Matthew Henry's Commentary

Henry emphasizes the boldness of Jesus as He teaches openly in the temple, in contrast to the fears and doubts of the people surrounding Him. He notes the importance of Jesus proclaiming His origin: "Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am" indicates that the people had some understanding of Jesus’ background, yet they were unwilling to recognize His divine authority. Henry highlights that Jesus came not of His own accord but was sent by the true God, whom the people did not know. This juxtaposition of knowledge and ignorance underlines a central theme in John’s Gospel: the call to true understanding of God through Christ.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Barnes elaborates on the phrase "I am not come of myself" as a crucial declaration of Jesus’ divine mission. He notes that Jesus asserts His divine commission, differentiating Himself from human leaders and teachers who assume authority of their own. Barnes posits that the phrase points to a deeper theological truth about Jesus being sent by God, further reinforcing the concept of divine authority and truth in His ministry. He also comments on the idea that the people’s ignorance of the Father stems from their failure to recognize Jesus, indicating that true knowledge of God can only be accessed through recognition of Christ.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Clarke delves into the implications of Jesus’ teaching in the temple setting, noting that the location symbolizes public witness. He underscores that Jesus' declaration was not just for general audience comprehension but aimed at calling those present to a deeper understanding of their own beliefs. Clarke also remarks on the phrase “whom ye know not” as a striking indictment of Israel's spiritual condition. He encourages readers to see the necessity of personal relationship with God, available through Christ, which the Jewish leaders at that time were missing. Clarke sees in this verse a critical moment where Jesus invites listeners to recognize Him as the true revelation of God.

Theological Themes

• Divine Mission: Jesus explicitly communicates His authority as one sent from God, asserting that His mission is divinely ordained.
• Knowledge vs. Ignorance: There exists a critical distinction between intellectual awareness of Jesus and a true relationship with God. The people knew of Him, yet they did not grasp the fuller reality of His identity.
• Revelation of the Father: Jesus represents the ultimate revelation of God. To know Him is to know the Father—He invites listeners to a transformative understanding.
• Authority and Truth: The assertion that the one who sent Him is true raises questions about the nature of authority and the truth claims made within religious contexts.