John 15:16
You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will remain--so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.
You did not choose Me
This phrase emphasizes the divine initiative in the relationship between Jesus and His disciples. The Greek word for "choose" here is "ἐξελέξασθε" (exelexasthe), which implies a deliberate selection. In the historical context of rabbinic tradition, disciples typically chose their rabbis. However, Jesus reverses this norm, underscoring the sovereignty of God in the calling and election of His followers. This choice is not based on human merit but on divine grace and purpose.

but I chose you
The Greek word "ἐξελεξάμην" (exelexamēn) is used here, reinforcing the idea of a personal and intentional selection by Jesus. This choice is rooted in love and purpose, reflecting the intimate relationship between the shepherd and His sheep. Historically, this reflects the calling of the twelve apostles, but it extends to all believers, highlighting the personal nature of God's call to each individual.

and appointed you
The term "appointed" comes from the Greek "ἔθηκα" (ethēka), meaning to set, place, or ordain. This indicates that Jesus not only chooses His followers but also assigns them a specific role or mission. In the scriptural context, this appointment is to bear fruit, suggesting a life of purpose and productivity in the Kingdom of God. It reflects the biblical theme of being set apart for God's work, as seen in the lives of prophets and apostles.

to go and bear fruit
The phrase "to go" implies action and movement, suggesting that the Christian life is dynamic and mission-oriented. "Bear fruit" is a metaphor for producing good works and living a life that reflects the character of Christ. The Greek word for "fruit" is "καρπός" (karpos), which in the biblical context often refers to the visible outcomes of a life lived in obedience to God. This echoes the agricultural imagery prevalent in the Bible, where fruitfulness is a sign of blessing and divine favor.

fruit that will remain
The concept of fruit that "will remain" speaks to the lasting impact of a believer's life and work. The Greek word "μένῃ" (menē) means to abide or endure. This suggests that the results of a life lived in Christ are not temporary but have eternal significance. Historically, this can be seen in the enduring legacy of the apostles' ministry and the growth of the early church. It encourages believers to focus on what is eternal rather than temporal.

so that whatever you ask the Father in My name
This phrase highlights the power and privilege of prayer in the believer's life. Asking "in My name" implies praying according to the character and will of Jesus. The historical context of this promise is rooted in the intimate relationship between Jesus and His disciples, where they are invited to participate in His mission through prayer. It underscores the authority given to believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that their requests align with His purposes.

He will give you
The assurance "He will give you" reflects the faithfulness of God to respond to the prayers of His people. This promise is not a blank check for any desire but is contingent upon the alignment of the believer's will with God's will. The historical and scriptural context shows that God delights in giving good gifts to His children, as seen throughout the Bible. It encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to seek His will in all things.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples, emphasizing His sovereign choice and mission for them.

2. The Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' words, representing all believers who are chosen and appointed by Christ.

3. The Father
God the Father, to whom believers are encouraged to pray in Jesus' name.

4. The Fruit
Symbolic of the spiritual results and impact of a believer's life and ministry.

5. The World
The broader context in which the disciples are sent to bear fruit, representing the mission field.
Teaching Points
Divine Election and Purpose
Understand that being chosen by Christ is a profound privilege and responsibility. It is not based on our merit but on His sovereign will.

Bearing Lasting Fruit
Reflect on the nature of the fruit you are bearing. Is it temporal or eternal? Seek to invest in what has lasting spiritual value.

Prayer in Jesus' Name
Approach prayer with confidence, knowing that when you align your requests with Jesus' mission and character, the Father is eager to respond.

Mission and Obedience
Embrace the call to go into the world and make a difference. Your life is meant to impact others for the Kingdom of God.

Dependence on God
Recognize that the ability to bear fruit and see answered prayers is rooted in a deep, abiding relationship with Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding that Jesus chose you impact your sense of identity and purpose as a believer?

2. In what ways can you ensure that the fruit you are bearing is lasting and aligned with God's eternal purposes?

3. How does praying in Jesus' name influence the way you approach God with your requests?

4. What specific steps can you take to fulfill the mission of bearing fruit in your current context?

5. How do the concepts of divine election and human responsibility coexist in your understanding of this passage and related scriptures?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ephesians 2:10
This verse speaks of believers being created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, aligning with the idea of being chosen and appointed to bear fruit.

Matthew 28:19-20
The Great Commission parallels the call to go and bear fruit, emphasizing the mission to make disciples of all nations.

Galatians 5:22-23
The fruit of the Spirit provides a detailed description of the kind of fruit believers are to bear.

1 John 5:14-15
This passage reinforces the promise that God hears and answers prayers made according to His will, echoing the assurance given in John 15:16.

Romans 8:29-30
These verses discuss the concept of being chosen and predestined, providing a theological foundation for understanding divine election.
Choice and AppointmentJ.R. Thomson John 15:16
Christian DiscipleshipJ. W. Burn.John 15:16
Continuance the Test of Religious ProfessionA. K. H. Boyd, D. D.John 15:16
Fruit BearingPreacher's MonthlyJohn 15:16
Jesus, the Decider and ProviderD. Young John 15:16
Religious PermanenceW. M. Statham.John 15:16
The FruitH. Macmillan, D. D.John 15:16
Brotherly LoveD. Thomas, D. D.John 15:12-17
Christians Bound to Love One AnotherJ. Brown, D. D.John 15:12-17
Love the Means of UnityA. Maclaren, D. D.John 15:12-17
The Cross the Means of Perpetuating Christian LoveJohn 15:12-17
The Great Commandment of ChristC. Bradley, M. A.John 15:12-17
The Oneness of the BranchesA. Maclaren, D. D.John 15:12-17
A Christian -- Christ's FriendW. Anderson, LL. D.John 15:14-17
Believers Christ's FriendsT. Boston, D. D.John 15:14-17
Christ's FriendsA. Maclaren, D. D.John 15:14-17
Christ's Friends, Doers of All His CommandsJohn 15:14-17
Implicit ObedienceH. O. Mackey.John 15:14-17
The Friends of JesusC. H. Spurgeon.John 15:14-17
The Friendship Between Christ and the BelieverJohn Hall, D. D.John 15:14-17
People
Jesus, Disciples
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Abide, Appoint, Appointed, Bear, Bring, Choose, Chose, Chosen, Didn't, Forth, Fruit, Fruitful, Myself, Ordained, Petition, Present, Producing, Request, Whatever, Whatsoever, Yourselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 15:16

     5042   name of God, significance
     6627   conversion, nature of
     6641   election, responsibilities
     6687   mercy, God's
     7024   church, nature of
     7953   mission, of church
     8102   abiding in Christ
     8255   fruit, spiritual
     8256   fruitfulness
     8258   fruitfulness, spiritual
     8297   love, for God
     8348   spiritual growth, nature of
     8604   prayer, response to God
     8607   prayer, God's promises

John 15:12-17

     8241   ethics, basis of

John 15:15-16

     6710   privileges

John 15:16-17

     6639   election, to salvation

Library
The Comforter
Eversley. Sunday after Ascension Day. 1868. St John xv. 26. "When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me." Some writers, especially when they are writing hymns, have fallen now-a- days into a habit of writing of the Holy Spirit of God, in a tone of which I dare not say that it is wrong or untrue; but of which I must say, that it is one-sided. And if there are two sides to a matter,
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

April 1 Morning
The fruit of the Spirit is joy.--GAL. 5:22. Joy in the Holy Ghost.--Unspeakable and full of glory. Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; . . . exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.--We glory in tribulations. Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; . . . for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame.--These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be fuIl.--As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 8 Morning
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends.--JOHN 15:15. The Lord said, shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?--It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.--God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.--Even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory. Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 16 Evening
The deep things of God.--I COR. 2:10. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth; but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.--It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 21 Morning
Every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it.--JOHN 15:2. He is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. We glory in tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 13 Morning
Abide in me, and I in you.--JOHN 15:4. I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 3 Morning
Be strong, and work; for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts.--HAG. 2:4. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.--I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.--Strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.--The joy of the Lord is your strength. Thus said the Lord of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets.--Strengthen
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 22 Evening
Keep yourselves in the love of God.--JUDE 21. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. The fruit of the Spirit is love. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 28. "That My Joy Might Remain in You, and that Your Joy Might be Full" (John xv. 11).
"That my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" (John xv. 11). There is a joy that springs spontaneously in the heart without external or even rational cause. It is an artesian fountain. It rejoices because it cannot help it. It is the glory of God; it is the heart of Christ, it is the joy divine of which He says, "These things have I spoken unto you that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." And your joy no man taketh from you. He who possesses this fountain
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

May 19. "He Purgeth it that it May Bring Forth More Fruit" (John xv. 2).
"He purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit" (John xv. 2). Recently we passed a garden. The gardener had just finished his pruning, and the wounds of the knife and saw were just beginning to heal, while the warm April sun was gently nourishing the stricken plant into fresh life and energy. We thought as we looked at that plant how cruel it would be to begin next week and cut it down. Now, the gardener's business is to revive and nourish it into life. Its business is not to die, but to live.
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

November 26. "He Purgeth it that it May Bring Forth More Fruit" (John xv. 2).
"He purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit" (John xv. 2). One day we passed a garden. The gardener had finished his pruning, and the wounds of the knife and saw were beginning to heal, while the warm April sun was gently nourishing the stricken plant into fresh life and energy. We thought as we looked at that plant how cruel it would be to begin next week and cut it down again. It would bleed to death. Now, the gardener's business is to revive and nourish into life. Its business is not to
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

May 13. "Abide in Me" (John xv. 4).
"Abide in Me" (John xv. 4). Christianity may mean nothing more than a religious system. Christian life may mean nothing more than an earnest and honest attempt to follow and imitate Christ. Christ life is more than these, and expresses our actual union with the Lord Jesus Christ, and He is undoubtedly in us as the life and source of all our experience and work. This conception of the highest Christian life is at once simpler and sublimer than any other. We do not teach in these pages, that the purpose
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

February 25. "I am the vine, Ye are the Branches" (John xv. 5).
"I am the vine, ye are the branches" (John xv. 5). How can I take Christ as my Sanctifier, or Healer? is a question that we are constantly asked. It is necessary first of all that we get into the posture of faith. This has to be done by a definite and voluntary act, and then maintained by a uniform habit. It is just the same as the planting of a tree. You must put it in the soil by a definite act, and then you must let it stay put and remain settled in the ground until the little roots have time
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

November 28. "Without Me Ye Can do Nothing" (John xv. 5).
"Without Me ye can do nothing" (John xv. 5). How much can I do for Christ? We are accustomed to say.--As much as I can. Have we ever thought we can do more than we can? This thought was lately suggested by the remarks of a Christian friend, who told how God had laid it upon her heart to do something for His cause which was beyond her power, and when she dared to obey Him, He gave her the assurance of His power and resources, and so marvelously met her faith that she was enabled to do more than she
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

December 13. "He that Abideth in Me and I in Him the Same Bringeth Forth Much Fruit for Apart from Me Ye Can do Nothing" (John xv. 5).
"He that abideth in Me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit for apart from Me ye can do nothing" (John xv. 5). So familiar are the vine and the branches, it is not necessary to explain; only the branches and the vine are one. The vine does not say, I am the central trunk running up and you are the little branches; but I am the whole thing, and you are the whole thing. He counts us partakers of His nature. "Apart from Me ye can do nothing." The husband and the wife, and many more figures
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

August 20. "Herein is My Father Glorified" (John xv. 8).
"Herein is My Father glorified" (John xv. 8). The true way to glorify God is, for God to show His glory through us, to shine through us as empty vessels reflecting His fulness of grace and power. The sun is glorified when he has a chance to show his light through the crystal window, or reflect it from the spotless mirror or the glassy sea. There is nothing that glorifies God so much as for a weak and helpless man or woman to be able to triumph, through His strength, in places where the highest human
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

March 15. "Continue Ye in My Love" (John xv. 9).
"Continue ye in My love" (John xv. 9). Many atmospheres there are in which we may live. Some people live in an atmosphere of thought. Their faces are thoughtful, minds intellectual. They live in their ideas, their conceptions of truth, their tastes, and esthetic nature. Some people, again, live in their animal nature, in the lusts of the flesh and eye, the coarse, low atmosphere of a sensuous life, or something worse. Some, again, live in a world of duty. The predominating feature of their life is
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The True vine
'I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.'--JOHN xv. 14. WHAT suggested this lovely parable of the vine and the branches is equally unimportant
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

The Oneness of the Branches
'This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'--JOHN xv. 12, 13. The union between Christ and His disciples has been tenderly set forth in the parable of the Vine and the branches. We now turn to the union between the disciples, which is the consequence of their common union to the Lord. The branches are parts of one whole, and necessarily bear a relation to each other. We may modify for our
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Christ's Friends
'Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Sheep among Wolves
'If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also.'--JOHN xv. 18-20. These words strike a discord in the midst of the sweet
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

The World's Hatred, as Christ Saw It
'But all these things will they do unto you for My name's sake, because they know not Him that sent Me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hateth Me, hateth My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both Me and My Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated Me without
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Our Ally
'But when the Comforter Is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with Me from the beginning.'--JOHN xv. 26, 27. Our Lord has been speaking of a world hostile to His followers and to Him. He proceeds, in the words which immediately follow our text, to paint that hostility as aggravated even to the pitch of religious murder. But here He lets a beam of light
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

The True Branches of the True vine
'I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.'--JOHN xv. 5-8. No wise
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

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