FocusAbiding, fruit, and love
Connection to the wholeJesus joins fruitfulness to abiding in Him, including warnings about fruitless branches and commands to continue in His love and love one another.
interpretation John 15:16
KJVYe have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Read it in context
The Vine and the Branches, and Instructions to the Disciples
Start reading at John 15:1 (John 15:1 to John 15:27).
This passage is a distinct discourse unit where Jesus teaches about abiding in Him as the true vine, the importance of bearing fruit, and gives further instructions to His disciples, including the promise of the Comforter.
- 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
- 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
- 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
- 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
- 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
- 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
- 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
- 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
- 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
- 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
- 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
- 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
- 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
- 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
- 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
- 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
- 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.
- 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
- 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
- 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
- 15:21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
- 15:22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.
- 15:23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
- 15:24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
- 15:25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
- 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
- 15:27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 14:1–16:33): Jesus addresses His disciples in the farewell teaching after Judas's departure, answering questions from Thomas, Philip, and Judas who is not Iscariot. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? Jesus declares that He has chosen and ordained His disciples for the purpose of bearing lasting fruit, and promises that whatsoever they ask of the Father in His name, He will give it to them.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing His divine initiative in selecting individuals for His service, empowering them to produce spiritual fruit, and assuring them of answered prayer when they ask the Father in Jesus' name.
- What is the literary style? Gospel narrative, specifically a discourse or teaching by Jesus.
When
- When was it written? The Gospel of John was written approximately A.D. 85 to 95. book background
- When does the event take place? The events described in the Gospel of John, including this discourse, occurred approximately A.D. 27 to 30. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? This discourse took place in Jerusalem, likely in the upper room or on the way to Gethsemane, during Jesus' final hours with His disciples before His crucifixion. traditionally held
- Where was the author located? The author, John the apostle, was traditionally located in Ephesus when writing this Gospel. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Vine and the Branches, and Instructions to the Disciples (John 15:1 to John 15:27). Start reading at John 15:1. This passage is a distinct discourse unit where Jesus teaches about abiding in Him as the true vine, the importance of bearing fruit, and gives further instructions to His disciples, including the promise of the Comforter.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse continues Jesus' teaching on the relationship between Himself and His disciples, moving from the metaphor of the vine and branches to a direct statement of their divine calling and purpose. It emphasizes that their fruit-bearing and effective prayer are rooted in His prior choice and ordination, reinforcing the theme of dependence on Him. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? Jesus' statement, 'I have chosen you, and ordained you,' demonstrates His divine authority and sovereignty in selecting His followers for a specific mission. The promise that 'whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you' highlights His unique role as the mediator through whom believers approach the Father and receive answers to prayer. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? This passage reminds believers that their calling and purpose to bear spiritual fruit originate from Christ's sovereign choice, not their own merit. It encourages them to live out this divine ordination by actively seeking to produce lasting fruit and to approach the Father confidently in prayer through Jesus' name, trusting in His promise for provision and guidance. interpretation
Cited: John 15:16, John 15:1-15
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Related passages
- have not John 15:19 John 6:70 John 13:18 Luke 6:13 Acts 1:24 Acts 9:15 Acts 10:41 Acts 22:14
- ordained John 20:21-23 John 21:15-17 Isa 49:1-3 Jer 1:5-7 Matt 28:18-19 Mark 16:15-16 Luke 24:47-49 Acts 1:8
- bring John 15:8 Prov 11:30 Isa 27:6 Isa 55:10-13 Mic 5:7 Rom 1:13 Rom 15:16-19 1 Cor 3:6-7
- that your Gen 18:18 Ps 71:18 Ps 78:4-6 Ps 145:4 Zech 1:4-6 Acts 20:25-28 Rom 15:4 1 Cor 10:11
- that whatsoever John 15:7 John 14:13-14 John 16:23-24 Matt 21:22
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 15
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
Hatred and testimony
John 15:18–27FocusWitness in an opposing world
Connection to the wholeThe disciples' relationship to Jesus explains the world's opposition and leads into the promise of the Comforter's testimony alongside theirs.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.