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Verse Takeaways
1
A Question for Every Seeker
Jesus's first question to his future disciples, "What do you seek?", is not a dismissal but a profound invitation. Commentators explain it's a gentle probe into their motives, encouraging them (and us) to consider why we are drawn to him. It shows that Jesus desires followers with sincere hearts and is ready to hear our deepest desires for salvation and truth.
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Book Overview
John
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Commentaries
11
Albert Barnes
On John 1:38
18th Century
Theologian
What do you seek? - This was not asked to obtain “information.” Compare to John 1:48. It was not a harsh reproof, forbidding them to follo…
AT Robertson
On John 1:38
Turned (στραφεις). Second aorist passive participle of στρεφω, vividly picturing the sudden act of Jesus on hearing their steps be…
Charles Ellicott
On John 1:38
19th Century
Bishop
Jesus turned, and saw them following.—They follow wishing, and yet not daring, to question Him. He sees this and seeks to draw the…
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Charles Spurgeon
On John 1:38–39
19th Century
Preacher
Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, What do you seek? They said to him, Rabbi (which is to say, being interpreted, Mas…
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On John 1:38
As John’s disciples followed him, Jesus turned to challenge their motives by asking, “What do you want?” He probed them to find out whether they we…
John Calvin
On John 1:38
16th Century
Theologian
Rabbi. This name was commonly given to persons of high rank, or who possessed any kind of honor. But the Evangelist here points out anothe…
John Gill
On John 1:38
17th Century
Pastor
Then Jesus turned, and saw them following
That is, "him", as the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions add: h…
Matthew Henry
On John 1:37–42
17th Century
Minister
The strongest and most prevailing argument for an awakened soul to follow Christ is that He alone takes away sin. Whatever communion there is betwe…