ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for John 14

John 14:1 The esv translates Believe in God as an imperative (a command), but it could also be rendered as a statement (“You believe in God”; see esv footnote). The imperative is probably the better translation in light of the previous sentence (Let not your hearts be troubled). The disciples are troubled about Jesus’ imminent departure (see 13:36).

John 14:2–3 In light of the context (Jesus going back to the Father; 13:1; 3; 14:28), it is best to understand my Father’s house as referring to heaven, and the many rooms (or “dwelling places”) as places to live within that large house.

John 14:6 Jesus is the one way to the Father. Salvation can be found only in Christ (see note on 3:18). Jesus as the truth fulfills the teaching of the OT (1:17) and reveals the true God (see 1:14; 17; 5:33; 18:37; also 8:40; 45–46; 14:9). Jesus alone is the life who fulfills the OT promises of “life” from God (11:25–26). Jesus is able to give eternal life to all those who believe in him (see 3:16). This is another I am saying, whereby Jesus claims to be God (see note on 6:35).

John 14:8–11 Philip apparently asks for some sort of appearance by God, such as Moses and Isaiah experienced (Ex. 33:18; compare Ex. 24:10; Isa. 6:1). Jesus replies that those who have seen him have seen the Father—a clear claim to deity.

John 14:10 I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Though there is complete unity between the Father and the Son, they are distinct persons within the Trinity (Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14).

John 14:12 the works that I do. Jesus’ “works” include both his miracles (see 7:21) and his other activities and teachings (see 4:34; 5:36; 10:32; 17:4). The works his disciples will do will be greater because they will have a worldwide scope.

John 14:13 Praying in Jesus’ name means praying in a way consistent with his character and will. It also means coming to God in the authority of Jesus. See also note on 1 John 5:15.

John 14:14 If you ask me gives permission to pray directly to Jesus, but see esv footnote. Many other verses encourage prayer to God the Father (see 15:16).

John 14:15 Jesus’ words echo Deuteronomy (compare Deut. 6:5–6; 7:9; 10:12–13; 11:13; 22) and assume his unique authority.

John 14:16–17 The Holy Spirit (compare v. 26), the Spirit of truth who will guide the disciples into all truth (16:13), will serve as another Helper (or “helping Presence”; see also esv footnote). He will live in Jesus’ followers forever. He is Jesus’ representative after Jesus ascends to heaven. The promise of the divine presence with Jesus’ followers in 14:15–24 includes the Spirit (vv. 15–17), Jesus (vv. 18–21), and the Father (vv. 22–24). He dwells with you and will be in you does not mean there was no work of the Spirit of God within believers prior to this time (see note on 7:39). Rather, it indicates that the Holy Spirit “will be in you” in a new and more powerful sense. See also esv footnote on 14:16.

John 14:18 I will come to you probably means Jesus will appear to the disciples after his resurrection (chs. 20–21).

John 14:21 keeps. That is, follows and obeys.

John 14:22 The Judas referred to here is probably “Judas the son of James” (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13), not Judas the half brother of Jesus (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3).

John 14:26 He will teach you uses the masculine pronoun “he” instead of the neutral pronoun “it.” Many interpreters have seen this as John’s awareness of the distinct personhood of the Spirit. John follows the same usage in 15:26 and 16:13–14. That the Helper will teach the disciples all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you is an important promise regarding the disciples’ future role in writing the words of Scripture; see also 16:13–15. Jesus’ promise here is specifically to these disciples, though the Holy Spirit teaches and guides all believers (Rom. 8:14). On the work of the Trinity, see chart.

John 14:27 Peace describes the absence of conflict and also the presence of blessing. Such blessing comes especially in a right relationship with God (e.g., Num. 6:24–26). See also John 15:18–19; 16:33.

John 14:28 the Father is greater than I. God the Father sends and commands. Thus he is “greater” (in authority or leadership) than the Son. However, this does not mean that Jesus is inferior to the Father, as 1:1; 10:30;; 20:28 clearly show.

John 14:30 The ruler of this world in its present fallen, sinful state is Satan. Satan is coming in the person of Judas and those with him (see ch. 18). has no claim. Satan cannot force Jesus to do anything. Jesus willingly submits to the suffering that is to come, out of obedience to his Father (see 14:31).

John 14:31 The transition from 14:31 to 15:1 is sometimes viewed as a “literary seam,” an indication that John’s Gospel is pieced together from different sources. More likely, John is implying that Jesus and his followers are leaving the upper room, making their way to the brook Kidron, and arriving in the Garden of Gethsemane (18:1).