John 5:31
If I testify about Myself, My testimony is not valid.
If I testify about Myself
In this phrase, Jesus begins by addressing the nature of testimony. The Greek word for "testify" is "μαρτυρέω" (martyreō), which means to bear witness or give evidence. In the Jewish legal system, a single testimony was not considered valid without corroboration (Deuteronomy 19:15). Jesus acknowledges this principle, emphasizing the importance of external validation of His claims. This sets the stage for understanding the divine and human witnesses that affirm His identity and mission.

My testimony is not valid
The term "valid" here is translated from the Greek word "ἀληθής" (alēthēs), meaning true or trustworthy. Jesus is not suggesting that His testimony is false; rather, He is highlighting the necessity of additional witnesses to establish the truth of His claims in the eyes of His audience. This reflects the broader biblical theme of truth being established by multiple witnesses, a principle deeply rooted in Jewish law and tradition. Jesus' statement invites the listener to consider the broader context of His ministry, where His works, the Father, and the Scriptures all testify to His divine authority and mission.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing the issue of His testimony and the validation of His claims.

2. Jewish Leaders
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are the audience Jesus is addressing in this discourse, questioning His authority and testimony.

3. Jerusalem
The setting of this discourse, where Jesus often engaged with religious leaders and the public.

4. Witnesses
The concept of witnesses is crucial in this passage, as Jesus refers to the need for external validation of His claims.

5. Mosaic Law
The backdrop of this discussion, which required two or three witnesses to establish a matter (Deuteronomy 19:15).
Teaching Points
The Importance of Valid Testimony
Jesus acknowledges the need for His testimony to be validated by others, aligning with the Jewish legal system. This teaches us the importance of accountability and external validation in our own lives.

Divine Witness
Jesus' testimony is ultimately validated by God the Father. This reminds us to seek God's affirmation in our lives and decisions.

The Role of Scripture
The Bible serves as a witness to Jesus' identity and mission. We should immerse ourselves in Scripture to understand and validate our faith.

Community and Accountability
Just as Jesus' testimony required witnesses, we too should live in community, where our actions and beliefs are supported and challenged by others.

Faith and Reason
While faith is essential, Jesus' approach shows that reason and evidence also play a role in understanding and validating truth.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the requirement for multiple witnesses in Jewish law enhance our understanding of Jesus' statement in John 5:31?

2. In what ways does God provide testimony about Jesus throughout the New Testament, and how can this strengthen our faith?

3. How can we apply the principle of seeking external validation in our spiritual and personal lives today?

4. What role does the community of believers play in affirming and challenging our faith, similar to the concept of witnesses?

5. How can we balance faith and reason in our journey as Christians, following the example of Jesus' discourse in John 5?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 8:17-18
Jesus further explains the concept of testimony, stating that His testimony is valid because the Father also testifies about Him.

Deuteronomy 19:15
The Mosaic Law requirement for multiple witnesses, which Jesus acknowledges in His discourse.

1 John 5:9-11
Discusses the testimony of God concerning His Son, reinforcing the divine validation of Jesus' claims.

Matthew 3:17
The voice from heaven at Jesus' baptism serves as a divine witness to His identity.

Hebrews 2:3-4
God also testifies through signs, wonders, and various miracles, supporting the message of salvation through Jesus.
A Search WarrantJohn 5:31-40
Bible FactsW. Baxendale.John 5:31-40
Bible StudyW. H. M. H. Aitken, M. A.John 5:31-40
Blank Pages of the BibleH. J. W. Buxton, M. A.John 5:31-40
Burning and Shining LightsPaxton Hood.John 5:31-40
Burning and Shining LivesVan Doren.John 5:31-40
Children's SermonE. Woods.John 5:31-40
Christ Alone is RejectedC. H. Spurgeon.John 5:31-40
Christ in the BibleD. G. Watt, M. A.John 5:31-40
Christ in the BibleH. J. Wilmot Buxton.John 5:31-40
Christ the Gem of the ScripturesJohn 5:31-40
Christ the Interpreter of the BibleJohn 5:31-40
Christians Must ShineH. W. Beecher.John 5:31-40
Christ's Desertions and ComplaintsW. Arnot, D. D.John 5:31-40
Christ's Lamentation Over Those Who Will not Come to HimE. J. Hartland.John 5:31-40
Christ's WitnessesJ. W. Burn.John 5:31-40
Coming to Christ for LifeT. Gisborne, M. A.John 5:31-40
Coming to Christ the Only Means of SalvationBp. Beveridge.John 5:31-40
Diligent Seeking Will be Rewarded by Joyous FindingDr. Mackay.John 5:31-40
Dr. Johnson's Dying CounselW. Baxendale.John 5:31-40
Have an ObjectClerical AnecdotesJohn 5:31-40
He Scriptures Without CommentJohn 5:31-40
He was a Burning and a Shining LightPaxton Hood.John 5:31-40
Heathen Testimony to the Excellence of the ScripturesJohn 5:31-40
Hindrances to ConversionJohn Edwards.John 5:31-40
How to Come to Christ, and the Great HindranceW. J. Chapman, M. A.John 5:31-40
How to Search the ScripturesJohn 5:31-40
How to Study the BibleJ. Hamilton, D. D.John 5:31-40
How We Should Study the BibleG. D. Boardman, D. D.John 5:31-40
Let Your Light ShineJ. Oswald Dykes, D. D.John 5:31-40
LightW. H. Van Doren, D. D.John 5:31-40
Man's Happiness Dependent on His Coming to ChristT. East.John 5:31-40
Men by Nature Unwilling to Come to ChristJohn 5:31-40
Origin of the Bible SocietyClerical AnecdotesJohn 5:31-40
Playing with the LightF. Godet, D. D., T. Whitelaw, D. D.John 5:31-40
Practical SearchingJ. Donne, D. D.John 5:31-40
Refusing LifeG. Colborne, Ph. D.John 5:31-40
Regeneration Better than AdmirationVan Doren.John 5:31-40
Sacrifice and SubmissionMorgan Dix, D. D.John 5:31-40
Scriptural InvestigationH. J. Newbery, M. A.John 5:31-40
Search the ScripturesJ. Lightfoot, D. D.John 5:31-40
Search the ScripturesJohn 5:31-40
Search the ScripturesC. Hodge, D. D.John 5:31-40
Search the ScripturesPulpit AnalystJohn 5:31-40
Search the ScripturesT. Snell.John 5:31-40
Search the ScripturesJ. Vaughan, M. A.John 5:31-40
Search the ScripturesCharles Graham.John 5:31-40
Shall We Refuse LifeR. Brewin.John 5:31-40
Sinners Will not Come to ChristC. H. Spurgeon.John 5:31-40
Sinners Will not Come to ChristC. H. Spurgeon.John 5:31-40
Superstition Use of the BibleJ. M. Buckley, D. D.John 5:31-40
The Advantage of Unfettered Bible StudyS. A. Brooke, M. A.John 5:31-40
The Benefit of LightH. W. Beecher.John 5:31-40
The Bible FirstJohn 5:31-40
The Bible HandyC. H. Spurgeon.John 5:31-40
The Bible Interpreted by LoveH. M. Scudder, D. D.John 5:31-40
The Bible to be Studied Often and LovinglyC. H. Spurgeon.John 5:31-40
The Bible Worth SearchingJohn 5:31-40
The Duty and Advantage of Searching the ScripturesJ. Bennett, D. D.John 5:31-40
The Great RefusalMarcus Rainsford.John 5:31-40
The Greater WitnessA. Beith, D. D.John 5:31-40
The Importance of Scripture StudyH. M. Scudder, D. D.John 5:31-40
The Inexhaustible Treasures of ScriptureG. D. Boardman.John 5:31-40
The Lamentations of JesusW. Arnot, D. D.John 5:31-40
The Lamp that Burneth and ShinethF. Godet, D. D., T. Whitelaw, D. D.John 5:31-40
The Light and the LampR. Besser, D. D.John 5:31-40
The Necessity of Searching the ScripturesBp. Stillingfleet.John 5:31-40
The Reasons Why Men Do not Come to ChristJ. Venn, M. A.John 5:31-40
The Self-Consuming LifeZeisius.John 5:31-40
The Son's Complaint Against His OwnT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 5:31-40
The Test of TruthJohn 5:31-40
The Testimony of the Scriptures to ChristW. H. Van Doren, D. D.John 5:31-40
The Torch-BearerF. Godet, D. D.John 5:31-40
The Value of LightJohn 5:31-40
The Witness BearerA. Beith, D. D.John 5:31-40
The Witness of the Old Testament Scriptures to Jesus ChristC. M. Hardy, B. A.John 5:31-40
The Witnesses of the SonT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 5:31-40
The Wonders of ScriptureH. W. Beecher.John 5:31-40
The Works Which the Father Hath Given MeCanon Westcott.John 5:31-40
Unwillingness to Come to ChristC. H. Spurgeon.John 5:31-40
Will -- not Violated by GraceC. H. Spurgeon.John 5:31-40
Will, the Seat of InabilityC. H. Spurgeon.John 5:31-40
People
Jesus, John
Places
Bethesda, Jerusalem, Sheep Gate
Topics
TRUE, Alone, Bear, Myself, Testify, Testimony, Valid, Witness
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 5:31-34

     5622   witnesses

Library
Conversion
TEXT: "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven."--Matt. 18:3. Jesus Christ was the world's greatest teacher and preacher. Multitudes followed him because he taught them, not as the scribes, but as one having authority. He came to them with the deepest truth of God, but couched in such familiar expressions, and told in such a fascinating way, that all men heard him and went their way rejoicing that so
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

May 12 Morning
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.--I JOHN 4:7. The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us.--Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.--He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself. In this
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 2 Evening
[Jesus] prayed the third time, saying the same words.--MATT. 26:44. Who in the days of his flesh . . . offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death. Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord.--Continuing instant in prayer.--Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication.--By prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 29 Evening
What things soever the Father doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.--JOHN 5:19. The Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.--I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart.--My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Them that are sanctified by God the Father.--He that sanctifieth and they who are
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 22 Morning
Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.--COL. 3:3. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?--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.--He died for all, that they which live should not live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them and rose again.--If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 27 Morning
Reckon ye yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.--ROM. 6:11. He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.--I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 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,
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 25 Morning
We know that we have passed from death unto life.--I JOHN 3:14. He that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.--He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. He which stablisheth us with you in Christ and hath anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.--Hereby we know that we are of the truth and shall
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 18 Morning
As the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.--JOHN 5:26. Our Saviour Jesus Christ, . . . hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.--I am the resurrection, and the life.--Because I live, ye shall live also.--We are made partakers of Christ.--Partakers of the Holy Ghost.--Partakers of the divine nature.--The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.--Behold, I shew you
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 25 Morning
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.--JAS. 4:7. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.--Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.--And
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 24 Morning
Thus saith the Lord God, I will yet for this be enquired of.--EZEK. 36:37. Ye have not, because ye ask not. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.--This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 8 Evening
Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee?--PSA. 94:20. Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.--Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.--An high priest . . . holy, harmless, undefiled.
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 23 Evening
God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.--I JOHN 5:11. As the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself. As the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.--I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. I lay
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Sunday after Easter
Text: First John 5, 4-12. 4 For whatsoever is begotten of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that hath overcome the world, even our faith. 5 And who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. 7 And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is the truth. 8 For there are three who bear witness, the Spirit,
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

The Third Miracle in John's Gospel
'Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.'--JOHN v.8 This third of the miracles recorded in John's Gospel finds a place there, as it would appear, for two reasons: first, because it marks the beginning of the angry unbelief on the part of the Jewish rulers, the development of which it is one part of the purpose of this Gospel to trace; second, because it is the occasion for that great utterance of our Lord about His Sonship and His divine working as the Father also works, which occupies
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Life-Giver and Judge
'But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. 18. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. 19. Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 20. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth Him all things
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

July the Twenty-Seventh the Work of Faith
1 JOHN v. 1-13. And so by belief I find life. I do not obtain the vitalizing air through controversy, or clamour, or idle lamentation, but by opening the window! Faith opens the door and window of the soul to the Son of God. It can be done without tears, it can be done without sensationalism. "If any man will open the door, I will come in." "And he that hath the Son hath the life." And by belief I gain my victories. "Who is he that overcometh ... but he that believeth?" It is not by flashing
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

September the Twenty-Ninth the Fountain
1 JOHN v. 9-21. My Lord is "the fountain of life." "This life is in His Son." The springs are nowhere else--not in elaborate theologies, or in ethical ideals, or in literary masterpieces, or in music or art. "In Him was life." It is so easy to forget the medicinal spring amid the distractions of the fashionable spa. There are some healing waters at Scarborough, but they have been almost "crowded out" by bands and entertainments. It is possible that the secondary ministries of the Church may crowd
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Attendance on Holy Communion.
"Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life."--John v. 40. St. John tells us in to-day's Epistle[1] that "God hath given unto us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son hath not life." Yet in the text the Son Himself, our Saviour, sorrowfully and solemnly expostulates with His own brethren, "Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life." "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not." We know from history, as a matter
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Victory Over the World through Faith
"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."-1 John 5:4. THE discussion of this text naturally leads us to make four inquiries I. What is it to overcome the world? II. Who are they that overcome? III. Why do they overcome the world? IV. How do they do it? These are the natural questions which a serious mind would ask upon reading this text. I. What is it to overcome the world? 1. It is to get above the spirit of covetousness
Charles G. Finney—Sermons on Gospel Themes

On the Words of the Gospel, John v. 19, "The Son Can do Nothing of Himself, but what He Seeth the Father Doing. "
1. The mysteries and secrets of the kingdom of God first seek for believing men, that they may make them understanding. For faith is understanding's step; and understanding faith's attainment. [3739] This the Prophet expressly says to all who prematurely and in undue order look for understanding, and neglect faith. For he says, "Unless ye believe, ye shall not understand." [3740] Faith itself then also hath a certain light of its own in the Scriptures, in Prophecy, in the Gospel, in the Lessons of
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, John v. 2, "Now There is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a Pool," Etc.
1. The lesson of the Gospel has just sounded in our ears, and made us intent to know what is the meaning of what has been read. This, I suppose, is looked for from me, this I promise, by the Lord's assistance, to explain as well as I can. For without doubt it is not without a meaning, that those miracles were done, and something they figured out to us bearing on eternal saving [3677] health. For the health of the body which was restored to this man, of how long duration was it? "For what is your
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Again in John v. 2, Etc. , on the Five Porches, Where Lay a Great Multitude of Impotent Folk, and of the Pool of Siloa.
1. Subjects strange neither to your ears nor hearts are now repeated: yet do they revive the affections of the hearer, and by repetition in some sort renew us: nor is it wearisome to hear what is well known already, for the words of the Lord are always sweet. The exposition of the sacred Scriptures is as the sacred Scriptures themselves: though they be well known, yet are they read to impress the remembrance of them. And so the exposition of them, though it be well known, is nevertheless to be repeated,
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, John v. 25,"Verily, Verily, I Say unto You, the Hour Cometh, and Now Is, when the Dead Shall Hear The
1. Our hope, Brethren, is not of this present time, nor of this world, nor in that happiness whereby men are blinded that forget God. This ought we above all things to know, and in a Christian heart hold fast, that we were not made Christians for the good things of the present time, but for something else which God at once promiseth, and man doth not yet comprehend. For of this good it is said, "That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, John v. 31,"If I Bear Witness of Myself," Etc. ; and on the Words of the Apostle, Galatians v. 16, "Walk
1. We have heard the words of the holy Gospel; and this that the Lord Jesus saith, "If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true," [3814] may perplex some. How then is not the witness of the Truth true? Is it not Himself who hath said, "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life"? [3815] Whom then are we to believe, if we must not believe the Truth? For of a surety he is minded to believe nothing but falsehood, who does not choose to believe the truth. So then this was spoken on their principles,
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

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