30 As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:30-32 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
Observe here, 1. The blessed fruit and success of our Saviour’s foregiong discourse concerning his person anad office. As he spake these words, many believed on him: not at their own natural power and ability, but by Christ’s omnipotent and efficacious grace: he that spake to the ear, caused his word to reach the heart; Christ himself that planted and watered, gave also the increase.
Observe, 2. The love and care of Christ mentioned to these new converts; he watereth immediately these plants with wholesome advice and counsel. If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.
Where note, It must be Christ’s word, the true doctrine of the gospel; and this abided and continued in, which will evince our discipleship.
Observe, 3. A special privilege which shall follow upon abiding in the doctrine of Christ; they shall increase in the knowledge of it, and be made free by it. Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Where note, 1. That man is naturally in bondage and captivity, by blindness of mind, by hardness of heart, by rebellion of will.
2. That the means appointed by God for setting him at liberty from this captivity and bondage, is the word of Christ, and the doctrine of the gospel. The truth shall make you free.