T H E
N E W T E S T A M E N T
COPYRIGH T BY W ILLIAM EVANS
THE GOSPEL OF JOHN (Continued.)
III. Fuller manifestation of Christ to the world, 5:1 -1 2:50 . Here begins Christ’s period o f conflict. From now on He is in hostility with the Jews, particularly the Pharisees, the ruling religious party. This opposition affects Christ’s disciples: some turn back ( 6 : 66 , cf. 2.23-25 for cause), but others grow stronger in faith and attachment to Christ (cf. 6:67-69; 8:31). One o f the prominent features o f the Gospel o f John is that the author points out from time to time the unbelief .and rejection occasioned by Christ’s work (cf. 6:60-71; 7:40-52;.9:13-41; 10:19, 2 1 , 39-42; 11:45-47). But the evangelist prepares us for this in the opening chapters (cf. 1 T 1 - 2:18; 3:18, 19, 26; 4:44). i. The self-manifestation of Christ to thè world as Life, 5 : 1 - 6 : 7 1 . It is important to note that the word “life” occurs eighteen times in chapters 5 and 6 , thirty-six times only in the whole gospel. (a) Christ the source o f life, 5 :.l- 47 . In this chapter Christ is set forth as the source o f life. This fact is borne witness Jo by the miraculous sign, the healing of ¡the sick man at the pool o f Bethesda ( 5 :1-10). In the story .of the healing o f this impotent man we have a type o f man as a sinner and Christ as the Saviour. The sinner’s condition and Christ’s method o f
dealing with him is clearly set forth. The effect o f this miracle is described in verses 11-16. The sermon after the miracle (5:17-47) is exceedingly instructive. In John’s gospel the miracles or signs are introduced more particularly because o f the addresses following then*. Note the authority o f Jesus (5:17-30). Christ is Himself physical life ( 5 :1-11 S p iritu a l life (12-27), and resurrection life (28, 29). Note, the two resurrections mentioned here: spiritual (v ..25), and physical (vv. 28, 29). Our attention is drawn to the unbelief of the Jews (31-47). Note in this connection the witnesses^ to Christ and His w ork : The Father (5:32-37); the Baptist (33-36); His own works (5 :3 6 ); the Scriptures (5:39). Note also Christ’s testimony to the Mosaic authorship o f part o f the- Scriptures (5:45-47). - (b ) Christ the sustainer o f life, 6:1^71. W e have here, first, the miracle, the feeding o f the five thousand (6:1-15), then the sermon following the miracle (6:26-59) and the results o f the miracle with respect to Christ, the people, and the disciples (6:14, 15, 16-71). Coming to Christ—its meaning (6:37) and the difficulties attending it are empha sized (6:37, 43-46). Christ’s death is declared to be sacrificial and propitiatory (6:52-58). In this chapter Christ sets Himself forth as the principle o f life, the
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