John 3:21

21 But those who do what is true come to the light in order that the light may show that what they did was in obedience to God.

John 3:21 Meaning and Commentary

John 3:21

But he that doth truth
That which is true, right and good: "he whose work is just", as the Ethiopic version renders it; or, "he that does that which is right", so the Persic; that which is according to the will of God, and from a principle of love to him, and with a view to his glory:

cometh to the light;
to Christ, and to his word, and ordinances:

that his deeds may be made manifest;
being brought to the light, to the test, and standard, whether they, are right, or wrong; and that it may appear,

that they are wrought in God;
or "by God"; by his assistance, and gracious influence, without which men can do nothing; for it is God that works in them both to will and to do: or, "according to God", as others render it; according to the will of God, both for matter and manner: or "for God", as the Ethiopic version renders it; for the glory of God, which ought to be the aim, and end of every action. The Persic version reads the whole thus, "that the work which is between God and him may be known"; that such deeds may be discovered, which are only known to God and himself.

John 3:21 In-Context

19 This is how the judgment works: the light has come into the world, but people love the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds are evil.

20 Those who do evil things hate the light and will not come to the light, because they do not want their evil deeds to be shown up.

21 But those who do what is true come to the light in order that the light may show that what they did was in obedience to God.

22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went to the province of Judea, where he spent some time with them and baptized.

23 John also was baptizing in Aenon, not far from Salim, because there was plenty of water in that place. People were going to him, and he was baptizing them