John 15:27 And you also shall bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning. (text in conjunction with John 16:1-4): — In this we see — I. THE SPIRIT OF GODLY HUMILITY. It comes only from the Lord, and serves the Lord only (ver. 26). Do not trust your own talents and power, but implore heaven's blessing. Otherwise you will be in the case of Gehazi with the prophet's stick. The witnessing must be concerning Him, not concerning us, our zeal, wisdom, or success. II. SINCERE TRUTH. It comes from the heart and goes to the heart (ver. 27). III. FEARLESS COURAGE (John 16:2). Stephen and the martyrs of every age had this. If an unfriendly world has persecuted the Master, His followers must not expect to escape, although it may only take the form of a smile or a sneer. IV. HOLY LOVE — a love for men that says, "They do not know the Lord" (ver. 3). He prayed for His enemies because they knew not what they did. It is not all malignity which meets us in the shape of evil at the hands of our fellow creatures — much of it is folly, blindness, and infirmity. (C. Gerok, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.WEB: You will also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. |
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