John Calvin Commentary John 8:29

"And he that sent me is with me; he hath not left me alone; for I do always the things that are pleasing to him." — John 8:29 (ASV)

And he who hath sent me is with me. He again boasts that God, under whose guidance and authority he does everything, will assist him, so that he will not labor in vain and to no purpose. It is as if he had said that the power of the Spirit of God accompanies his ministry. All faithful teachers ought to be endowed with the same confidence, so as to entertain no doubt that the hand of God will be near them when, with a pure conscience, they discharge such a ministry as he demands. For God does not furnish them with his word so that they may strike the air with an idle and useless sound, but makes his word successful by the secret efficacy of his Spirit. At the same time, he guards them by his protection, so that, when their enemies have been subdued, they may remain invincible against the whole world. And indeed, if they rely on themselves and their own powers, they must give way every hour, so that the only way to persevere is to be convinced that they are supported by the hand of God.

Because I do always the things which please him. We must observe the reason why Christ declares that God is on his side and that he will never be deprived of his assistance. It is because he is regulated entirely by his will and serves him in sincerity. For this is what he means by the word always, that he does not obey God only in part, but is entirely and unreservedly devoted to his service.

Therefore, if we desire to enjoy the same presence of God, our whole reason must be subjected to his authority. For if our senses are in control to any degree, all our exertions will be fruitless, because the blessing of God will not be on them. And though for a time we may be delighted with the joyful prospect of success, yet the final result will be dismal.

The Father hath not left me alone. By these words, he indirectly complains of the treachery of his nation, in which he found scarcely anyone who gave him their support. Yet he shows that he considers this alone to be abundantly sufficient: that he has God to protect him.

Such is the courage with which we ought to be animated in the present day, so that we may not give way on account of the small number of believers. For, though the whole world is opposed to his doctrine, still we are not alone. Thus, it is also evident how foolish is the boasting of the Papists, who, while they neglect God, proudly boast of their vast numbers.