What does John 16:27 mean?

Explanation

John 16:27 is part of a discourse Jesus is having with His disciples in which He comforts and reassures them of His relationship to God the Father, and their relationship with both Him and the Father.

The verse speaks to the intimacy of the Father's love, an assurance that the love stems not only from the Father's nature but also from the disciples' love and belief in Jesus Christ.

This asserts that genuine faith and love towards Christ result in a love that is reciprocated by God the Father.

There is also an emphasis on the disciples' belief in the divine origin of Jesus, acknowledging His coming from God.

Historical Context

This verse is located in the larger context of what is known as the Farewell Discourse, found in chapters 14-17 of the Gospel of John.

The discourse occurs during the Last Supper, shortly before Jesus is betrayed and arrested.

In this period, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His imminent departure (His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension).

John's Gospel, thought to have been written around the end of the first century, addresses a community that is grappling with the meaning of Jesus' life and teachings in the wake of His departure from the world.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse is rich with insights.

It suggests a mutual indwelling of love between the Father, Son, and believers, indicative of Trinitarian theology where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct yet united in essence.

Another perspective focuses on the concept of revelation, emphasizing that Jesus' origin from God is a foundational belief for the early Christian community.

Additionally, there is the idea of conditional divine love, which has been debated; while some theologians argue that God's love is unconditional, this verse could be read as suggesting that there is a special affection for those who love Jesus and believe in His divine mission.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, John 16:27 invites believers to reflect on the quality of their personal faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.

It suggests that actively loving and believing in Jesus is not merely a matter of intellectual assent but involves an ongoing, intimate relationship that echoes in divine love.

It encourages believers to find assurance and comfort in the fact that God the Father has a deep love for them in light of their faith.

Cross-References

• John 14:21 - "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
• John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
• John 14:23 - "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."

Language Study

The key term "loveth" comes from the Greek verb "agapaō", which denotes a deep, compassionate, and sacrificial love.

The phrase "came out from" (Greek: "exēlthon") indicates origin and emphasizes Jesus’ preexistent state and mission sent from God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Greco-Roman world, deities often had remote, impersonal relationships with humanity. The idea of gods loving individuals because they loved a deity's offspring is rare.

In contrast, Christian scripture presents a personal God who seeks a relationship with individuals. Comparing to Judaism, there is synergy here, as the love of God for His people is a strong theme in the Hebrew scriptures.

However, the interconnectedness of divine love through Christ is a distinctive Christian development.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly lend itself to scientific analysis, the study of neurotheology or the neuroscience of religious experience could provide insights into the human perception of divine love and how beliefs shape emotional and neurological responses.

Commentaries

Commentators offer a variety of perspectives on John 16:27.

Raymond E.

Brown underlines the revelatory aspect, noting that recognition of Jesus' origin in God is key to understanding Johannine theology.

D.A.

Carson highlights the relational nuances, suggesting that this mutual love demonstrates how the incarnation brings humans into the divine love relationship.

Leon Morris adds that the verse signifies the complete circle of love, from the Father to the Son and, through the Son, to the believers.