John 8:12-20 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

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John 8. Further Controversy in Jerusalem.

John 8:12-20. The Light of the World; Discourse in the Treasury. If we remove the Pericope adulterai (John 7:53 to John 8:11, clearly a later addition, though a genuine piece of gospel tradition, possibly belonging originally to Lk. and inserted here to illustrate John 8:15, I judge no man), this section regains its natural connexion with John 8:7, and especially John 7:15-24. It is another specimen of the controversies of the period. John 8:12 may refer to the custom of lighting at this Feast the great candelabra in the Court of the Women where the treasury was (John 8:20), to commemorate the pillar of fire. The Pharisees dispute the credentials of Jesus. His reply is in effect the old prophetic claim to speak for God. He knows whence He is. His claims have the necessary legal witness (Deuteronomy 17:6), His own and God's. They reply that He does not produce His second witness. Their scoffing only reveals their deep ignorance of God. His arrest is not yet attempted. God has more work for Him to do in the capital.

Related Commentaries of John 8:12

John 8:12-20

12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.

14 Jesus answered and said unto them,Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.

16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.

17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.

18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered,Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.

20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.