John 8:12-20

John 8. Further Controversy in Jerusalem.

John 8:12. The Light of the World; Discourse in the Treasury. If we remove the Pericope adulterai (John 7:53 to John 8:11, clearly a later addition, though a genuine piece of gospel tradition, possibly belonging originally to Lk. and inserted here to illustrate John 8:15, I judge no man), this section regains its natural connexion with John 8:7, and especially John 7:15. It is another specimen of the controversies of the period. John 8:12 may refer to the custom of lighting at this Feast the great candelabra in the Court of the Women where the treasury was (John 8:20), to commemorate the pillar of fire. The Pharisees dispute the credentials of Jesus. His reply is in effect the old prophetic claim to speak for God. He knows whence He is. His claims have the necessary legal witness (Deuteronomy 17:6), His own and God's. They reply that He does not produce His second witness. Their scoffing only reveals their deep ignorance of God. His arrest is not yet attempted. God has more work for Him to do in the capital.