What does John 15:19 mean?

Explanation

John 15:19 is a verse found in the Christian New Testament, in which Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the relationship between them and the world.

In this verse, Jesus indicates that His followers are set apart from the world. The world "loves its own," meaning that there is a natural affinity among those who share in the world's values and pursuits.

However, because Jesus' disciples do not conform to the world's ways -- as Jesus has chosen them to be distinct ("out of the world") -- they are consequently disliked or even persecuted by the world. The deeper meaning here touches on themes of belonging, opposition, and the cost of discipleship.

Historical Context

John 15:19 is part of Jesus' farewell discourse delivered to His disciples shortly before His crucifixion. This discourse is found in John chapters 14-17 and takes place during the Last Supper in the context of the Jewish Passover feast.

It was a time of tension and apprehension, as Jesus was preparing His disciples for His imminent death, and for the persecution and trials they would face as His followers after His departure.

Theological Insights

Different theological interpretations of this verse might focus on concepts such as divine election ("I have chosen you"), the notion of being 'in the world but not of the world,' and the Christian's identity in relation to worldly values.

From a Calvinist perspective, this verse might be seen as evidence of God's sovereign choice.

An Arminian viewpoint might emphasize the disciples' response to Jesus' call.

Liberation theology could interpret this verse as a call to stand against worldly systems of oppression, aligning instead with Jesus' radical message.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as a reminder for believers to maintain their distinct Christian identity and values, even when faced with opposition.

It may encourage them to foster community with like-minded believers for support and to persevere in their faith despite the world's antagonism.

It also challenges Christians to examine their lives for conformity to worldly values and to pursue a life that reflects their chosen status by Jesus.

Cross-References

• James 4:4: "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."
• Romans 12:2: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
• 1 John 3:13: "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you."
• 1 Peter 2:9: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;"
• John 17:14: "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of John 15:19 such as "world" (κόσμος, kosmos), "love" (ἀγαπάω, agapao), "chosen" (ἐξελέγξασθαί, exeléxasthai), and "hate" (μισέω, miseo) are all significant.

"Kosmos" often refers to the created, ordered system and can denote humanity that is apart from God.

"Agapao" is a verb for love that often implies a deep, abiding affection.

"Exeléxasthai" suggests being selected or picked out for a special purpose.

"Miseo" carries the sense of hating or detesting, often with hostility.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of being chosen or set apart as seen in John 15:19 has parallels in many other religious and cultural narratives.

The Jewish people, for instance, have historically viewed themselves as being chosen by God.

In Hinduism, the concept of being separate from the material world is a theme in the practice of detachment.

In Buddhism, there is a distinction between the enlightened ones and those still trapped in the cycle of samsara.

The idea of a group being set apart for specific reasons is a common motif in many mythologies and religions.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the sense of in-group and out-group dynamics described in this verse aligns with psychological studies on group identity and cohesion.

When a particular group, such as Christians, defines itself in opposition to broader societal norms, it may experience both a stronger internal solidarity and an increased likelihood of external conflict.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries offer different perspectives on John 15:19:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the difference in behavior between the disciples of Christ and the people of the world, suggesting that this difference often brings about the world's hatred.
• The MacArthur Study Bible notes that the world's love is reserved for those who are like itself and that the believer, being made unlike the world by grace, will not be loved by it.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament discusses the irony that while the world is the object of God's love in John 3:16, it is also an entity that harbors hostility towards Jesus and His followers.
• The Word Biblical Commentary highlights the Johannine theme of mutual love among believers as a contrast to the hatred they may experience from the world.