Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 13:17
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
17. happy are ye if ye do them ] Better, blessed are ye, &c. It is the same Greek word as is used in Joh 20:29 and in the Beatitudes both in S. Matthew and in S. Luke. Comp. Luk 11:28; Luk 12:43; Mat 7:21; Rev 1:3.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 17. If ye know these things, happy, c.] True happiness consists in the knowledge of God, and in obedience to him. A man is not happy because he knows much but because he receives much of the Divine nature, and is, in all his conduct, conformed to the Divine will. “They who have read many books (says Menu) are more exalted than such as have seldom studied; they who retain what they have read, than forgetful readers; they who fully understand, than such as only remember; and they who perform their known duty, than such as barely know it. Sacred knowledge and devotedness to God are the means by which a man can arrive at beatitude.” See Institutes of MENU, c. xii. Inst. 103, 104. For a heathen this saying is very remarkable.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
He tells them, that it is not the bare comprehension of these things in their notion that would do them any good, unless they brought their knowledge into practice; for to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, it is sin, Jam 4:17. Faith without works is dead, and the knowledge of our Masters will, if we do it not, doth but expose us to many stripes.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
If ye know these things,…. The duties they owed to him, and one another; those kind offices of love and respect to each other; the humility, condescension, and brotherly love, which ought to be in them, and of which he had given them an example:
happy are ye if ye do them; for the bare theory, or a mere speculative knowledge of these things, is not sufficient; not he that knows and does not, but he that knows and does his master’s will, is blessed; he is blessed with communion with his Lord, and shall hereafter enter into his joy, with “well done good and faithful servant”. There is an happiness “in” doing well, and which follows “on” it, though not “for” it, in a way of merit; on the other hand, persons who know and do not, are very unhappy; the Jews have a saying a,
“twvel alv dmlhv, “he that learns but not to do”, it would have been better for him, if he had never been created; and says R. Jochanan, he that learns but not to do, it would have been better for him if his secundine had been turned upon his face, and he had never come into the world.”
a Hieros. Beracot, fol. 3. 2.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
If ye know ( ). Condition of first class assumed as true, and present ( used as present) active indicative.
If ye do ( ). Third-class condition, and present active subjunctive, assumed as possible, “if ye keep on doing.” Both conditions with the one conclusion coming in between, “happy are ye.” Just knowing does not bring happiness nor just occasional doing.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Happy [] . Better, as Rev., blessed. See on Mt 5:3.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1 ) “If ye know these things,” (ei tauta oidate) “If you all perceive or comprehend these things,” these matters of humility, hospitality, and lowly service to one another and men about you, in general, Jas 1:25, Gal 5:13. For to the one knowing “to do good” and doing it not, to him it is sin, Jas 4:17.
2) “Happy are ye,” (makarioi este) “You are happy,” or exist with spiritual prosperity. Happiness comes to one, not through seeking or searching for it, but in honorable moral and ethical behavior before and in behalf of others, in service to God, and one’s fellow man, Mat 20:28; Job 5:17; Pro 16:20; 1Pe 4:14.
3) “If ye do them” (ean poiete auta) “If you do them.” The doer of the Word is blessed and happy, not the hearer only, Jas 1:22; Joh 14:15; Joh 15:14; Eph 2:10. Sorrow, sadness, and despond come primarily to those who serve neither God nor their fellow man, bringing guilt, shame, fear, and a feeling of inadequacy to their lives, Jas 4:17; Gal 6:9; 2Ti 4:7-8.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
17. If you know these things. He declares that they are happy, if they know and do these things; for knowledge is not entitled to be called true, unless it produce such an effect on believers as to lead them to conform themselves to their Head. On the contrary, it is a vain imagination, when we look upon Christ, and the things which belong to Christ, as separate from ourselves. We may infer from this that, until a man has learned to yield to his brethren, he does not know if Christ be the Master. Since there is no man who performs his duty to his brethren hi all respects, and since there are many who are careless and sluggish in brotherly offices, this shows us that we are still at a great distance from the full light of faith.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(17) If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.The first clause of this verse assumes their knowledge of the things which He had been teaching them (Joh. 13:13-17). They were, indeed, old lessons taught before in word, and now taught in act and word.
The second clause makes their blessedness depend upon their combining action with knowledge. They had known the truth before, but their knowledge had not profited them, and they needed on this very day to be taught them again.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
17. If ye know do If this lesson has entered your understanding, cease all strife for predominancy, and only surpass in service to each other.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
DISCOURSE: 1679
PRACTICAL RELIGION ENFORCED
Joh 13:17. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
SO little was the virtue of humility understood among the heathen, that neither the Greeks nor Romans had a word whereby to express the idea. The lowliness of mind and poverty of spirit which we admire as the summit of Christian excellence, they would have accounted meanness and pusillanimity. But our blessed Lord has instructed us in a far clearer manner than the philosophers of old could do, and has illustrated every one of his instructions by his own example. The act of condescension that is recorded in the chapter before us, very strongly exemplifies the virtue of which we are speaking: though Jesus was the Lord both of heaven and earth, and his Disciples were no higher than poor fishermen, he made himself their servant, and performed for them the meanest office, even that of washing their feet: and then told them that such was the spirit which he would have them cultivate, and such the conduct he would have them pursue towards all their fellowdisciples. He declared, moreover, that such views of Christian excellence, attended with a corresponding practice, would prove to them a source of the richest happiness.
We shall not however confine our views to this particular virtue; but shall take occasion from the words of our text to point out, in a more general manner, the connexion between knowing and doing the will of God. We shall shew,
I.
Their worthlessness when separate
As for doing, without knowing, the will of God, that is impossible; since knowledge is, and must be, the foundation of all practice. No act can be a religious act, unless it be done with a direct reference to the will of God ordering and directing it to be done. But knowledge may exist without practice: and when it does so, it is altogether worthless.
1.
It has no intrinsic excellence
[The devils have knowledge in common with us, and probably to a far greater extent: but do they possess any thing that is truly good? Virtue is good, even though it reside only in the mind, and have no scope for exercise; but knowledge, when considered without reference to practice, is as empty and worthless as ignorance itself.]
2.
It is productive of no good
[The science of astronomy, and the knowledge of the magnet, are among the most useful of human attainments: but of what use would they be, if not applied to practical purposes? In the same manner, the knowledge of medicine would never benefit any one, if it were not improved for the healing or preventing of disorders. Thus it is also with respect to divine knowledge. We may be able to delineate all the perfections of God, to trace all the ways of his providence, and to open all the wonders of redemption; we may be able to descant upon virtue, in all its bearings and relations; yea, as the Apostle says, we may understand all mysteries and all knowledge; and what are we the better for it all, or what good do we effect by it, if it float only upon the mind, and never operate upon our life and conversation? We are only as sounding brass or as tinkling cymbals [Note: 1Co 13:1-2.]. If it be said, that, by communicating our knowledge, we may influence others; this only amounts to what we are insisting on, that knowledge is of use only in reference to practice; and that it then only does good, when it stirs men up to a suitable improvement of it.]
3.
It only aggravates our condemnation
[We are assured, that to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin [Note: Jam 4:17.]. Exactly as much good therefore as sin does us, so much does unimproved knowledge. Knowledge is a talent, of which we are to give an account: and to whom much is given, of him will the more be required. The man who knew his Lords will, and did it not, was beaten with many stripes; while the ignorant offender was beaten with comparatively few [Note: Luk 12:47-48.]. Thus shall we find it in the day of judgment. If, on the one hand, unavoidable ignorance will be considered as an extenuation of our guilt, so, on the other hand, will unsanctified knowledge prove a fearful aggravation of it.]
We would not, however, depreciate either knowledge or practice; but rather point out,
II.
Their excellence when combined
When connected with each other as the root and the fruit, they have an efficacy,
1.
To please God
[The fruits of righteousness that spring from an enlightened mind, are truly acceptable to God [Note: Heb 13:16. 1Pe 2:5.]. They answer the end for which he originally gave us to his Son [Note: Eph 1:4; Eph 2:10.], and for which his Son laid down his life [Note: Tit 2:14.]. There is not any one act that can flow from just views of ourselves and of Christ, which God will not behold with complacency and accept with joy [Note: Mat 10:42. Jer 9:24.].]
2.
To bring comfort into the soul
[Works of piety are like the incense which, when offered by the priest, not only honoured God, but also regaled the offerer. It is truly said (though many who admire the expression, have very inadequate notions of its import), that religions ways are ways of pleasantness and peace, and that in keeping Gods commandments there is great reward. Who ever set himself to serve and honour God, without finding that the work of righteousness was peace, and the effect of righteousness was quietness and assurance for ever? It cannot fail but that those who abound in the exercise of virtue, must have the testimony of their own consciences respecting it; and wherever that is, there must be a never-failing source of joy and peace [Note: 2Co 1:12.].]
3.
To embolden us in reference to the day of judgment
[That there is no merit in our works is certain; and if we were to found our hopes of acceptance with God upon them as meritorious, we should delude ourselves to our eternal ruin. Nevertheless we are authorized to expect that God will deal with us according to our works: and, if we have the testimony of our own consciences that it is our endeavour to walk worthy of God unto all pleasing, we may assure our hearts before him, and have confidence towards him in reference to his future judgment [Note: 1Jn 3:18-21; 1Jn 4:17.]. Knowing in our own souls that we have fought a good fight and kept the faith, we may say without doubt or fear, Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me [Note: 2Ti 4:7-8.].]
4.
To augment our everlasting happiness
[Who need be told, that men will be rewarded in proportion to their improvement of their talents [Note: Luk 14:14; Luk 19:16-17. 1Co 3:8.]? This is so plain a truth, that it cannot be denied; and so encouraging a truth, that it ought not to be concealed. A life of holiness is even now recompensed by the richest consolations: but its full value will be known only in heaven.]
From this subject we shall take occasion to,
1.
Condole with the ignorant
[We have before observed, that knowledge is the parent of all acceptable obedience. What then must be your state while you are ignorant of those great things which belong unto your peace? God himself has told you, that you will find no favour at his hands [Note: Isa 27:11.], but will inevitably and eternally perish [Note: Hos 4:6.]. Do but reflect on the condition of a soul that finds no favour at the hands of an angry God: surely better were it for that person that he had never been born.]
2.
Counsel the enlightened
[Value not yourselves upon your knowledge, if you have not a practice suitable to it: for, it is not the hearer of the law that is just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified [Note: Rom 2:13.]. You may say, Lord, Lord, and profess to have known and served him in many things; but you can never enter into the kingdom of heaven, if you have not cheerfully and unreservedly performed his will [Note: Mat 7:21; Mat 7:23.]. Take care therefore that you be not hearers only of his word, deceiving your own selves; but be doers of it also; for then only shall ye be blessed in your deed [Note: Jam 1:22-25.].]
3.
Congratulate the practical Christian
[Happy are ye, God himself being witness. Every prominent feature of your character has been mentioned by our Lord as a distinct and certain ground of blessedness [Note: Mat 5:3-12.]. You are fitly compared to a wise man who built his house upon a rock [Note: Mat 7:24-27.]. Compare the difference between such a man, and a foolish man that builds his house upon the sand: and you will then see your own happiness in a just point of view. Hold on then in this good way; and as you have learned how to walk and to please God, see that ye abound more and more [Note: 1Th 4:1.].]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Ver. 17. If ye know these things, &c. ] Knowledge without practice is but as rain in the middle region; or as a horn in the unicorn’s head, which if it were in a wise man’s head, would be very useful and medicinabie, but as now is hurtful.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Joh 13:17 . These are obvious first principles in Christian discipleship, but the mere knowledge of them is not enough: , . refers to what Jesus had just declared to be the significance of His action. , “if ye know,” as you do know; , a supposition. “The knowing is objectively granted, the doing subjectively conditioned.” Meyer. On the double protasis see Burton, 268. is usually translated “blessed,” Mat 5:3 , Joh 20:29 , and should be so here.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Joh 13:17. ) these things, which I have done.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Joh 13:17
Joh 13:17
If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them.-If they understood the lessons taught it would add much to their happiness if they would do them. The spirit that is willing to serve is one that will always bring happiness, and without which true happiness cannot be attained. A person that is always expecting and exacting deference will be unhappy. Seek to show deference, let such esteem others better than themselves, is the spirit that Christ inculcates and is one that will bring happiness in time and eternity. What will bring true happiness in time will also bring it in eternity and vice versa. Then if you have understood these things, you shall be blessed if you do them. The principle of helping the helpless, of weeping with those that weep, and of encouraging the lowly and encouraging the sinful to sin no more is the essential and fundamental spirit of Jesus Christ and his holy religion, and to cultivate the spirit and practice of doing good to others is the work that fits mortals for the home with him forever.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
happy: Joh 15:14, Gen 6:22, Exo 40:16, Psa 19:11, Psa 119:1-5, Eze 36:27, Mat 7:24, Mat 7:25, Mat 12:50, Mat 22:38-41, Luk 12:47, Luk 12:48, 2Co 5:14, 2Co 5:15, Gal 5:6, Heb 11:7, Heb 11:8, Jam 1:25, Jam 2:20-24, Jam 4:17, Rev 22:14
Reciprocal: Gen 7:5 – all that Exo 12:50 – as the Lord Lev 20:8 – And ye Deu 11:27 – General Jos 1:8 – observe 1Ki 13:9 – For 1Ch 14:16 – did as God Ezr 7:10 – to do it Psa 1:1 – Blessed Psa 15:5 – He that doeth Psa 106:3 – Blessed Psa 111:10 – do his commandments Psa 119:48 – unto thy Pro 29:18 – but Isa 56:2 – Blessed Jer 6:16 – and walk Jer 11:6 – Hear Eze 18:11 – that Eze 43:11 – and do Dan 5:22 – though Mat 11:29 – my Luk 6:47 – doeth Luk 8:21 – which Luk 11:28 – General Rom 2:18 – knowest Phi 4:9 – do Heb 10:26 – after Jam 1:22 – be
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
MISSIONARY SERVICE
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Joh 13:17
I. There is a test by which the reality of discipleship is proved.
II. It forms the substance of the teaching of the Lord after He rose from the dead.
III. It is contained in the one command, to evangelise the world.
IV. This command was obeyed at the beginning, and utterly neglected in the middle of this dispensation.
V. A return to the obedience of early disciples, and reality of their consecration, will mean renewed enthusiasm for missionary work.
VI. The power and the presence of the Holy Ghost are assured, will be given, and can effectually complete the work, through praying, obedient, and consecrated souls.
Rev. Hubert Brooke.
Illustration
There was a time when the Moravian Church was 120,000 marks in debt; and special contributions were asked from all members. A humble shoemaker was called upon for help, and he gave this answer: There are thirty thousand members of our church, and 120,000 marks of debt: that is 4 marks apiece. Here we are, myself, my wife, and five children; that is seven. Seven times four are twenty-eight; and here is my share, 28 marks. Next year the debt had been diminished, but was not gone. The collector came again and reported still a debt of 90,000 marks. The simple cobbler never stayed to grumble at the slackness of other members, but answered again: That is an average of 3 marks for each member. Thank God, wife and children are still here: so seven times three are twenty-one; and here is my share of 21 marks. That is the true spirit in which to hear Gods call, and do His will.
(SECOND OUTLINE)
KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE
Humility is the posture of mind in which to look for Divine blessing; Christ, coming and finding His disciples lowly and free from self-confidence and pride, will bless, exalt, and save them. Our Saviour taught the much-needed and difficult lesson of humility in three ways: by precept, by symbol (when He washed the disciples feet), and by His own incomparable obedience and sacrifice. The principle of the text applies primarily to humility, yet also to all virtues.
I. Knowledge.Christianity is a religion which exalts knowledge. Man was made to know, in which is implied both an intellectual nature, and truth adapted to satisfy that nature. The Lord Jesus came to reveal truth concerning God and man: His prayer was that we might know the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom God sent. That the soul be without knowledge is not good; but that the soul be without this knowledge is death.
II. Practice.We have an active, as well as a cognative, nature. Much of our knowledge finds its true end and justification when it is reduced to practice. We may know Gods will; but that avails nothing unless we do it. We may understand and admire the virtues which are the notes of true discipleship; but those virtues are to be embodied in our own conduct and disposition. Knowledge is to be translated into character and action. It is so with humility, and with all graces. If convinced that Christ is the Son of God, live by faith in Him! If assured that His law is the highest morality, practise it! If persuaded that fellowship with His Church is a duty and a privilege, neglect it not! If expecting judgment and eternity, prepare for them!
III. Happiness.This is not the true aim of life, but it is a Divine addition and ornament, and an incentive to obedience. Knowledge alone is not sufficient for happiness, but knowledge reduced to practice is its appointed means. The intelligent and obedient Christian is happy; for his powers are exercised in conformity with the constitution the Creator has impressed upon him; there is no reproach of conscience, the approving smile of the Master is upon him, and he has the hope of a final welcome and an everlasting recompense. Happy is the people that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
7
This short verse contains a great principle that permeates the entire structure of man’s relation to God. No one can serve Him without knowing what will please Him, but even that knowledge is useless unless It is carried out in performance.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Joh 13:17. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. Simple as might appear the duty to which the disciples were called, Jesus knew that it was a hard and trying task. He connects therefore a promise of blessedness with the actual performance of the duty.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Our Lord here intimates unto us these two things:
1. The necessity of knowledge, in order unto practice.
2. The necessity of practice, in order unto happiness.
A man may know the will of God indeed, and not do it; but he can never do the will of God (acceptably) and not know it. The knowledge of God’s will and our duty, is necessary to the practice of it. The knowledge of our duty, and the practice of it, may be and too often are separated; but the practice of religion, and doing what we know to be our duty is the only way to true happiness.
Learn thence, 1. That Christ doth not approve of a blind obedience in his people, but requires that their practice and obedience be founded upon understanding and knowledge.
2. That the first care of those that will be Christ’s disciples and followers must be this, with all seriousness to apply themselves to the knowlege of their Master’s will.
3. That next to the knowlege of our duty, our first and chief care must be, to practice everything that we understand and know to be our duty.
4. That a right knowledge and practice of our duty, will certainly make us happy: If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Knowing what one ought to do and really doing it are frequently two different things. Jesus promised God’s favor on those who practice humble service, not on those who simply realize that they should be humble (cf. Joh 8:31; Joh 12:47-48; Heb 12:14; Jas 1:22-25). This is one of only two beatitudes in John’s Gospel (cf. Joh 20:29).
"There is a form of religious piety that utters a hearty ’Amen!’ to the most stringent demands of discipleship, but which rarely does anything about them." [Note: Carson, The Gospel . . ., p. 469.]