Joh 5:31, 41 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 31. If I bear witness of myself . If I have no other evidence than my own testimony about myself. My witness . My testimony; my evidence, The proof would not be decisive. Is not true . The word true . here, means worthy of belief, or established by suitable evidence. See : "We know that thou art true "--that is, worthy of confidence, or that thou hast been truly sent from God, . The law did not admit a man to testify in his own case, but required two witnesses, . Though what Jesus said true , yet he admitted it was not sufficient testimony alone to claim their belief. They had a right to expect that his statement that he came from God would be confirmed by other evidence. This evidence he gave in the miracles which he wrought as proof that God had sent him. (d) "If I bear witness"

John 5:31

Verse 31. If I bear witness of myself. If I have no other evidence than my own testimony about myself.

My witness. My testimony; my evidence, The proof would not be decisive.

Is not true. The word true. here, means worthy of belief, or established by suitable evidence. See Mt 22:16: "We know that thou art true"--that is, worthy of confidence, or that thou hast been truly sent from God, Lk 20:21; Jn 8:13,17. The law did not admit a man to testify in his own case, but required two witnesses, De 17:6. Though what Jesus said true Jn 8:13,17, yet he admitted it was not sufficient testimony alone to claim their belief. They had a right to expect that his statement that he came from God would be confirmed by other evidence. This evidence he gave in the miracles which he wrought as proof that God had sent him.

(d) "If I bear witness" Ps 27:2, Jn 8:14, Rev 3:14

John 5:41

Verses 41,42. I receive not honour, &c. "I do not say these things because I am desirous of human applause, but to account for the fact that you do not believe on me. The reason is, that you have not the love of God in you." In this passage we see,

1st. That we should not seek for human applause. It is of very little value, and it often keeps men from the approbation of God, Jn 5:44.

2nd. They who will not believe on Jesus Christ give evidence that they have no love for God.

3rd. The reason why they do not believe on him is because they have no regard for his character, wishes, or law.

Love of God. Love to God.

In you. In your hearts. You do not love God.

(r) "honour from men" Jn 5:34, 1Thes 2:6