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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJohn Bengel Commentary - John 6:63 - 6:63
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Joh 6:63. Τὸ πνεῦμα, the spirit) It is not the Godhead alone of Christ, nor the Holy Spirit alone, which is meant, but universally the Spirit, in contradistinction to the flesh. That, which is spirit, is life-giving.-ἡ σάρξ, the flesh) His speech is not in this passage concerning the corrupt flesh, concerning which no one doubts, but that it profits nothing: nor yet does Jesus take away from His own flesh the power of giving life; otherwise He would set aside His whole discourse, just delivered, which for certain refers to His flesh, Joh 6:51; Joh 6:53-56, as also the whole mystery of the incarnation: but the sense is, mere flesh profiteth nothing, namely, such as the Jews were supposing that flesh to be, of which Jesus was speaking. Comp. 2Co 5:16, “Though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we Him no more.” He speaks supposing a condition, and that supposed condition an impossible one, if He were mere flesh; as also He speaks [supposing a contingency impossible to arise], Joh 6:38, as to His own will, “I came not to do Mine own will, but,” etc. Comp. note on ch. Joh 5:31; Joh 5:19; Joh 5:22. The flesh is the vehicle of all Divine life-giving virtue, in the case of Christ and of believers; and Christ, after He was put to death in the flesh, and quickened in the Spirit, especially put forth His efficacious power; 1Pe 3:18, “Christ suffered for sins-that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit;” Joh 12:24, “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit;” Joh 16:7, “If I go not away, the Comforter will not come; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.”-οὐκ ὠφελεῖ οὐδέν, profiteth nothing) for quickening. Where the life is not from God, there no real profit is derived.-τὰ ῥήματα) הדברים, the words, and the things comprehended in them. The correlatives are, the words and to believe: Joh 6:64, “Some of you-believe not.”-λελαληκα, I have spoken) He does not say, I speak, but I have spoken [Engl. Vers. loses this, “I speak”]. For already they were disaffected towards [turned away from] Him, Joh 6:60-61.-πνεῦμα, spirit) although they [the words] speak of the flesh.-καί, and) and so therefore.