Charles Ellicott Commentary John 10:32

"Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from the Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?" — John 10:32 (ASV)

Jesus answered them—i.e., He answered the thought which He read in their hearts and the intention which was expressed by their act.

Many good works have I shewed you from my Father.—For the idea of “good” expressed here, compare the Note on John 10:14. We have no better word in English, but “excellent” or “distinguished” approach the sense.

It is not the nature of the works as beneficent that is made prominent, but their moral excellence. They are works from the Father, manifested in the visible world by the Son (compare Notes on John 5:19-20).

Jesus speaks of “many” such works. John has recorded but few, but he has given hints that many more were done (John 2:23; John 3:2; John 5:36), and he afterwards expressly asserts this (John 20:30).

For which of those works do you stone me?—Again, there is a fullness of meaning in the Greek that is difficult to convey in translation. The word rendered “which” marks, not simple distinction, but quality (compare “What kind of commandment,” Note on Matthew 22:36).

“What is the character,” our Lord would ask, “of that one of these works on account of which you are about to stone Me?” If they had thought out this question, they must have been led to see that the quality of the works proved that they were from God, and that therefore He by whom they had been wrought, was also from God.

This thought of the quality of the works had been in the minds of some of them (John 9:16). Its true issue would have been to worship Him as God; they are preparing to stone Him as a blasphemer.