Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 10
Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary
John 10
Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary
John 10
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." — John 10:1 (ASV)
Jesus introduces this section with a solemn affirmation (“I tell you the truth”), emphasizing the importance of the teaching that the allegory contains, particularly regarding the ministry of Jesus himself. The imagery of the first two paragraphs is based on the concept of the “sheep pen.” It was usually a rough stone or mud-brick structure, only partially roofed, or a cave in the hills. It had a single opening through which the sheep passed when they came in for the night. The pen served to protect them against thieves, robbers, and wild beasts.
Thieves, who would have no right of access by the gate, used other means to gain entrance. The shepherd entered by the gate, the lawful method of entry. Jesus was contrasting himself with the false messiahs who by pretense or violence were attempting to gain control of the people. He came as the legitimate heir of the chosen seed and claimed to be the fulfillment of the OT revelation.
"But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep." — John 10:2 (ASV)
Jesus introduces this section with a solemn affirmation (“I tell you the truth”), emphasizing the importance of the teaching that the allegory contains, particularly regarding the ministry of Jesus himself. The imagery of the first two paragraphs is based on the concept of the “sheep pen.” It was usually a rough stone or mud-brick structure, only partially roofed, or a cave in the hills. It had a single opening through which the sheep passed when they came in for the night. The pen served to protect them against thieves, robbers, and wild beasts.
Thieves, who would have no right of access by the gate, used other means to gain entrance. The shepherd entered by the gate, the lawful method of entry. Jesus was contrasting himself with the false messiahs who by pretense or violence were attempting to gain control of the people. He came as the legitimate heir of the chosen seed and claimed to be the fulfillment of the OT revelation.
"To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out." — John 10:3 (ASV)
The “watchman” (GK 2601) cannot be identified with any particular person; rather, the word illustrates Jesus’ coming at the right time and in the right way. He alone has the right to spiritual leadership of his people, and the sheep listen to him. The Oriental shepherd usually named his sheep and could summon them by calling them.
"When he hath put forth all his own, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice." — John 10:4 (ASV)
A pen frequently held several flocks; and when the time came to go out in the morning pasture, each shepherd separated his sheep from the others by his peculiar call. Instead of driving them, he led them so that they followed him as a unit. Wherever they went, the shepherd preceded them, guiding them to adequate pasture and guarding against possible danger. The sheep refused to follow a stranger because his voice was unfamiliar. In fact, if a stranger should use the shepherd’s call and imitate his tone, the flock would instantly detect the difference and would scatter in panic.
In view of the fact that shepherds and sheep were so common in Palestine, it seems incredible that Jesus’ metaphor was not understood. His hearers, however, failed to comprehend his meaning because of their spiritual deadness. If they would not recognize his claims, they would not accept him as a shepherd; and their assumption that they were God’s flock because they were descendants of Abraham (8:39) would eliminate the necessity of personal faith in Jesus for salvation.
"And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers." — John 10:5 (ASV)
A pen frequently held several flocks; and when the time came to go out in the morning pasture, each shepherd separated his sheep from the others by his peculiar call. Instead of driving them, he led them so that they followed him as a unit. Wherever they went, the shepherd preceded them, guiding them to adequate pasture and guarding against possible danger. The sheep refused to follow a stranger because his voice was unfamiliar. In fact, if a stranger should use the shepherd’s call and imitate his tone, the flock would instantly detect the difference and would scatter in panic.
In view of the fact that shepherds and sheep were so common in Palestine, it seems incredible that Jesus’ metaphor was not understood. His hearers, however, failed to comprehend his meaning because of their spiritual deadness. If they would not recognize his claims, they would not accept him as a shepherd; and their assumption that they were God’s flock because they were descendants of Abraham (8:39) would eliminate the necessity of personal faith in Jesus for salvation.
Jump to: