. There is a similar saving in Euripides, to the σκληρος λογος of the evangelist. Ποτερα θελεις σοι μαλθακα ψευδη λεγω, η σκληρ ' αληθη, φραζε ; Tell me whether thou wouldst that I should speak unto thee, a Soft Lie, or the Harsh Truth? The wicked... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 6:60

Verse 60 60.This is a harsh saying. On the contrary, it was in their hearts, and not in the saying, that the harshness lay. But out of the word of God the reprobate are thus accustomed to form stones to dash themselves upon, and when, by their hardened obstinacy, they rush against Christ, they complain that his saying is harsh, which ought rather to have softened them. For whoever shall submit with true humility (168) to the doctrine of Christ will find nothing in it harsh or disagreeable; but... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 6:1-71

2. Christ declares himself to be the Sustainer and Protector of the life of which he is the Source . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 6:60

Many therefore of his disciples. This word is used in a wider sense than of the twelve. The synoptists tell us of much labour already done in this neighbourhood, and a considerable harvest of souls reaped, so far as a general acknowledgement of his claims and an expectation that he was the Messiah was involved: When they heard it ( i . e . the entire instruction given in open synagogue), said, This is a hard saying . The discourse was σχληρός , harsh, the opposite of μαλακός... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 6:60-65

The growth of discontent and unbelief among his disciples. The burden of this teaching was too heavy to be borne, even by those disciples who followed Jesus for a time, without realizing the true conditions of discipleship. I. THE TRIAL OF THEIR FAITH . "Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is a bard saying; who can hear it?" 1 . The saying was hard, not in the sense of being obscure, but Offensive to their judgment . 2 . The ground... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.