John 6:29

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 6:29 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
John 6:29 — American Standard Version

Context — John 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
29Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Jesus answered and said unto them, this is the work of God, etc.] The main and principal one, and which is well pleasing in his sight; and without which it is impossible to please him; and without which no work whatever is a good work; and this is of the operation of God, which he himself works in men; it is not of themselves, it is the pure gift of God: that ye believe on him whom he hath sent; there are other works which are well pleasing to God, when rightly performed, but faith is the chief work, and others are only acceptable when done in the faith of Christ. This, as a principle, is purely God’s work; as it is an act, or as it is exercised under the influence of divine grace, it is…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“This is the work of God--That lies at the threshold of all acceptable obedience, being not only the prerequisite to it, but the proper spring of it--in that sense, the work of works, emphatically "the work of God."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“This is the work of God - This is the thing that will be acceptable to God, or which you are to do in order to be saved. Jesus did not tell them they had nothing to do, or that they were to sit down and wait, but that there was a work to perform, and that was a duty that was imperative. It was to believe on the Messiah. This is the work which sinners are to do; and doing this they will be saved, for Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth, Romans 10:4. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“This is the work of God - The work most pleasing to God, and the foundation of all others: that ye believe - He expresses it first properly, afterward figuratively. John 6:30”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“This: Joh 3:16-18, Joh 3:36, Joh 5:39; Deu 18:18, Deu 18:19; Psa 2:12; Mat 17:5; Mar 16:16; Act 16:31; Act 22:14-16; Rom 4:4, Rom 4:5, Rom 9:30, Rom 9:31, Rom 10:3, Rom 10:4; Heb 5:9; Jo1 3:23, Jo1 5:1 John 6:30”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification