John 3:21

21 But he who does what is honest and right comes to the light, in order that his actions may be plainly shown to have been done in 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 And this is the test by which men are judged--the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness more than they loved the Light, because their deeds were wicked.

20 For every wrongdoer hates the light, and does not come to the light, for fear his actions should be exposed and condemned.

21 But he who does what is honest and right comes to the light, in order that his actions may be plainly shown to have been done in God.

22 After this Jesus and His disciples went into Judaea; and there He made a stay in company with them and baptized.

23 And John too was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there were many pools of water there; and people came and received baptism.