John Calvin Commentary John 6:63

"It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, are are life." — John 6:63 (ASV)

It is the Spirit that quickeneth. By these words Christ shows the reason why the Jews did not profit from his doctrine is that, being spiritual and quickening, it does not find ears well prepared. But as this passage has been variously interpreted, it will be important first to ascertain the natural meaning of the words, from which it will be easy to perceive Christ’s intention.

When he affirms that the flesh profiteth nothing, Chrysostom improperly, in my opinion, refers it to the Jews, who were carnal. I readily acknowledge that in heavenly mysteries the whole power of the human mind is utterly unavailing; but the words of Christ do not have that meaning, unless they are violently distorted.

Equally forced would be that opinion, as applied to the relevant clause; namely, it is the illumination of the Spirit that quickeneth. Nor do I approve of the views of those who say that the flesh of Christ profiteth insofar as he was crucified, but that, when it is eaten, it is of no benefit to us; for, on the contrary, we must eat it so that, having been crucified, it may profit.

Augustine thinks that we should supply the word only, or by itself, as if it had been said, “The flesh alone, and by itself, profiteth not,” because it must be accompanied by the Spirit. This meaning aligns well with the scope of the discourse, for Christ refers simply to the manner of eating. He does not, therefore, exclude every kind of usefulness, as if none could be obtained from his flesh; but he declares that, if it be separated from the Spirit, it will then be useless.

For how does the flesh have power to quicken, except because it is spiritual? Accordingly, whoever focuses his whole attention on the earthly nature of the flesh, will find in it nothing but what is dead; but those who raise their eyes to the power of the Spirit, which is spread throughout the flesh, will learn from the actual effect and from the experience of faith that it is not without reason that it is called quickening.

We now understand how the flesh is truly food, and yet it profiteth not. It is food because by it life is secured for us, because in it God is reconciled to us, because in it we have all the parts of salvation accomplished. It profiteth not if it is estimated by its origin and nature; for the seed of Abraham, which is in itself subject to death, does not give life but receives from the Spirit its power to feed us. Therefore, on our part also, so that we may be truly nourished by it, we must bring the spiritual mouth of faith.

As to the sentence breaking off so abruptly, it is probable that this was done because Christ saw that it was necessary to act in this manner towards unbelievers. By this clause, therefore, he suddenly closed the sermon, because they did not deserve that he should speak to them any longer. Yet he did not overlook those who are godly and teachable, for they have here, in a few words, what can abundantly satisfy them.

The words which I speak to you. This is an allusion to the preceding statement, for he now employs the word Spirit in a different sense. But as he had spoken of the secret power of the Spirit, he elegantly applies this to his doctrine, because it is spiritual; for the word Spirit must be explained to mean spiritual.

Now the word is called spiritual because it calls us upwards to seek Christ in his heavenly glory, through the guidance of the Spirit, by faith, and not by our carnal perception; for we know that of all that was said, nothing can be comprehended but by faith.

And it is also worth noting that he connects life with the Spirit. He calls his word life, from its effect, as if he had called it quickening; but shows that it will not be quickening to any but those who receive it spiritually, for others will rather draw death from it.

To the godly, this commendation given to the Gospel is most delightful, because they are certain that it is appointed for their eternal salvation; but at the same time, they are reminded to strive to prove that they are genuine disciples.