John 5:47

47 But if ye believe not to his letters, how shall ye believe to my words?

John 5:47 Meaning and Commentary

John 5:47

But if ye believe not his writings
They believed them to be his writings, and that they were the word of God, and yet did not believe the things contained in them, respecting Christ; or did not see, and could not believe that they belonged unto, and were applicable to Jesus of Nazareth; and therefore it could not be supposed they would give credit to him, or his words:

how shall ye believe my words?
not that Moses was greater than Christ, or rather to be credited than he; Moses indeed was faithful, but Christ was worthy of more honour and credit than he was; Moses was but a servant, but Christ was a son in his own house: but this is said with respect to the Jews, with whom Moses was in great veneration and esteem; and it was more likely they should regard what he should say, than what Jesus of Nazareth should, whom they despised.

John 5:47 In-Context

45 Do not ye guess, that I am to accuse you with the Father; it is Moses that accuseth you, in whom ye hope.
46 For if ye believed to Moses, peradventure ye should believe also to me; for he wrote of me.
47 But if ye believe not to his letters, how shall ye believe to my words?
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.