John 5:39
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Search the Scriptures - Ερευνατε τας γραφας. This should be translated, not in the imperative, but in the indicative mood - thus, Ye search the Scriptures diligently. That these words are commonly read in the imperative mood is sufficiently known; but this reading can never accord well with the following verse, nor can the force and energy of the words be perceived by this version. The rabbins strongly recommend the study of the Scriptures. The Talmud, Tract. Shabbath, fol. 30, brings in God thus addressing David: "I am better pleased with one day in which thou sittest and studiest the law, than I shall be with a thousand sacrifices which thy son Solomon shall offer upon my altar." Perhaps the Scriptures were never more diligently searched than at that very time: first, because they were in expectation of the immediate appearing of the Messiah; secondly, because they wished to find out allegories in them; (see Philo); and, thirdly, because they found these scriptures to contain the promise of an eternal life. He, said they, who studies daily in the law, is worthy to have a portion in the world to come, Sohar. Genes. fol. 31. Hence we may infer: 1st. That the Jews had the knowledge of a future state before the coming of Christ; and 2ndly. That they got that knowledge from the Old Testament Scriptures. The word ερευνατε, which might be translated, Ye search diligently, is very expressive. Homer, Il. xviii. l. 321, applies it to a lion deprived of his whelps, who "scours the plains, and traces the footsteps of the man." And in Odyss. xix. l. 436, to dogs tracing their game by the scent of the foot. In the Septuagint, the verb ερευναω answers to the Hebrew חפש chapash, to search by uncovering; to חקר chakar, to search minutely, to explore; to חשף chashaph, to strip, make bare; and to משש mashash, to feel, search by feeling. It is compounded of ερεω, I seek, and ευνη, a bed; "and is," says St. Chrysostom, "a metaphor taken from those who dig deep, and search for metals in the bowels of the earth. They look for the bed where the metal lies, and break every clod, and sift and examine the whole, in order to discover the ore." Those who read the verse in the imperative mood consider it an exhortation to the diligent study of the Sacred Writings. Search; that is, shake and sift them, as the word also signifies: search narrowly, till the true force and meaning of every sentence, yea, of every word and syllable, nay, of every letter and yod therein, be known and understood. Confer place with place; the scope of one place with that of another; things going before with things coming after: compare word with word, letter with letter, and search the whole thoroughly. See Parkhurst, Mintert, and Leigh. Leaving every translation of the present passage out of the question, this is the proper method of reading and examining the Scriptures, so as to become wise unto salvation through them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Search the scriptures, &c.--"In the Scriptures ye find your charter of eternal life; go search them then, and you will find that I am the Great Burden of their testimony; yet ye will not come to Me for that life eternal which you profess to find there, and of which they tell you I am the appointed Dispenser." (Compare Act 17:11-12). How touching and gracious are these last words! Observe here (1) The honor which Christ gives to the Scriptures, as a record which all have a right and are bound to search--the reverse of which the Church of Rome teaches; (2) The opposite extreme is, resting in the mere Book without the living Christ, to direct the soul to whom is its main use and chiefest glory.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Search the Scriptures,.... The writings of Moses, and the prophets, which were of divine inspiration and authority, and are often appealed unto by Christ, and his apostles, for the truth of what they delivered; and were the standard of faith, and the test of doctrines; and therefore to be searched diligently into, for finding divine knowledge and improvement in it, and for the trial of doctrines. The words may be rendered in the indicative, as an assertion, "ye do search the Scriptures": the Jews had the sacred oracles committed to them, and these they read, not only their kings, princes, and judges, but the common people, who brought up their children to the reading of them, and instructed them in them: and besides this, these writings were read, and expounded publicly in their synagogues every sabbath day; and at this time especially these records were examined, and particularly those of them which respected the Messiah, since there was now a general expectation of him: and certain it is, that the chief priests, Scribes, and elders, or the sanhedrim, were very much versed in the Scriptures, and could readily refer to those which concerned the Messiah; see an instance of this in Mat 2:4; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; not the doctrine of eternal life, nor the promises of it, nor the way to it; though all these are contained in them, and pointed out by them: for though life and immortality are brought to light by the Gospel, and the promise of eternal life belongs to the covenant of grace, and the way of life and righteousness by Christ is manifested without the law, and not by it; yet there is much of the Gospel, and an exhibition of the covenant of grace, and its promises, and Christ, the way of life, is directed to typically by the tree of life, and the brazen serpent, and other things in those writings. But the meaning here is, that they imagined, by having these writings in their hands, and by their reading them, and hearing them expounded every sabbath day, they should obtain and inherit everlasting life: hence they call (r) the law eternal life, and say (s) concerning the reading of it, that "he that begins to read in the book of the law is obliged to bless after this manner: blessed be he that has chosen us above all nations, and hath given us his law.--And he that finishes blesses after him in this manner: blessed is he who hath given us his law, the law of truth, and has planted "eternal life" in the midst of us.'' This was an opinion of theirs: so the Persic version reads, "for such is your opinion"; and though this was a very vain one, yet it shows what a very high opinion they had of the Scriptures: and now to these our Lord appeals as witnesses for him, and against which they could not object, upon their own principles: and they are they which testify of me; as they do of his proper deity and divine sonship, calling him Jehovah, God, the mighty God, and the Son of God; and of his offices as prophet, priest, and King; and of his incarnation of a virgin; and of the tribe, family, and place of his birth; of the miracles which he should work; of the treatment he should meet with from men; of his sufferings and death; of the circumstances leading on to them, and attending them; as his riding on an ass into Jerusalem, the betraying him by one of his familiar acquaintance, the selling him for thirty pieces of silver, the spitting upon, and scourging him, giving him gall for his meat, and vinegar for his drink, and parting his garments, and casting lots for his vesture, and the crucifixion of him, and that between two thieves; and of his burial, resurrection from the dead, ascension to heaven, and session at the right hand of God, and of his future coming to judgment. (r) Zohar in Gen. fol. 100. 3. (s) Maimon. in Misn. Megilla, c. 4. sect. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:39-40 Jesus’ fourth witness was the Scriptures. The Old Testament pointed to the Messiah, and Jesus fulfilled its prophecies (see Luke 24:25-27).
John 5:39
The Witness of Scripture
38nor does His word abide in you, because you do not believe the One He sent.39You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me,40yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1986 Prairie Series) 4 - Rediscovering Christ
By Major Ian Thomas12K1:19:19Resurrection PowerLiving in ChristPrairie SeriesLUK 22:32LUK 24:49JHN 5:39JHN 14:6ACT 1:8ROM 8:112CO 5:17GAL 2:201PE 1:181JN 1:1Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the transformative power of recognizing Christ's resurrection in the life of believers, particularly through the experience of Peter. He illustrates how Peter's denial and subsequent conversion led to a profound understanding of the necessity of Christ's sacrifice and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Thomas explains that true Christian living is not about self-effort but about allowing Christ to live through us, highlighting the importance of faith and divine empowerment. He encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ and to share His life with others, moving beyond mere religious activity to a genuine relationship with the risen Lord.
Genesis #01 Ch. 1:1 Intro. - Universal Beginnings
By Chuck Missler11K1:24:34BeginningMAT 6:33LUK 24:32JHN 5:39ACT 17:11In this sermon, the speaker discusses the contrasts and similarities between the book of Genesis and the book of Revelation. He uses a digital watch as a metaphor to illustrate the different time zones represented in these two books. The speaker also mentions the cursed world described in Genesis, with its sorrow, thorns, and Satan's oppression, and contrasts it with the eternal world described in Revelation, where there is no more curse, sorrow, or pain. The sermon also touches on the concept of faith as the evidence of things not seen, as mentioned in Hebrews 11:1.
Life of Elijah - Part 1
By Major Ian Thomas7.3K59:39ElijahMAT 6:33JHN 5:392PE 1:20In this sermon, the speaker rebukes the theologians of his day, referencing John 5:39 where Jesus tells the scribes and Pharisees that they search the scriptures but refuse to come to Him for life. He emphasizes that the Bible comes alive when it testifies to the living Christ. The speaker also highlights that Jesus never preached from the New Testament because it did not exist during His time. Instead, the apostles and early churches relied on the Old Testament scriptures. The sermon concludes with a reference to Peter's second epistle, where he affirms the authority and reliability of the scriptures as the more sure word of prophecy.
Jesus Above All
By R.G. Lee6.3K40:35Jesus ChristISA 2:4ISA 11:6LUK 1:32JHN 3:31JHN 5:39JHN 7:46JHN 17:17In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience of attending a gathering where they listened to a recording of a singer who had been dead for 30 years. He mentions that during his own speaking engagements, he was given a strict time limit and would be interrupted if he went over. The speaker also discusses being questioned by students and not knowing all the answers, but being content with that. He then transitions to talking about Jesus as a teacher who believed in the truth of the Bible and used it to illuminate his message. The speaker highlights Jesus' death on the cross, emphasizing that he experienced both a physical and spiritual death. He concludes by referencing a passage from the book of Amos about a future day when the sun will go down at noon.
"Hebrews" Monday - Part 2 (Keswick Convention 2003)
By Charles Price4.8K20:08Keswick ConventionJHN 5:39HEB 2:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the limitations of the Old Testament law and its inability to bring about true salvation. He explains that the law was like a shadow, pointing to the good things that were to come, but not the substance itself. The speaker also highlights the significance of angelic visitations in Scripture, stating that their messages were binding and disobedience was punished. Ultimately, the speaker emphasizes that Jesus Christ, who became a man and then returned to his rightful place, is the fulfillment of God's revelation and the means of salvation.
"Hebrews" Monday - Part 3 (Keswick Convention 2003)
By Charles Price4.2K14:44Keswick ConventionJHN 5:392CO 4:4HEB 1:3HEB 2:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of connecting with the heart of God. He explains that through the indwelling presence of God in our hearts and lives, we become real and fulfill our intended purpose as human beings. The speaker encourages the audience to look to Jesus as the perfect example of what we are meant to be, as he is the radiance of God's glory and the truth about humanity. The sermon also highlights that Jesus is the truth about God, as he is the exact representation of God's being and reveals what God is like.
Creatures Out of the Fire
By A.W. Tozer3.9K33:30PreachingISA 42:1MAT 4:4MAT 22:37JHN 5:39COL 1:16HEB 1:3REV 4:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of looking to Jesus Christ as the ultimate model of humanity. He describes how sin can distort and mar the true beauty of humanity, but Jesus Christ embodies perfect humanity without any pretense or pose. The preacher also discusses the significance of the four creatures mentioned in the Bible, which represent different facets of Jesus' character. These creatures complement each other and serve as models for believers to strive towards being like Christ. The ultimate goal is to reflect the glory and character of Jesus Christ in our own lives.
Once Saved, Always Saved 2
By Jacob Prasch3.4K55:50AssuranceGEN 15:6JHN 5:39HEB 6:1REV 2:11REV 3:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of falling away from faith. He emphasizes that one cannot fall away from a place they have never been, suggesting that those who have truly experienced faith in Jesus can potentially fall away. The preacher also references John Calvin's belief that some may have only had a superficial understanding of faith. He highlights the importance of faith being accompanied by works, using the analogy of a model airplane that is useless without being put into action. The sermon concludes with a reminder that Christians have the free will to choose their path and warns against departing from Jesus.
(Guidelines) Study the Bible
By J. Vernon McGee3.4K09:17JHN 5:39ACT 8:30In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying the word of God. He mentions that Bible classes have been organized in homes and churches, encouraging people to study the Bible. The speaker shares the example of John Wesley, who was known as a man of one book because he dedicated time every morning to read the Bible. The speaker also addresses the misconception of devotional reading, stating that it should not replace studying the Bible in depth. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for individuals to prioritize and make time for studying the Bible.
A Message on Hell
By Rolfe Barnard3.1K50:012CH 7:14PSA 34:8ISA 55:6JER 29:13MAT 7:7JHN 5:39HEB 11:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord and living according to His word. The sermon warns of the impending judgment of the world and the need to be prepared. The preacher also highlights the glory of the cross and the power of Christ's sacrifice for salvation. The sermon concludes with a call to love and obey God, and a reminder that those who reject Him will face eternal damnation.
Wanted: Men of God
By Alan Cairns2.5K1:22:26CallingMAT 22:37MAT 28:19JHN 5:39ACT 20:211TI 4:132TI 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for men of God in today's society. He highlights the importance of preachers who are not influenced by the world, but rather have a deep understanding of the Word of God and are transformed by its power. The preacher calls for individuals to seek God's guidance and to be willing to do whatever He asks of them. He also emphasizes the need for men who have knowledge of the times and can discern what actions are necessary in the present, rather than dwelling in the past.
Imperatives - a Right Standpoint
By Devern Fromke1.9K1:21:03God's WillPSA 119:11MAT 6:33JHN 3:16JHN 5:39JHN 17:17EPH 5:26HEB 6:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the need for a proper vessel or vehicle to contain and express the life that God is pouring forth. He uses the analogy of the Hoover Dam to illustrate this concept. The speaker emphasizes that trying to interpret the world and religious situations through natural reasoning will only lead to limited understanding. He also reflects on his own journey of searching for formulas to meet the needs of the hour, but ultimately realizing the importance of relying on God's guidance.
The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 9
By T. Austin-Sparks1.9K52:41Purpose Of GodEZK 43:4EZK 43:7MAT 6:33JHN 5:39EPH 3:8EPH 3:10COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit. They describe a house as a channel through which God's life flows, and this life is not something artificial or secondhand, but a natural outpouring. The testimony of this life is what truly matters, not just a system of doctrine or teaching. The speaker also highlights the threefold purpose of the house: as a place of God's glory, a representation of the new creation in Christ, and a vessel to fill all things. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to live a life filled with the Holy Spirit and to let that life be the testimony of their faith.
Jesus, the King of Truth
By C.H. Spurgeon1.8K53:40MAT 2:2JHN 1:14JHN 5:39JHN 6:35JHN 8:32JHN 14:6JHN 18:37In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his own experiences as a soldier in a spiritual battle. He encourages the congregation to be strong in the Lord and live for Him, so as to avoid regrets in the future. The preacher also emphasizes the importance of testifying for Jesus and bearing witness to the truth in one's own sphere of influence. Lastly, he highlights the superlative dignity of Christ as a king and the necessity of His coming into the world to establish His kingdom through the proclamation of truth.
What a Sinner Can Do to Be Saved
By Rolfe Barnard1.7K46:39MAT 20:16LUK 7:30JHN 5:39ACT 17:30ROM 3:23ROM 6:23EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher addresses the question of what a sinner can do to be saved. He refers to the verse from Matthew 20:16, where Jesus says that many are called but few are chosen. The preacher uses a parable from the same chapter to illustrate his point. He explains that when Adam sinned, humanity lost its righteous standing before God and incurred the penalty of God's law. The only hope for salvation is for sinners to repent, turn from their sinful ways, and depend on the righteousness of Christ. Additionally, the preacher emphasizes the importance of facing the facts of spiritual existence and considering one's conscience and knowledge of right and wrong. However, he does not guarantee that doing so will result in salvation, as that is ultimately God's work.
Hell
By Rolfe Barnard1.7K1:02:26HellMAT 7:13JHN 5:39ROM 9:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a holy life in order to enter heaven. He mentions that God's people in glory will continue to serve Him and see His face. The preacher shares a personal story about struggling with sin and realizing the need for God's grace. He emphasizes that the truth about one's spiritual condition can only be revealed by the Holy Spirit, and not through worldly sources like newspapers or schools.
The Peculiar Sleep of the Beloved
By C.H. Spurgeon1.7K43:34PSA 127:2MAT 10:32JHN 5:39GAL 6:7EPH 4:151TH 4:132TI 3:16The sermon transcript discusses the consequences of dying unprepared, unconverted, and unsaved. It emphasizes the fear of judgment and fiery indignation for those who do not have a relationship with God. However, the sermon also offers hope to believers, assuring them that they need not fear death. The speaker encourages Christians to embrace the knowledge of the Savior's name and look forward to meeting in heaven. The sermon concludes with a question, asking the audience if they truly believe they belong to the beloved mentioned in the text.
The in Crowd
By Winkie Pratney1.6K55:23MAT 6:33MAT 7:21MAT 23:12LUK 16:10LUK 18:14JHN 5:39JHN 12:43In this sermon, the speaker describes a scene where a man named Charlie is shown falling asleep while watching a film. The film depicts various events, including a countdown, a shot of the earth, and images of hunger and poverty. The sermon then shifts to a church planning session where the pastor is discussing ways to improve the church, but everyone is exhausted and falling asleep. The speaker uses this story to illustrate how people react when confronted with the light of truth, either by admitting their wrongdoings, avoiding the truth, or trying to resist it.
The Principle of Behaviour
By Major Ian Thomas1.6K1:10:44BehaviourGEN 1:27MAT 6:33JHN 5:39JHN 14:61TH 5:232TI 3:16REV 22:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as the central figure in Christianity. He compares the relationship between a bee and a television to illustrate the difference between a machine and a being with free will. The speaker highlights that just as a television cannot have a personal relationship with its user, a dead religion detached from Christ lacks true life and meaning. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus is the truth of the truth and that Christianity is only meaningful when we allow Him to move redemptively and regeneratively in our lives.
(Through the Bible) John 6
By Chuck Smith1.6K37:17MAT 16:18MAT 16:23JHN 2:19JHN 5:39JHN 6:63JHN 6:68JHN 20:31In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of satisfaction and how worldly pleasures and pursuits often leave us unsatisfied. He emphasizes that Jesus is the bread of God and the only source of true satisfaction. The speaker encourages the audience to believe in Jesus and partake of him, as he promises that those who do will never hunger or thirst again. The sermon also touches on the importance of faith and the assurance that Jesus will never cast out those who come to him.
Luke 16:19
By William MacDonald1.5K34:40LazarusMAT 6:33LUK 16:19JHN 3:16JHN 5:39ACT 16:31ROM 10:17In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a mission trip where they were able to send $200 to a country with dedicated young people fighting against the enemy. They had leftover materials and needed a car to transport them to a resale store. During the car ride, the speaker discusses the story of the rich man in hell from Luke 16, emphasizing the importance of trusting in Jesus as the Savior. The speaker also highlights the contrast between nearness and distance, comparing it to families who may be physically close but spiritually distant. The sermon emphasizes the need to trust in Jesus and surrender one's will to Him.
The Hand of God
By Billy Ingram1.5K1:01:50Provision2CH 7:142CH 15:2PRO 8:17JHN 5:39ACT 17:112TI 2:15In this sermon, the preacher describes a powerful spiritual experience where the spirit of God swept through an auditorium, causing intense emotions and a desire for repentance. The preacher emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel and urges young people to actively spread the message of Jesus' love and salvation. He also highlights the need for personal prayer and intercession for the salvation of others. The sermon concludes with a challenge to obey God's truth and deal with any areas of rebellion in one's life.
Facing the Face That We Seek
By David Bryant1.4K57:27PrayerMAT 6:33JHN 5:39COL 2:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of seeking God's face. He emphasizes the need to study God's face, comparing it to looking at pictures of someone before meeting them. The speaker also highlights the significance of pleading God's face, worshiping His face, and reporting His face. The sermon emphasizes that seeking God's face is crucial for revival and salvation, as seen in Psalm 80. The speaker also mentions how faces reveal uniqueness, character, and mood.
(Through the Bible) Acts 24-25
By Chuck Smith1.4K1:09:16DAN 12:2MAT 22:29JHN 5:39ACT 8:35ACT 24:16PHP 3:6HEB 10:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making a decision for Jesus Christ, particularly during the teenage years. He explains that nine out of ten Christians became Christians as teenagers before negative brain patterns were established. The speaker uses the example of Felix, who trembled under conviction but ultimately passed off the decision. He also discusses how repeated actions create patterns in the brain, making it harder to break bad habits. The sermon concludes with the message that it is necessary to submit one's life to Jesus Christ and receive forgiveness and cleansing.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ (s.n.e. Reformation Conference)
By Paul Washer1.3K1:42:32GospelEXO 34:5DEU 32:35PSA 32:1PSA 64:10PRO 17:15JHN 5:39ROM 3:25In this sermon, the speaker presents a thought-provoking scenario to illustrate the concept of justice and forgiveness. He describes a situation where a person's family has been brutally murdered by an assassin, and the person catches the assassin in the act. Instead of seeking revenge, the person calls the police and the assassin is brought to trial. However, to everyone's surprise, the judge pronounces the assassin not guilty, claiming to be a gracious and forgiving judge. The speaker then raises the question of how justice and forgiveness can coexist, and emphasizes the importance of understanding this concept in relation to the Gospel.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Search the Scriptures - Ερευνατε τας γραφας. This should be translated, not in the imperative, but in the indicative mood - thus, Ye search the Scriptures diligently. That these words are commonly read in the imperative mood is sufficiently known; but this reading can never accord well with the following verse, nor can the force and energy of the words be perceived by this version. The rabbins strongly recommend the study of the Scriptures. The Talmud, Tract. Shabbath, fol. 30, brings in God thus addressing David: "I am better pleased with one day in which thou sittest and studiest the law, than I shall be with a thousand sacrifices which thy son Solomon shall offer upon my altar." Perhaps the Scriptures were never more diligently searched than at that very time: first, because they were in expectation of the immediate appearing of the Messiah; secondly, because they wished to find out allegories in them; (see Philo); and, thirdly, because they found these scriptures to contain the promise of an eternal life. He, said they, who studies daily in the law, is worthy to have a portion in the world to come, Sohar. Genes. fol. 31. Hence we may infer: 1st. That the Jews had the knowledge of a future state before the coming of Christ; and 2ndly. That they got that knowledge from the Old Testament Scriptures. The word ερευνατε, which might be translated, Ye search diligently, is very expressive. Homer, Il. xviii. l. 321, applies it to a lion deprived of his whelps, who "scours the plains, and traces the footsteps of the man." And in Odyss. xix. l. 436, to dogs tracing their game by the scent of the foot. In the Septuagint, the verb ερευναω answers to the Hebrew חפש chapash, to search by uncovering; to חקר chakar, to search minutely, to explore; to חשף chashaph, to strip, make bare; and to משש mashash, to feel, search by feeling. It is compounded of ερεω, I seek, and ευνη, a bed; "and is," says St. Chrysostom, "a metaphor taken from those who dig deep, and search for metals in the bowels of the earth. They look for the bed where the metal lies, and break every clod, and sift and examine the whole, in order to discover the ore." Those who read the verse in the imperative mood consider it an exhortation to the diligent study of the Sacred Writings. Search; that is, shake and sift them, as the word also signifies: search narrowly, till the true force and meaning of every sentence, yea, of every word and syllable, nay, of every letter and yod therein, be known and understood. Confer place with place; the scope of one place with that of another; things going before with things coming after: compare word with word, letter with letter, and search the whole thoroughly. See Parkhurst, Mintert, and Leigh. Leaving every translation of the present passage out of the question, this is the proper method of reading and examining the Scriptures, so as to become wise unto salvation through them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Search the scriptures, &c.--"In the Scriptures ye find your charter of eternal life; go search them then, and you will find that I am the Great Burden of their testimony; yet ye will not come to Me for that life eternal which you profess to find there, and of which they tell you I am the appointed Dispenser." (Compare Act 17:11-12). How touching and gracious are these last words! Observe here (1) The honor which Christ gives to the Scriptures, as a record which all have a right and are bound to search--the reverse of which the Church of Rome teaches; (2) The opposite extreme is, resting in the mere Book without the living Christ, to direct the soul to whom is its main use and chiefest glory.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Search the Scriptures,.... The writings of Moses, and the prophets, which were of divine inspiration and authority, and are often appealed unto by Christ, and his apostles, for the truth of what they delivered; and were the standard of faith, and the test of doctrines; and therefore to be searched diligently into, for finding divine knowledge and improvement in it, and for the trial of doctrines. The words may be rendered in the indicative, as an assertion, "ye do search the Scriptures": the Jews had the sacred oracles committed to them, and these they read, not only their kings, princes, and judges, but the common people, who brought up their children to the reading of them, and instructed them in them: and besides this, these writings were read, and expounded publicly in their synagogues every sabbath day; and at this time especially these records were examined, and particularly those of them which respected the Messiah, since there was now a general expectation of him: and certain it is, that the chief priests, Scribes, and elders, or the sanhedrim, were very much versed in the Scriptures, and could readily refer to those which concerned the Messiah; see an instance of this in Mat 2:4; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; not the doctrine of eternal life, nor the promises of it, nor the way to it; though all these are contained in them, and pointed out by them: for though life and immortality are brought to light by the Gospel, and the promise of eternal life belongs to the covenant of grace, and the way of life and righteousness by Christ is manifested without the law, and not by it; yet there is much of the Gospel, and an exhibition of the covenant of grace, and its promises, and Christ, the way of life, is directed to typically by the tree of life, and the brazen serpent, and other things in those writings. But the meaning here is, that they imagined, by having these writings in their hands, and by their reading them, and hearing them expounded every sabbath day, they should obtain and inherit everlasting life: hence they call (r) the law eternal life, and say (s) concerning the reading of it, that "he that begins to read in the book of the law is obliged to bless after this manner: blessed be he that has chosen us above all nations, and hath given us his law.--And he that finishes blesses after him in this manner: blessed is he who hath given us his law, the law of truth, and has planted "eternal life" in the midst of us.'' This was an opinion of theirs: so the Persic version reads, "for such is your opinion"; and though this was a very vain one, yet it shows what a very high opinion they had of the Scriptures: and now to these our Lord appeals as witnesses for him, and against which they could not object, upon their own principles: and they are they which testify of me; as they do of his proper deity and divine sonship, calling him Jehovah, God, the mighty God, and the Son of God; and of his offices as prophet, priest, and King; and of his incarnation of a virgin; and of the tribe, family, and place of his birth; of the miracles which he should work; of the treatment he should meet with from men; of his sufferings and death; of the circumstances leading on to them, and attending them; as his riding on an ass into Jerusalem, the betraying him by one of his familiar acquaintance, the selling him for thirty pieces of silver, the spitting upon, and scourging him, giving him gall for his meat, and vinegar for his drink, and parting his garments, and casting lots for his vesture, and the crucifixion of him, and that between two thieves; and of his burial, resurrection from the dead, ascension to heaven, and session at the right hand of God, and of his future coming to judgment. (r) Zohar in Gen. fol. 100. 3. (s) Maimon. in Misn. Megilla, c. 4. sect. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:39-40 Jesus’ fourth witness was the Scriptures. The Old Testament pointed to the Messiah, and Jesus fulfilled its prophecies (see Luke 24:25-27).