1 John 3-5 Eternal Life in Christ

TMS Acts 1:8 Holy Spirit Power

Acts 1:6 “Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.

8 But you shall receive power

when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;

and you shall be witnesses to Me

in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."

Observations: 1:8 The disciples had forsaken all to follow Jesus with the expectation of receiving power and glory. Jesus had promised them reward in the Sermon on the Mount, and in His calls to discipleship, and spoke of His kingdom which He would share with them, so they were anxious to receive His promised power/authority. Jesus said it wasn't the right time for the restoration of the OT kingdom promised to Israel, but if they wanted power, they would get it when the Holy Spirit came upon them. As a result (use of kai for a consecutive sequence), they would be witnesses to Christ. They should start where they were, with those most similar to themselves, and then branch out to the surrounding areas, and finally reach to the ends of the earth. This is what happened in the book of Acts (see additional comments on Acts 1:8). Believers in Jesus all have the Holy Spirit (Eph 1; 1Cor 12) and as a result should be witnesses to Christ, first to those around them, and then as they mature to others that are dissimilar. A witness is someone who has heard, seen, or experienced something. Every Christian should have an abiding relationship with God in which they are experiencing things about God which they can share with others.

Application: God works in our lives so we can be witnesses of Him to those around us.

Prayer: Lord, thanks for Your work in my life; please guide me in sharing You and Your work in my life with others. Amen.

1John 3-5 John continues to build the confidence of believers in the apostolic message against the false teaching of the anti-Messiahs. John gives a number of “tests” or validations that the experience of the believers is the real deal, so they won't fall for the devil's deceptions. Among those are victory over sin as a result of an abiding relationship with Christ, based upon obedience; a Christlike love for other believers; a vibrant prayer life; ministry to the sinning; inner conviction of the Holy Spirit that they are pleasing to God, validated by their love and obedience. John also affirms that God had given them eternal life in His Son, so they should continue to believe in Him, and not in any false gods the false teachers present.

1John 3 No Need to Sin

3:1 Behold, how great a love the Father has bestowed on us,

that we should be called children of God!

For this cause the world doesn’t know us,

because it didn’t know Him.

2 Beloved, now we are children of God,

and it is not yet revealed what we will be.

But we know that, when He is revealed,

we will be like Him;

for we will see Him

just as He is.

3 Everyone who has this hope

set on Him

purifies himself,

even as He is pure.

4 Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness.

Sin is lawlessness.

5 You know that He was manifested to take away our sins,

and in Him

is no sin.

6 Whoever remains in Him

doesn’t sin.

Whoever sins hasn’t seen Him,

neither knows Him.

7 Little children, let no one lead you astray.

He who does righteousness is righteous,

even as He is righteous.

8 He who sins is of the devil,

for the devil has been sinning from the beginning.

To this end the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

9 Whoever is born of God doesn’t commit sin,

because His seed remains in him; and he can’t sin,

because he is born of God.

10 In this the children of God are revealed,

and the children of the devil.

Whoever doesn’t do righteousness is not of God,

neither is he who doesn’t love his brother.

11 For this is the message which you heard from the beginning,

that we should love one another;

12 unlike Cain, who was of the evil one, and killed his brother.

Why did he kill him?

Because his works were evil,

and his brother’s righteous.

13 Don’t be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.

14 We know that we have passed out of death

into life,

because we love the brothers.

He who doesn’t love his brother

remains in death.

15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer,

and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.

16 By this we know love,

because He laid down His life for us.

And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him,

how does the love of God remain in him?

18 My little children, let’s not love in word

neither with the tongue only,

but in deed and truth.

19 And by this we know that we are of the truth,

and persuade our hearts before him,

20 because if our heart condemns us,

God is greater than our heart,

and knows all things.

21 Beloved, if our hearts don’t condemn us,

we have confidence toward God;

22 and whatever we ask, we receive from Him,

because we keep His commandments

and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.

23 This is His commandment,

that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ,

and love one another, even as He commanded.

24 He who keeps His commandments

remains in Him,

and He in him.

By this we know that He remains in us,

by the Spirit which He gave us.

Observations: 3:1-6 Believers are children of God, but the future blessings they will have as a result of that status aren't yet seen. When Christ is revealed in His glory, those who are pure in heart will see Him (one of the beatitudes - Mt 5:8). Those who have this hope of glory, purify themselves so as not to be disqualified (1Pt 1:22; 1Tim 1:5; Heb 10:22). The purpose in Christ coming wasn't to die for our sins, but remove them from us so we could have a relationship with God. In Christ there is no sin, since He is holy. Those who abide/remain in union with Him (“in Him”) don't sin. If we are drawing our motivations and strength from the vine, there's no room to sin. Whoever sins hasn't “seen” (used in 1:1, 2, 3 to describe the fellowship the apostles had with Christ) nor “known” Christ. There are three lines of interpretation. No one who read chapter 1 would claim sinless perfection, since that is refuted there. The more common view is to translate the present tenses as “habitual” which means those who know Christ don't continue to habitually sin. That view has some merit, but misses John's point. The view closer to John's thinking is that those who abide or remain in Christ don't wander off into trouble. A child staying contentedly on a parent's lap isn't going to get themselves into all kinds of trouble that would displease the parent (see comments on abiding in John 15).

3:7-15 To prevent the false teachers from leading abiding believers astray John points out that the believer who does what is right in God's sight is righteous, but the one who sins is of the devil (drawing their motivation from him, and his world). The devil has been sinning since before the Garden, and the Son of God was manifested, as promised in Genesis 3, to destroy the devil and His works of deceiving people into being unfaithful to God. The atoning work, and the indwelling Spirit of Christ put the devil out of business in the lives of those who abide in Christ. Whoever is born of God doesn't sin, because the seed of the word of God, energized by the Holy Spirit (1Pt 1:23; John 3:6) remains/abides in the believer. Those whose actions are sourced in God, don't sin. Those who don't do what is right in the sight of God, have their actions sourced not in God, but the devil. This particularly applies to those who don't love their brother (like Cain). Those who don't love are akin to murderers (Mt 5:21-22), and do not have eternal life (dominion of the Age, reward in the Messianic Kingdom) remaining in him. This is not about losing forgiveness, which is a permanent possession of those who are justified/born again, but it is about losing reward in the the Messianic Kingdom as Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount.

3:16-24 Jesus sets the standard for the love glory-bound believers need to have for each other: self-sacrificial for the others' benefit. Those who love in word/truth and deed gain an assurance of their future reward, as well as confidence in praying. Those who keep God's commands, and do what is pleasing in His sight also have the assurance of answered prayer. This is because they are so in tune with God's will, that when they ask Him for help in doing what He wants them to do, He is more than happy to help them. John summarizes what God wants us to do: believe in the name/character/glory of His Son, Jesus the Messiah, and love one another as He commanded. The one who does this, abides/remains in Him, and He in them. Another source of confidence is the work of the Spirit (Phil 2:13).

John 14:21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."

Application: Those who abide in Christ don't sin; if you find yourself sinning, you might want to move closer to God and do things His way.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for Jesus, Your word, and Your Spirit, which make abiding in You possible, may I draw all my motivation and strength from You exclusively as I love others with a pure heart according to Your will. Amen.

1John 4 Victory

4:1 Beloved, don’t believe every spirit,

but test the spirits,

whether they are of God,

because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 By this you know the Spirit of God:

every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,

3 and every spirit who doesn’t confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God, and this is the spirit of the Antichrist, of whom you have heard that it comes.

Now it is in the world already.

4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them;

because greater is He who is in you

than he who is in the world.

5 They are of the world.

Therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them.

6 We are of God. He who knows God listens to us.

He who is not of God doesn’t listen to us.

By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

7 Beloved, let us love one another,

for love is of God;

and everyone who loves is born of God,

and knows God.

8 He who doesn’t love

doesn’t know God,

for God is love.

9 By this God’s love was revealed in us,

that God has sent His one and only Son into the world

that we might live through Him.

10 In this is love,

not that we loved God,

but that He loved us,

and sent His Son

as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God loved us in this way,

we also ought to love one another.

12 No one has seen God at any time.

If we love one another,

God abides in us,

and His love has been perfected in us.

13 By this we know that we remain in Him and He in us,

because He has given us of his Spirit.

14 We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as the Savior of the world.

15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God,

God remains in Him, and He in God.

16 We know and have believed the love which God has for us.

God is love,

and he who abides in love

abides in God,

and God abides in him.

17 In this love has been made perfect among us,

that we may have confidence in the day of judgment,

because as He is, even so are we in this world.

18 There is no fear in love;

but perfect(ed) love casts out fear,

because fear has punishment.

He who fears is not made perfect in love.

19 We love Him,

because He first loved us.

20 If a man says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar;

for he who doesn’t love his brother whom he has seen,

how can he love God whom he has not seen?

21 This commandment we have from Him,

that he who loves God should also love his brother.

Observations: 4:1-6 God has given us His Spirit, but that doesn't mean that every prophetic spirit is from God, because there is a world of evil spirits around us. Therefore, believers should apply this simple test to those “spirits” speaking though prophets: every spirit who confesses/acknowledges that Jesus is the promised Messiah who has come into the world in the flesh, is of God. Those that don't are anti-Messiah, empowered by the Anti-Messiah/Christ, Satan's chief agent. He is already in the world, but believers have nothing to fear, because greater is the One who is in them: the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Glory. Verse 4 is a good one to memorize and meditate upon. The false teachers draw their motivation and message from the world (and the evil one who runs this present age -Eph 2:1-3) therefore the worldlings listen to them, rather than to the apostolic teaching. Those who are sourced in God, listen to revealed truth. So one can discern the spirit of truth and the spirit of error based receptivity.

4:7-15 The one who is born of God not only listens to truth and doesn't sin, but loves as God has modeled and commanded. The one who doesn't love, doesn't know God, since God is the source and expression of love, as expressed in Jesus dying for our sins. God's love for us is the standard for us loving each other. If we do so, God abides in us, and His love is perfected (brought to fulfillment/completion). When we love like God intended, the inner witness of the Holy Spirit confirms to our conscience that we are abiding, and doing what pleases God. The apostles have seen/know and testify that the Father sent Jesus (His beloved Son in whom He is well pleased) to be the Savior of the world (as in everyone, not just a select few - John 3:16). Whoever acknowledges/confesses that Jesus is the Son of God has the abiding relationship with God, that is only possible through Jesus.

4:16-21 The one who abides in love (and thus maintains an intimate relationship with the God of love) has love perfected or brought to its intended purpose, so that the believer can have confidence on Judgment Day. That confidence comes about from loving as God loved, which is the standard to which we are held. The one who has loved “perfectly” or in whom love has been “perfected” has nothing to fear on judgment day, because hitting and maintaining the standard God requires (which is only possible through an abiding relationship with the Vine), eliminates any possible negative consequences. The one who fears judgment needs to work on perfecting their love. The one who loves God is loyal to God (Jn 14:15) in response to the love God has shown him/her (hesed). The love God wants us to have will overflow into a love for other children of God. The one who doesn't desire what is in another's best interest, doesn't love God.

Application: Love of truth and other believers (reflected in our ministry to them) are hallmarks of those who will do well on Judgment Day.

Prayer: God, thanks that Your Spirit dwells within me and is far greater than Satan or any of his minions; keep me from his deceptions, and guide me in loving others as You would. Amen.

1John 5 Life in the Son

5:1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.

Whoever loves the Father also loves him who is born of Him.

2 By this we know that we love the children of God,

when we love God and keep His commandments.

3 For this is the love of God,

that we keep His commandments.

His commandments are not grievous.

4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.

This is the victory that has overcome the world: your faith.

5 Who is he who overcomes the world,

but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

6 This is He who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ;

not with the water only,

but with the water and the blood.

It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.

7 For there are three who testify: 8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood;

and the three agree as one.

9 If we receive the witness of men,

the witness of God is greater;

for this is God’s testimony which He has testified concerning his Son.

10 He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself.

He who doesn’t believe God

has made Him a liar,

because he has not believed in the testimony

that God has given concerning His Son.

11 The testimony is this,

that God gave to us eternal life,

and this life is in His Son.

12 He who has the Son

has the life.

He who doesn’t have God’s Son

doesn’t have the life.

13 These things I have written to you who 
believe in the name of the Son of God,

that you may know that you have eternal life,

and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

14 This is the confidence which we have toward Him,

that, if we ask anything according to His will,

He listens to us.

15 And if we know that He listens to us,

whatever we ask,

we know that we have the petitions

which we have asked of Him.

16 If anyone sees his brother

sinning a sin not leading to death,

he shall ask,

and God will give him life for those who sin not leading to death.

There is a sin leading to death.

I don’t say that he should make a request concerning this.

17 All unrighteousness is sin,

and there is a sin not leading to death.

18 We know that whoever is born of God

doesn’t sin,

but he who was born of God

keeps himself,

and the evil one doesn’t touch him.

19 We know that we are of God,

and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

20 We know that the Son of God has come,

and has given us an understanding,

that we know Him who is true,

and we are in Him who is true,

in His Son Jesus Christ.

This is the true God,

and eternal life.

21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Observations: 5:1-3 Belief in Jesus as the Messiah promised in the OT (especially as the provision for our sins, the atoning sacrifice of Isaiah 53) results in being born again (Jn 1:12 the chiastic center of the prologue). Whoever loves the Father loves His children. When we love God and keep His commandments, we will love others. When our values change so that the sacrifices of love are not burdensome, we know we are loving as God desires.

5:4-10 The one who is born of God overcomes the world because of their faith in God's revelation. That revelation tells us that Jesus is the Son of God (the heir) who gives the Spirit to those who believe in Him, which makes overcoming and victory possible. Jesus came or was testified to by water and blood. When He was baptized, the voice of the Father testified that He was well pleased with His Son (Mt 3:17). The blood or sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection also testified to His identity, as did the ministry of the Holy Spirit in authenticating His works and His spokesman (particularly on the Day of Pentecost). Verse 7 has additional words in some versions which are most likely added in the eighth century, and are omitted in the WEB text above. The point is that there is more than one witness to the Sonship of Jesus, given by both men (the apostles) and God (in the life of Jesus). The one who believes has the testimony in themselves (their own lives), but the one who doesn't believe is calling God a liar, who authenticated Jesus.

5:11-15 The testimony is that God gives believers eternal life (dominion in the Age of the Messiah). This life is in His Son, the ruler of the Millennial Kingdom. The one who has an abiding relationship with the Son, has the life God promised. The one who doesn't have the relationship John has been talking about in the letter, doesn't have the life. It's one or the other. John says he is writing to those who believe in the name of the Son of God (Jesus -Jn 1:12) so that they may know they have eternal life (dominion in the coming Age), and that they may continue to believe, (so they don't forfeit what God has given them, like Israel did).

A relationship with God isn't just about what happens in the future, but has benefits in the present, like a vibrant prayer life. If we are abiding and knowing and doing His will, then asking anything according to His will gets a sure positive response from God.

5:16-21 While on the subject of praying according to God's will, if someone sees their brother in Christ sinning, he/she should intercede for the sinning believer, and God will give him life for those who are not sinning in such as way that they are headed to the discipline of deprivation of life. All unrighteousness is sin, but some have greater consequences than others. The one who is born of God, and in whom God's seed/Spirit remains/abides, doesn't sin (or continue to sin in the weaker alternative view). The one born of God keeps/guards him/herself so the evil one doesn't influence him/her. Believers are sourced in God's power, while worldlings are subject to the power of the evil one. Believers know that the Son of God has come in the flesh, and given them understanding so that they know Him who is true, and abide in Him who is true, that is Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. This is the testimony of the true God, and the testimony of eternal life. John closes with an admonition to keep themselves from idols which are false gods, rather than the true God.

Application: Loving and obeying the Lord Jesus, the coming Messiah, is the best way to live happily ever after.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for giving me life in Jesus, both now and in the future; may I be on my guard and abide in You so that I may have confidence and joy when You return. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God gives us life in His Son when we believe, and gives us ample testimony to base our belief in Him.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is the authenticated Son of God, in whom God gives us forgiveness and eternal life.

Us in a nutshell: We need to abide in Christ, obeying His commands, particularly loving other believers if we expect to live the victorious Christian life in this world, and the abundant life in the next.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

1 Peter 1-2 Merited Grace

TMS Mark 10:45 Dare to Be Great

Mk 10:44 “And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 

45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, 
but to serve, 
and to give His life a ransom for many."

Observations: 10:45 This verse occurs at the climax of Jesus' training of His disciples, sandwiched between the two accounts of healing blind men. The disciples understood that Jesus was the Messiah, but didn't get that the route to glory was along the road of suffering. The disciples were concerned about who was going to be greatest in the kingdom. Jesus didn't rebuke them for their desire, since the plan of creation is to glorify those faithful to God, but did correct their methodology. Greatness and glory weren't obtained by jockeying for position but by service, as Jesus demonstrated with His own life. The Son of Man, Jesus' favorite title for Himself, out of Daniel 7:13-14, is the one to whom all glory and dominion is given, which He shares with His loyal companions. He received the glory because of His service (Philippians 2:7-10), in which He laid aside His rightful glory to serve us by dying for our sins.

See comments on the two-stage miracle in Mark 8-10 for the context.

Application: If we want to be great in God's kingdom, we need to serve the real needs of others like Jesus did. This might involve extreme suffering, but it will be totally worth it. As the Battle Hymn of the Republic exhorts: “As He died to make men holy, let us live to make them free.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thanks for Your model, and service on my behalf; please guide me in using the life You've given to me, for the purposes that would most please You. Amen.

1 Peter 1-2 Peter writes to the Jews who probably believed in Christ at Pentecost, and were being persecuted and scattered as a result. He reminds them of the hope that awaits those who are born-again by faith in Christ, so they will obey God and reap their reward or inheritance when the Messiah returns and is revealed. The first chapter is an excellent demonstration that the Christian life (salvation) doesn't end with being born again (justification) but continues through becoming purified and holy as God is holy (sanctification), and culminates in being given glory when God judges and rewards them (glorification). Please put the effort into understanding it; doing so will result in both you and God gaining glory. The second chapter exhorts us to abstain from temporal desires so we can do God's desires and merit grace (check it out). Christ died for us so we can die to sin, and live for God. 

1 Peter 1 Go for the Glory

1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the ones who are living as strangers in the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 Elect/choice according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by sanctification of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with his blood: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, 5 who by the power of God are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 In which you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been put to grief in various trials, 7 that the trying of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ— 8 whom not having known you love; in whom, though now you don’t see him, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory— 9 receiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching for who or what kind of time the Spirit of Christ, which was in them, pointed to, when he predicted the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that would follow them. 12 To them it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to you, they ministered these things, which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Good News to you by the Holy Spirit sent out from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.

13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be sound-minded and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ— 14 as children of obedience, not conforming yourselves according to your former lusts as in your ignorance, 15 but just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior; 16 because it is written, "You shall be holy; for I am holy." 17 If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in fear: 18 knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a faultless and pure lamb, the blood of Christ; 20 who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in these end times for your sake, 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.

22 Since you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth through the Spirit for sincere brotherly affection, love one another from the heart fervently: 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever. 24 For, "All flesh is like grass, and all of man’s glory like the flower in the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls; 25 but the Lord’s word endures forever." This is the word of Good News which was preached to you.

Observations: 1:1-2 Peter writes to those who are special or select in God's sight, but dispersed and despised in the world's sight. The places where they were scattered are similar to the homelands of those who were present at the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. They are elect or choice according to the plan or foreknowledge (know ahead of time) of God, set apart or sanctified (for His purposes or to be His people) by (en=means) the work of the Holy Spirit, for the purpose (eis) of obedience and the sprinkling of the blood (basis of a covenantal relationship just like Moses made with Israel in Exodus 24:8). Note that this is not justification, and that obedience precedes the sprinkling. There is no mention of faith yet. Some people mistakenly think blood is always in reference to forgiveness of sins, but that's not true, and particularly doesn't fit this context, which is about having a covenantal relationship with Jesus the Messiah which results in the covenantal blessings of grace and peace being multiplied (again, not about forgiveness).

1:3-5 Peter blesses God because, according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again, to a living hope. Notice that the emphasis is not on being born again, but that to which we are born again, to (eis) a living hope. That hope is based upon not the death of Christ (which is what our being born again is based upon) but upon the resurrection of Christ. If He is resurrected, we will be as well (1Cor 15). Verse 4 elaborates that the hope is to (eis) an inheritance, reserved in heaven for God's people, but only those who are preserved by faith in God's power. Someone can reserve a hotel room, but unless they show up to occupy it, they don't enjoy or possess it. Similarly, born again believers have an inheritance reserved for them, and God's power can protect them from all the dangers that they will encounter from their present to their future, but unless they tap into that power by exercising faith, they might not arrive at the destination God has planned for them. This hope of reward is the salvation or glorification which is ready to be revealed in the last time. (cf Titus 2:14 “the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory”). Justification or forgiveness, the first aspect of our salvation is our present possession as a result of faith in God's gracious provision of Christ as our sin-bearing substitute. Glorification, the final aspect of our salvation is also a result of faith, but faith in God's power (which the epistle will tell us about). Glorification is the inheritance for which we hope, because it is not our present possession. It will be revealed at the revelation of Christ, as the rest of the chapter explains.

1:6-9 Even though many in Peter's audience are being chased for their faith, they are rejoicing in their inheritance, or hope of reward. Their faith in God's power is being tested and tried (refined like gold is, but the fire of affliction), and may result (subjunctive) in praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus the Messiah. This is not praise, glory and honor given to Christ (although that is something which will happen, it is not what Peter is talking about), but the grace/power that is to be given to believers when Christ is revealed. See the Survey of Grace for the different aspects of past/justifying, present/sanctifying-enabling, and future/glorifying (and merited) grace, if you've never studied grace, or just use a concordance to study every occurrence of grace. Praise, glory and honor are rewards for faithful service according to both the gospels and the rest of the NT (as well as the OT), which can be forfeited through disobedience. This is why Peter told his readers to obey in verse 2 and will warn his audience to obey in verse 14. Remember the bookends of Romans: Paul was an apostle to bring about the obedience that should flow from faith.

The believers to whom Peter wrote were rejoicing in their future reward, which they didn't see (which is why it is their hope), and that same dynamic was shown in their relationship with Jesus. They didn't know Him during His time on earth, but they love Him, they don't see Him in the present, but believe in His return and are rejoicing in expectation of it even in the midst of trials. The cause for rejoicing is because they are receiving the end goal (not initial stage) of their faith, the salvation/glorification of their souls (soul is put for life, as it is frequently translated, consisting of our mind, will and emotions, which Jesus said we must exchange for eternal profit -Lk 9:25 and all the other calls to discipleship). The end goal of our faith is not forgiveness, but glory, which reverses the effects of the Fall, and glorifies God (see Eph 1 comments).

1:10-12 This salvation (glorification) was something the prophets, who spoke of the grace that would come to them (e.g., Isa 40:13; 53; Dan 12:3) when they were searching for the time of the Messiah and His kingdom, in predicting the sufferings of Christ, and the glories to follow, wanted to know more about. The glories of the Messianic Age that followed His sufferings. It was revealed to them for the benefit of those who had the Good News or gospel preached to them (see comments on the gospel in Matthew 4 or Romans 1). Angels are very interested in the time when believers are glorified because they not only come to earth when Christ glorifies His faithful servants, but part of obedient believers' reward consists of ruling angels (1Cor 6:3).

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

1:13-21 In light of the future reward awaiting faithful believers, Peter exhorts his readers to strengthen themselves mentally, and be sound-minded (live their lives according to objectives not passions and emotions -see Titus comments), and set their hope fully (not half-heartedly) on the grace that will be brought to them at the revelation of Jesus the Messiah, at the inauguration of the Messianic Age/Kingdom. Note the grace is the reward given to them, then. At the risk of being excessively boorish, this is not a reference to the present possession of forgiveness, which born-again believers have currently as recipients of God's justifying grace (Eph 2:8-9; Rom 3:24-26). Born-again believers, with their hope set on their glory, should be obedient children to reap the inheritance of sons. They should not continue in their former desires for temporal things, but should be holy in all their conduct, reflecting the holiness of their Heavenly Father (Lev 11:44-45). God clearly judges each believer's works (2Cor 5:9-10) so we should live in fear (phobos, from which we get the English phobia) of not being holy, and of disobeying and therefore reaping negative consequences at the judgment seat. Being holy in all we do, means not doing what the worldlings do for temporal motives, but doing all for the glory of God. Peter's audience is reminded that they were redeemed from the useless, unprofitable, and not reward-gaining way of life handed down by the ritual of their ancestors, so they could live differently. Just like God redeemed Israel out of Egypt, so they could live differently. They were not redeemed by perishable animal blood, but with the precious blood of Jesus, who was planned (foreknown) from eternity past but revealed in the end times (from their perspective). The decision to send Christ to die for their sins, was part of God's plan before He made the world, not an emergency measure to rescue people from sin (see Eph 1 for the eternal plan of God to set up a Kingdom to reward with glory those faithful to Him). Through Christ, we are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so our past faith (which secured our redemption) and future hope would be in God.

1:22 Believers have the responsibility to purify their souls (cf James 4:8). This didn't happen automatically at the cross, nor when we believed, but is a function of obeying the truth (means). Note that soul is put for life, the sum of what our mind, will/values, and emotions produce. We obey, or bring our lives into conformity with the truth, by the grace/power of the Holy Spirit, who works in us to will/desire and do/perform God's pleasure (Phil 2:13). He doesn't do it, we must by His power put to death the deeds of the flesh if we wish to live or have glory in the future kingdom (see Rom 8:13 comments). The major battle is against self-centeredness, living selfishly for our objectives. When we've purified ourselves by obeying the truth, we will have a brotherly affection for others, which we must employ in sacrificing ourselves for the benefit of others (agape love) as Jesus did for us.

The reason Peter gives for such Christlike behavior is not just that we've been born again, but born-again out of the incorruptible seed of word of God, which not only implies growth and future life, but that word tells us something about our future. The word tells us that earthly glory lasts about as long as a cut flower in the grand scheme of things. Life is like grass, and man's glory is even more fragile and transient. But, the word of the Lord, which promised future glory in the Good News of the Messiah's Millennial Kingdom, endures, and is the glory preached to them. So they, and we, should fix our hope on it, and endure.

Application: Have you purified your life by Holy Spirit empowered obedience so you desire to sacrifice your life for the benefit of others and the gaining of your eternal reward? If so, go for it. If not, fear.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for the plans You have to bless me; may I be worthy of reward in Your kingdom, by doing what You desire here on earth. Amen.

1 Peter 2 Suffering For Glory

2:1 Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow in respect to salvation (NASB), 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious:

4 coming to him, a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, precious. 5 You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Because it is contained in Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen, and precious: he who believes in him will not be disappointed." 7 For you who believe therefore there is honor, but for those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected, has become the chief cornerstone," 8 and, "a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." For they stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were set/appointed. 9 But you are a chosen/choice generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: 10 who in time past were no people, but now are God’s people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

11 Beloved, I beg you as strangers and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 having good behavior among the nations, so in that of which they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they see, glorify God in the day of visitation.

13 Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme; 14 or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evildoers and for praise to those who do well. 15 For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.

17 Honor all men.

    Love the brotherhood.

    Fear God.

Honor the king.

18 Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked. 19 For it is commendable/meritorious if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God. 20 For what glory is it if, when you sin, you patiently endure beating? But if, when you do well, you patiently endure suffering, this is commendable with God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps, 22 who did not sin, "neither was deceit found in his mouth." 23 Who, when he was cursed, didn’t curse back. When he suffered, didn’t threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously; 24 who his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed. 25 For you were going astray like sheep; but now have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Observations: 2:1-3 In light of the plan of God to reward holy believers Peter exhorts his readers to get rid of all evil and hypocrisy and unedifying speech, and crave the nourishment of the word, like a newborn babe. This way they will grow with respect to their salvation/glorification. For those who don't understand the different aspects of salvation outlined in chapter 1, and incorrectly think salvation only means getting forgiven, this must be a confusing verse. How does one grow in getting more forgiven? Obviously, Peter meant to grow with respect to meriting the grace God plans to give faithful, and obedient believers, as noted in the first chapter. Peter's reason for this pursuit of growth and holiness is because they've tasted that God is gracious, and He's got a whole lot more grace to give. The rest of this chapter is going to tell believers how to do what is commendable/meritorious in the sight of God, so they can be rewarded.

2:4-10 Peter first notes the importance of living in unity with fellow-believers, as the Spirit of God chisels off their rough spots and shapes them to fit together into a spiritual house/temple (cf Paul in Eph 2:20-22 for the same imagery). Jesus is the chief cornerstone, chosen/choice and precious in the sight of God, but rejected by men, just like them. NT believers are the new priesthood, whose job is to offer spiritual sacrifices to God through Jesus, rather than killing animals in the name of God as did the OT priests. To those who believe, there is honor, as Peter said in the previous chapter. See the outline on Truthbase.net for NT sacrifices.

Hebrews 13:15 Through him, then, let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which proclaim allegiance to his name. 16 But don't forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

The cornerstone of the NT assembly, the Lord Jesus Christ, is not only the foundation of the church, but the stumbling stone over which those who reject God's revelation trip. The reason they stumble is because they are disobedient (not because they didn't believe nor because God didn't give them faith). Their stumbling is the consequence of their disobedience. The stumbling is the “appointed” or “set in place” consequence for those who disobey. People don't disobey because God “makes” them do so; they disobey because they choose to ignore His commands to be holy.

NT believers are a choice generation (here generation is used for the whole group), a royal priesthood, in the line of Melchizedek (see comments on Hebrews 8), a holy nation (as opposed to the unholy physical nation), and a people that belong to God, so they can declare the praises of Him who called/summoned them out of darkness into His light. Just like Israel was summoned out of slavery in Egypt to the blessings of the Promised Land so they could sing God's praises, so NT believers should be praising God for His blessings. Those who had not received mercy (the common translation of the OT hesed or covenantal love), have now entered into that relationship with God.

2:11-17 Peter begs his readers to abstain from the desire for temporal things which will make them a casualty in the Christ-following life, and war against their souls, doing eternal damage. They won't get tossed into the lake of fire, but will have loss of inheritance and displeasing God to fear when He judges them (1:17). As NT priests, not only is inner purity required, but so is praiseworthy behavior among unbelievers. The Gentiles would consider Christians to be evil since they didn't worship the pagan gods. But if the believers lived according to Christ's purpose and commands, doing the good works for which they were saved (Eph 2:10) and for which the Scriptures equipped them (2Tim 3:17), the Gentiles would be attracted to Christ, become believers, and glorify God when He comes to judge (Mt 5:17).
So followers of Jesus Christ should submit themselves to authority, for the sake of the Lord. Another one of the objective will of God instructions is that by doing good, serving others and not indulging their own desires, the glory-bound believers would give fools nothing to complain about (that wouldn't necessarily totally silence them, but there would be no basis for their lies), and some might get saved. Verse 17 is in chiastic structure, the outer two elements addressing relationships with unbelievers, the inner two with believers and God. In chiastic structure, the inner elements have the priority. Agape, self-sacrificing love towards believers is the higher value than honoring the general populace. Fear of God is a higher value than honoring the kings. When God's commands and the world's demands come in conflict, God rules (Acts 5:29)

2:18-25 Peter continues the theme of submission in the rest of this, and the next chapter, addressing servants (slaves/employees), commanding them to obey their masters with all fear, not only the good and gentle, but also the pointy-haired bosses of the world. If one can't obey them, it's time to look for a new job. For the original audience, who didn't have that option Peter encourages them with the reason, that it is commendable or meritorious (literally the word is “grace”- the reward talked about in chapter 1) if a person suffers unjustly because of seeking to do what is right in God's sight (keep a clear conscience). It's no glory (note the equation of grace with glory) if we suffer for our stupidity, but if we do what is good and suffer abuse, this earns favor/grace with God. This is merited grace or favor.

It might be news to some folks, but this is the Christian calling (not to forgiveness by unmerited favor, but to merited favor/grace by good works). Who knew? Christ suffered unjustly to benefit us and do the Father's will, committing Himself to the Father who judges righteously, and will set everything right when He passes around the glory at the start of the Millennial Kingdom. We should do the same. When wronged unjustly, trust the infinitely just God to make it right. Jesus died for our sins, so that we having died to our sins, might live for the purpose of righteousness (doing what is right in God's sight). Peter reminds his readers of the fruit of the suffering of the Messiah in Isaiah 53. Christ's death was not just to secure forgiveness, but to heal us spiritually (from sick to holy) so that we might return from our straying to a relationship with the Shepherd and Overseer/Bishop of our souls (the two tasks entrusted to elders – see 1 Peter 5:1-4).

Isaiah 53:5 “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Application: Believers must abstain from their temporal desires, and live for doing what is right in God's sight, trusting that He will recompense any injustice we suffer in order to obey Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for sending the Lord Jesus to die for my sin, so I could die to them and live for Your blessing and glory. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God will judge all people, rewarding faithful believers with grace and glory.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus died for our sins so we could have the Holy Spirit and the power to die to our sins and live for the pleasure of God.

Us in a nutshell: We are born-again, which starts the spiritual life, that must be nourished by the word, and progress through abstaining from temporal desires, and doing the good works for which God saved us, so we can get the glory for which He created us.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

John 1-3 Become A Child of God

John 1-3 Become A Child of God

Psalm 119:145-152 Calling for Help

Ps 119:145 KOPH “I have called with my whole heart. Answer me, Yahweh! I will keep your statutes. 146 I have called to you. Save me! I will obey your statutes.147 I rise before dawn and cry for help. I put my hope in your words. 148 My eyes stay open through the night watches, that I might meditate on your word.149 Hear my voice according to your hesed/loyal covenantal love. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your ordinances.

150 They draw near who follow after wickedness. They are far from your law. 151 You are near, Yahweh. All your commandments are truth/faithful. 152 Of old I have known from your testimonies, that you have founded them forever."

Observations: 119:145-149 Our psalmist is in trouble again; the wicked are getting closer to destroying him, so he calls “911” for help, repeatedly, and wholeheartedly. He gives God a few reasons to respond: his obedience, meditation, and hope/trust in God's revealed promises. He reminds God of His hesed and ordinances in which he trusts.

119:150-152 While the enemies are getting near, God is nearer, and His promises to loyally protect those who trust him are forever.

Application: Knowing God's everlasting promises gives us a basis for hope when enemies are near. Knowing God is near gives us confidence to trust Him to save us.

Prayer: Eternal God, thanks that I can know You, and call upon You, and know that You will loyally act according to Your promises. Help! Amen.

Proverbs 29:7-9 Justice Avoids God's Anger

Pr 29:7 “The righteous care about justice for the poor/weak. The wicked aren’t concerned about knowing. 8 Mockers inflame up a city, but wise men turn away anger. 9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.“

Observations: 29:7-8 Wise and righteous people are not only concerned about justice for those unable to obtain it on their own, they seek to rectify injustice so God's wrath will not consume the city. The wicked aren't concerned about justice and by their selfishness bring judgment upon themselves and their habitation.

29:9 In a court trying to establish justice, the fool isn't concerned about doing what is right and reaching a peaceful resolution, but rather just wants to vent.

Application: If we want God to be concerned about protecting us, we need to be concerned about protecting the rights of others.

Prayer: God, You are infinitely just and require justice among Your people. Guide me in doing Your will in blessing others, and protect me from the wicked fools. Amen.

John 1-3 John is the most unique Gospel, presenting over 90% unique material compared the synoptic gospels, because he's writing with a different purpose. The first half of the book, containing “Seven Signs” or miracles is the most “evangelistic” in the Bible, written to a universal audience (as opposed to Jewish, Roman, or Greek) so that they might believe and have life. The second half, is written to those who believe, so they may experience life abundantly. This is not only John's stated purpose (recorded at the end), but Jesus' purpose in coming to earth, stated in the prologue, and in the middle, where He also claims to be God).

John 10:10b I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 20:30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

The prologue introduces a number of the themes John will emphasize throughout the book, chief among them being the offer of life, and reactions of belief and acceptance, versus refusal to believe and rejection. There are numerous approaches to understanding the structure of the book, the simple one is above, which we'll use. Chiasm abounds, and some see a chiastic center in Chapter 8 about the woman taken in adultery; others see the center in Chapter 6 where Jesus walks on water. There's even an approach which pairs the chiasm with the days of creation. John also wrote the Book of Revelation (as well as three epistles), so you know he's capable of some pretty amazing writing.

A common theme in John is the importance of believing (mentioned >90 times; the noun faith isn't mentioned once). The miracles have both a physical sense and a spiritual lesson for those who believe. Jesus will frequently elaborate on the spiritual significance of something, but His audience will understand it only in a physical sense (ie, born again).

Seven witness give their testimony about Jesus 1:34; 1:49; 6:69; 10:36; 11:27; 20:28; 20:31.

John presents the seven great "I AM" statements/sayings: 6:35 (Bread of Life); 8:12 (Light of the World); 10:9 (Gate); 10:11 (Good Shepherd); 11:25 (Resurrection and Life); 14:6 (Way, Truth, Life); 15:1 (True Vine). In 8:58 Jesus refers to Himself as “I am,” the name by which Yahweh revealed Himself in the OT.

There is a prepackaged exposition of John 3:16 “How to Get to Heaven in Ten Minutes” in the Sidebar. For those of you who want to take your Bible Study skill to the next level, the last section of the “Introduction to the 7PASSAGES” in the sidebar teaches you how to study the Bible like Sherlock 'Olmes, using John 3:15-18 as an example.

John 1 The Word Becomes Flesh

[Note the Chiastic structure of the Prologue]

A (Word=God) 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.

 B (Word=Creator) 3 All things were made through Him. Without Him was not anything made that has been made.

  C (Word gives Life/Light) 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness didn't overcome it.

    D (John Witness) 6 There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light.

     E (Light Enters) 9 The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world didn't recognize Him.

      F (Own Reject) 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own didn't receive Him.

       G(Receive) 12 But as many as received Him,

         H (God's Children) to them He gave 
            the right to become God's children,

        g'(Believe) to those who believe in His name:

     f'(Own Born) 13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man but of God.

    e'(Glory Seen) 14 The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us. We saw His glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

  d'(John Witness) 15 John testified about Him. He cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me, for He was before me.'"

 c'(Son gives Grace) 16 From His fullness/abundance we all received grace upon grace.

b'(Son gives Truth) 17 For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

a'(Son Exegetes) 18 No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared Him.

19 This is John's testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 He declared, and didn't deny, but he declared, "I am not the Christ." 21 They asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No." 22 They said therefore to him, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" 23 He said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as Isaiah the prophet said." 24 The ones who had been sent were from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, "Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" 26 John answered them, "I baptize in water, but among you stands one whom you don't know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, who is preferred before me, Whose sandal strap I'm not worthy to loosen." 28 These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29 The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is He of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.' 31 I didn't know Him, but for this reason I came baptizing in water: that He would be revealed to Israel." 32 John testified, saying, "I have seen the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven, and it remained on Him. 33 I didn't recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water, He said to me, 'On whomever you will see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the same is He who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.' 34 I have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God."

35 Again, the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to Him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), "where are You staying?" 39 He said to them, "Come, and see." They came and saw where He was staying, and they stayed with Him that day. It was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother, Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah!" (which is, being interpreted, Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, "You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas" (which is by interpretation, Peter). 43 On the next day, He was determined to go out into Galilee, and he found Philip. Jesus said to him, "Follow Me." 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, "We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." 46 Nathanael said to him, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" 48 Nathanael said to Him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." 49 Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!" 50 Jesus answered him, "Because I told you, 'I saw you underneath the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these!" 51 He said to him, "Most certainly, I tell you, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Observations: 1:1-18 Books have been written about the prologue which contains the major themes of the book. We'll just scratch the surface. Note its chiastic structure above, emphasizing the center of 12, equating receiving with believing. Many of the points are chiastic within themselves (especially verses 1-2 above in Greek word order).

a In the beginning

 b was

  c the Word

   d and the Word

    e was

      f with God

      f' and God

    e' was

   d' the Word.

  c ' This one

 b' was

a' in the beginning with God.:

(Speaking of Greek, there are some who know just enough Greek to harm themselves, yet not enough to know the truth. Some erroneously think that because “the Word was God” lacks the definite article “the” before God, that the end of verse 1 should be translated “the word was a god”. In 1807 Granville Sharp proved that when two proper nouns refer to the same person only one has the article; this is done to emphasize that the two are the same. See this link for more than you want to know.)

1:1-13 John starts out parallel to Genesis 1 where in the beginning God creates with a word. “Word” (“logos”) is both a concept, and the expression of that concept. The Word is eternal, God, Creator (1Cor 8:6; Col 1:16); the source of light and life.

The Life and Light Giver (note the “quasi Granville Sharp contruction” {no second “the”} in English) is accepted by some and rejected by some. The verb at end of verse 5 is sometimes translated “comprehend”, but John (and Mark) use it to indicate a conflict (“overcome”). The amazing thing about light, is that the smallest quantity can overcome darkness, by dispelling it, but darkness can never overcome or extinguish light. John uses the present tense to indicate the light is now shining in the dark world (Luke 1:79)

To those who accept/believe Him, He gives the power (grace) to becomes children of God. Note that acceptance or belief (clearly equated by the chiastic structure in verse 12) precede reception of the power. The result of receiving God's power is that one is born of God. One is not a child of God by virtue of bloodline or ancestry (bloods is plural), nor of natural birth, nor of deciding as in exercising human will or effort (perhaps adoption is in view), but only by God's working, which is something received/accepted (by faith). It's a spiritual, not human dynamic.

1:14-18 Verse 14 is a most significant verse, referring to the Incarnation. The Eternal Word, God, took on human form/flesh (Phil 2) and dwelt (same word used of dwelling in a tabernacle) among us. Jesus is/was God in the flesh. John testifies he saw His glory (miracles, Mount of Transfiguration, Resurrection, Ascension, bestowal of the Holy Spirit). Seeing is believing in John. Blind faith, nor trusting hearsay is not called for. Like people received the law through Moses, grace and truth come through Christ (this does not mean that grace and truth don't exist in the OT but as we'll see in the first miracle, in chapter 2, the abundance of grace is in view here). Grace upon grace, emphasizes the abundance. The last verse of the prologue ties back to the 1:1, the invisible God is made visible in the form of Jesus. Isaiah and Moses saw the image and glory of God, and Israel could see the cloud and pillar of fire, but the essence of God, His love and purpose, are only expressed in Christ. He's the concept/idea, and the expression of the concept/idea. The word “declare” means to lead out or explain (the truth) from which we get the English exegesis. Jesus explains the Father, because He is one and the same with the Father.

1:19-51 John the Baptist (not the author) points people to Jesus the Lamb of God. Some follow, and some don't. The Savior of the world is in view; the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement was a goat; there was no lamb sin offering except in Isaiah 53. Note that John squarely places the Baptizer in the context of Isaiah 40 herald of the Kingdom, as do the other gospels. John was the last gospel to be written and demonstrates an awareness of the other gospels. Here he reveals that the Father who sent the Baptizer had revealed to him that the One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit (New Covenant promise -Ezek 36:27) would be recognized by the descent of the Dove. John testifies to this and that Jesus is the Son of God (not a child of God, two different words in Greek huios=son; teknon=child -1:12).

The disciples were looking for the Messiah promised in the OT, and when John the herald of the Messiah and His kingdom, points Him out, those who were following John, switched to following Jesus. They note that He is the son of Joseph, as well. Jesus reveals to guileless Nathanael that He saw him under the fig tree. Whatever he was doing isn't revealed, but it was so significant to Nat that He overcomes his initial reluctance, and professes Jesus as the Son of God and King of Israel. Jesus promises far greater things will be seen by those who respond to His invitation to “come and see.” He alludes to Jacob's dream in Genesis 28:12-14, in which God reiterated the universal blessing of the Abrahamic covenant and Daniel's vision in 7:13, in which the Son of Man is given authority and a kingdom that will never end.

Application: Everyone has faith, or the ability to trust in something (like you have trust the chair you sit in will hold your weight). The issue is the object of one's faith. “That things will turn out well” is not a good object of one's faith, for it's based upon sheer speculation; that Jesus is the Author and Sustainer of life, is a far better choice, because it is based upon solid, authenticated revelation, and results in spiritual life.

Prayer: Jesus, I believe that You are not only the Creator of my life, but the Lamb of God who takes away my sins, so I can have eternal life. Thanks for leaving the comfort of heaven to save me; may I leave my comforts to follow You. Amen.

John 2 There's Joy in Following Jesus

2:1 The third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Jesus' mother was there. 2 Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the marriage. 3 When the wine ran out, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no wine." 4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever he says to you, do it." 6 Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews' manner of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the water pots with water." They filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast." So they took it. 9 When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn't know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!" 11 This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

12 After this, he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they stayed there a few days. 13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 He found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting. 15 He made a whip of cords, and threw all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers' money, and overthrew their tables. 16 To those who sold the doves, he said, "Take these things out of here! Don't make my Father's house a marketplace!" 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will eat me up." 18 The Jews therefore answered him, "What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?" 19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." 20 The Jews therefore said, "It took forty-six years to build this temple! Will you raise it up in three days?" 21 But he spoke of the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this, and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. 23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in his name, observing his signs which he did. 24 But Jesus didn't trust himself to them, because he knew everyone, 25 and because he didn't need for anyone to testify concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.

Observations: 2:1-11 John records Jesus' first miracle, an interesting choice for someone who could have done anything. With all the needs in the world, why change water into wine? There are lots of implications one could draw from the miracle, and Jesus doesn't give us an explanation of its meaning, as He does with some other miracles. Maybe that's because He had previously given us some explanation in chapter one. There are a few observations in the narrative which stand out. The point of Jesus' ministry at this juncture is not to solve the world's problems, but announce the Kingdom promised in the OT. One of the promised blessings is that Israel would be restored to the land, plant vineyards and drink their wine. Wine was a symbol of joy and abundance in the Messianic age. The Millennial Kingdom kicks off with a wedding feast (Marriage Supper of the Lamb) and this miracle foreshadows it. In John 15, where Jesus reveals Himself as the vine to those who believe in Him, He speaks of abiding, so that one's joy would be full. Water was necessary for mere survival. But Jesus came to bring abundant life, so wine is appropriate. The law with its ritual came through Moses but abundant grace came though Jesus, better than anything before it. The water was used for Jewish ritual washings; Jesus changed that into feasting. However, it takes effort to make wine. John emphasizes that His mother says “do whatever He tells you,” which is what we need to do to experience the fine wine, better than anything before it. Interestingly, Jesus said in John 15 that obedient abiding is a prerequisite to joy.

This is when Jesus' disciples have a basis for belief beyond the testimony of John (and Nathanael). They saw and experienced Jesus' work, because they were willing to follow Him. Many miss out because of their unwillingness to “come and see.”

2:12-25 Jesus leaves Nazareth (Luke 4 tells us they kicked him out of town), and moves to Capernaum. He goes to Jerusalem at the Passover and cleans house. The other gospels have the trip to the temple after His triumphal entry just before He was crucified, so most posit two trips. When Jesus is challenged and asked for a sign, He gives them the sign of Jonah, even though the next verses record Him doing other miracles. This is a great example of the aorist tense in Greek referring to an event, taking a snapshot of the action, but not describing the duration of it. Some erroneously say the aorist tense refers to a point of action in the past, and it can do that. But here it refers to a process that took 46 years. The context always determines the type of action. John links the comment about the Temple to Jesus' resurrection, as the basis of the disciples believing not just in Him, but in His word.

Jesus does more miracles (not the “Seven Signs”), but the specifics are not given. The result of people “coming and seeing” is that they believe, although the establishment people in the temple (His own) rejected Him.

Application: Those who follow Jesus, and do what He says, experience joy. Those who don't, don't.

Prayer: Jesus, thanks for inviting me to “come and see” You at work, and showing Yourself true to Your promises. May I experience not only life, but the abundant life You came to give. Amen.

John 3 You Must Be Born Again

3:1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 The same came to him by night, and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered him, "Most certainly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can't see the Kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can't enter into the Kingdom of God! 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Don't marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born anew.' 8 The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but don't know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit." 9 Nicodemus answered him, "How can these things be?" 10 Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and don't understand these things? 11 Most certainly I tell you, we speak that which we know, and testify of that which we have seen, and you don't receive our witness. 12 If I told you earthly things and you don't believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven, but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven. 

14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. 18 He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn't believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. 19 This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in/by God."

22 After these things, Jesus came with his disciples into the land of Judea. He stayed there with them, and baptized. 23 John also was baptizing in Enon near Salim, because there was much water there. They came, and were baptized. 24 For John was not yet thrown into prison. 25 There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John's disciples with some Jews about purification. 26 They came to John, and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, the same baptizes, and everyone is coming to him." 27 John answered, "A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before him.' 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. This, my joy, therefore is made full. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. 31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the Earth belongs to the Earth, and speaks of the Earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 What he has seen and heard, of that he testifies; and no one receives his witness. 33 He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand. 36 One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won't see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."

Observations: 3:1-21 See exposition of this most famous passage in the sidebar under Introduction to the 7PASSAGES and How to Study the Bible like Sherlock 'Olmes (last section). Nicodemus eventually becomes a disciple of Jesus, but the beginning is a little difficult for him. Like the rich young ruler, he wants to have a possession in the Kingdom of God, as Jesus answer reveals. But for that to occur, he needs to be born again/anew. Jesus is referring to spiritual rebirth, but Nic takes it literally and physically. Born of water is physical birth, as verse 6 indicates. Born of Spirit has to be the spiritual rebirth of the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31 see comment on a new heart there), because Nic was suppose to know this as an OT teacher. We see the effects of the wind, but we can't see wind. Similarly with the Spirit, one sees the effects, but not the Spirit. Jesus picks up the prologue themes of being the author of life and spokesman/exegete to present Himself as God's source of spiritual life.

In Numbers 21 the people spoke against God and doubted His goodness, so He sent fiery serpents to afflict and kill them. When they cried out in repentance, He told Moses to make a bronze serpent, put it on a pole and lift it up. All people had to do was look to God's provision for their sin, and the pain and death stopped. In the same way, the Son of Man was God's provision for the sin of the world. When they realize they need a solution for the consequences of their sin, they need to look to or believe in God's provision, which is the Lamb of God. John 3:16 also defines God's agape love as self-sacrifice in the cause of another's highest interest/benefit (it's not the word for fond feelings). The person who accepts/believes in God's provision gets eternal life (more on this in future passages). The one who believes escapes condemnation/judgment. The one who doesn't believe/accept Jesus as God's provision for their sin, has already been condemned, because sin and evil have already been judged as such. The ones who don't come to the light are those whose deeds are evil, so they hide in the dark, which results in death. The light is what gives life. The one who does the truth doesn't have to hide, but that person comes to the light is so that their deeds are seen to be produced in/by God.

3:22-36 John 4:1-2 tells us that Jesus baptized more disciples than John (although His disciples did the dunking). John's disciples express a concern, or perhaps a jealousy. John affirms Jesus' mission and His own role in it. The Baptizer recognizes that Jesus is the Bridegroom, and he is just a friend who rejoices in Him. There is no jealousy, because it's not about JB, but about Jesus. The great ministry principle of developing others comes out of JB's words “He must increase, but I must decrease.” JB's job was to testify to Jesus who would testify to heavenly things. The only way a finite being can know infinite truth is if an Infinite Being reveals it to him/her. Jesus is the exegete/explainer, who gives the world the words of God. The last verse 3:36 should be as famous as John 3:16, because more people are motivated by fear than desire. God not only offers eternal life, but those who don't accept the Son will not only miss out, but will reap the wrath of God for their sins.

Application: If you haven't already done so, decide to trust/accept Jesus as the provision for your sin. See the sidebar, “How to Get to Heaven in Ten Minutes” or the Bridge to Life on Truthbase.net. There's no need to reap wrath.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for sending the Lord Jesus to die for my sins; thanks for forgiving me on the basis of His death; may I experience the abundant life You desire for me, walking in the light instead of the dark. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God sends and authenticates Jesus so people can experience the abundant life He designed for them as His children.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is the light and life of the world, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, so all can become children of God.

Us in a nutshell: Those who accept Jesus and believe in Him have life, and those who continue to believe have it abundantly. Those who don't will stumble in the dark until they experience the wrath they've earned.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

John complete text

John 1

1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him. Without him was not anything made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it. 6 There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light. 9 The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn't recognize him. 11 He came to his own, and those who were his own didn't receive him. 12 But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God's children, to those who believe in his name: 13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified about him. He cried out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me.'" 16 From his fullness we all received grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him. 19 This is John's testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 He declared, and didn't deny, but he declared, "I am not the Christ." 21 They asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No." 22 They said therefore to him, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" 23 He said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as Isaiah the prophet said." 24 The ones who had been sent were from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, "Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" 26 John answered them, "I baptize in water, but among you stands one whom you don't know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, who is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I'm not worthy to loosen." 28 These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29 The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who is preferred before me, for he was before me.' 31 I didn't know him, but for this reason I came baptizing in water: that he would be revealed to Israel." 32 John testified, saying, "I have seen the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven, and it remained on him. 33 I didn't recognize him, but he who sent me to baptize in water, he said to me, 'On whomever you will see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.' 34 I have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God." 35 Again, the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), "where are you staying?" 39 He said to them, "Come, and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother, Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah!" (which is, being interpreted, Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, "You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas" (which is by interpretation, Peter). 43 On the next day, he was determined to go out into Galilee, and he found Philip. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, "We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." 46 Nathanael said to him, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" 48 Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." 49 Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!" 50 Jesus answered him, "Because I told you, 'I saw you underneath the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these!" 51 He said to him, "Most certainly, I tell you, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

John 2

2:1 The third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Jesus' mother was there. 2 Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the marriage. 3 When the wine ran out, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no wine." 4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever he says to you, do it." 6 Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews' manner of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the water pots with water." They filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast." So they took it. 9 When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn't know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!" 11 This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. 12 After this, he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they stayed there a few days. 13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 He found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting. 15 He made a whip of cords, and threw all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers' money, and overthrew their tables. 16 To those who sold the doves, he said, "Take these things out of here! Don't make my Father's house a marketplace!" 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will eat me up." 18 The Jews therefore answered him, "What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?" 19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." 20 The Jews therefore said, "It took forty-six years to build this temple! Will you raise it up in three days?" 21 But he spoke of the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this, and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. 23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in his name, observing his signs which he did. 24 But Jesus didn't trust himself to them, because he knew everyone, 25 and because he didn't need for anyone to testify concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.

John 3

3:1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 The same came to him by night, and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered him, "Most certainly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can't see the Kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can't enter into the Kingdom of God! 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Don't marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born anew.' 8 The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but don't know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit." 9 Nicodemus answered him, "How can these things be?" 10 Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and don't understand these things? 11 Most certainly I tell you, we speak that which we know, and testify of that which we have seen, and you don't receive our witness. 12 If I told you earthly things and you don't believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven, but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven. 14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. 18 He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn't believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. 19 This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God." 22 After these things, Jesus came with his disciples into the land of Judea. He stayed there with them, and baptized. 23 John also was baptizing in Enon near Salim, because there was much water there. They came, and were baptized. 24 For John was not yet thrown into prison. 25 There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John's disciples with some Jews about purification. 26 They came to John, and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, the same baptizes, and everyone is coming to him." 27 John answered, "A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before him.' 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. This, my joy, therefore is made full. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. 31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the Earth belongs to the Earth, and speaks of the Earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 What he has seen and heard, of that he testifies; and no one receives his witness. 33 He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand. 36 One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won't see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."