If any man will do his will,
he shall know of the doctrine,
whether it be of God,
or whether I speak of myself.
This verse takes place after Christ's ministry had started up and people started taking note of him. He had already performed several miracles, and secured his disciples. He had spoken of his divine Sonship as well as had the testimony of John the Baptist and Peter that he was the Messiah.
The chapter heading summarizes chapter 7 as follows:
"Jesus' kinsmen believe not--He teaches his Father's doctrine and proclaims his divine Sonship--Truth may be known through obedience--He offers living water to all men--Divers opinions concerning him."
In verse 4, Jesus' brethren ask him to effectively prove that he is who people say he is, because they do not believe in him. They say, "If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world."
Jesus responds that the time has not come to do so, and speaking about the world makes this very telling statement, "but me it [the world] hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil." (verse 7)
Everyone leaves for the feast of tabernacles, which Jesus attends in secret.
It turns into a gossip session with everyone discussing where he is, and what they think of him. "And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people." (verse 12)
When he goes up to the temple to teach, they marvel, wondering how he can do so having never learned.
At this point, Jesus proclaims that the doctrine is not his, but the Father's.
This verse then occurs, where he tells them they can test the source of his words by practicing obedience to them.
He speaks of Moses' Law and their failure to keep it.
They recognize that he is the man whom some have sought to kill. They seek to lay hands on him, but are unable as the time had not yet come for that.
The people are divided concerning him.
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