John 7:17

17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of myself.

John 7:17 Meaning and Commentary

John 7:17

If any man will do his will
Meaning, not one that perfectly fulfils the law, which is the good, and perfect, and acceptable will of God; for there is no man that does this, or can do it; nor is it so said here, "if any man do his will", but "if any man will do" it; that is, is desirous of doing it; who has it wrought in him both to will and do, of the good pleasure of God, by his grace and Spirit; with whom to will is present, though, he has not power to perform, and so is a spiritual man; and who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, which is one branch of the will of God; and who depends upon the Spirit and grace of God, and acts from a principle of love to God, and in the exercise of faith on Christ:

he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I
speak of myself;
not a man of mere natural knowledge and learning, or a man of theory and speculation, is a judge of doctrine; but he that leans not to his own understanding, and implores the assistance of the Divine Spirit, and who is for reducing doctrine into practice: he knows by the efficacy of the doctrine upon his heart, and the influence it has on his life and conversation; by its coming not in word only, but in power; and by its working effectually in him, whether it is divine or human, of God or of man.

John 7:17 In-Context

15 And the Jews wondered, and said [saying], How knoweth this man letters, since he hath not learned?
16 Jesus answered to them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of myself.
18 He that speaketh of himself, seeketh his own glory; but he that seeketh the glory of him that sent him, is soothfast, and unrightwiseness is not in him.
19 Whether Moses gave not to you a law, and none of you doeth the law [and no man of you keepeth the law]? What seek ye to slay me?
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.