Matthew Henry Commentary John 8:54-59

"Jesus answered, If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing: it is my Father that glorifieth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God; and ye have not known him: but I know him; and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be like unto you, a liar: but I know him, and keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad. The Jews therefore said unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was born, I am. They took up stones therefore to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple." — John 8:54-59 (ASV)

Christ and all who are His depend on God for honor. People may be able to dispute about God, yet may not know Him. Those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of Christ are mentioned together (2 Thessalonians 1:8). All who rightly know anything of Christ earnestly desire to know more of Him. Those who discern the dawn of the light of the Sun of Righteousness wish to see His rising. “Before Abraham was, I AM.” This shows Abraham as a creature and our Lord as the Creator; therefore, He might well make Himself greater than Abraham.

I AM is the name of God (Exodus 3:14); it speaks of His self-existence; He is the First and the Last, ever the same (Revelation 1:8). Thus He was not only before Abraham but before all worlds (Proverbs 8:23; John 1:1). As Mediator, He was the appointed Messiah long before Abraham; the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). The Lord Jesus was made by God to be Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption to Adam, Abel, and all who lived and died by faith in Him, before Abraham. The Jews were about to stone Jesus for blasphemy, but He withdrew; by His miraculous power He passed through them unhurt.

Let us steadfastly profess what we know and believe concerning God; and if we are heirs of Abraham's faith, we shall rejoice in looking forward to that day when the Savior shall appear in glory, to the confusion of His enemies, and to complete the salvation of all who believe in Him.