John 5

After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.

He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.

Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.

And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.

There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.

Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.

But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.

He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.

And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

I receive not honour from men.

But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.

I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?

Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.

For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.

But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

What does John 5:22 mean?

Explanation

John 5:22 speaks to the Christian belief that God, referred to as "the Father" in this passage, has entrusted all authority to judge humanity to Jesus Christ, "the Son." Literal interpretation of this verse suggests a clear distinction between the roles of God the Father and Jesus.

The Father does not engage directly in judging individuals; instead, He has designated this authority to the Son.

On a deeper level, this verse emphasizes the importance of Jesus not only as a savior but also as a judge, enforcing the idea of His divine authority and His central role in the final judgment of mankind.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

The Gospel of John is believed to have been written between AD 90 and AD 110.

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the early Christian community undergoing persecution and establishing its identity.

Early Christians were differentiating their beliefs from Judaism and paganism.

As such, the author of the Gospel seeks to assert the divine authority of Jesus and establish Him as the central figure of the faith, with God entrusting all judgment to Him.

This statement helped to affirm the belief in Christ's divinity among early Christian followers and defend against heretical teachings that questioned Jesus's authority.

Theological Insights

From a Trinitarian Christian perspective, John 5:22 affirms the divinity of Jesus and His equality with God the Father.

It also introduces the theological concept of the economy of salvation, where different persons of the Trinity have roles in the salvation of humanity, The Father as the source, the Son as the means of salvation, and the Holy Spirit as the power enabling believers to live a holy life.

Non-Trinitarian viewpoints, such as those held by Unitarians, may interpret this verse differently, not as an expression of Jesus' divinity but as an acknowledgment of authority given to him.

Practical Applications

This verse can serve as a reminder of the Christian belief in accountability for one's actions and the ultimate judgment.

Believers might find motivation in these words to live a life that aligns with the teachings of Jesus, with the knowledge that he is their judge.

It can also encourage believers to reflect on the nature of Jesus, not only as a loving and sacrificial figure but also as a just and righteous judge.

Cross-References

Matthew 28:18: "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."
Acts 10:42: "And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead."
Romans 2:16: "In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."
2 Corinthians 5:10: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, "judgeth" is translated from κρίνει (krinei), which can mean to judge, decide, or separate.

"Committed" is from the Greek word δέδωκεν (dedōken), which means to give or grant.

The word "Father" (πατήρ, patēr) used here, refers to God, and "Son" (υἱὸς, huios) refers to Jesus Christ, confirming the familial and authoritative relationship between the two.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, divine judgment was commonly attributed to a god or gods. For instance, the Egyptians believed that Osiris judged the dead, while ancient Greeks had the concept of the three Fates who decided human destiny.

This verse sets the Christian narrative apart by assigning the role of cosmic judge solely to Jesus Christ, emphasizing a unique aspect of Christian theology.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse in question does not directly intersect with scientific understanding, as it deals with belief in divine judgment, which lies outside the realm of scientific inquiry.

Issues of faith, afterlife, and cosmic judgment are metaphysical concerns and are not typically addressed within scientific frameworks.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse come from a wide range of theological scholars.

Many emphasize the sovereignty and authority of Jesus in the act of judgment as an integral part of Christian doctrine.

For instance, Matthew Henry's Commentary underscores that Christ is the appointed judge by God's decree.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes that this verse establishes the basis for the universal judgment by the Son.

These interpretations align with mainstream Christian doctrine that postulates Jesus' role as the final arbiter of humanity.

Additionally, William Barclay's Daily Study Bible highlights the fairness and intimacy of Christ's judgment, given his experience as a human being.

John 5

John 5

What does John 5:22 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 5:22 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?