John Calvin Commentary John 6:66

"Upon this many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him." — John 6:66 (ASV)

From that time many of his disciples went back. The Evangelist now relates what trouble was the consequence of that sermon. It is a dreadful and monstrous thing that such a kind and gracious invitation from Christ could have alienated the minds of many, especially of those who had formerly professed to belong to him and were even his ordinary disciples.

But this example is held out to us as a mirror, so to speak, in which we may perceive how great is the wickedness and ingratitude of people, who turn a plain road into an occasion of stumbling for themselves, so that they may not come to Christ.

Many would say that it would have been better if a sermon of this kind had never been preached, which occasioned the apostasy of many. But we ought to entertain a widely different view; for it was then necessary, and now is daily necessary, that what had been foretold concerning Christ should be perceived in his doctrine, namely, that he is the stone of stumbling (Isaiah 8:14).

We ought, indeed, to regulate our doctrine in such a manner that no one may be offended through our fault; as far as possible, we ought to retain all; and, in short, we ought to take care that we do not, by talking inconsiderately or at random, disturb ignorant or weak minds.

But it will never be possible for us to exercise such caution that the doctrine of Christ will not be the occasion of offense to many; because the reprobate, who are devoted to destruction, suck venom from the most wholesome food, and gall from honey. The Son of God undoubtedly knew well what was useful, and yet we see that he cannot avoid offending many of his disciples. Whatever dislike, therefore, many people may have for pure doctrine, still we are not at liberty to suppress it.

Only let the teachers of the Church remember the advice given by Paul, that the word of God ought to be properly divided (2 Timothy 2:15), and next let them advance boldly amidst all offenses. And if it happens that many apostatize, let us not be disgusted at the word of God because it is not relished by the reprobate; for those who are so much shaken by the revolt of some that, when those people fall away, they are immediately discouraged, are too delicate and tender.

And walked no more with him. When the Evangelist adds these words, he means that it was not a complete apostasy, but only that they withdrew from familiar association with Christ; and yet he condemns them as apostates. Hence we ought to learn that we cannot go back a foot’s breadth without being immediately in danger of falling into treacherous denial of our Master.