Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 5:38

"And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he sent, him ye believe not." — John 5:38 (ASV)

The fourth witness is that of the Father. The allusion seems somewhat obscure, especially since Jesus disclaimed any visible or audible communication from God to the crowd in general. Nevertheless there were occasions on which a voice from heaven spoke, expressing approval of Jesus and affirming his Sonship (17:5; Mark 1:11; Mark 9:7; Mark 9:35). To a Jew, the voice from heaven would have meant the approval of God; yet this seems to have had little effect on the multitude. Jesus implies that his hearers had not apprehended the revelation of God because they had not believed him whom the Father had sent.