John 15

1. I am the true Vine, etc. Whether our Lord’s words were spoken in the upper room or as He walked along the road, a vine was pretty sure to be in sight, suggesting the parable.

2. He purgeth (cleanseth) it. This purifying is effected chiefly by instruction (xvii. 17; Eph. v. 26), but also by discipline (Rom. v. 3-5; Heb. xii. 11; 1 Pet. i. 7); removing what is noxious, and perfecting what is good and useful. To the disciples, this had already in part been done (3) “through the word” which Jesus had spoken; and it was to be completed through the teaching of the Spirit and the fiery trials which awaited them, and which they were to be encouraged to bear by this consideration: see Rom. viii. 28-39.

4. Abide in me, and I in you. That is, See to it that ye abide in me, and that I abide in you. This close and vital union must be carefully preserved; for, “severed from me, ye can do nothing” good (4-6).

5 without me. Or, as R.V., “apart from me”: if separated from me.

9 continue. The same word as “abide” in ver. 10.

10. If ye keep my commandments, etc. The corresponding declaration to that in xiv. 15. If you love me, you will keep my commandments; and if you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love.

11 that my joy might remain in you, etc. That you may share the joy which I possess and impart, so that your joy may be perfect. See note on xiv. 27.

12. This is my commandment. Lit., “This is the commandment that is mine”; emphatically and pre-eminently.

as I have loved you, etc. See xiii. 34, and note; 1 John iii. 16. Our Lord illustrates the greatness of this love, by the unparalleled self-sacrifice which it caused Him to make (13), the close friendship to which it led Him to raise His obedient servants (14, 15), and His spontaneous choice of them to permanent fruitfulness (16).

16. Ye have not chosen me. See 1 John iv. 19. Our Lord is speaking primarily of the apostolic calling.

20. Remember the word that I said unto you, etc. See xiii. 16, and note. The proverb is there applied to the conduct of His disciples; but here it is used as in Matt. x. 24 of their treatment by the world.

21 for my name’s sake. Not only as bearing the name of Christ (see Tacitus, Arn. xv. 44; Sueton, Nero, xvi.), but as representing Him by their likeness to Him: see Acts v. 41. It is Christ Himself whom the world hates in His disciples.

22 they had not had sin. That is, in rejecting my claims: cp. iii. 19.

no cieke. “No excuse.”

2. E

23. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. For Jesus is the most perfect manifestation of the Father (see xiv. 9).

24 works. See note on xiv. 11.

25 in their law. Their own Scriptures: see Psa. lxix. 4; cix. 3.

26. He shall testify of me. By so enlightening your minds, that you may understand and teach these things; and by opening men’s hearts to receive me and my truth.

27 ye also shall bear witness. As they did (Acts i. 21, 22; Luke i. 1, 2).