But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
What does John 20:31 mean?
There were other signs and proofs of our Lord's resurrection, but these were committed to writing, that all might believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Savior of sinners, and the Son of God; that, by this faith, they might obtain eternal life, by his mercy, truth, and power.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside John 20:30-31 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on John 20:31
These are written - Those recorded in this gospel. That ye might believe ... - This is a clue to the design which John had in view in writing this gospel. The whole scope or end of the book is to accomplish two objects: 1. To prove that Jesus was the Messiah; and, 2. That they who looked at the proof might be convinced and have eternal life. This design is kept in view throughout the book. The miracles, facts, arguments, instructions, and conversations of our Lord all tend to this.
Key words
- written
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But these are written,.
Context in John 20
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John 20 belongs to the late movement of the book, especially the section often described as passion, resurrection, and epilogue. John presents Jesus in contemplative, symbolic, and theological richness as the Word, Lamb, Light, Bread, Shepherd, Resurrection, Way, Vine, and Son. Read this chapter with the wider themes of incarnation, life, and light in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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