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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers John 10:39–42. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here the issue of the conference with the Jews. One would have thought it would have convinced and melted them, but their hearts were hardened. Here we are told,
I.How they attacked him by force. Therefore they sought again to take him, Joh 10:39. Therefore,
1.Because he had fully answered their charge of blasphemy, and wiped off that imputation, so that they could not for shame go on with their attempts to stone him, therefore they contrived to seize him, and prosecute him as an offender against the state. When they were constrained to drop their attempt by a popular tumult, they would try what they could do under colour of a legal process. See Rev 12:13. Or,
2.Because he persevered in the same testimony concerning himself, they persisted in their malice against him. What he had said before he did in effect say again, for the faithful witness never departs from what he has once said; and therefore, having the same provocation, they express the same resentment, and justify their attempt to stone him by another attempt to take him. Such is the temper of a persecuting spirit, and such its policy, mal facta mal factis tegere ne perpluant - to cover one set of bad deeds with another, lest the former should fall through.
II.How he avoided them by flight; not an inglorious retreat, in which there was any thing of human infirmity, but a glorious retirement, in which there was much of a divine power. He escaped out of their hands, not by the interposal of any friend that helped him, but by his own wisdom he got clear of them; he drew a veil over himself, or cast a mist before their eyes, or tied the hands of those whose hearts he did not turn. Note, No weapon formed against our Lord Jesus shall prosper, Psa 2:4. He escaped, not because he was afraid to suffer, but because his hour was not come. And he who knew how to deliver himself no doubt knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to make a way for them to escape.
III.How he disposed of himself in his retirement:
He went away again beyond Jordan, Joh 10:40. The bishop of our souls came not to be fixed in one see, but to go about from place to place, doing good. This great benefactor was never out of his way, for wherever he came there was work to be done. Though Jerusalem was the royal city, yet he made many a kind visit to the country, not only to his own country Galilee, but to other parts, even those that lay most remote beyond Jordan. Now observe,
1.What shelter he found there. He went into a private part of the country, and there he abode; there he found some rest and quietness, when in Jerusalem he could find none. Note, Though persecutors may drive Christ and his gospel out of their own city or country, they cannot drive him or it out of the world. Though Jerusalem was not gathered, nor would be, yet Christ was glorious, and would be. Christ's going now beyond Jordan was a figure of the taking of the kingdom of God from the Jews, and bringing it to the Gentiles. Christ and his gospel have often found better entertainment among the plain country-people than among the wise, the mighty, the noble, Co1 1:26, Co1 1:27.
2.What success he found there. He did not go thither merely for his own security, but to do good there; and he chose to go thither, where John at first baptized (Joh 1:28), because there could not but remain some impressions of John's ministry and baptism thereabouts, which would dispose them to receive Christ and his doctrine; for it was not three years since John was baptizing, and Christ was himself baptized here at Bethabara. Christ came hither now to see what fruit there was of all the pains John Baptist had taken among them, and what they retained of the things they then heard and received. The event in some measure answered expectation; for we are told,
(1.)That they flocked after him (Joh 10:41): Many resorted to him. The return of the means of grace to a place, after they have been for some time intermitted, commonly occasions a great stirring of affections. Some think Christ chose to abide at Bethabara, the house of passage, where the ferry-boats lay by which they crossed the river Jordan, that the confluence of people thither might give an opportunity of teaching many who would come to hear him when it lay in their way, but who would scarcely go a step out of the road for an opportunity of attending on his word.
(2.)That they reasoned in his favour, and sought arguments to induce them to close with him as much as those at Jerusalem sought objections against him. They said very judiciously, John did no miracle, but all things that John spoke of this man were true. Two things they considered, upon recollecting what they had seen and heard from John, and comparing it with Christ's ministry.
[1.]That Christ far exceeded John Baptist's power, for John did no miracle, but Jesus does many; whence it is easy to infer that Jesus is greater than John. And, if John was so great a prophet, how great then is this Jesus! Christ is best known and acknowledged by such a comparison with others as sets him superlatively above others. Though John came in the spirit and power of Elias, yet he did not work miracles, as Elias did, lest the minds of people should be made to hesitate between him and Jesus; therefore the honour of working miracles was reserved for Jesus as a flower of his crown, that there might be a sensible demonstration, and undeniable one, that though he came after John, yet he was preferred far before him.
[2.]That Christ exactly answered John Baptist's testimony. John not only did no miracle to divert people from Christ, but he said a great deal to direct them to Christ, and to turn them over as apprentices to him, and this came to their minds now: all things that John said of this man were true, that he should be the Lamb of God, should baptize with Holy Ghost and with fire. Great things John had said of him, which raised their expectations; so that though they had not zeal enough to carry them into his country to enquire after him, yet, when he came into theirs, and brought his gospel to their doors, they acknowledged him as great as John had said he would be. When we get acquainted with Christ, and come to know him experimentally, we find all things that the scripture saith of him to be true; nay, and that the reality exceeds the report, Kg1 10:6, Kg1 10:7. John Baptist was now dead and gone, and yet his hearers profited by what they had heard formerly, and, by comparing what they heard then with what they saw now, they gained a double advantage; for, First, They were confirmed in their belief that John was a prophet, who foretold such things, and spoke of the eminency to which this Jesus would arrive, though his beginning was so small. Secondly, They were prepared to believe that Jesus was the Christ, in whom they saw those things accomplished which John foretold. By this we see that the success and efficacy of the word preached are not confined to the life of the preacher, nor do they expire with his breath, but that which seemed as water spilt upon the ground may afterwards be gathered up again. See Zac 1:5, Zac 1:6.
(3.)That many believed on him there. Believing that he who wrought such miracles, and in whom John's predictions were fulfilled, was what he declared himself to be, the Son of God, they gave up themselves to him as his disciples, Joh 10:42. An emphasis is here to be laid,
[1.]Upon the persons that believed on him; they were many. While those that received and embraced his doctrine at Jerusalem were but as the grape-gleanings of the vintage, those that believed on him in the country, beyond the Jordan, were a full harvest gathered in to him.
[2.]Upon the place where this was; it was where John had been preaching and baptizing and had had great success; there many believed on the Lord Jesus. Where the preaching of the doctrine of repentance has had success, as desired, there the preaching of the doctrine of reconciliation and gospel grace is most likely to be prosperous. Where John has been acceptable, Jesus will not be unacceptable. The jubilee-trumpet sounds sweetest in the ears of those who in the day of atonement have afflicted their souls for sin.
Historical interpretation
Seven Centuries of Reception
5 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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"Therefore they sought again to take Him, but He escaped out of their hands, and went away again beyond Jordan, into the place where John at first baptized. And many resorted unto Him, and said, John did no miracle, but all things that John spake of this man were true."
When He hath uttered anything great and sublime, He quickly retireth, giving way to their anger, so that the passion may abate and cease through His absence. And thus He acted at that time. But wherefore doth the Evangelist mention the place? That thou mayest learn that He went there to remind them of the things there done and said by John, and of his testimony; at least when they came there, they straightway remembered John. Wherefore also they said, "John indeed did no miracle," since how did it follow that they should add this, unless the place had brought the Baptist to their memory, and they had come to remember his testimony. And observe how they form incontrovertible syllogisms. "John indeed did no miracle," "but this man doth," saith some one; "hence therefore his superiority is shown. If therefore men believed him who did no miracles, much more must they believe this man." Then, since it was John who bore the witness, lest his having done no miracle might seem to prove him unworthy of being a witness, they added, "Yet if he did no miracle, still he spake all things truly concerning this man"; no longer proving Christ to be trustworthy by means of John, but John to be so by what Christ had done.
"Many therefore believed on Him." There were many things that attracted them. They remembered the words which John had spoken, calling Christ "mightier than himself," and "light," and "life," and "truth," and all the rest. They remembered the Voice which came down from heaven, and the Spirit which appeared in the shape of a dove, and pointed Him out to all; and with this they recollected the demonstration afforded by the miracles, looking to which they were for the future established. "For," saith some one, "if it was right that we should believe John, much more ought we to believe this man; if him without miracles, much more this man, who besides the testimony of John, hath also the proof from miracles." Seest thou how much the abiding in this place, and the being freed from the presence of evil men, profited them? wherefore Jesus continually leadeth and draweth them away from the company of those persons; as also He seemeth to have done under the old Covenant, forming and ordering the Jews in all points, in the desert, at a distance from the Egyptians.
(Hom. lxi. 3) Christ, after discoursing on some high truth, commonly retires immediately, to give time to the fury of people to abate, during His absence. Thus He did now: He went away again beyond Jordan, into the place where John at first baptized. He went there that He might recall to people's minds, what had gone on there; John's preaching and testimony to Himself.
(Hom. lxi. 3) Mark their reasoning, John did no miracle, but this Man did; wherefore He is the superior. But lest the absence of miracles should lessen the weight of John's testimony, they add, But all things that John spake of this Man were true. Though he did no miracle, yet every thing he said of Christ was true, whence they conclude, if John was to be believed, much more this Man, who has the evidence of miracles. Thus it follows, And many believed on Him.
(Tract. xlviii. c. 12) These laid hold of Him while abiding, not, like the Jews, when departing. Let us approach by the candle to the day. John is the candle, and gave testimony to the day.
"And He went away again beyond Jordan, into the place where John at first baptized; and there He abode. And many resorted unto Him, and said, John, indeed; did no miracle." You remember what was said of John, that he was a light, and bore witness to the day. Why, then, say these among themselves, "John did no miracle"? John, they say, signalized himself by no miracle; he did not put devils to flight, he drove away no fever, he enlightened not the blind, he raised not the dead, he fed not so many thousand men with five or seven loaves, he walked not upon the sea, he commanded not the winds and the waves. None of these things did John, and in all he said he bore witness to this man. By lamp-light we may advance to the day. "John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true." Here are those who apprehended in a different way from the Jews. The Jews wished to apprehend one who was departing from them, these apprehended one who remained with them. In a word, what is it that follows? "And many believed on Him."
We may observe that our Lord often brings out the people into solitary places, thus ridding them of the society of the unbelieving, for their furtherance in the faith: just as He led the people into the wilderness, when He gave them the old Law. Mystically, Christ departs from Jerusalem, i. e. from the Jewish people; and goes to a place where are springs of water, i. e. to the Gentile Church, that hath the waters of baptism. And many resort unto Him, passing over the Jordan, i. e. through baptism.
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Summary
John 10:42 serves as the concluding statement to a pivotal section of Jesus' ministry, highlighting the profound impact of His words and the testimony of John the Baptist on a receptive audience. Following Jesus' withdrawal from Jerusalem to the region beyond the Jordan, where John had previously ministered, many people came to a genuine faith in Him, contrasting sharply with the hardened unbelief of the religious leaders in the capital. This verse underscores the enduring power of truth and faithful witness to draw hearts to Christ.
Context
Literary Context
John 10:42 immediately follows Jesus' intense confrontation with the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, particularly His declaration of unity with the Father in John 10:30, which provoked an attempt to stone Him (John 10:31). Jesus then withdrew to the place "beyond Jordan where John at first baptized" (John 10:40). This strategic retreat provided a stark contrast to the hostility He faced, shifting the narrative from conflict to conversion. The preceding verse, John 10:41, explicitly states the people's reasoning: they acknowledged John the Baptist performed no miracles but affirmed that "all things that John spake of this man were true." This sets the stage for the widespread belief recorded in verse 42, demonstrating the cumulative effect of John's preparatory ministry and Jesus' own words and works.
Historical & Cultural Context
The location "beyond Jordan" (Bethabara or Bethany beyond the Jordan, as identified in John 1:28) held significant historical and spiritual resonance. It was the place where John the Baptist had commenced his public ministry, baptizing many and bearing powerful witness to Jesus as the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29). This region, likely Perea, was distinct from Judea and Galilee, often considered less religiously rigid than Jerusalem. The people here had a fresh memory of John's prophetic voice and his clear, unwavering testimony about the coming Messiah. Their openness contrasted sharply with the entrenched skepticism and political motivations of the Jerusalem elite, who sought to discredit or kill Jesus. The cultural memory of John's integrity and his non-miraculous but truthful ministry provided a fertile ground for the seeds of faith in Jesus to take root.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the authenticity of Jesus' claims, validated not only by His own words and works but also by the independent, prophetic witness of John the Baptist. The people's reasoning in John 10:41 confirms that John's non-miraculous testimony was seen as true, providing a foundation for accepting Jesus' miraculous deeds and divine identity. Secondly, it underscores the power of faithful witness, demonstrating how John's preparatory work, even after his death, continued to bear fruit. Thirdly, it emphasizes the contrast between belief and unbelief, showcasing a receptive audience in a less expected region, as opposed to the hardened hearts of the religious establishment in Jerusalem. This illustrates God's sovereign plan to draw people to Himself from all walks of life, fulfilling the broader theme of John 3:16 that "whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word indicates a significant quantity, not just a few. In the context of John's Gospel, where opposition to Jesus is often highlighted, the mention of "many" believing is noteworthy. It signifies a widespread and impactful response, suggesting a collective movement towards faith rather than isolated individual conversions. This stands in stark contrast to the few who believed among the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem.
Derived from the root for "faith" (pistis), this verb signifies more than mere intellectual assent. It implies a deep trust, reliance, and commitment to Jesus. It involves a personal appropriation of His claims and a surrender to His authority. In John's Gospel, "believing" is often presented as the decisive act that leads to eternal life and a right relationship with God, as seen in passages like John 3:18.
This preposition, often translated "into" or "to," is crucial here. When used with "believe," it signifies not just believing that something is true, but believing into or upon a person. It denotes direction, purpose, and union. The people didn't just believe about Jesus; they placed their trust into Him, indicating a profound personal commitment and identification with Him as the object of their faith.
Verse Breakdown
"And many believed"
This phrase immediately highlights the positive outcome of Jesus' ministry in this new location. The term "many" (G4183, polýs) emphasizes the substantial number of people who responded positively, indicating a significant spiritual harvest. This is a direct counterpoint to the rejection Jesus experienced in Jerusalem, underscoring the diverse responses to His message. Their belief was not superficial but a genuine acceptance of His identity and message.
"on him"
The preposition "on" (G1519, eis) combined with the pronoun "him" (G846, autós) signifies that Jesus Himself was the direct object of their faith. It was not merely belief in a set of doctrines or a historical figure, but a personal, trusting commitment directed toward Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God. This active, relational faith is consistently emphasized throughout John's Gospel as the pathway to salvation.
"there"
The adverb "there" (G1563, ekeî) points to the specific geographical location "beyond Jordan where John at first baptized" (John 10:40). This detail is highly significant. It emphasizes that belief flourished in a place associated with John the Baptist's preparatory ministry, among people who remembered his testimony. It also contrasts with Jerusalem, demonstrating that God's work is not confined to the religious centers but can thrive wherever hearts are open and prepared.
Literary Devices
The verse employs Contrast as a primary literary device. It starkly contrasts the widespread belief found "there" (beyond the Jordan) with the hardened unbelief and hostility Jesus encountered in Jerusalem just prior. This highlights the varying receptivity to the Gospel message based on the disposition of the hearers. There is also an element of Foreshadowing, as this scene anticipates the broader acceptance of Jesus' message by Gentiles and those outside the traditional Jewish religious establishment, a theme that becomes more prominent in the book of Acts. Furthermore, the Repetition of the idea of "many" (implied by the number of people who came to Jesus in John 10:41 and explicitly stated in John 10:42) underscores the significant impact of Jesus' ministry in this particular locale.
Theological and Thematic Connections
John 10:42 profoundly illustrates the nature of genuine faith as a response to divine truth and faithful witness. It underscores that belief is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative trust placed in the person of Jesus Christ. The fact that "many believed" in a place previously prepared by John the Baptist's ministry highlights the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events and preparing hearts, often through the cumulative effect of various testimonies. This passage reinforces the theological truth that God draws people to Himself, and that the truth about Jesus, even when rejected by some, will ultimately prevail and find receptive hearts in unexpected places. It serves as a powerful reminder that the Gospel's power transcends human opposition and religious boundaries.
Reflection and Application
John 10:42 offers a timeless encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that even when facing opposition or apparent fruitlessness in our witness, the truth of Christ has an enduring power to transform lives. The people in Bethabara believed because they remembered John's faithful testimony and observed Jesus' words and works. This calls us to be consistent and authentic in our own witness, trusting that God uses our simple obedience to prepare hearts, even if we don't see immediate results. It also challenges us to maintain an open heart to God's truth, just as those in Bethabara did, rather than allowing preconceived notions or religious pride to hinder our faith. We are invited to examine the evidence for Christ with a humble spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us into deeper conviction and commitment.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was the response to Jesus so different in Bethabara compared to Jerusalem?
The differing responses were largely due to the varying spiritual dispositions and expectations of the people in each location. In Jerusalem, Jesus primarily encountered the established religious elite (Pharisees, Sadducees) whose hearts were often hardened by pride, legalism, and a vested interest in maintaining their own authority. They sought to trap and discredit Jesus, viewing Him as a threat to their power and traditions. In contrast, the people in Bethabara, beyond the Jordan, had been profoundly impacted by John the Baptist's preparatory ministry. They remembered John's unwavering testimony about Jesus (John 10:41) and were likely more humble and open to a fresh move of God. They were not bound by the same rigid religious frameworks as the Jerusalem leaders, allowing them to receive Jesus' words and works with greater receptivity.
What kind of "belief" is described in John 10:42?
The belief described in John 10:42 is more than a superficial intellectual acknowledgment; it signifies a deep, transformative trust and commitment. The Greek word pisteúō (G4100), used here, implies placing one's faith into or upon Jesus, rather than simply believing about Him. This kind of belief involves a personal surrender, a reliance on Jesus for salvation, and an acceptance of His divine identity and authority. It's the same kind of saving faith emphasized throughout John's Gospel, which leads to eternal life and a relationship with God, as articulated in passages like John 3:16 and John 20:31.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
John 10:42, though seemingly a simple concluding statement, powerfully points to the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan. The "many" who believed in Bethabara are a foretaste of the vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language who would ultimately place their faith in Jesus, the Lamb of God (Revelation 7:9-10). Jesus' withdrawal to Bethabara, a place associated with John the Baptist, underscores His fulfillment of all that the prophets, including John, foretold (Luke 24:44). John's testimony, though non-miraculous, was true, preparing hearts for the one who would perform signs and speak words of eternal life, culminating in the ultimate sign of His resurrection (John 2:19-22). The belief "on him" (Jesus) signifies that He is the sole object of saving faith, the way, the truth, and the life, through whom alone one can come to the Father (John 14:6). This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical account but a testament to Jesus' universal draw, demonstrating that His light shines even in places of obscurity, bringing salvation to all who believe.