John 2 - King James Version Bible Commentary

Jn 2:1. And the third day. The third day after Jesus had attained two more disciples, Philip and Nathanael, He journeyed about eight miles north of Nazareth to Cana. The mother of Jesus was there. John does not mention Mary by name, which is consistent with his style, since he tends to leave himself and his close relatives anonymous (Jn 19:26-27).

Jn 2:2. Since the disciples had joined Christ so recently, there is the problem in resolving how they were all invited to the wedding feast. There are two possible answers: Jesus could have stopped in Nazareth on His way to Cana and accepted the invitation for His disciples; or second, Nathanael could have made the arrangements since he was from Cana.

Jn 2:3-5. When the wine failed, Mary came to Christ for help because she knew who Christ really was (Lk 1:26-38). Christ addressed her as Woman or “Lady”; no disrespect is intended. What have I to do with thee? Christ emphasizes that Mary should no longer think of Him as her son. Mine hour is not yet come. Throughout the Gospels, Christ is conscious that He is doing the will of the Father and each act has an appropriate time (Jn 7:6; Jn 8:20; Jn 12:23). Mary acknowledges submission to the Son of God and tells the servants whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

Jn 2:6-8. Jesus Christ uses the six waterpots of stone which could each contain from 7 to 25 gallons of liquid. When they were filled with water, Christ commands the servants to Draw out. This refers to dipping out the water. They were told to bear it (Gr phero¯) to the governor of the feast. The verb used here is in the Greek present tense (progressive action), and perhaps hints that the process of serving must be continued no matter how ridiculous it seemed. The total volume of water changed to wine was about 100-150 gallons.

Jn 2:9-10. When the wine was tasted, it was proved to be of superior quality. The governor compliments the bridegroom, Thou hast kept the good wine until now. The symbolism is clear. The power of Christ filled the emptiness of the waterpots and that same power is able to fill the emptiness of Judaistic religion.

Jn 2:11-12. This beginning of miracles. The word used here for miracles (Gr se¯meion) means signs, and the apostle gives the reason for the sign: and manifested forth his glory. The sign drew attention to the power and glory of the One who performed it. In this story, Christ stands as the preeminent One. The faith of the disciples was strengthened because of this sign. After this incident, Christ returned to Capernaum. This was the home of James and John.

Jn 2:13. The Law required every male Jew twelve years old and above to attend the passover. Jesus went up to Jerusalem, the political and religious capital of Israel, and because of its geographical elevation, the Jews always talked about going up to Jerusalem regardless of the direction they were traveling from.

Jn 2:14-17. Christ found in the court of the Gentiles a terrible scene. The Sanhedrin was permitting the selling of sacrificial animals at exorbitant prices and permitting the changing of foreign currency into Jewish money, which was required for the temple tax. Christ makes a whip and drives out both the animals and the wicked merchants. He overturns the tables and scatters the coins across the floor. He commands the dove owners, Take these things hence. Christ then justifies this striking action, make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise (Mal 3:1-3). Again, the failure of Judaism is emphasized. The disciples recall that this is the fulfillment of prophecy (Ps 69:9).

Jn 2:18. The Jews, who have been shocked by the action of Christ, demand a sign to substantiate His authority and conduct. However, this was a ridiculous request since the cleansing in itself was a sign (Mal 3:1-3).

Jn 2:19. Christ answers with a deep spiritual truth. Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Christ was referring to the destruction of His body and to His resurrection from the dead. The physical Temple was a type of Christ’s body, and when the body of Christ was destroyed, the purpose and existence of the Jewish Temple were also destroyed. Consequently, the destruction of His body also meant the destruction of the Temple.

Jn 2:20-22. The Jews take Christ literally, and ignore the spiritual and true meaning of His statement. The author adds these words lest his readers miss the truth of Christ’s statement. Even the disciples did not fully understand until he was risen from the dead. They believed the scripture, or the Old Testament prophecies, and the word which Jesus had said.

Jn 2:23-25. Jesus remained in Jerusalem for the Passover, and many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles. The word used to express belief (Gr pisteuo¯) is used in the next verse. But Jesus did not commit himself. Christ did not entrust Himself to them because they were not true believers. He concluded this because he knew all men. These were nominal believers whose only interest was the miracles. He did not need their testimony for he knew what was in man. These people had not accepted Him with saving faith, but rather they accepted Him as a powerful miracle worker.

C. Christ as Saviour.John 3:1-36

There are two separate incidents detailed in this particular chapter: the interview with Nicodemus, and the last testimony of John the Baptist. The interview with Nicodemus is of primary importance since it reveals the doctrine of the new birth.