Albert Barnes Commentary John 8:50

"But I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth." — John 8:50 (ASV)

Mine own glory. My own praise or honour. In all His teaching this was true. He did not seek to exalt or vindicate Himself. He was willing to endure reproach and to be despised. Therefore, He paid little attention to their taunts and accusations; and even now, He says, He would not seek to vindicate Himself.

There is one that seeketh and judgeth. God will take care of my reputation. He seeks my welfare and honour, and I may commit my cause into His hands without attempting my own vindication. From these verses (John 8:46–50) we may learn:

1. When people have no sound arguments, they attempt to overwhelm their adversaries by calling them odious and reproachful names. Accusations of heresy and schism, and the use of reproachful terms, are commonly proof that such individuals are not only under the influence of unchristian feeling but also that they have no sound reasons to support their cause.
2. It is right to vindicate ourselves from such charges, but it should not be done by rendering railing for railing. In meekness we should instruct those that oppose themselves, if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, (2 Timothy 2:25).
3. We should not regard it as necessarily dishonourable if we endure reproach. If we have a good conscience, if we have examined for ourselves, and if we are conscious that we are seeking the glory of God, we should be willing, as Jesus was, to bear reproach, believing that God will in due time avenge us, and bring forth our righteousness as the light, and our judgment as the noon-day (Psalms 37:6).