Simon Peter replied
In this opening phrase, we see Simon Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, taking the role of a spokesperson. The name "Simon" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "he has heard," which is fitting as Peter often acts on what he hears from Jesus. "Peter," meaning "rock" in Greek, signifies his foundational role in the early Church. Historically, Peter's leadership is evident in the Acts of the Apostles, where he emerges as a central figure in the spread of the Gospel. His reply here is not just personal but representative of the collective faith of the disciples.

Lord
The term "Lord" (Greek: "Kyrios") is a title of respect and authority, acknowledging Jesus' divine status. In the Jewish context, "Lord" was often used to refer to God, indicating Peter's recognition of Jesus' divine nature. This acknowledgment is crucial in the conservative Christian perspective, as it affirms the belief in Jesus as both fully God and fully man, a cornerstone of Christian doctrine.

to whom
This phrase indicates a sense of exclusivity and singularity. Peter's question implies that there is no alternative to Jesus. In the historical context of the first-century Jewish world, many rabbis and teachers offered spiritual guidance, but Peter's rhetorical question underscores the unique position of Jesus as the sole source of eternal truth and life.

shall we go?
The use of "shall" suggests a future-oriented decision, reflecting the disciples' commitment to follow Jesus despite uncertainties. The question "go" implies movement or a change of direction, which in the spiritual sense, means turning away from Jesus. This highlights the disciples' understanding that leaving Jesus would mean abandoning the path to eternal life. Historically, this reflects the early Christians' struggles and the choices they faced in a world often hostile to their faith.

You have the words
Here, "words" (Greek: "rhema") refers to spoken words or sayings, emphasizing the power and authority of Jesus' teachings. In the scriptural context, Jesus' words are not just informative but transformative, offering life and truth. This aligns with the conservative Christian belief in the Bible as the inspired Word of God, with Jesus' teachings being central to understanding God's will.

of eternal life
"Eternal life" (Greek: "zoe aionios") is a key concept in Christian theology, referring to the life that is both abundant and everlasting, beginning now and continuing into eternity. In the historical and scriptural context, eternal life is a gift from God, made possible through Jesus' death and resurrection. This phrase encapsulates the hope and promise of the Gospel, affirming the belief that through Jesus, believers are granted a life that transcends the temporal and enters into the divine.

(68) Then Simon Peter answered.--The look may have been directed to Peter, or here, as elsewhere, his natural character makes him spokesman for the Twelve. And striking is his speech. "Go away? To whom? They had left all to follow Him, and find all in Him. The Baptist is not living, and they know no other teacher. Go away? How could it be, when His words are spirit and eternal life?" (John 6:63.)

Verses 68, 69. - Simon Peter - prominent here, and in John 13:6-11, 24, 36; John 18:10; John 20:2-10; John 21:7, etc.; just as he is in the synoptic Gospels (see portrait of St. Peter, Introduction VIII. 3 (4)) - [then ] answered him;Lord, to whom shall we go? Perhaps ἀπελευσόμεθα is even stronger than the ὑπάγειν; Hast thou not drawn us to thyself, and supplied a need and craving which thou hadst first of all excited? Is there any teacher to rival thee? Can we look for another while we have thee? "Da nobis alterum te" (Augustine). The second part of this immortal reply points clearly back to ver. 63, where the Lord had declared that the words he had spoken to them were spirit and life. Thou hast words of eternal life. Not "the words," which would savour too much of the dogmatic and technical, but words of life - words which minister the Spirit of life; words which convey the Divine power, even the Holy Spirit, to our minds; words which bring those thoughts before us which we can believe, and believing which, we have eternal life. "Thou hast such words" (cf. for use of ἔχειν, 1 Corinthians 14:26). The third item of this confession is twofold. We have believed, and have come to know; so that we now do believe and know that, etc. There is a knowledge which precedes belief, and there are some great facts and ideas about Christ which lead to a higher and to a different belief (see John 17:8; 1 John 4:8); but again the fullest knowledge follows belief, a notional and real assent leads to an invincible assent. Faith is the womb of assurance. This richer knowledge is mediated by love. "He that loveth not knoweth not," and the faith that evokes "love" also excites and confirms the "knowledge" that is life eternal (John 17:2). That thou art the Holy One of God The recognition of the nature of the Lord, which fell short of the great utterance of Peter in Matthew 16:16. This was an ascription which the daemoniacs, or the devils, by their lips were ready from the first to proclaim prematurely (Mark 1:24; Luke 4:34). (On the holiness of Christ, on his entire consecration, and on the fact that he was sealed and sent into the world to do the Father's will, see John 10:36; 1 John 2:20; Revelation 3:7.) "Thou art sent on the highest mission. Thou canst accomplish all that thou hast told us; we have come to believe it, and we do know it. We cannot leave thee. We are not looking for temporal honours or Messianic splendours, but for the food that endureth unto everlasting life."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Simon
Σίμων (Simōn)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4613: Simon. Of Hebrew origin; Simon, the name of nine Israelites.

Peter
Πέτρος (Petros)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4074: Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.

replied,
Ἀπεκρίθη (Apekrithē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.

“Lord,
Κύριε (Kyrie)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

whom
τίνα (tina)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

would we go?
ἀπελευσόμεθα (apeleusometha)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 565: From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.

You have
ἔχεις (echeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

[the] words
ῥήματα (rhēmata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4487: From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.

of eternal
αἰωνίου (aiōniou)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 166: From aion; perpetual.

life.
ζωῆς (zōēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2222: Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.


John 6:68 NIV
John 6:68 NLT
John 6:68 ESV
John 6:68 NASB
John 6:68 KJV

John 6:68 BibleApps.com
John 6:68 Biblia Paralela
John 6:68 Chinese Bible
John 6:68 French Bible
John 6:68 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: John 6:68 Simon Peter answered him Lord to whom (Jhn Jo Jn)