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Selected Verse: John 8:31 - King James
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| Joh 8:31 |
King James |
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
| Then said Jesus to those Jews who believed, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed, &c.--The impression produced by the last words of our Lord may have become visible by some decisive movement, and here He takes advantage of it to press on them "continuance" in the faith, since then only were they His real disciples (compare Joh 15:3-8), and then should they experimentally "know the truth," and "by the truth be made (spiritually) free." |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
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. Joh 14:21; "he that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me." See Joh 2:4; Joh 3:24; Jo2 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 their faith should abide the test, if it should produce obedience to his commandments and a truly life, it would be proof that their faith was genuine, for the tree is known by its fruit. So we may say to all new converts, Do not repress your love or your joy, but do not be too confident. Your faith has not yet been tried, and if it does not produce a holy life it is vain, Jam 2:17-26. |
| Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Believed on Him (πεπιστευκότας αὐτῷ)
Note the different phrase, distinguishing the Jews from the mixed company in Joh 8:30. Rev., rightly, believed Him.
If ye continue (ἐὰν ὑμεῖς μείνητε)
The emphasis is on the ye, addressed to those whose faith was rudimentary; who believed Him, but did not yet believe on Him. Rev., abide.
In my word (ἐν τῷ λόγῳ τῷ ἐμῷ)
Literally, in the word which is mine: peculiarly mine, characteristic of me. The expression is intentionally stronger than my word. Compare my love (Joh 15:9).
Indeed (ἀληθῶς)
Literally, truly; as Rev. As those who believe on me, not as those who are moved by temporary excitement to admit my claims. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
| 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. |
3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
24 For John was not yet cast into prison.
4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.