John 7:17

17 1If anyone's will is to do God's[a] will, 2he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I 3am speaking on my own authority.

John 7:17 Meaning and Commentary

John 7:17

If any man will do his will
Meaning, not one that perfectly fulfils the law, which is the good, and perfect, and acceptable will of God; for there is no man that does this, or can do it; nor is it so said here, "if any man do his will", but "if any man will do" it; that is, is desirous of doing it; who has it wrought in him both to will and do, of the good pleasure of God, by his grace and Spirit; with whom to will is present, though, he has not power to perform, and so is a spiritual man; and who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, which is one branch of the will of God; and who depends upon the Spirit and grace of God, and acts from a principle of love to God, and in the exercise of faith on Christ:

he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I
speak of myself;
not a man of mere natural knowledge and learning, or a man of theory and speculation, is a judge of doctrine; but he that leans not to his own understanding, and implores the assistance of the Divine Spirit, and who is for reducing doctrine into practice: he knows by the efficacy of the doctrine upon his heart, and the influence it has on his life and conversation; by its coming not in word only, but in power; and by its working effectually in him, whether it is divine or human, of God or of man.

John 7:17 In-Context

15 The Jews therefore marveled, saying, "How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?"
16 So Jesus answered them, "My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me.
17 If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.
18 The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.
19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?"

Cross References 3

  • 1. [John 8:31, 32; John 14:21, 23]
  • 2. [John 8:43; Psalms 25:9; Daniel 12:10; Philippians 3:15]
  • 3. See John 5:30

Footnotes 1

The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.