The Problem of Evil and Sovereignty in John 5:21
Exposition of John 5:21
John 5:21 states, "For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will" [1]. This verse is part of Jesus' discourse after healing a man at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, which led to controversy with the Jewish leaders.
Literary Context
The verse is situated within Jesus' defense of his actions before the Jewish leaders. Jesus argues that his authority is derived from his relationship with the Father, emphasizing their unity in action, particularly in giving life to the dead [1]. The surrounding verses (John 5:19-20, 22-23) elaborate on the Father-Son relationship and the Son's role in judgment and life-giving.
Historical Setting
The Gospel of John is generally dated to the late 1st century, with its audience being primarily Gentile Christians and possibly Jewish Christians [no direct source, but generally accepted]. Jesus' discourse in John 5 reflects a context of conflict with Jewish leaders, highlighting Christological themes.
Key Terms
The term "quickeneth" (ζωοποιεῖ, zoopoiei) is significant, as it means "to make alive" or "to give life". This verb is used in both the Father's and the Son's actions, underscoring their shared authority and ability to grant life [1].
Major Exegetical Decisions
A crucial interpretive decision revolves around understanding the scope of "whom he will" (hous thelei). This phrase suggests the Son's sovereignty in deciding who receives life. Interpreters have debated whether this sovereignty implies a deterministic view of salvation or if it emphasizes the Son's authority without negating human response.
Range of Interpretations
The Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, as represented by Matthew Henry, often emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation while also highlighting human responsibility. In discussing Jeremiah 5, Henry notes the intermixing of reproofs for sin and threats of judgment, suggesting a complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human action [5].
The Protestant academic tradition, as seen in Tyndale House's commentary on related passages, tends to focus on the Christological and soteriological implications of Jesus' statements. For instance, on Ephesians 1:21, they note Jesus' power and authority transcending all rival powers, which can inform understanding of Jesus' life-giving role in John 5:21 [6].
Theological Implications and Tradition
John 5:21 has contributed to discussions on the problem of evil and sovereignty. The verse underscores the Son's role in giving life, which is a central theme in Christian soteriology. The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge cross-references John 5:21 with Ephesians 2:5, among other passages, highlighting the connection between Christ's life-giving power and the believer's salvation [2].
The verse has also been used in theological debates about the nature of God's sovereignty and human freedom. While some traditions emphasize the sovereignty of God as indicated in Jesus' ability to "quicken whom he will", others balance this with the importance of human response and responsibility, as seen in various cross-references that link faith and obedience [3, 4].
Sources
- John “John 5:21 (Geneva1599) — For likewise as the Father rayseth vp the dead, and quickeneth them, so the Sonne quickeneth whom he will.”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 2:5 cross-references: John 5:21, John 6:63, Acts 15:11, Romans 3:24, Romans 4:16, Romans 5:6, Romans 5:8, Romans 5:10, Romans 8:2, Romans 11:5, Romans 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:8, Ephesians 5:14, Titus 2:11, Titus 3:5, Revelation 22:21”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “John 3:21 cross-references: Psalms 1:1, Psalms 119:80, Psalms 119:105, Psalms 139:23, Isaiah 8:20, Isaiah 26:12, Hosea 14:8, John 1:47, John 5:39, John 15:4, Acts 17:11, 1 Corinthians 15:10, 2 Corinthians 1:12, Galatians 5:22, Galatians 6:8, Ephesians 5:9, Philippians 1:11, Philippians 2:13, Colossians 1:29, Hebrews 13:21, 1 Peter 1:22, 2 Peter 1:5, 1 John 1:6, 1 John 2:27, 1 John 4:12, 1 John 4:15, 3 John 1:11, Revelation 3:1, Revelation 3:15”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Jude 1:21 cross-references: Job 14:14, Lamentations 3:25, Matthew 24:42, Luke 12:36, John 1:17, John 14:21, John 15:9, Acts 11:23, Romans 5:5, Romans 5:21, Romans 6:23, Romans 8:39, 2 Thessalonians 3:5, 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:16, 2 Timothy 1:18, 2 Timothy 4:8, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 9:28, 2 Peter 3:12, 1 John 3:16, 1 John 4:16, 1 John 5:10, 1 John 5:18, 1 John 5:21, Jude 1:24, Revelation 12:11”
- Jeremiah (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Jeremiah 5 (introduction): Reproof for sin and threatenings of judgment are intermixed in this chapter, and are set the one over against the other: judgments are threatened, that the reproofs of sin might be the more effectual to bring them to repentance; sin is discovered, that God might be justified in the judgments threatened. I. The sins they are charged with are very great: - Injustice (Jer 5:1), hypocrisy in religion (Jer 5:2), incorrigibleness (Jer 5:3), the corruption and debauchery of both poor and rich (Jer 5:4, Jer 5:5), idolatry and adultery (Jer 5:7, Jer 5:8), tre”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 1:21: 1:21 he is far above: Jesus’ power and authority transcend all rival powers, whether human or spiritual, in this age and the coming age (see 3:10; 6:12; John 12:31; Rom 8:38-39; 1 Cor 15:24; Col 1:13; 2:10, 15; 1 Pet 3:22; Rev 12:7-9).”