← Back to John 10

John 10:38

KJV

But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

Read it in context At the feast of dedication
Start reading at John 10:22 (John 10:22 to John 10:39). An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.

Jesus answers demands for plain testimony by pointing to His works and sheep, and His words provoke another attempt to seize Him.

  1. 10:22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
  2. 10:23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.
  3. 10:24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
  4. 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
  5. 10:26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
  6. 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
  7. 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
  8. 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
  9. 10:30 I and my Father are one.
  10. 10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
  11. 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
  12. 10:33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
  13. 10:34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
  14. 10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
  15. 10:36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
  16. 10:37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
  17. 10:38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
  18. 10:39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

Who

What

When

Where

How

Cited: John 10:22, John 10:39, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31

Who wrote it, and how we know

John the apostle Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them. John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated

There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.

Related passages

Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).

Macro-Structure

See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.

John 10

The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him. The shepherd discourse follows the conflict over the healed man in John 9.

John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31

The good shepherd
John 10:1–21

FocusHis voice, care, and self-giving

Connection to the wholeJesus contrasts His care with thieves and hirelings, explaining His giving of life for the sheep and producing further division among hearers.
interpretation
At the feast of dedication
John 10:22–39 You are here · 10:38

FocusHearing and the Father's works

Connection to the wholeJesus answers demands for plain testimony by pointing to His works and sheep, and His words provoke another attempt to seize Him.
interpretation
Beyond Jordan
John 10:40–42

FocusTestimony remembered

Connection to the wholeAway from the immediate confrontation, people connect John's witness with Jesus' works and many believe on Him.
interpretation

Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.

Back to search Whole chapter Knowledge Base
About This Ministry Support this work
You've Got Questions. v0.38.0.

Search