John 8:32

Truth. A frequent word in John. In its basic meaning truth is that which corresponds to fact. John frequently, as here, uses the word in a wider sense to denote what is true in things pertaining to God and the duties of man, or in a more restricted sense the facts taught in the Christian religion concerning God and the execution of His purposes through Christ. This revelation had been given by Jesus (ch. 1:17). He, in fact, was “the truth” (ch. 14:6). He was “full of grace and truth” (ch. 1:14). These facts concerning the Christian religion are revealed also by the Spirit, who Himself is truth (1 John 5:6; cf. John 14:17, 26), and by the Word (John 17:17). See on ch. 1:14.

Make you free. The glorious truths of the gospel had been foreshadowed in the writings of Moses and the prophets. Paul describes the OT era as one of “glory,” and notes that the new era will far exceed it (2 Cor. 3:9). But many of the truths concerning the religion of Jehovah had been obscured by the inventions of the Jews. The minds of the people were blinded and a veil was over their hearts when they read the OT (2 Cor. 3:14, 15). They were bound by the burdensome traditions of the elders (Matt. 23:4; see on Mark 7:1-13) and by their sins (Rom. 2:17-24; cf. Rom. 6:14; Gal. 4:21). Jesus came to set them free. He declared that His mission was “to preach deliverance to the captives” (Luke 4:18). To those who accepted the truth He promised liberty (cf. 2 Cor. 3:17; Gal. 5:1).