John 3:21

21 But he whose life is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his acts have been done by the help of 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 have more love for the dark than for the light, because their acts are evil.

20 The light is hated by everyone whose acts are evil and he does not come to the light for fear that his acts will be seen.

21 But he whose life is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his acts have been done by the help of God.

22 After these things Jesus and his disciples went into the land of Judaea, and there he was with them for some time, giving baptism.

23 Now John was then giving baptism at Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and people came and were given baptism.