An Article on free will

[Johann]

Ye did not choose me (ἐξελέξασθε... ἐξελεξάμην are middle, "you chose... I chose... for yourselves or for myself"), but I chose you. I selected you as individuals, not excluding thereby a gracious choice of other souls; I destined you to accomplish work dear to me and essential to my kingdom. Christ has already told them that he must "go away" from' them to the Father, and that they "cannot follow him now, but afterwards;" and he has also convinced them that, though he go away, he will "come again, and abide with them," and also that "severed" from him they can "do nothing." Consequently when he adds, I appointed you (see 1 Corinthians 12:28; 1 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 1:2; Acts 20:28, for similar use of τιθέναι) as my apostles and representatives, to do work in my Name, there is no contradiction in his adding, that ye should go forth, depart into the world with my message and in my Name, as I am "departing" to the Father, to rule over you from a higher and more august position. And bear fruit. A passing reference to the imagery of the first part of the chapter, showing that their "going forth or away" upon this mission would not separate them from his Spirit, or divide the link without which they could bear no fruit at all. The "fruit" may here, in its issues, suggest another class of ideas. In the first case the "fruit" was the "fruit of the Spirit," but here it would seem to be the abiding consequence of the "greater works" which they would be called upon to do. warranted.

This from Utley.

Joh_15:15 Jesus informs the disciples of (1) truths about God and (2) future events. He demonstrates His power so that the disciples will grow in faith and trust.

Jesus shared with His disciples what He had heard from the Father (cf. Joh_3:32; Joh_8:26; Joh_8:40; Joh_12:49; Joh_15:15); they were to pass this on to others (cf. Mat_28:20).
Joh_15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you" There are several key grammatical items.

1. both verbs are aorist middle indicative - Jesus, Himself, once and for all chose them (cf. Joh_6:70; Joh_13:18; Joh_15:16; Joh_15:19)

2. the strong "alla" (but) adversative

3. the emphatic "ego" or "I" statement

Here is the balance between human response and election. Both are biblical teachings.

God always initiates (cf. Joh_6:44; Joh_6:65; Joh_15:16; Joh_15:19), but humans must respond (cf. Joh_1:12; Joh_3:16; Joh_15:4; Joh_15:7; Joh_15:9). God's dealings with mankind are always in a covenant relationship ("if. . .then").

The verb "chosen" in this context refers to the Twelve.

The term "chosen" has the connotation of "chosen for service" in the OT and only in the NT does the added concept of "chosen for salvation" come into the semantic range. NT believers are chosen for Christlikeness which is service, selflessness, and sacrifice for the Kingdom of God, the body of Christ, the corporate good. It is a clear demonstration that the self-centeredness of the Fall has been broken.
It is characteristic in John that what Jesus says regarding the Twelve has implications and applications to all believers. They represent the first fruits of discipleship, but their relationship is
1. unique in its eyewitness testimony (i.e., inspiration)
2. applicable to all believers in that Jesus' will for them is His will for all who believe and follow

"appointed you that you would go and bear fruit and that your fruit would remain" These are three present active subjunctives: (1) go; (2) bear fruit; and (3) fruit remains (abides). Believers are on a mission (cf. Mat_28:19-20; Luk_24:46-47; Act_1:8). The theological aspect of the term "appointed" can be seen in Act_20:28; 1Co_12:28; 2Ti_1:11. It was also used of Christ's death on believers' behalf (cf. Joh_10:11; Joh_10:15; Joh_10:17-18; Joh_15:13).

J.

 

[GodsGrace]

This from Utley.

Joh_15:15 Jesus informs the disciples of (1) truths about God and (2) future events. He demonstrates His power so that the disciples will grow in faith and trust.

Jesus shared with His disciples what He had heard from the Father (cf. Joh_3:32; Joh_8:26; Joh_8:40; Joh_12:49; Joh_15:15); they were to pass this on to others (cf. Mat_28:20).
Joh_15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you" There are several key grammatical items.

1. both verbs are aorist middle indicative - Jesus, Himself, once and for all chose them (cf. Joh_6:70; Joh_13:18; Joh_15:16; Joh_15:19)

2. the strong "alla" (but) adversative

3. the emphatic "ego" or "I" statement

Here is the balance between human response and election. Both are biblical teachings.

God always initiates (cf. Joh_6:44; Joh_6:65; Joh_15:16; Joh_15:19), but humans must respond (cf. Joh_1:12; Joh_3:16; Joh_15:4; Joh_15:7; Joh_15:9). God's dealings with mankind are always in a covenant relationship ("if. . .then").

The verb "chosen" in this context refers to the Twelve.

The term "chosen" has the connotation of "chosen for service" in the OT and only in the NT does the added concept of "chosen for salvation" come into the semantic range. NT believers are chosen for Christlikeness which is service, selflessness, and sacrifice for the Kingdom of God, the body of Christ, the corporate good. It is a clear demonstration that the self-centeredness of the Fall has been broken.
It is characteristic in John that what Jesus says regarding the Twelve has implications and applications to all believers. They represent the first fruits of discipleship, but their relationship is
1. unique in its eyewitness testimony (i.e., inspiration)
2. applicable to all believers in that Jesus' will for them is His will for all who believe and follow

"appointed you that you would go and bear fruit and that your fruit would remain" These are three present active subjunctives: (1) go; (2) bear fruit; and (3) fruit remains (abides). Believers are on a mission (cf. Mat_28:19-20; Luk_24:46-47; Act_1:8). The theological aspect of the term "appointed" can be seen in Act_20:28; 1Co_12:28; 2Ti_1:11. It was also used of Christ's death on believers' behalf (cf. Joh_10:11; Joh_10:15; Joh_10:17-18; Joh_15:13).

J.

I agree with the above.
I agree that, yes, even here it could include all believers because:
1. God always makes the first move,,,as Utley stated.
2. We are chosen for PURPOSE, as Utley stated.

I do want to say, however, that it's accepted that Jesus explained the parables only to the 12.
He taught the 12 many things that are not written in any of the gospel....they spent over 3 years together.
And In John 15-17 we have to be careful because most of the teachings were addressed to the Apostles.
They can also refer to all believers...like, for instance...love each other as I have loved you....
but when Jesus says I HAVE CHOSEN YOU....He does mean, in this case, specifically the Apostles...

although, yes, God does end up choosing us even to be of the elect....
but based on CONDITIONS...based on our faith...etc.

I think you'll agree.