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John 15:2
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- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Every branch in me - I stand in the same relation to my followers, and they to me, as the vine to the branches, and the branches to the vine. He taketh away - As the vine-dresser will remove every unfruitful branch from the vine, so will my Father remove every unfruitful member from my mystical body - such as Judas, the unbelieving Jews, the apostatizing disciples, and all false and merely nominal Christians, who are attached to the vine by faith in the word and Divine mission of Christ, while they live not in his life and Spirit, and bring forth no fruit to the glory of God; and also every branch which has been in him by true faith - such as have given way to iniquity, and made shipwreck of their faith and of their good conscience: all these he taketh away. He purgeth it - He pruneth. The branch which bears not fruit, the husbandman αερει αυτο, taketh It away; but the branch that beareth fruit, καθαιρει αυτο, he taketh away From it, i.e. he prunes away excrescences, and removes every thing that might hinder its increasing fruitfulness. The verb καθαιρω; from κατα, intens. and αιρω, I take away, signifies ordinarily to cleanse, purge, purify, but is certainly to be taken in the sense of pruning, or cutting off, in this text, as the verb purgare is used by Horace, Epist. lib. i. ep. vii. v. 51. Cultello proprios purgantem leniter ungues. "Composedly Paring his own nails with a penknife." He who brings forth fruit to God's glory, according to his light and power, will have the hinderances taken away from his heart; for his very thoughts shall be cleansed by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit . . . every branch that beareth fruit--As in a fruit tree, some branches may be fruitful, others quite barren, according as there is a vital connection between the branch and the stock, or no vital connection; so the disciples of Christ may be spiritually fruitful or the reverse, according as they are vitally and spiritually connected with Christ, or but externally and mechanically attached to Him. The fruitless He "taketh away" (see on Joh 15:6); the fruitful He "purgeth" (cleanseth, pruneth)--stripping it, as the husbandman does, of what is rank (Mar 4:19), "that it may bring forth more fruit"; a process often painful, but no less needful and beneficial than in the natural husbandry.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit,.... There are two sorts of branches in Christ the vine; the one sort are such who have only an historical faith in him, believe but for a time, and are removed; they are such who only profess to believe in him, as Simon Magus did; are in him by profession only; they submit to outward ordinances, become church members, and so are reckoned to be in Christ, being in a church state, as the churches of Judea and Thessalonica, and others, are said, in general, to he in Christ; though it is not to be thought that every individual person in these churches were truly and savingly in him. These branches are unfruitful ones; what fruit they seemed to have, withers away, and proves not to be genuine fruit; what fruit they bring forth is to themselves, and not to the glory of God, being none of the fruits of his Spirit and grace: and such branches the husbandman taketh away; removes them from that sort of being which they had in Christ. By some means or another he discovers them to the saints to be what they are; sometimes he suffers persecution to arise because of the word, and these men are quickly offended, and depart of their own accord; or they fall into erroneous principles, and set up for themselves, and separate from the churches of Christ; or they become guilty of scandalous enormities, and so are removed from their fellowship by excommunication; or if neither of these should be the case, but these tares should grow together with the wheat till the harvest, the angels will be sent forth, who will gather out of the kingdom of God all that offend and do iniquity, and cast them into a furnace of fire, as branches withered, and fit to be burnt. And every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. These are the other sort of branches, who are truly and savingly in Christ; such as are rooted in him; to whom he is the green fir tree, from whom all their fruit is found; who are filled by him with all the fruits of his Spirit, grace, and righteousness. These are purged or pruned, chiefly by afflictions and temptations, which are as needful for their growth and fruitfulness, as the pruning and cutting of the vines are for theirs; and though these are sometimes sharp, and never joyous, but grievous, yet they are attended with the peaceable fruits of righteousness, and so the end of bringing forth more fruit is answered; for it is not enough that a believer exercise grace, and perform good works for the present, but these must remain; or he must be constant herein, and still bring forth fruit, and add one virtue to another, that it may appear he is not barren and unfruitful in the knowledge of Christ, in whom he is implanted. These different acts of the vinedresser "taking away" some branches, and "purging" others, are expressed by the Misnic doctors (p) by and The former, the commentators (q) say, signifies to cut off the branches that are withered and perished, and are good for nothing; and the latter signifies the pruning of the vine when it has a superfluity of branches, or these extend themselves too far; when some are left, and others taken off. (p) Misn. Sheviith, c, 2. sect. 3. (q) Maimon. & Bartenora in ib.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:2-3 Gardeners cut away dead branches and trim healthy branches so they will produce more fruit. Fruitfulness is the result of life-giving connection to the vine.
John 15:2
Jesus the True Vine
1“I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard.2He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful.3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
- Scripture
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- Commentary
(So Great a Salvation) Victory Part 2
By Paris Reidhead5.7K49:30VictoryJHN 15:2EPH 1:19EPH 1:22EPH 2:4In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a man who accidentally kills a lamb and experiences a bountiful crop as a result. The preacher uses this story to illustrate how compromise can lead to judgment from God. He then discusses the importance of abiding in Christ and being separate from the world. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, emphasizing the victory over sin and death.
Grafted in Christ
By David Wilkerson4.8K58:19ChristJHN 15:2JHN 15:6ROM 11:20ROM 11:23EPH 2:1JAS 1:6In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a vine and its branches to explain the relationship between believers and Jesus. He emphasizes that just as a vineyard owner prunes the branches to bear more fruit, God will remove any cause for unbelief in the hearts of believers. The preacher encourages the congregation to see themselves as luscious grapes, bringing life to others through their relationship with Christ. He also warns against pride and urges believers to continue in God's goodness, lest they be cut off like the natural branches. The sermon concludes with the reminder that even those who have fallen into unbelief can be grafted back into God's love and grace.
Hell Is Forever
By Tim Conway2.2K57:07HellGEN 1:27MAT 6:33MRK 12:30LUK 3:9JHN 15:2In this sermon, the preacher acknowledges that many people are not living a life that is pleasing to Christ. He emphasizes the importance of being honest with oneself and recognizing the lack of submission to God's Word. The preacher refers to a video by Ray Comfort where people admit to breaking God's law but do not believe they are going to hell. He then delves into the topic of hell, expressing his fear and trembling as he studies it. The sermon highlights the urgency of recognizing the limits set by God and the fleeting nature of life, with countless people passing into eternity every second. The preacher also mentions Jesus' words about the narrow path to life and the broad way to destruction.
The Vine and the Branches
By Leonard Ravenhill1.9K27:27AbidingISA 53:10JHN 3:16JHN 14:27JHN 15:2JHN 15:11JHN 16:20JHN 16:24In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who mistreats grapes, showing a lack of understanding and appreciation for their delicacy. The speaker then uses this story to illustrate a spiritual lesson about what comes out of us when we are upset or shaken. He emphasizes the importance of having something good and valuable inside of us, like Jesus, so that when we face challenges, we respond with grace and love. The speaker also highlights the power of the Holy Spirit, who can be in a million hearts at the same time, bringing joy and peace.
The Danger of Drifting
By Stephen Olford1.4K31:15DriftingEXO 34:29PSA 19:14LUK 9:34JHN 15:2HEB 1:1HEB 2:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the danger of drifting in the Christian life. He emphasizes that drifting occurs when there is indiscipline, inattention, and indifference towards spiritual matters. The preacher warns against academically criticizing the sermon without being spiritually engaged. He also highlights the importance of not neglecting the great salvation offered by God and urges the audience to heed God's warnings and wooings. The sermon references the Epistle to the Hebrews, specifically chapter 2, verses 1-4, to support the message.
Ye Are the Light of the World - Part 3
By Roy Daniel1.2K08:44PRO 11:30MAT 5:16JHN 15:21CO 13:1GAL 5:22This sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine love and compassion in sharing the message of Christ. It highlights the significance of bearing fruit as Christians and the impact of sincere prayers and actions in leading others to Christ. The stories shared illustrate the power of selfless love, prayer, and living out the teachings of Jesus to touch and transform lives.
What Is a Christian
By Manley Beasley90941:40ChristianMAT 6:33JHN 15:2ROM 8:162CO 6:14REV 22:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of bearing fruit and bringing souls to Jesus. They reference the 15th chapter of the book of John, explaining that it is not about personal character but about leading others to Christ. The speaker also discusses the responsibility of Christians to invite people to Jesus and be soul winners. They mention a verse from Revelation 22:17 that highlights this responsibility. Additionally, the speaker touches on the idea of being separate from unbelievers and the assurance of salvation for believers.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Obedience and the Way of the Cross
By Zac Poonen7471:09:00PRO 14:14ISA 53:12JHN 7:37JHN 12:24JHN 12:27JHN 15:2JHN 15:5JHN 15:8JHN 15:16ROM 14:222CO 8:121JN 2:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of falling into the ground and dying to bear much fruit, following the way of the cross, and being filled with the Holy Spirit continuously. It encourages believers to choose the path of self-denial, faithfulness, and obedience to God's will, even in times of pressure and trouble, to experience spiritual growth and the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Branches and Clean Ones
By R. Edward Miller61828:11Christian LifeJHN 15:2In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the vine from the book of John. Jesus describes himself as the true vine and explains that every branch in him that does not bear fruit will be taken away, while those that bear fruit will be pruned to bear even more fruit. The preacher emphasizes that the fruit being referred to is the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. The sermon also highlights the importance of having a personal revelation of God and a longing to know him, as well as the need to abide in Christ in order to bear fruit.
Thyatira
By Robert B. Thompson5231:18:00MAT 6:33JHN 15:2ROM 6:22REV 2:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of violence in American society and how it is highly esteemed. He emphasizes that violence is a demonic influence and warns against indulging in violent entertainment, such as martial arts and excessive television watching. The preacher also highlights the importance of being truthful and straightforward in our words, just like Jesus, who spoke with simplicity and without spin. He encourages believers to avoid being deceived by the spin of the world and instead focus on speaking the truth.
Beloved Let Us Love
By G.W. North18048:45LoveJER 18:1MAT 13:39JHN 15:2JHN 15:5ROM 9:211JN 4:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. He highlights that true success is not measured by worldly standards, but by God's evaluation of our motives, principles, and morality. The preacher encourages the audience to seek forgiveness, cleansing, and transformation through Jesus Christ in order to live with God forever. He also emphasizes the power of praising God, even in the midst of suffering, as a demonstration of true victory. The sermon concludes with a reminder to save the remaining message for the evening service.
Spirit, Soul, Body
By G.W. North1351:54:58Christian LifeISA 64:8MAT 16:18MAT 16:23JHN 6:45JHN 15:2EPH 6:17HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God's will and allowing Him to work in our lives. He uses the analogy of a person wriggling and kicking against God's plan, and encourages listeners to submit to His leading. The speaker also discusses the power of the Word of God, describing it as a sharp sword that can discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. He highlights the need for our whole being - spirit, soul, and body - to be surrendered to God.
Awake Thou That Sleepest - the Pruning Shears
By Phil Beach Jr.2727:46Christian LifeSpiritual GrowthTrust in God's ProcessJHN 15:2HEB 12:11JAS 1:2Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of spiritual pruning in the Christian life, illustrating how God uses trials and tribulations as His pruning shears to enhance our fruitfulness. He explains that while we may initially rejoice in our spiritual growth, God's inspection often leads to unexpected challenges that can feel painful and confusing. Beach encourages believers to trust in God's wisdom during these times, recognizing that pruning is an expression of His love and care, ultimately preparing us for greater responsibilities and deeper intimacy with Him. He shares a powerful testimony of transformation through faith, highlighting the journey from despair to hope and the importance of relying on Jesus amidst life's difficulties.
Walking in the Light
By Phil Beach Jr.2323:37Walking in the LightSpiritual PruningRighteousnessPSA 139:23ISA 5:6MAT 7:1JHN 8:12JHN 15:2JHN 17:22GAL 5:22EPH 5:8HEB 4:121JN 1:5Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of walking in the light of Christ, acknowledging that true transformation and pruning in our lives come from God alone. He warns against the dangers of taking it upon ourselves to judge or correct one another, reminding us that it is the light of Christ that exposes our hearts and reveals our sins. The sermon encourages believers to embrace the process of being pruned for greater fruitfulness, fostering a deeper fellowship with God and one another. Beach highlights that our joy and unity stem from focusing on Jesus and His light, which cleanses and purifies us. He concludes with a call to share in communion, affirming our commitment to live in the light and love of Christ.
Your Personal Holy Ground
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual GrowthHumilityEXO 3:5PSA 51:10ISA 57:15MAT 5:3JHN 15:2ROM 12:1PHP 2:7HEB 12:1JAS 4:101PE 5:6David Wilkerson emphasizes that 'holy ground' is not a physical location but a spiritual state of being receptive and open to God. He illustrates this through Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush, where Moses had to remove his sandals, symbolizing the shedding of his reputation and pride. This act of humility allowed Moses to be in a position where God could truly work in him. Wilkerson encourages believers to pursue their personal holy ground by being honest with God and letting go of their worldly influences, leading to deeper revelations of God's presence. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to prioritize a relationship with Jesus above all else.
Letter: 29e 56 Gillett, Lausanne, 1843
By John Nelson Darby0Spiritual Gifts and EdificationFaithfulness in TrialsJHN 15:2GAL 5:92TI 2:3TIT 3:10John Nelson Darby writes to Gillett, emphasizing the necessity of faithfulness to Christ amidst trials and the importance of leaning on the Lord during difficult times. He distinguishes between those who are in error due to lack of understanding and those who propagate heresies out of a willful heart, urging a careful approach to teaching and the exercise of spiritual gifts. Darby reflects on the blessings experienced in France and Switzerland, despite his own illness, and expresses a longing to return to England while remaining committed to serving the Lord. He acknowledges his weaknesses and the need for prayer, while encouraging the brethren to remain united in charity and edification.
Here Comes God With the Pruning Shears
By K.P. Yohannan0Spiritual GrowthTrust in God's ProcessPSA 119:71JHN 15:2HEB 12:11JAS 1:2K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the necessity of God's pruning in our spiritual lives, illustrating that while we may rejoice in the fruits of the Spirit, God's inspection often involves cutting away what is unnecessary for greater growth. He explains that pruning can lead to feelings of loneliness and confusion, akin to a 'dark night of the soul,' where we may feel abandoned despite being in a process of divine preparation. Yohannan encourages believers to trust in God's wisdom during these challenging times, recognizing that the Master Gardener is shaping us for a more fruitful future. The pruning process, though painful, is essential for character transformation and a deeper relationship with God. Ultimately, we are called to walk by faith, even when we cannot see the immediate results of God's work in our lives.
He Purgeth It, That It May Bring Forth More Fruit
By A.B. Simpson0Spiritual GrowthAbundant Life in ChristJHN 10:10JHN 15:2ROM 6:11ROM 8:372CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:1PHP 1:21COL 3:31PE 1:3A.B. Simpson illustrates the process of spiritual growth through the metaphor of a gardener pruning a plant. He emphasizes that while there may be moments of discipline and dying to sin, the ultimate goal is to revive and nourish our souls to live abundantly in Christ. Simpson encourages believers to embrace their identity as children of the resurrection, relying on the life of Jesus to overcome sin and self. The sermon highlights that true life in Christ is not about repression but about the spontaneous overflow of His life within us. Thus, we are called to live fully, bringing forth more fruit in our spiritual journey.
Growth
By J.C. Ryle0Spiritual GrowthDiligence in FaithPSA 35:27JHN 15:2EPH 4:15PHP 1:9COL 1:101TH 4:102TH 1:3JAS 4:61PE 2:22PE 3:18J.C. Ryle emphasizes the necessity of spiritual growth in the life of a true Christian, urging believers to examine their progress in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. He highlights that growth in grace is not about increasing one's justification but rather about deepening one's faith, love, and holiness. Ryle warns against complacency and encourages believers to actively pursue growth through diligent use of private and public means of grace, self-examination, and communion with Christ. He outlines the signs of growth, such as increased humility, faith, and zeal for doing good, and stresses that neglecting growth can lead to spiritual stagnation. Ultimately, Ryle calls Christians to strive for continual growth, reminding them that their spiritual health is vital for their own joy and for the benefit of others.
In Affliction and Trial
By Andrew Murray0Abiding in ChristGrowth through TrialsJHN 15:2ROM 5:3Andrew Murray emphasizes the necessity of abiding in Christ during times of affliction and trial, using the metaphor of the vine and its need for pruning to illustrate how God uses hardships to deepen our relationship with Him. He explains that trials are not meant to harm us but to lead us closer to Christ, allowing us to experience His love and grace more fully. Murray encourages believers to see afflictions as opportunities for growth and fruitfulness, reminding them that true comfort and strength come from a deep connection with Jesus. He reassures that through abiding in Christ, we can bear much fruit and find purpose even in suffering. Ultimately, Murray calls Christians to embrace their trials as divine pruning for greater spiritual maturity and intimacy with God.
Christ's Sufferings Our Sufferings
By F.J. Huegel0Spiritual GrowthParticipation in SufferingJHN 15:2ROM 6:52CO 1:52CO 2:14EPH 2:6PHP 3:10COL 1:24HEB 10:12JAS 1:21PE 4:13F.J. Huegel emphasizes the profound connection between Christ's sufferings and our own, illustrating that believers are called to participate in both His tribulations and victories. He explains that while Christ's sacrificial suffering on the Cross is complete and cannot be added to, Christians are invited to share in the ongoing sufferings of Christ as they live out their faith. This participation not only deepens our identification with Christ but also transforms our suffering into a source of spiritual growth and compassion for others. Huegel encourages believers to rejoice in their sufferings, as they are a means through which Christ's life is manifested in us, ultimately leading to greater fruitfulness in our lives. He concludes with a message of hope, reminding us that our afflictions serve a divine purpose and contribute to the edification of the Church.
The Cleansing of the Priests
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0PSA 139:23JHN 15:2JHN 15:71CO 11:31HEB 12:31JN 1:9Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the importance of confession of sin and self-judgment in maintaining fellowship with God and effective ministry. He highlights the conditions for answered prayer, including abiding in Christ, having His Word in us, and praying in alignment with God's will. Chafer stresses the significance of priestly intercession in evangelism, where believers partner with God in seeking the lost. He underscores the need for believers to be cleansed from sin to experience God's power in salvation and ministry, drawing from Old and New Testament examples.
Victorious Vinedresser
By Miles J. Stanford0PSA 119:71PRO 3:11JHN 15:2ROM 8:181CO 15:492CO 4:17HEB 12:11JAS 1:2Miles J. Stanford delves into the spiritual growth of believers, emphasizing the mystery and process of maturity. He highlights the importance of discerning between a foretaste of a deeper life and the fullness that the Lord leads us into. Stanford discusses the eagerness of spiritual youth and the need to count the cost, surrendering self-confidence to rely on God's strength. He also explains that suffering, though perceived as loss by Satan, is intended by God to increase our spiritual capacity, leading to greater responsibility, trust, and fruitful sharing.
Letter 48
By James Bourne0PSA 119:105PRO 4:18JHN 15:21CO 4:7PHP 1:91JN 1:7James Bourne writes a heartfelt letter to Mrs. J., commending her for her growth in faith and fruitfulness in the midst of afflictions. He encourages her not to compare her spiritual journey with others but to acknowledge the work of the Holy Spirit in her life. Bourne emphasizes the importance of ascribing all glory to God and the Lamb, reminding Mrs. J. to seek continual renewal and intimacy with God. He urges her daughter E. to persist in seeking God's light and guidance, highlighting the need to walk in the light to avoid stumbling in darkness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Every branch in me - I stand in the same relation to my followers, and they to me, as the vine to the branches, and the branches to the vine. He taketh away - As the vine-dresser will remove every unfruitful branch from the vine, so will my Father remove every unfruitful member from my mystical body - such as Judas, the unbelieving Jews, the apostatizing disciples, and all false and merely nominal Christians, who are attached to the vine by faith in the word and Divine mission of Christ, while they live not in his life and Spirit, and bring forth no fruit to the glory of God; and also every branch which has been in him by true faith - such as have given way to iniquity, and made shipwreck of their faith and of their good conscience: all these he taketh away. He purgeth it - He pruneth. The branch which bears not fruit, the husbandman αερει αυτο, taketh It away; but the branch that beareth fruit, καθαιρει αυτο, he taketh away From it, i.e. he prunes away excrescences, and removes every thing that might hinder its increasing fruitfulness. The verb καθαιρω; from κατα, intens. and αιρω, I take away, signifies ordinarily to cleanse, purge, purify, but is certainly to be taken in the sense of pruning, or cutting off, in this text, as the verb purgare is used by Horace, Epist. lib. i. ep. vii. v. 51. Cultello proprios purgantem leniter ungues. "Composedly Paring his own nails with a penknife." He who brings forth fruit to God's glory, according to his light and power, will have the hinderances taken away from his heart; for his very thoughts shall be cleansed by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit . . . every branch that beareth fruit--As in a fruit tree, some branches may be fruitful, others quite barren, according as there is a vital connection between the branch and the stock, or no vital connection; so the disciples of Christ may be spiritually fruitful or the reverse, according as they are vitally and spiritually connected with Christ, or but externally and mechanically attached to Him. The fruitless He "taketh away" (see on Joh 15:6); the fruitful He "purgeth" (cleanseth, pruneth)--stripping it, as the husbandman does, of what is rank (Mar 4:19), "that it may bring forth more fruit"; a process often painful, but no less needful and beneficial than in the natural husbandry.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit,.... There are two sorts of branches in Christ the vine; the one sort are such who have only an historical faith in him, believe but for a time, and are removed; they are such who only profess to believe in him, as Simon Magus did; are in him by profession only; they submit to outward ordinances, become church members, and so are reckoned to be in Christ, being in a church state, as the churches of Judea and Thessalonica, and others, are said, in general, to he in Christ; though it is not to be thought that every individual person in these churches were truly and savingly in him. These branches are unfruitful ones; what fruit they seemed to have, withers away, and proves not to be genuine fruit; what fruit they bring forth is to themselves, and not to the glory of God, being none of the fruits of his Spirit and grace: and such branches the husbandman taketh away; removes them from that sort of being which they had in Christ. By some means or another he discovers them to the saints to be what they are; sometimes he suffers persecution to arise because of the word, and these men are quickly offended, and depart of their own accord; or they fall into erroneous principles, and set up for themselves, and separate from the churches of Christ; or they become guilty of scandalous enormities, and so are removed from their fellowship by excommunication; or if neither of these should be the case, but these tares should grow together with the wheat till the harvest, the angels will be sent forth, who will gather out of the kingdom of God all that offend and do iniquity, and cast them into a furnace of fire, as branches withered, and fit to be burnt. And every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. These are the other sort of branches, who are truly and savingly in Christ; such as are rooted in him; to whom he is the green fir tree, from whom all their fruit is found; who are filled by him with all the fruits of his Spirit, grace, and righteousness. These are purged or pruned, chiefly by afflictions and temptations, which are as needful for their growth and fruitfulness, as the pruning and cutting of the vines are for theirs; and though these are sometimes sharp, and never joyous, but grievous, yet they are attended with the peaceable fruits of righteousness, and so the end of bringing forth more fruit is answered; for it is not enough that a believer exercise grace, and perform good works for the present, but these must remain; or he must be constant herein, and still bring forth fruit, and add one virtue to another, that it may appear he is not barren and unfruitful in the knowledge of Christ, in whom he is implanted. These different acts of the vinedresser "taking away" some branches, and "purging" others, are expressed by the Misnic doctors (p) by and The former, the commentators (q) say, signifies to cut off the branches that are withered and perished, and are good for nothing; and the latter signifies the pruning of the vine when it has a superfluity of branches, or these extend themselves too far; when some are left, and others taken off. (p) Misn. Sheviith, c, 2. sect. 3. (q) Maimon. & Bartenora in ib.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:2-3 Gardeners cut away dead branches and trim healthy branches so they will produce more fruit. Fruitfulness is the result of life-giving connection to the vine.