Topical Bible: Truth: John Bore Witness To

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In the New Testament, the concept of truth is a central theme, particularly in the Gospel of John. John the Baptist, a pivotal figure in the New Testament, is portrayed as a witness to the truth, preparing the way for Jesus Christ and testifying to His divine nature and mission.

John the Baptist's Role as a Witness

John the Baptist is introduced in the Gospel of John as a man sent from God to bear witness to the light, which is Christ. The Gospel states, "There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe" (John 1:6-7). John's primary mission was to point others to Jesus, the true Light, and to prepare their hearts for His coming.

Testimony to Jesus as the Lamb of God

John the Baptist's testimony is crucial in identifying Jesus as the Messiah. In John 1:29, John declares, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" . This proclamation not only identifies Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb but also underscores the truth of His redemptive mission. John's recognition of Jesus as the Lamb of God is a profound testament to the truth of Jesus' purpose and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

John's Humility and Recognition of Jesus' Supremacy

John the Baptist's testimony is marked by humility and an acknowledgment of Jesus' superiority. He states, "He must increase; I must decrease" (John 3:30). This statement reflects John's understanding of his role in God's plan and his recognition of the truth that Jesus is the central figure in God's redemptive work. John's willingness to step aside for Jesus to take center stage is a testament to his commitment to the truth.

The Spirit of Truth

John the Baptist also speaks of the coming of the Holy Spirit, who is referred to as the Spirit of truth. In John 1:33, John recounts, "I myself did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit'" . This reference to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of truth highlights the role of the Spirit in guiding believers into all truth, as later expounded by Jesus in John 16:13.

John's Testimony and the Believer's Response

The truth to which John bore witness demands a response from those who hear it. His testimony calls for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. In John 1:34, John the Baptist concludes his testimony by affirming, "I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God" . This declaration invites believers to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God and to embrace the truth of His identity and mission.

John the Baptist's role as a witness to the truth is foundational in the Gospel narrative. His testimony not only prepares the way for Jesus but also challenges believers to recognize and respond to the truth of who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish. Through John's witness, the Gospel of John emphasizes the importance of truth in the life of faith and the believer's journey toward understanding and embracing the fullness of Christ's revelation.

Nave's Topical Index

John 5:33
You sent to John, and he bore witness to the truth.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Prophets Bore Witness to Christ and Foretold Many Things ...
... is that of the martyrs, who were honoured by the witness they bore Him, and ... name
of martyr to every one who bears witness to the truth He declares ... 4760] John 1:7 ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of john/28 the prophets bore witness.htm

Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of John
... Christ as the Truth. 28. ... 27. Significance of the Names of John and of His Parents. ...
The Prophets Bore Witness to Christ and Foretold Many Things Concerning Him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/

The Word Made Flesh.
... John bore witness to Christ before he was manifested, The apostles bore witness
after, for ... one of grace or favor to men, and he was the Truth, as well ... John 1:15 ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the word made flesh.htm

John Chapter viii. 13, 14
... He was Himself the greater witness which He bore to Himself ... Whence also the same
John says, "We all have ... it be irradiated by the light of truth, and wondrously ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxxv john chapter viii.htm

How John was a Witness of Christ, and Specially of "The Light. "
... afforded afterwards to those to whom he bore it. ... to know something, cannot understand
pure truth, but behold ... second and diviner advent of Christ, John or Elias ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/30 how john was a.htm

Christ Before Pilate.
... to be a King, that he was a King, and that all who were under the influence of the
truth would hear his voice, because he bore witness to the truth. (John 18:38 ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/christ before pilate.htm

1 Timothy ii. 4-Feb
... came, it is meant, "to bear witness to the truth" of the ... [1176] Thus not only the
Father bore witness to Him ... I came," He saith, "in my Father's name." (John 5:43 ...
/.../homily vii 1 timothy ii.htm

John Chapter x. 22-42
... He saw that they could not bear the brilliance of the truth, and He tempered it ... None
of these things did John, and in all he said he bore witness to this man ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xlviii john chapter x.htm

John's Witness to Jesus, and God's
... who untied (or, according to Matthew, 'bore') his lord's ... So John saw that His coming
would part men into ... on some exposed, windy height, carries a solemn truth. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/johns witness to jesus and.htm

The Crisis in Galilee
... man be born when he is old?" John 3:4 ... He reiterated the truth in yet stronger language:
"Verily, verily ... and raised the dead; and the people bore witness that His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 41 the crisis in.htm