John 8:18

"It’s also written in your law that the testimony of two people is valid."

Key Reflection

In the context of first-century Judaism, John 8:18 references a legal principle from Deuteronomy 19:15, which states that "the testimony of two witnesses is required to establish a matter." This principle underscores the importance of corroborating evidence in judicial proceedings. The original audience would have understood this as a common practice in their legal system, emphasizing the need for reliability and accuracy in testimonies to avoid false accusations or miscarriages of justice.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 18. I am one that bear witness of myself. In human courts a man is not allowed to bear witness of himself, because he has a personal interest in the case, and the court could have no proof of the impartiality of the evidence; but in the case of Jesus it was otherwise. When one has no party ends to serve; when he is willing to deny himself; when he makes great sacrifices; and when, by his life, he gives every evidence of sincerity, his own testimony may be admitted in evidence of his motives and designs. This was the case with Jesus and his apostles.

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