John 7:16

"The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How does this man know letters, having never been educated?”"

Key Reflection

This verse highlights the amazement of the Jewish crowd at Jesus' profound knowledge and wisdom, suggesting that his understanding comes not through formal education but directly from divine revelation. Their marveling underscores the tension between human perception and divine truth, setting the stage for Jesus to assert that true knowledge comes from God rather than human institutions.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 16. My doctrine. My teaching, or what I teach. This is the proper meaning of the word doctrine. It is what is taught us, and, as applied to religion, it is what is taught us by God in the holy Scriptures. Is not mine. It is not originated by me. Though I have not learned in your schools, yet you are not to infer that the doctrine which I teach is devised or invented by me. I teach nothing that is contrary to the will of God, and which he has not ap- pointed me to teach. His that sent me. God's. It is such as he approves, and such as he has commissioned me to teach. The doctrine is divine in its origin and in its nature.

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