Jesus Revealing Truths to Disciples in John 15
In John 15:15, Jesus tells his disciples, "No longer do I call you slaves, because the slave does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything that I have heard from my Father I have revealed to you" (LEB) [3]. This verse is part of Jesus' Farewell Discourse, delivered to his disciples shortly before his crucifixion, and it highlights a profound shift in their relationship with him.
The broader context of John 15 is Jesus' teaching on the "true vine" [6, 7]. He identifies himself as the vine and his Father as the vinedresser, while his disciples are the branches [6]. This metaphor emphasizes the necessity of abiding in Christ to bear fruit, which is a characteristic of true discipleship [9]. Jesus explains that just as he demonstrates his love for the Father through obedience, his disciples are to show their love for him through obedience to his commands [8]. The discourse moves from the metaphor of the vine to the nature of their relationship with him, culminating in the declaration of their status as friends rather than servants [3].
The term "revealed" (ἀπεκάλυψα, apekalupsa) in John 15:15 is significant. It implies making known what was previously hidden or secret. Jesus states that he has revealed "everything that I have heard from my Father" [3]. This revelation is a key aspect of his mission and his relationship with his followers. The concept of revelation is central to the Gospel of John, where Jesus frequently speaks of making the Father known (e.g., John 1:18, 14:9). The disciples are no longer merely recipients of commands, like slaves, but are entrusted with intimate knowledge of the Father's will and plans, shared through Jesus [3].
The contrast between "slaves" (δοῦλοι, douloi) and "friends" (φίλους, philous) is crucial for understanding the passage [3]. A slave's knowledge is limited to performing tasks without necessarily understanding the master's full intentions or plans [3]. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a master would not typically share his inner thoughts or purposes with his slaves. However, a friend is privy to deeper confidences and shares in the master's counsel. By calling them friends, Jesus elevates their status and implies a relationship of trust and intimacy [3]. This echoes Old Testament figures like Abraham, who was called a "friend of God" (Isaiah 41:8).
This passage has been interpreted as emphasizing the privileged position of believers in Christ. Augustine, in his homilies, discusses the difference between belief and knowledge, noting that while belief is essential, knowledge of Jesus as the Christ can vary among believers [5]. The revelation Jesus provides allows for a deeper knowledge, moving beyond mere belief to an understanding that fosters freedom [5]. The idea that Jesus reveals truths to his disciples is also seen in other parts of John, such as when he reveals himself to them after his resurrection [1, 2].
The truths Jesus reveals are not just abstract doctrines but encompass the very nature of God and the path to eternal life. For instance, the concept of eternal life is revealed by Christ, and to know God and Christ is eternal life itself [4]. This revelation is not exclusive to a select few but is given to those who believe in God and Christ [4]. The disciples, as friends, are now partakers in this profound understanding, enabling them to bear fruit and glorify the Father [9].
The passage functions as an assurance to the disciples of their unique relationship with Jesus and the profound trust he places in them. It underscores the idea that through Jesus, believers gain access to divine knowledge and intimacy with God, a privilege not afforded to those outside this friendship [3]. This intimate relationship is foundational for their future mission and their ability to continue Jesus' work in the world.
Sources
- John “John 21:14 (LITV) — This now is the three times that Jesus was revealed to His disciples, He being raised from the dead.”
- John “After these things, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself this way. -- John 21:1”
- John “John 15:15 (LEB) — No longer do I call you slaves, because the slave does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything that I have heard from my Father I have revealed to you.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Life, Eternal — Christ is -- 1Jo 1:2; 5:20. Revealed by Christ -- Joh 6:68; 2Ti 1:10. To know God and Christ is -- Joh 17:3. Given By God. -- Ps 133:3; Ro 6:23. By Christ. -- Joh 6:27; 10:28. In Christ. -- 1Jo 5:11. Through Christ. -- Ro 5:21; 6:23. To all given to Christ. -- Joh 17:2. To those who believe in God. -- Joh 5:24. To those who believe in Christ. -- Joh 3:15,16; 6:40,47. To those who hate life for Christ. -- Joh 12:25. In answer to prayer. -- Ps 21:4. Revealed in the Scriptures -- Joh 5:39. Results from Drinking the water of life. -- Joh 4:14. Eating the ”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 9: Gospel of Peter, Diatessaron, Origen's Commentaries — 15. RELATION OF THE FORMER COMMISSION GIVEN BY JESUS TO THE DISCIPLES, TO HIS PRESENT INJUNCTION OF SILENCE. BELIEF AND KNOWLEDGE CONTRASTED. (part 2): in John, "If ye abide in My word, ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,"(7) it is plain that belief without knowledge is inferior to knowing; but that there is a difference in the knowledge of Jesus as the Christ, as all who know Him do not know Him equally, is a fact self-evident to any one who gives even a very little consideration to the matter. For who wo”
- John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on John 15:1: Here Christ discourses concerning the fruit, the fruits of the Spirit, which his disciples were to bring forth, under the similitude of a vine. Observe here, I. The doctrine of this similitude; what notion we ought to have of it. 1. That Jesus Christ is the vine, the true vine. It is an instance of the humility of Christ that he is pleased to speak of himself under low and humble comparisons. He that is the Sun of righteousness, and the bright and morning Star, compares himself to a vine. The church, which is Christ mystical, is a vine (Psa 80:8), so is Christ, who ”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 15 (introduction): I am the true vine,.... The fruit of which he had been just speaking of at supper with his disciples; and then informs them, that he himself is the vine from whence that fruit must be expected, which should be partook of by them in his Father's kingdom; for though Christ may be compared to a vine for its tenderness, weakness, and being subject to cuttings and prunings; all which may express his outward meanness in his birth, parentage, and education, Which exposed him to the contempt of men; the weakness of the human nature in itself, his being encompassed ”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 15:10: 15:10 Just as Jesus demonstrated his love for the Father by obeying his will (14:31), Jesus’ disciples exhibit their love through obedience to him (13:34-35; 14:15; 1 Jn 2:5; 5:2-3).”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 15:8: 15:8 True disciples will experience a transformed, fruit-bearing life because they live in a relationship of love with both Jesus and the Father (15:9-10).”