John Calvin Commentary John 14:7

"If ye had known me, ye would have known my Father also: from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." — John 14:7 (ASV)

If you had known me. He confirms what we have just said: it is a foolish and harmful curiosity when people, not satisfied with him, attempt to go to God by indirect and crooked paths.

They admit that there is nothing better than the knowledge of God; but when he is near them and speaks to them familiarly, they wander through their own speculations and seek him above the clouds, him whom they do not deign to acknowledge as present.

Christ, therefore, blames the disciples for not acknowledging that the fullness of the Godhead was manifested in him. “I see,” he says, “that until now you have not known me in a right and proper manner, because you do not yet acknowledge the living image of the Father which is exhibited in me.”

And from now on you know him, and have seen him. He adds this not only to soften the severity of the reproof but also to accuse them of ingratitude and slothfulness if they do not consider and inquire about what has been given to them; for he said this more for the purpose of commending his doctrine than of extolling their faith. The meaning, therefore, is that God is now plainly exhibited to them, if they would only open their eyes. The word see expresses the certainty of faith.