Commentary on John 16:28

Verse Overview: John 16:28 states: “I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.”

This verse encapsulates the essence of Christ's mission and His divine origin, emphasizing His preexistence with the Father, His incarnation, and His future return to the Father. The theological significance of this statement cannot be overstated, as it forms a vital component of Christological studies and understanding of the nature of Christ.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry explains this verse in the context of Christ's dual nature as fully God and fully man. He emphasizes that Christ's coming forth from the Father represents His divine mission, signifying His eternal relationship with God. This idea affirms the pre-incarnate existence of Christ. Henry elucidates that Christ's statement reflects His complete obedience to the Father and the purpose of redemption.

Furthermore, Henry highlights the significance of the phrase "I leave the world, and go to the Father." This denotes not just a physical departure but a spiritual transition that fulfills God’s redemptive plan. It reassures believers of the intimacy and unity between Jesus and the Father, thereby reinforcing the credibility of His teachings and the assurance of the hope of believers upon His ascension.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Albert Barnes provides a thorough theological exploration of the verse. He notes that Jesus’ words articulate a mission of both origin and fulfillment. The phrase "I came forth from the Father" speaks to His divine authority and the intimate relationship He shares with God the Father. Barnes emphasizes that this divine origin validates His teachings and the power behind His work on earth.

Additionally, Barnes remarks on the significance of the Jewish context. To Jesus’ disciples, His return to the Father represents the culmination of His earthly ministry and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. This moment signals a transition where Jesus, though departing, would send the Holy Spirit to empower and guide His followers in a new covenant.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke on the other hand focuses on the personal implications for believers. He discusses how this verse provides hope and assurance in the face of trials. Clarke posits that the journey of Christ from the Father into the world mirrors the Christian's own journey of faith. Believers are reminded of their ultimate destination, which is unity with the Father through Jesus Christ.

Clarke further articulates that this verse serves as a prelude to the themes of ascension and the anticipated return of Christ, assuring believers that their hope rests secure in Him. The promise that Jesus "goes to the Father" not only signifies His victory over sin and death but also paves the way for believers to approach God with confidence, supported by the intercessory work of Christ.

Theological Implications

• Christ's Divinity: The opening phrase reinforces the Christian belief in the preexistence of Christ and His nature as the Son of God. This is central to our understanding of the trinity and the nature of salvation.
• Redemptive Mission: The journey of Christ from the Father to the world is an essential part of the redemptive narrative. It indicates His purpose in coming—namely, to reconcile humanity to God.
• Assurance of Believers: Christ’s return to the Father serves as a source of hope and encouragement, assuring believers that He continues to advocate for them and that their faith will culminate in eternal fellowship with God.

Conclusion

In summary, John 16:28 serves as a profound declaration of Christ’s divine mission, highlighting both His origin and the purpose of His incarnation. The insights garnered from the commentaries of Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke illuminate the theological depth and practical implications of this verse. For pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars, it encapsulates core doctrines of the Christian faith—divinity of Christ, the nature of His work, and the hope provided to believers, making it an essential focus in any theological discussion.