John 1:35

KJV

Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

KJV (with Strong's)

Again {G3825} the next day after {G1887} John {G2491} stood {G2476}, and {G2532} two {G1417} of {G1537} his {G846} disciples {G3101};

Complete Jewish Bible

The next day, Yochanan was again standing with two of his talmidim.

Berean Standard Bible

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples.

American Standard Version

Again on the morrow John was standing, and two of his disciples;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 1:35 marks a crucial turning point in the Gospel narrative, immediately following John the Baptist's profound public testimony about Jesus. This verse details the precise moment "the next day after" when John the Baptist, accompanied by two of his disciples, stood in a significant posture, setting the stage for Jesus to begin gathering His first followers and signaling a decisive transition from John's preparatory ministry to the commencement of Jesus's public ministry and the formation of His new community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded in the carefully structured opening chapter of John's Gospel, which emphasizes the chronological progression of events surrounding Jesus's public emergence. It directly follows John the Baptist's unequivocal declaration of Jesus as "[the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")" (see [John 1:29-34](/john/1-29-34 "John 1:29-34 - John the Baptist's Testimony")). The repeated phrase "the next day after" (also found in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - The Next Day") and [John 1:43](/john/1-43 "John 1:43 - The Following Day")) highlights the rapid, almost daily, unfolding of divine revelation and the intentional acceleration of God's redemptive plan. This verse serves as a narrative bridge, moving from John's prophetic witness to the direct interaction between Jesus and His future disciples, laying the groundwork for the foundational relationships that will define the nascent Christian movement.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John the Baptist operated within a Jewish context deeply steeped in messianic expectation. His ministry, characterized by baptism for repentance, drew large crowds and positioned him as a significant prophetic figure, reminiscent of Elijah ([Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi 4:5-6 - Prophecy of Elijah's Return")). Discipleship (following a rabbi or teacher) was a common practice in ancient Judaism, where students would attach themselves to a respected teacher to learn their interpretations of the Torah and their way of life. John's disciples were accustomed to his teachings and authority. The setting, likely near the Jordan River (specifically "Bethany beyond Jordan" as mentioned in [John 1:28](/john/1-28 "John 1:28 - Location of John's Ministry")), was a place of spiritual significance and public gathering. The act of "standing" would have been a common posture for teaching or witnessing, conveying readiness and purpose.

* **Key Themes:** John 1:35 contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **transition of ministries**, demonstrating John the Baptist's humility and faithfulness to his calling. He does not seek to retain followers for himself but actively points them to Jesus, embodying the principle that he "[must decrease, but Christ must increase](/john/3-30 "John 3:30 - John's Humility")". Secondly, the verse highlights the **power of prophetic witness**. John's consistent and clear testimony about Jesus's identity as the "Lamb of God" is so compelling that it immediately influences his own disciples, demonstrating the transformative impact of divinely inspired words. Finally, this scene sets the stage for the **invitation to follow Christ**. The presence of John and two of his disciples is not merely incidental; it is the divinely orchestrated prelude to the very first followers of Jesus being called, as detailed in the subsequent verses (e.g., [John 1:37](/john/1-37 "John 1:37 - Disciples Follow Jesus")). This moment marks the beginning of the formation of Jesus's inner circle, foundational to the establishment of His kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **again (Greek, _pálin'_):** This adverb signifies repetition or a return to a previous state or action. In this context, it emphasizes the continuation of the narrative sequence, specifically "the next day after" a significant event. It suggests a deliberate, ongoing progression in God's redemptive plan, not a random occurrence. The use of "again" reinforces the intentionality of John's repeated public testimony and the unfolding of Jesus's ministry.
* **stood (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** This verb implies a firm, fixed, and intentional posture, rather than merely passive standing. It suggests John was present with purpose, ready to observe, declare, or act. It conveys a sense of readiness, a prepared posture for witnessing or engaging in significant events. John was not idly waiting, but actively positioned for what was to unfold, reflecting his role as the one preparing the way.
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to learn," a _mathētḗs_ was more than a casual listener; they were dedicated learners, pupils, and followers who committed themselves to the teachings and lifestyle of their master. Their presence indicates an earnest spiritual seeking and a readiness to absorb and apply the truths taught by John. Their willingness to follow John's lead in turning to Jesus underscores the true nature of discipleship: a pursuit of truth wherever it leads, ultimately to Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Again the next day after John stood":** This phrase establishes the precise chronological setting, linking it directly to the previous day's monumental declaration by John the Baptist. The repetition of "the next day" (as seen in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - The Next Day") and [John 1:43](/john/1-43 "John 1:43 - The Next Day")) highlights the rapid, deliberate unfolding of events in John's Gospel. John the Baptist's "standing" is not passive but signifies a purposeful, watchful posture, ready to continue his prophetic witness and guide his followers.
* **"and two of his disciples;":** This clause introduces the crucial human element that will facilitate the transition of allegiance from John to Jesus. The presence of these two specific disciples, whose names are not yet revealed (though one is later identified as Andrew in [John 1:40](/john/1-40 "John 1:40 - Andrew Follows Jesus")), indicates that John's ministry had already gathered a committed following. Their readiness to learn and follow is key to the subsequent narrative, as they become the first to encounter and follow Jesus directly.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and narrative impact. **Repetition** of the phrase "the next day after" (seen across [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - The Next Day"), [John 1:35](/john/1-35 "John 1:35 - The Next Day"), [John 1:43](/john/1-43 "John 1:43 - The Next Day")) serves to emphasize the rapid, divinely orchestrated progression of events leading to Jesus's public ministry. This creates a sense of urgency and intentionality in the unfolding of God's plan. The scene also utilizes **foreshadowing**, as the presence of John's two disciples subtly hints at the imminent calling of Jesus's first followers, preparing the reader for the pivotal events in the verses that follow. Furthermore, the simple, declarative statement of John "standing" with his disciples acts as a form of **narrative progression**, moving the story from John's verbal testimony about Jesus to the practical, relational steps of gathering disciples, thereby advancing the plot towards the establishment of Jesus's new community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 1:35, though brief, is rich in theological significance, serving as a vital link in the chain of revelation. It underscores the divine timing and intentionality of God's plan for salvation, showing how John's preparatory ministry seamlessly gives way to Christ's redemptive work. The verse highlights John's exemplary humility and faithfulness, as he consistently directs his followers away from himself and towards the true Messiah. This act of redirection is a powerful theological statement about the nature of true spiritual leadership, which always points to Christ as the ultimate authority and source of life. It also emphasizes the importance of a prepared heart and mind, as the disciples were ready to shift their allegiance from a human teacher to the divine Lord, demonstrating the essence of genuine discipleship.

* [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant")
* [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - A Voice Crying in the Wilderness")
* [John 3:30](/john/3-30 "John 3:30 - He Must Increase, I Must Decrease")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 1:35 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, calling us to examine our own posture and purpose in the spiritual journey. Like John the Baptist, our ultimate aim in life and ministry should be to consistently and clearly point others to Jesus Christ, rather than seeking personal recognition or building our own platforms. True spiritual leadership and influence are measured not by the number of followers we accumulate for ourselves, but by how effectively we guide people to the ultimate source of life, truth, and salvation. This verse also challenges us to cultivate a "standing" posture of readiness and attentiveness to God's unfolding plan, being prepared to respond to His call and to shift our allegiances as new truths are revealed. It reminds us that authentic discipleship involves a willingness to leave behind even good things—like a revered human teacher—when the ultimate Teacher, Jesus Christ, is revealed and calls us to follow Him. Our lives should be a living testimony that directs others to the Lamb of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, like John the Baptist, actively point others to Jesus rather than drawing attention to myself or my own efforts?**
* **Am I truly "standing" in a posture of readiness and attentiveness to God's voice and direction in my life, prepared to follow wherever He leads?**
* **What allegiances or comforts might I need to release in order to more fully follow Jesus as my ultimate Teacher and Lord?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "two of his disciples" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: While John 1:35 does not explicitly name them, the subsequent verses reveal their identities. [John 1:40](/john/1-40 "John 1:40 - Andrew Follows Jesus") identifies one of them as Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. The other disciple is not named, but biblical tradition and scholarly consensus often suggest it was John, the author of this Gospel, due to the detailed, eyewitness nature of the account and the author's characteristic anonymity in referring to himself. This narrative detail highlights the personal and immediate impact of John the Baptist's testimony on those closest to him, leading them directly to Jesus.

**Why is the phrase "the next day after" repeated so frequently in John 1?**

Answer: The repetition of "the next day after" (found in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - The Next Day"), [John 1:35](/john/1-35 "John 1:35 - The Next Day"), and [John 1:43](/john/1-43 "John 1:43 - The Next Day")) is a deliberate literary and theological device used by the Gospel writer. It emphasizes the rapid, chronological progression of events surrounding Jesus's public manifestation and the beginning of His ministry. This precise dating underscores the intentionality and divine orchestration of God's plan, showing how events unfolded swiftly and purposefully, moving from John's testimony to Jesus's gathering of disciples, and then to the first miracle. It conveys a sense of urgency and the unfolding of a pre-ordained timetable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 1:35, though seemingly a simple narrative transition, is profoundly Christ-centered in its fulfillment. It vividly portrays John the Baptist's ultimate purpose: to decrease so that Christ might increase ([John 3:30](/john/3-30 "John 3:30 - John's Humility")). John's ministry, prophesied in [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - The Voice in the Wilderness") and [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger"), culminates not in gathering followers for himself, but in directing them to the true Light of the World. This verse initiates the process of Jesus gathering His own disciples, marking the beginning of the new covenant community. The two disciples, by leaving John to follow Jesus, exemplify the universal call to shift allegiance from human teachers and earthly systems to the divine Son of God, who alone has the "[words of eternal life](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")". Jesus, as the ultimate Teacher and Messiah, now takes center stage, beginning to build His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Building the Church")) by personally calling those who would become His witnesses to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the World")). Thus, this moment is not just about two individuals, but about the inauguration of a new era where all humanity is invited into discipleship under Christ, the Lamb of God who was slain for the sins of the world ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb Who Was Slain")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Malachi 3:16

Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

John 3:25

Then there arose a question between [some] of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

John 3:26

And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all [men] come to him.