Charles Ellicott Commentary John 5:34

"But the witness which I receive is not from man: howbeit I say these things, that ye may be saved." — John 5:34 (ASV)

But I receive not testimony . . .—There is no reason to change the word "testimony" as it appears in this verse. The noun, and related verbs from John 5:31, have been translated as “witness,” and it is better to use “witness” consistently in this commentary. The English translation of the verse also omits the definite article, which makes it misleading. He did receive witness from men—He had received witness from John—but this was not the witness on which all was based. Its purpose was to lead them to Christ Himself, and He now refers to it to show them its true significance, so that this purpose might be fulfilled.

But these things I say, that ye might be saved.—The emphasis of this clause should be placed on the pronoun “ye.” The point is that our Lord does not refer to John’s witness for His own sake, but so that they might be saved. He had a greater witness than that of John, but this they were not yet prepared to receive. They had received John for a time and had rejoiced in his light. He refers to him now so that that light may lead them to the true Source of Light. Some of those who had sent to the Baptist may now understand his words in a deeper sense than any that had come to them before, and may find in them words leading to salvation.