John 8:31

Then said Jesus. [The Argument About Descent From Abraham, John 8:31—59 .]

On him. Literally, “him.” In v. 30 the phrase “on him” is a literal rendering of the Greek. It is possible that a distinction is intended between the group mentioned in v. 30 and that mentioned here. There is a difference between believing in a man and believing a man (see on eh. 1:12; cf. eh. 3:16). In the latter case one may merely believe that certain things he says are true. If the distinction is valid, the change in attitude of the “believers” that is evident in the remainder of the chapter is more easily explained.

Continue. Gr. mend. The same word is translated “abide” in eh. 15:4-7. Continuance in the doctrine of Jesus is evidence of the sincerity of the original profession of faith in Jesus.

Indeed. Gr. alethos, variously translated “truly” (Matt. 27:54), “of a truth” (Luke 9:27), “surely” (Matt. 26:73), “verily” (1 John 2:5). Patient continuance in the word in the face of trial and opposition is the mark of true discipleship. Jesus was exhorting those who had fixed their faith in Him to remain steadfast. There was danger that many of them would be wayside or stonyground hearers (see on Matt. 13:4, 5).