John 16:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 16:15
15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Chapter Context
John 16 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of worship, discipleship, wisdom. Written during the late first century CE (c. 90-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed late first-century challenges from both Judaism and emerging Gnostic thought.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-33: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
John 16:15
15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Analysis
All things that the Father hath are mine (πάντα ὅσα ἔχει ὁ Πατήρ ἐμά ἐστιν/panta hosa echei ho Patēr ema estin)—Jesus declares absolute equality with the Father. The emphatic πάντα (panta, "all things") encompasses divine attributes, authority, glory, knowledge, and power. This is deity language, affirming Christ's full divinity.
The present tense ἔχει (echei, "has") and ἐστιν (estin, "are") indicate permanent, eternal reality—not something granted temporally but intrinsic to Christ's divine nature. The possessive ἐμά (ema, "mine") shows complete mutual indwelling and shared essence between Father and Son.
Therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you—the δια τοῦτο (dia touto, "therefore") connects the Spirit's work to Christ's deity. Because all the Father's fullness dwells in Christ (Colossians 2:9), the Spirit revealing Christ's truth is simultaneously revealing the Father. The Spirit draws from Christ's inexhaustible riches to illumine believers—progressive sanctification involves growing knowledge of Christ's infinite glory.
Historical Context
In the context of first-century Jewish monotheism, Jesus's claim that "all things that the Father hath are mine" was explosive—potential blasphemy unless true. Earlier, Jesus had declared "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30), provoking an attempt to stone Him for making Himself equal with God. This verse reaffirms that equality while explaining the Spirit's economy: the Spirit reveals the Son, who reveals the Father. The doctrine of the Trinity—one God in three persons sharing one undivided essence—was developed by the early church from statements like this.
Reflection
- How does Jesus's claim to possess all that the Father has establish His deity, and why is this essential to salvation?
- What does it mean that the Spirit reveals Christ, who reveals the Father—how does this Trinitarian economy shape Christian knowledge of God?
- Since Christ possesses all the Father's fullness, what does this imply about the inexhaustible nature of spiritual growth and knowledge?