Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 4:39
And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
39. many of the Samaritans ] Strong proof of the truth of Joh 4:35. These Samaritans outstrip the Jews, and even the Apostles, in their readiness to believe. The Jews rejected the testimony of their own Scriptures, of the Baptist, of Christ’s miracles and teaching. The Samaritans accept the testimony of the woman, who had suddenly become an Apostle to her countrymen.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him, … – There is seldom an instance of so remarkable success as this. From a single conversation, in circumstances, in a place, and with an individual little likely to be attended with such results, many sinners were converted; many believed on the testimony of the woman; many more came to hear, and believed because they heard him themselves. We should never despair of doing good in the most unpromising circumstances, and we should seize upon every opportunity to converse with sinners on the great subject of their souls salvation.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 39. Many of the Samaritans – believed on him for the saying of the woman] This woman was the first apostle of Christ in Samaria! She went and told her fellow citizens that the Messiah was come; and gave for proof, that he had told her the most secret things she had ever done: see on Joh 4:29. This word, which is twice repeated, in Joh 4:29 and here, strongly intimates that a more particular conversation had taken place, between our Lord and the Samaritan woman, than what is here related.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
That city was Sichem, or Sychar, but it was within the province of Samaria, from whence it is that they had the name of Samaritans as well as Sichemites.
Many of them, upon the testimony of the woman; That he had told her such secret passages of her life, as he could not have told her if he had not been able, if he had pleased, as well to have told her all things,
believed on him; that is, they owned him as a prophet, and agreed to what the woman said in that particular, and were by it excited to come to see and further discourse with Christ. This justifieth what our Saviour said, that there was then a people prepared for the Lord, the fields were white unto the harvest; that they were thus far wrought upon by the discourse of a woman, and she one not of the highest reputation, and only telling them that he had told her all things she had done. Small means have great effects when Gods time of working is come.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
39-42. many . . . believed,&c.The truth of Joh 4:35begins to appear. These Samaritans were the foundation of the Churchafterwards built up there. No miracle appears to have been wroughtthere (but unparalleled supernatural knowledge displayed): “wehave heard Him ourselves” (Joh4:42) sufficed to raise their faith to a point never attained bythe Jews, and hardly as yet by the disciplesthat He was “theSaviour of the world” [ALFORD].”This incident is further remarkable as a rare instance of theLord’s ministry producing an awakening on a large scale“[OLSHAUSEN].
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And many of the Samaritans of that city,…. Of Sychar, which was a city of Samaria;
believed on him; that he was the true Messiah he had told the woman he was; and she put it to them whether he was or not: before they saw him, or had any conversation with him themselves, they believed in him; see Joh 20:29;
for the saying of the woman which testified, he told me all that ever I did: the account she gave was so plain, and honest, and disinterested, that they could not but give credit to it; and since the person was an utter stranger to her, and yet had laid before her the whole series of her past life and conversation, they concluded he could be no other than the Messiah, who should tell all things; and being of quick understanding or smell, was able to disclose the secrets of men.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Because of the saying of the woman who testified ( ). She bore her witness clearly and with discretion. She told enough to bring her neighbours to Christ. They knew her evil life and she frankly confessed Christ’s rebuke to her. She had her share in this harvest. How timid and cowardly we often are today in not giving our testimony for Christ to our neighbour.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
The saying [ ] . Rev., better, the word. It does not refer merely to the woman ‘s statement, He told me, etc., but to her whole testimony [] concerning Christ.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “And many of the Samaritans, (ek de polloi ton Samariton) “Then many out of the Samaritans,” or from among the Samaritans.
2) “Of that city believed on him,” (tes poleos ekeines episteusan eis a uton) “Of that city believed or trusted into him,” of and from the city of Sychar, Joh 4:5, near ancient Shechem, where Jacob had bought the parcel of campground from Hamor, the father of Shechem, as a place to camp, build an altar, and a burial plot, Gen 33:18-19; Jos 24:32.
3) “For the saying of the woman which testified,” (dia ton logon tes gunaikos marturouses) “Because of the testimony or witnessing of the woman,” as she went into that city, stirring quite a scene, no longer overtly or covertly soliciting men of the city for immoral gain, but telling them that she has found a new man, the Messiah, the Redeemer, Joh 4:19.
4) “He told me all that ever I did.” (hoti eipen moi panta ha epoiesa) “That he told me all (kind of) things which I had done and then did,” even her wicked living, (shacking up) with a man to whom she was not legally, morally, or ethically married, Joh 4:16-18; Joh 4:29. These believing Samaritans became early examples of those who believe on Jesus Christ though they have never seen Him, Joh 20:29; Rom 4:18-20; 2Co 5:7.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
39. And many Samaritans out of that city believed. The Evangelist here relates what was the success of the woman’s announcement to her citizens, from which it is evident that the expectation and desire of the promised Messiah had no small vigor among them. Now, the word believe is here used inaccurately, and means that they were induced by the woman’s statement to acknowledge Christ to be a Prophet. It is, in some respects, a commencement of faith, when minds are prepared to receive the doctrine. Such an entrance to faith receives here the honorable appellation of faith, in order to inform us how highly God esteems reverence for his word, when he confers so great honor on the docility of those who have not yet been taught. Now, their faith manifests itself in this respect, that they are seized with a desire to profit, and, for that reason, desire that Christ should remain with them
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
REAPING THE HARVEST
Text 4:39-42
39
And from that city many of the Samaritans believed on him because of the word of the woman, who testified, He told me all things that ever I did.
40
So when the Samaritans came unto him, they besought him to abide with them: and he abode there two days.
41
And many more believed because of his word;
42
and they said to the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy speaking: for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world.
Queries
a.
How could the people believe because of the womans testimony?
b.
What was the significance of their hearing for themselves?
c.
Why do they say Saviour of the world?
Paraphrase
And many of the Samaritan people from that city trusted and obeyed Jesus because of the personal witness of the woman who testified, He told me all things which I ever did. When the Samaritans came to Him they begged Him to stay with them. So Jesus remained there two days. And many trusted and obeyed because of His reasoning, and they told the woman, We no longer believe merely through your testimony, but we have heard Him for ourselves and know that this One is truly the Saviour of the world.
Summary
Many of the Samaritans are firmly persuaded that Jesus is the looked-for Saviour, because of both the womans testimony and Jesus reasoning with them.
Comment
B. F. Westcott points out the great contrast between these Samaritans and the people of Jerusalem who believed on Him. The Samaritans had, so far as we know, only the testimony of the woman and Christs reasoning with them for the ground of their faith. On the other hand, the Jerusalem believers had many miracles and signs (Joh. 2:23) upon which to ground their belief. The woman told the townspeople of Jesus prophetic insight, but they had to trust her testimony, for they had not witnessed the conversation.
Why would they trust her? When one considers her probable reputation, it seems little short of amazing that they would believe her. Doubtless her enthusiasm played a major part in gaining their ears. Furthermore, she would be unlikely to admit that Jesus had prophetically revealed her immoral past, were it not true! But they did not rest their trust in Him solely upon her story, but investigated for themselves. They were like noble Bereans (cf. Act. 17:11).
Joh. 4:40 presents another contrast. Contrast the hospitality of the Samaritans now and the uncharitable attitude of some Samaritans later in the ministry of Jesus (cf. Luk. 9:51-56). Of course, Jesus made disciples only in this one city, and the return trip spoken of in the ninth chapter of Luke may have taken Him through other cities.
One note of interest here is Johns taking almost the entire fourth chapter to record only two days happenings while the timeless events of eternity are grappled with in eighteen short verses of Chapter One!
Some see in the Lords evangelistic efforts here a contradiction of His later commission to the apostles to not enter into a city of the Samaritans; but go rather unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Mat. 10:5-6). But the commission of Mat. 10:1-42 was: (a) subsequent to the Samaritan event; (b) temporary in nature; (c) cancelled by even later commissions in Mat. 28:19-20 and Act. 1:8. It is also well to remember that Jesus stopped in only one village of the Samaritans, and then only after their continued insistence!
In Joh. 4:41, the Samaritans state definitely the cause for their belief the word of Jesus. The Greek word which has been translated word is logos, which may also be translated as discourse of instruction, or expression of reasoning. (See our comments on Joh. 1:1-18). In two days time He had ample opportunity to present His claims and show His fulfillment of the Pentateuch. This incident is illustrative of the principle stated by Paul . . . Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Rom. 10:17).
Lenski makes a good point in Joh. 4:42 by contrasting two kinds of faith: (a) the fledglings faith based on the testimony of others, and (b) the satisfying faith based on personal investigation and experience. The former is the faith of many children who have been taught by parents and Sunday School teachers; the latter is the type of faith into which the former should grow faith which is firmly grounded in ones own personal investigation and contact with Christ and His Word.
Those critics who wish to deny the historicity of the Fourth Gospel claim the Samaritans did not say we know that this is the Saviour of the world, but that John puts these words into their mouths on his own accord. This is absurd! Jesus told the woman (Joh. 4:26) that He was the Messiah. Would not two days be sufficient for Jesus to tell this city of His universal Redeemer-ship? This universality is really the lesson He proceeds to teach the woman in Joh. 4:20 through Joh. 4:26! As is usually the case, the destructive critics have failed to read and understand the context!
Quiz
1.
How do these Samaritans compare with the believers of Jerusalem (Joh. 2:23)?
2.
Give two reasons to show that Jesus does not contradict His commission of Mat. 10:5-6 by entering a Samaritan city.
3.
Would it be possible for the Samaritans to understand Jesus to be a universal Saviour? Explain.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(39) Many of the Samaritans of that city believed.The willingness to receive the truth on the part of the Samaritans, is contrasted with the rejection of it on the part of the Jews. They refused the witness of a great prophet; these accept the witness of a woman. Their minds were prepared by the general expectation of the Messiah; and this woman witnesses that Jesus had revealed to her the whole past of her life. There is here a sign they do not question.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
39. For the saying of the woman She was a type of the missionary Church; so holding forth the facts and carrying the spirit of the Church that men’s hearts receive it with faith.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And from that town many of the Samaritans believed on him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all things that I ever did.”
The woman’s testimony had convinced the townspeople that here might be the Taheb. It was a time of great expectation in Palestine, and there are special times when small things produce great results. The writer recognises that this could only be as a result of the activity of the Spirit. God was clearly at work. It would appear that they saw some change in this woman who had candidly told them that this man had laid bare her past life, something of which they also knew, and that it helped to convince them. It was apparent to them that something had happened, that she was no longer the loose woman that she had been. To some extent they believed even before they met Jesus Himself, for they would never have believed that this woman would ever be involved in religious excitement. Their rapid and genuinely responsive faith was intended to be in deliberate contrast with those Jews whose faith was lacking (Joh 2:23-25) and with Nicodemus the ‘ruler of the Jews’ who continued to hesitate.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Faith as personal conviction:
v. 39. And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on Him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
v. 40. So when the Samaritans were come unto Him, they besought Him that He would tarry with them; and He abode there two days.
v. 41. And many more believed because of His own word;
v. 42. and said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying; for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world. The woman did her missionary work well. She spoke with such earnestness and conviction that she persuaded many of the people of the city. Their faith was the result of the woman’s testimony, even before they saw and heard Jesus Himself. If we only, individually and collectively, see to it that the Gospel is proclaimed throughout the world, we may rest assured in advance that the blessing of God will attend our efforts, and that there will always be some that will come to faith and acknowledge Jesus as their Redeemer. And the testimony of the woman caused also the petition of the Samaritans that the Lord should stay with them. For two days they were privileged to have the Savior in their midst. He taught these souls that were hungry for salvation; He gave them the information which they needed concerning His person and work. And the harvest was rich and plentiful. A great many more were gained through the preaching of Jesus, who frankly told the woman that they no longer believed on account of her narrative. They themselves had heard the words of eternal grace, they had the firm knowledge and conviction that this man was not a mere teacher or prophet, but that He was truly the Christ, the Savior of the world. That is the simple, but unshakable certainty of Christian faith. That is the right faith, that we do not only believe to be true what we hear in regard to the wonderful spiritual experiences of others, but that we have the personal conviction regarding Jesus that He is our Savior.
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
Joh 4:39-40. And many of the Samaritansbelieved Many of the Samaritans had been so struck with the account which the woman gave of Jesus, that they believed him to be the Messiah on her testimony. Accordingly, being come to him, they begged him to take up his residence in their city. Jesus, in compassion to their wants and desires, complied so far as to stay with them two days; which was a proper mediumbetween his entirely neglecting them, and the giving them so much of his time and company as would have broken in upon the design of his journey into Galilee. During the time of his stay, the discourses which our Lord delivered were attended with great power, as appeared by their success: for they brought many of the Sycharites to believe on him as the Messiah.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Joh 4:39 ff. Resumption of the historical narrative of Joh 4:30 , which here receives its elucidation, to which then the continuation of the history attaches itself, Joh 4:40-42 . As to the position of the words . . ., see Buttmann, N. T. Gr. p. 332 [E. T. p. 388].
, . . .] Indication of conscience ratifying Joh 4:18 .
] on account of His own word (teaching). No mention is made of miracles , but we must not infer from this that there was no need of miracles among the Samaritans; see, on the other hand, Act 8:6 ff. Jesus found that in this case His word sufficed, and therefore upon principle (see Joh 4:48 ) He forbore to work miracles, and His mighty word was all the mightier among the unprejudiced people.
] on account of thy discourse . This is the meaning of invariably in classical Greek. The term is purposely chosen , as from the standing-point of the speaker; whereas John, as an impartial narrator , with equal appropriateness, writes in Joh 4:39 . As to in Joh 8:43 , where Jesus thus designates His own discourse, see in loc . Observe, besides, the emphatic as contrasted with the of Jesus which they themselves ( ) have now heard.
] the following refers to both verbs. They have heard that Jesus was the Messiah, for this became evident to them from His words.
] not due to the individuality of John (1Jn 4:14 ), and put into the mouths of the people, as Lcke and Tholuck are inclined to suppose, but a confession quite conceivable as the result of the two days’ ministry of Jesus; universalism, moreover, being more akin to the Messianic faith of the Samaritans (see Gesenius, de Samar. theol . p. 41 ff.) than to that of the Jews, with their definite and energetic feeling of nationality.
Note .
The prohibition in Mat 10:5 militates neither against this narrative of Joh 4 in general, nor in particular against the promise of Joh 4:35 ff. It had merely a temporary force, and was abrogated again by Mat 28:19-20 , and Act 1:8 ; and, moreover, it presented no insuperable barrier to restrict Jesus in His work (for He did not wholly exclude even Gentiles from His teaching). Act 8:5 ff. is no proof whatever that this history in John is of mythical origin; it is, on the contrary, the fulfilment of the promise given here. Its several features are so original, and so pyschologically true, and the words of Jesus (see especially Joh 4:21-24 ) come so directly from the living depths of His soul, that the exceptions taken against certain particulars (as, for instance, against the misunderstandings on the part of the woman; against the words concerning the food, Joh 4:32 ; against the command of Jesus, “Go, call thy husband;” against the woman’s question concerning the place of worship; against the faith of the Samaritans, which is said to contradict Luk 9:53 ) are of no real weight, and are explicable only by the very authenticity of the narrative, not by the supposition of an intentional poetizing. This is in answer to Strauss, B. Bauer, and partly Weisse; also to Scholten, who considers that the author’s object was to describe in a non-historical picture the spirit which actuated Jesus even towards the Samaritans. As a full guarantee for that part of the narrative, which the disciples, being absent, could not have witnessed, we may, considering the vivid impress of genuineness which marks it, fairly assume that Jesus Himself communicated it to the evangelist, and there is no need for the unfounded supposition that (Joh 4:8 ) John was left behind with Jesus (Hengstenberg, Godet). When, finally, Baur (p. 145 ff.; comp. also Hilgenfeld) resolves our history into a typus , “the Samaritan woman being a figure of heathendom , susceptible, readily opening itself to faith, and presenting a wide harvest field,” a contrast to Nicodemus, the type of unsusceptible Judaism, with all this arbitrariness on the part of the inventor, it is passing strange, if this were his object, that he did not bring Jesus into contact with a real heathen woman, for this would have been quite as easy to invent; and that he should keep the words of the woman so free from the least tinge of anything of a heathen nature (Joh 4:20 ff.), and have put into her mouth so clear an expression of Messianic hope (Joh 4:25 ; Joh 4:42 ), this bungling is quite out of character on the part of such an inventor.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
Ver. 39. For the saying of the woman ] An unlikely means to effect so great a matter. But what is that to the Almighty? So Junius professeth, that the very first thing that turned him from atheism was conference with a countryman of his, not far from Florence. The next was, the majesty of the Scriptures, which he observed inJoh 1:1-15Joh 1:1-15 . So for our forefathers in times of Popery, Mr Fox observeth, that by the reading of Chaucer’s books some were brought to the knowledge of the truth. And in that rarity of books and want of teachers, this one thing I greatly marvel at (saith he), to note in the registers, and consider how the word of God did multiply so exceedingly as it did among them. For I find that one neighbour resorting to and conferring with another, again, with a few words of their first or second talk, did win and turn their minds to that wherein they desire to persuade them touching the truth of God’s word and sacraments.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
39 42. ] The truth of the saying of Joh 4:35 begins to be manifested. These Samaritans were the foundation of the church afterwards built up there. It does not seem that any miracle was wrought there: was enough to raise their faith to a point never attained by the Jews, and hardly as yet by the disciples, that He was the Saviour of the world . Their view seems to have been less clouded by prejudice and narrow-mindedness than that of the Jews; and though the conversion of this people lay not in the plan of the official life of our Lord, or working of His Apostles during it (see Mat 10:5 ), yet we have abundant proof from this history, of His gracious purposes towards them. A trace of this occurrence may be found ch. Joh 8:48 , where see note. Compare throughout Act 8:1-25 . (In Joh 4:42 is perhaps not to be distinguished from before: see ch. Joh 8:43 . But it is hardly possible not to see in the word something of allusion to the woman’s eager and diffuse report to them.)
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Joh 4:39-42 briefly sum up the results of the Lord’s visit.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Joh 4:39 . Out of Sychar many of the Samaritans believed on Him. This faith was the result of the woman’s testimony, ; her testimony being, .
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Joh 4:39-42
39From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” 40So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41Many more believed because of His word; 42and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.”
Joh 4:39 “many of the Samaritans believed in Him” John uses the verb “believe” in combination with several other terms: “believe in” (en), “believe that” (hoti), and, most often, “believe into” (eis) or put trust in (cf. Joh 2:11; Joh 2:23; Joh 3:16; Joh 3:18; Joh 3:36; Joh 6:29; Joh 6:35; Joh 6:40; Joh 7:5; Joh 7:31; Joh 7:38; Joh 7:48; Joh 8:30; Joh 9:35-36; Joh 10:42; Joh 11:25-26; Joh 11:45; Joh 11:48; Joh 12:11; Joh 12:37; Joh 12:42; Joh 12:44; Joh 12:46; Joh 14:1; Joh 14:12; Joh 16:9; Joh 17:20). Originally the Samaritans believed because of the woman’s testimony (Joh 4:39), but after they heard Jesus they personally received His testimony (Joh 4:41-42). Jesus came to the lost sheep of Israel, but His gospel was for all mankind: Samaritans, Syro-Phoenician women, and Roman soldiers (cf. Rom 10:12; 1Co 12:13; Gal 3:28-29; Col 3:11). See Special Topic at Joh 2:23.
“because of the word of the woman who testified” If God used the witness of this heretical and immoral woman, He can also use mine and yours! This verse shows the significance of a personal testimony. See SPECIAL TOPIC: WITNESSES TO JESUS at Joh 1:8.
Joh 4:40
NASB, NRSV”asking”
NKJV”urged”
TEV, NJB”begged”
This is a strong Greek term and should be translated “urged” or “begged.” The intensity of this term can be seen in its use in Joh 4:47 (cf. Luk 4:38).
Joh 4:42 “the Savior of the world” This same universal title is used in 1Jn 4:14. It is also used in the universal sense of God’s love for all mankind (cf. 1Ti 2:6; Heb 2:9; 1Jn 2:2). The promise of Gen 3:15 has been fulfilled! In the first century this phrase was often used of Caesar. Roman persecution occurred because Christians used this title exclusively for Jesus. This title also shows how the NT authors attributed God the Father’s titles to the Son: Tit 1:3 – Tit 1:4; Tit 2:10 – Tit 2:13; Tit 3:4 – Tit 3:6.
The Jews had rejected Jesus (cf. Joh 1:11), but the Samaritans quickly and easily received Him (cf. Joh 1:12)!
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
believed on. App-150. See note on Joh 1:7.
for = on account of. Greek. dia. App-104. Joh 4:2.
testified = bore witness. See note on Joh 1:7.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
39-42.] The truth of the saying of Joh 4:35 begins to be manifested. These Samaritans were the foundation of the church afterwards built up there. It does not seem that any miracle was wrought there: was enough to raise their faith to a point never attained by the Jews, and hardly as yet by the disciples,-that He was the Saviour of the world. Their view seems to have been less clouded by prejudice and narrow-mindedness than that of the Jews; and though the conversion of this people lay not in the plan of the official life of our Lord, or working of His Apostles during it (see Mat 10:5),-yet we have abundant proof from this history, of His gracious purposes towards them. A trace of this occurrence may be found ch. Joh 8:48, where see note. Compare throughout Act 8:1-25. (In Joh 4:42 is perhaps not to be distinguished from before: see ch. Joh 8:43. But it is hardly possible not to see in the word something of allusion to the womans eager and diffuse report to them.)
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Joh 4:39. , believed) Wonderful openness to conviction! They had not yet seen Jesus; comp. Joh 4:40, So when the Samaritans were come to Him. Her testimony must have been given by the woman with great efficacy and power [among those souls, which were athirst, and had never before experienced such things.-V. g.]
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Joh 4:39
Joh 4:39
And from that city many of the Samaritans believed on him because of the word of the woman, who testified, He told me all things that ever I did.-The woman was a dull, but candid woman. She was living a life of adultery. This was probably so common among her people as not to incur the ostracism it has in later years. Her earnest and candid statement of what had passed between her and Jesus moved many to believe on Christ through her. The fervid earnestness of a candid person causes conviction frequently. [She had borne testimony of Christ as best she could. Though an humble woman, she had not preached Christ in vain. This demonstrates what one poor soul can do for Christ.]
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
the Growth of Faith
Joh 4:39-45
There are many ways of coming to know Christ. In some cases He comes to us, as to the woman by the well, and reveals Himself in a direct and illuminating manner, so that the soul can never afterward entertain a doubt as to his reality or its own experience. In other cases, the report of some associate or friend is the arresting and converting factor. Many Samaritans believed because of the word of the woman. There was a light in her eyes, a radiance in her face, a strength and dignity in her bearing that convinced them. There was yet another section of the Samaritans, who watched and listened, as Jesus tarried with them. They heard Him for themselves, and were convinced that He was indeed the Saviour, not of the Jews only, but of the whole world.
Our Lord could not remain among this interesting people, for His mission was primarily to His own nation. He therefore proceeded on His way to Galilee, not to Nazareth where He was so well known, but as appears in the following paragraph, to Cana of Galilee, where He was welcomed because of the marked impression that He had already made in the metropolis.
Fuente: F.B. Meyer’s Through the Bible Commentary
many: Joh 10:41, Joh 10:42, Joh 11:45
for: Joh 4:29, Joh 4:42
Reciprocal: Pro 4:13 – let Luk 14:21 – Go Luk 17:16 – and he Joh 1:37 – and they Joh 4:25 – when Joh 7:31 – believed Act 8:1 – Samaria Heb 12:1 – witnesses
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
9
The Samaritans were a mixed race, and thus were “part Jew,” hence they were not regarded strictly as Gentiles. Jesus made a distinction between them in Mat 10:5, when he sent the apostles forth on their first mission. It also explains why the Gospel was offered to and accepted by the people of Samaria (Act 8:5-12), when it is generally believed (and correctly so) that it was offered to the Gentiles for the first time when it was offered to Cornelius in Acts 10.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Joh 4:39. And from that city many of the Samaritans believed in him because of the word of the woman, bearing witness, He told me all things that ever I did. The arrangement of the words shows the prominence which John would give to the thought that many Samaritans believed in Jesus. Their faith, too, was only mediately called forth by the womans word, for the Evangelist describes her by his favourite and most expressive term, as one bearing witness concerning Jesus.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Here an account is given of the conversion of more of the Samaritans from the city of Sichar. Some believed on him, upon the full report which the woman had made, That, He had told her all that ever she did; but others were brought to believe by his own word.
Now from the woman’s being an instrument to bring her acquaintance to Christ by her own experience of what she had heard from him:
Learn, 1. That very weak instruments, when they employ themselves for Christ, desiring to extol his praise, and set forth his glory, are sometimes richly blessed with great success. Many of the Samaritans believed for the saying of this poor woman.
Learn, 2. That when a person can say but little of Christ, yet if it be spoken from experience and sensible feeling, it will be more successful and persuasive, than much more that which is spoken from notional knowledge. Such was this woman’s testimony concerning Christ, Come, see a man that told me all things that ever I did; is not this the Christ? She spake what she found, yea, what she felt within herself, and speaking her own experience, many believed on him for her saying.
But farther, These Samaritans believed Christ to be a prophet upon the testimony of this woman: but they believed him afterwards to be the Messias, or the Saviour of the world, upon the credit and authority of his own word, ver, 41. And many more believed because of his own word.
Thence learn, That although instruments speaking may be a mean to draw persons to give some assent to truth, yet it is Christ himself that must work a full persuasion, and his own word is the surest foundation for faith to build and depend upon: Now we believe, not because of thy saying, for we have heard him ourselves.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Joh 4:39-40. Many of the Samaritans believed on him That is, believed him to be a divinely-commissioned teacher, and even the true Messiah, as appears from Joh 4:42; for the saying of the woman, who testified, He told me all that ever I did A declaration which both struck and convinced them: so is God sometimes pleased to use very weak and unlikely instruments for the beginning and carrying on of a good work. And our Lord, by instructing one poor woman, here spread instruction through a whole town. Let not ministers, then, be either careless or discouraged in their preaching, because their hearers are few and mean; for by doing good to them, good may be conveyed to more, and to persons of greater influence. If believers teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, a great number may learn, and these again may teach others. Philip preached the gospel to a single person in his chariot upon the road, and he not only received it himself, but carried it into his country, and propagated it there. We see here also the good effect of speaking experimentally of Christ, and of the things of God. This woman could say little of them, but what she did say, she spake from the heart, and feelingly. Those are most likely to do good to others, who can tell what God has done for their own souls. When the Samaritans were come to him Being greatly taken with the manner of his deportment, and the tenor of his discourse; they besought him to tarry with them For some time at least, as being desirous of a further acquaintance with him, and of receiving further benefit from his instructions. For the meanness of his appearance, when they saw him, and the manifest poverty of his outward condition, did not lessen their esteem of him, and expectations from him. Observe, reader, we may entertain good hopes of those who have got over the vulgar prejudices that men have against true worth in a low estate. Blessed are they that are not offended in Christ at the first sight. The evangelist seems to lay an emphasis on their being Samaritans. See also Luk 10:33; Luk 17:16. The Samaritans had not that reputation for religion that the Jews had; yet the Jews, who saw Christs miracles, drove him from them, while the Samaritans, who saw not his miracles, nor had shared in his favours, invited him to them! The proof of the gospels success is not always according to probability, nor what is experienced according to what is expected. And he Ever ready to lay hold on every opportunity of doing good, went with them to their city; and abode there two days Which was a proper medium between entirely neglecting them, and giving them so much of his time and company as would have broken in upon the design of his journey into Galilee, or might have given umbrage to the Jews.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Vv. 39-42. Now many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him because of the word of the woman who testified: He told me all things that I have done. 40. When, therefore, the Samaritans came unto him, they besought him to abide with them; and he abode there two days. 41. And many more believed on him because of his word. 42. And they said to the woman: No longer because of thy saying do we believe; for we have heard him ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world.
Here now is the harvest-feast announced in Joh 4:36 : The sower rejoices with the reapers. This time passed at Sychar leaves an ineffaceable impression on the hearts of the apostles, and the sweetness of this recollection betrays itself in the repetition of the words two days, in the fortieth and forty-third verses. , now, resumes the course of the narrative after the digression in Joh 4:31-38. What a difference between the Samaritans and the Jews! Here a miracle of knowledge, without eclat, is enough to dispose the hearts of the people to come to Jesus, while in Judea eight months of toil have not procured for him one hour of such refreshment.
The thirty-ninth verse has shown us the first degree of faith: The coming to Jesus, as the result of testimony. The fortieth and forty-first verses present the higher degree of faith, its development through personal contact with Jesus.
ADDITIONAL NOTES BY THE AMERICAN EDITOR.
XXII.
1. The repetition of the statement of Joh 4:29 in Joh 4:39 is confirmatory of the view given in the preceding note of the character and source of the impression produced on the woman’s mind. The many alluded to in Joh 4:41 believed because of His word. We have, accordingly, in this whole section from Joh 3:1 to Joh 4:42, cases of persons who had their faith awakened by personal communication with Jesus and by listening to what He said.
2. The expression referring to the matter of belief which is peculiar to this case of the many, is that they said they knew this man to bethe Saviour of the world. The testimony of Jesus, as thus indicated, was to the end of the universality of His work. Weiss, in his edition of Meyer’s Commentary, holds that this expression is put into the mouth of these Samaritans by the evangelist, opposing thus the view of Meyer who agrees with Godet.
But the natural pointing of the words of Jesus with respect to worship is towards the possibility of true worship in the case of any man, and independently of place, and this question of worship was the one which these people were most likely to have discussed with Jesus as the great question pertaining to their nation and the Jews. If in their communications with Him they become convinced of His wonderful character, and had even a glimpse of this independency of place belonging to the true worship, their thought must have gone out beyond national limitations to a universal worshiping of God. That they had a clear and full comprehension of this, as the writer had at the time of his writing, is not probable.
Such a supposition is not required by their use of the words. But that they should have expressed the thought, which they must have derived as intimated above, by these words, is not to be regarded as unnatural. Jesus taught His disciples by the suggestion of great thoughts. They had but a feeble grasp of them at the first. At a later time, they entered into deeper knowledge. But the story, as told from the standpoint of the later period, must be interpreted, oftentimes, not from the time of the recording of it, but from that of the events.
An illustrative example may be found in Joh 16:30. How true to the life are the words of the disciples which are there recorded: Now we know that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any one should ask thee. And yet, how evident it is that in relation to what His meaning was their minds had, at the most, only a glimmering of the light. Indeed, the very words of Jesus which follow seem to intimate this: Do ye now believe? Behold the hour cometh, yea, is come, that ye shall be scattered every man to his own and shall leave me alone. The word which He spoke to Peter at the end with reference to His departure to the unseen world, might, in a certain sense, be applied to His life with His disciples in the region of the truth: Thou canst not follow me now, but thou shalt follow me afterwards. So, in this case of the Samaritan believers, the words which were used were the expression of the first outgoing of their thought beyond the boundaries of their own nation and beyond the Jews. But the appreciation of what salvation for the world was this could only be gained many years afterwards. The story tells what they said, and they may well have said these words. The meaning of the words to their minds must be judged of, not by what we know, but by what they knew.
Fuente: Godet Commentary (Luke, John, Romans and 1 Corinthians)
Joh 4:39-46. The Witness of the Samaritans and the Return to Galilee.The author records the effect of personal contact with Jesus on the men who come from the city. The expression, Saviour of the World, must come from the author, who uses the incident to emphasize the readiness of non-Jewish peoples to receive the Christ, and the superiority of faith which rests on personal experience. Jesus, in spite of His success, stays only two days. His true work is in Galilee, His own country, where He is not likely to receive honours which at present would be dangerous.
Fuente: Peake’s Commentary on the Bible
Verse 39
In the suburbs of Nabulus, at the foot of Gerizim, travellers still find a small remnant of the Samaritans, adhering, as tenaciously as ever to the tenets and customs of their fathers. They retain their ancient copies of the Pentateuch, their synagogue, and their priests; and they continue to ascend, four times a year, in solemn processions, to offer sacrifices among the sacred ruins upon the summit of the mountain.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
4:39 {7} And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
(7) The Samaritans most joyfully embrace that which the Jews most stubbornly rejected.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
3. The response to Jesus in Samaria 4:39-42
The response of the Samaritans to Jesus was considerably more positive than the response of the Jews had been (Joh 1:11; Joh 2:23-25). This would prove true as Jesus’ ministry continued. Non-Jews normally responded more positively to Jesus than did Jews both in the Gospels and in Acts.
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)
Harvesting followed the arrival of the Samaritans who had come out from Sychar to see Jesus. Many of them believed initially on Jesus because of the woman’s verbal witness. She had brought them to Jesus. This verse should encourage every believing reader. God uses the witness of all types of people concerning Jesus’ identity to bring others to faith in Him.