What does John 6:39 mean?
Explanation
John 6:39 speaks to the assurance of the believers' salvation and Jesus' mission concerning those the Father has given Him.
The verse suggests that Jesus' responsibility is to preserve all the believers entrusted to Him and eventually resurrect them at the end of age, which is often termed as "the last day". This assurance reflects the divine power and intent to save without fail.
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Historical Context
The Book of John is one of the four canonical Gospels in the New Testament and was written by the Apostle John.
The Gospel was likely written between AD 70 and AD 100.
At the time, early Christians faced persecution, and John's Gospel focuses on presenting Jesus as the divine Son of God to encourage the faith of the community.
Theological Insights
From a Christian theological perspective, this verse underlines several key doctrines:
- The sovereignty of God in salvation, indicating that it is God's will that determines who is saved.
- The perseverance of the saints, affirming that those chosen by God will be preserved and will not be lost.
- The doctrine of resurrection, confirming the belief in a physical resurrection at the end of the world.
Practical Applications
This verse offers comfort and assurance for believers, as it promises the eternal security of their salvation and hope for a future resurrection.
It encourages Christians to trust in Christ's promise of preservation and to live in a way that reflects their secure status as children of God.
Cross-References
- John 10:28-29: "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
- John 17:12: "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost..."
- Philippians 1:6: "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"
Language Study
- "Lose": The original Greek word "ἀπόλλυμι" (apollymi) can mean to destroy or to perish.
In this context, it is the sense of not allowing to perish or be destroyed.
- "Raise it up": The Greek "ἀνίστημι" (anistēmi) can mean to cause to rise up or to resurrect, indicating Jesus’ role in the resurrection.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
In the broader context of ancient religions, resurrection was a relatively novel concept with some parallels in myths like the Egyptian story of Osiris.
However, the personal and universal application of resurrection as described in this verse is unique to Christian theology.
Scientific Perspectives
Modern scientific understandings do not provide for the possibility of resurrection as described in this verse, as it is a supernatural event.
Therefore, it enters the realm of faith rather than empirical evidence.
Commentaries
- Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the surety and comfort this verse offers to believers, suggesting that Christ's care for them is certain.
- Benson's Commentary notes the absolute nature of Christ's declaration and the infallibility of the divine plan detailed in the verse.
- The Pulpit Commentary discusses the theological implications of divine will and human response in the context of salvation and resurrection.