John 5:34

34 But the testimony on my behalf which I accept is not from man; though I say all this in order that you may be saved.

John 5:34 Meaning and Commentary

John 5:34

But I receive not testimony from man
He stood in no need of an human testimony, nor did he rest the truth of his deity and divine sonship thereon: he had other and greater testimonies to produce; as he needed not that any man should testify of man to him, he had no need that any man should testify of him; and if the testimony of men was received, as this of John could not well be objected to, the testimony of God is greater, and which he had; and therefore should not have mentioned John's for his own sake:

but these things I say, that ye might be saved;
that is, he produced this testimony of John, who was a person of so great a character among them, that they might be induced by it to believe in him as the Messiah; and so be saved from that ruin and destruction, that would come upon their nation, city, and temple, for their rejection and disbelief of him.

John 5:34 In-Context

32 There is Another who gives testimony concerning me, and I know that the testimony is true which He offers concerning me.

33 "You sent to John, and he both was and still is a witness to the truth.

34 But the testimony on my behalf which I accept is not from man; though I say all this in order that you may be saved.

35 He was the lamp that burned and shone, and for a time you were willing to be gladdened by his light.

36 "But the testimony which I have is weightier than that of John; for the work the Father has assigned to me for me to bring it to completion--the very work which I am doing--affords testimony concerning me that the Father has sent me.