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NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Joh_15:1-11
1"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. 7If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. 9Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. 11These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
Joh_15:1 "I am the true vine" This is one of Jesus' famous "I Am" statements in John's Gospel (cf. Joh_4:26; Joh_6:35; Joh_8:12; Joh_10:7; Joh_10:9-11; Joh_10:14; Joh_11:25; Joh_14:6). In the OT the grapevine was a symbol of Israel ( Psa_80:8-16; Isa_5:1-7; Jer_2:21; Ezekiel 15; Eze_19:10; Hos_10:1; Mat_21:33 ff; Mar_12:1-12, Rom_11:17 ff). In the OT these examples always have a negative connotation. Jesus affirms that He was the Ideal Israelite (cf. Isaiah 53). As Paul used the body of Christ, the bride of Christ, and the building of God as metaphors for the church, so John used the vine. This implies that the church is the true Israel because of its relationship to Jesus, the true vine, (cf. Gal_6:16; 1Pe_2:5; 1Pe_2:9; Rev_1:6). See Special Topic at Joh_6:55; Joh_17:3. See note at Joh_8:12.
Some interpreters have asserted that the upper room discourse ends with Joh_14:31, "let us go from here." If so, then chapters 15-17 were taught along the way to Gethsemane. Again, if so, then possibly the "vine" imagery was a visual sign taken from the golden vines on the temple buildings as Jesus and the eleven walked through its courts that night.
▣ "and My Father is the vinedresser" Again Jesus affirms His intimate relationship with the Father and at the same time His subjection to the Father's will.
Joh_15:2 "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away . . .that bears fruit" The present passive participle occurs twice in this verse. Fruit bearing, not germination, is the evidence of salvation (cf. Mat_7:16; Mat_7:20; Mat_13:18 ff; Mat_21:18-22; Luk_6:43-45). The context implies that Jesus was speaking of (1) Judas' betrayal (cf. Joh_15:6; Joh_13:10; Joh_17:12) or (2) false disciples (cf. Joh_2:23-25; Joh_8:30-47; 1Jn_2:19; 2 Peter 2). There are levels of belief in John.
▣ "He prunes it" This is literally "cleanses." The word was used by Philo for pruning grapevines (BDBD 386). It is found only here in the NT. It is another word chosen by John for its dual connotations (i.e., pruning and cleansing, cf. Joh_15:3; Joh_13:10). This is a present active indicative. Suffering has a purpose in believers' lives (cf. Joh_15:17-22). It maximizes fruit bearing, exposes fakes, and keeps them dependent on God (cf. Mat_13:20-23; Rom_8:17; 1Pe_4:12-16). For two good practical books on this difficult subject see (1) Principles of Spiritual Growth by Miles Stanford and (2) The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whithall Smith.
It is possible because of the unified context of chapters 13-17 to relate this cleansing back to the foot washing of chapter 13. They were already bathed (saved), but their feet needed to be washed (continual forgiveness). This present tense verb addressed the disciples as 1Jn_1:9 seems to confirm. It is not only obedience that is required for "abiding," but also ongoing repentance!
The purpose of suffering in the life of the believer may have several aspects.
1. develop Christlikeness (cf. Heb_5:8)
2. temporal punishment for sin
3. simply life in a fallen world
It is always difficult to identify God's purpose, but #1 is always a possible result.
Joh_15:3 "You are already clean" The term "prunes" (kathairô) in Joh_15:2 is the same Greek root as "clean" (katharos). This entire context contains the evidences of true discipleship. The term "already" is emphasized in the Greek text which gave the remaining eleven disciples confidence of their secure position in Christ (compared to the same root used of Judas Iscariot in Joh_13:10).
▣ "because of the word which I have spoken to you" (cf. Joh_17:17; Eph_5:26; 1Pe_1:23).
Joh_15:4
NASB, NKJV "Abide in Me, and I in you"
NRSV "Abide in Me, as I abide in you"
TEV "Remain united to me, and I will remain united in you"
NJB "Remain in me, as I in you"
This is an aorist active imperative plural (cf. Joh_6:56; 1Jn_2:6). The grammatical question is whether the second phrase is a description or a comparison. Numerous times in this passage the theological doctrinal emphasis on perseverance of the true saint is stressed (cf. Joh_15:4-7; Joh_15:9-10; Joh_15:14; Mar_13:13; 1Co_15:2; Gal_6:9; Rev_2:7; Rev_2:11; Rev_2:17; Rev_2:26; Rev_3:5; Rev_3:12; Rev_3:21; Rev_21:7, see Special Topic at Joh_8:31). True salvation is both an initial and a continuous response. This theological truth is often ignored in our enthusiasm for personal assurance of salvation. Biblical assurance is linked to
1. perseverance in faith
2. a lifestyle of repentance
3. ongoing obedience (cf. James and 1 John)
4. fruit bearing (cf. Mat_13:23)
See Special Topic on "Abiding" at 1Jn_2:10.
▣ "the branch cannot bear fruit" This shows the priority of divine provision. For "fruit" see note at Joh_15:5.
▣ "unless it abides. . .unless you abide" These are both third class conditional sentences, which means potential action. Our spiritual effectiveness is linked to our continuing relationship with Jesus.
Joh_15:5 "he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit" This is a present active participle followed by a present active indicative. The continual fellowship (i.e., personal faith relationship) is the source of continual fruit. Fruit could refer to believers' attitudes as well as actions (cf. Mat_7:15-23; Gal_5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 13). Believers are promised effective, lasting fruit if they abide (cf. Joh_15:16).
▣ "for apart from Me you can do nothing" This is a strong double negative. This is a negative statement of the positive truth of Joh_15:5 and Php_4:13.
Joh_15:6 "If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown away" This is a third class conditional sentence. Vine wood was useless for any domestic purpose (firewood) because it burned too fast and too hot (cf. Ezekiel 15). This seems to be a reference to Judas and possibly Israel. If not, it must refer to false faith (cf. Mat_13:41-42; Mat_13:50; and 1Jn_2:19).
This is surely eschatological imagery! There will be a "gathering day" and a "burning day." How we live reveals the source of our lives (i.e., God or Satan). By ones fruit you know them (cf. Matthew 7; Gal_6:7).
▣ "fire" See Special Topic below.
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Joh_15:7 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you" This is a third class conditional sentence which means potential action. Prayer is not automatically answered! Jesus switches metaphors from Himself abiding in the disciples to His words abiding. Jesus reveals the Father and, so too, do His teachings. They are interchangeable sources of revelation. The gospel is both a person and a message.
▣ "ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you" This is an aorist middle imperative (cf. Joh_15:16). This phrase has been badly proof-texted. Be careful to seek the teaching of all Scripture and do not emphasize isolated texts (cf. note on Joh_14:13). See Special Topic: Prayer, Unlimited Yet Limited at 1Jn_3:22.
Joh_15:8 "My Father is glorified" Believers Christlike living brings glory to God and proves that they are true disciples. In Joh_13:31-32; Joh_14:13; Joh_17:4; and Mat_9:8; Mat_15:31 the Father was glorified in the Son's work and now in the believer's works (cf. Mat_5:16). See note at Joh_1:14.
NASB "so prove to be My disciples"
NKJV "so you will be My disciples"
NRSV, TEV "become my disciples"
NJB "be my disciples"
REB"so be my disciples"
NIV,
Goodspeed"showing yourselves to be my disciples"
NET Bible"show that you are my disciples"
JB"then you will be my disciples"
The differences are caused by a tense variation in the verb.
1. aorist subjunctive, MSS P66, B, D, L
2. future indicative, MSS à , A
The lives (fruit) of believers reveal who they are! The verb tense is not as important as the reality of a changed and effective life of love, obedience, and service. These are marks of a true believer! We are not saved by our love, obedience, service (cf. Eph_2:8-9), but they are the evidence that we are believers (cf. Eph_2:10).
The term "disciples" is used in John's Gospel to denote those true believers and followers who do God's will and reflect His character. John does not use the term "church" (ekklçsia) even one time, therefore, "disciples" becomes the way he denotes Christian fellowship and gatherings. Discipleship is the daily life of the new age lived out in the old age. It is supremely characterized by love, light, obedience, and service! By these others know them as Jesus' disciples.
Joh_15:9 "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you" This chain of loving relationships characterizes God's family; the Father loves the Son, the Son loves His followers, His followers love one another.
▣ "abide in My love" This is an aorist active imperative. Believers are commanded to abide in
1. prayer (Joh_15:7; Joh_14:14)
2. obedience (Joh_15:10; Joh_15:14; Joh_15:17; Joh_15:20; Joh_14:15; Joh_14:21; Joh_14:23-24)
3. joy (Joh_15:11)
4. love (Joh_15:12; Joh_14:21; Joh_14:23-24)
These are all evidences of a personal relationship with God. See Special Topic: Abiding at 1Jn_2:10.
Joh_15:10 "If you keep My commandments" This is a third class conditional sentence which means potential action. Obedience is evidence of true discipleship (cf. Joh_8:31; Joh_14:15-21; Joh_14:23-24; Luk_6:46). Jesus uses it as an example of His fidelity to the Father.
▣ "love" This Greek term for love (agapç) was not used much in Classical or Koine Greek literature until the church began to use it in a specialized sense. It began to be used as selfless, sacrificial, loyal, active love. Love is an action, not an emotion (cf. Joh_3:16). The NT term agapç is theologically analogous to OT term hesed, which meant covenant love and loyalty.
▣ "just as I have kept my Father's commandments" This is a perfect active indicative. As Jesus relates to the Father, believers are to relate to Him. There is a unity between Father and Son that is meant to be reproduced among believers (cf. Joh_14:23).
Joh_15:11 "your joy may be made full" Believers are to have Jesus' joy (cf. Joh_17:13). Joy is another evidence of true discipleship (cf. Joh_15:11 [twice]; Joh_16:20-22; Joh_16:24; Joh_17:13). In this world there are pain and crises; in Christ there is joy, full joy, His joy.
The NIDOTTE, vol. 1, p. 741, has a good comment about how "joy" and "full" are used together in John's writings.
"In Jn. and the Johannine letters there is a frequent connection between → joy (chara) as a subject and the vb. plçroô in the pass., to be filled. This joy is the joy of Jesus (Joh_15:11; Joh_17:13) which he brings through his coming (Joh_3:29), his words (Joh_15:11; Joh_17:13), and his return (Joh_16:22) to his disciples (Joh_15:11; Joh_17:13). It replaces the sorrow that fills their hearts (Joh_16:16; Joh_16:20). Thus Christ's joy becomes their joy (Joh_15:11; Joh_16:24; cf. 1Jn_1:4). This joy characterizes the life of the disciples in their walk with Jesus; it becomes complete (Joh_3:29; Joh_15:11; Joh_16:24; Joh_17:13; 1Jn_1:4; 2Jn_1:12). The pass. underlies the fact that it is God who completes this joy."