John 6:69 – “We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of Peter’s confession of faith in Jesus. After many of Jesus’ followers abandoned Him because His teaching was too difficult (John 6:66), Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked if they would also leave (John 6:67). Peter responded on behalf of the disciples, first saying that Jesus has the words of eternal life (John 6:68), and now declaring that they believe He is the Holy One of God.

1. Peter affirms both belief and knowledge.
   • He says, “We have come to believe and to know”, showing that their faith was not based on emotions or temporary excitement, but on real conviction.
   • Belief means they have put their trust in Jesus.
   • Knowing means they are convinced that Jesus is the truth.
2. Jesus is recognized as the Holy One of God.
   • Peter’s title for Jesus, “Holy One of God”, points to Jesus’ divine nature and unique mission.
   • In the Old Testament, “Holy One” was a title for God (Isaiah 43:15).
   • Peter is declaring that Jesus is not just a prophet or teacher, but the One sent by God to bring salvation.
3. This is a personal and corporate declaration.
   • Peter speaks for all the disciples (“We have come to believe”), showing that they were united in their faith.
   • Even though many had walked away, these men had committed themselves to follow Jesus no matter what.

This verse is a powerful statement of faith-Jesus is the Holy One of God, and there is no one else like Him.

Historical Context

1. Many had just abandoned Jesus.
   • Earlier in John 6, Jesus fed the 5,000 (John 6:1-14), and many followed Him because they wanted more miracles.
   • But when He taught that He is the Bread of Life and that people must eat His flesh and drink His blood (John 6:53-58), they were offended and left (John 6:66).
2. The Jewish expectation of the Messiah was different.
   • Many Jews were looking for a military or political Messiah, not one who spoke about giving His life as spiritual nourishment.
   • By calling Jesus “the Holy One of God”, Peter is acknowledging that Jesus is not what they expected-but He is exactly who God sent.
3. Peter’s confession is a turning point for the disciples.
   • The Twelve had to decide: Would they trust Jesus completely, even when His words were difficult to understand?
   • This moment of faith would prepare them for the challenges ahead, including Jesus’ crucifixion.

Peter’s words show that true disciples follow Jesus not just because of what He does, but because of who He is.

Theological Implications

1. Faith grows over time.
   • Peter says, “We have come to believe and to know”, showing that faith is a journey, not just a single moment.
   • The disciples had spent time with Jesus, witnessed His miracles, and listened to His teaching-their faith had grown stronger through experience.
2. True faith is both personal and public.
   • Peter speaks on behalf of all the disciples, showing that faith is not just private, but also something we should declare openly.
   • Just like Peter, believers today are called to stand firm and proclaim their faith in Christ.
3. Jesus is uniquely set apart by God.
   • By calling Jesus “the Holy One of God”, Peter is recognizing that Jesus is completely different from any other teacher or religious leader.
   • He is the Son of God, set apart for the mission of salvation.

This verse highlights that real faith is based on knowing Jesus personally and believing He is the one sent by God.

Literary Analysis

1. This verse contrasts with John 6:66.
   • John 6:66 – Many disciples walked away from Jesus.
   • John 6:69 – The Twelve boldly declare their faith in Him.
   • This contrast shows that true disciples are those who remain faithful, even when others turn away.
2. The phrase “Holy One of God” is significant.
   • This title is used to emphasize Jesus’ divine authority.
   • It appears in other places, including when a demon recognizes Jesus as “the Holy One of God” (Mark 1:24).
3. Peter speaks for the Twelve, but his words also challenge the reader.
   • The Gospel of John often presents Jesus’ words in a way that forces the reader to make a decision.
   • This verse invites us to ask, “Do we also believe and know that Jesus is the Holy One of God?”

This verse shows that true disciples recognize Jesus for who He is, not just for what He does.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 16:16 – Peter says, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
• John 3:18 – “Whoever believes in Him is not condemned.”
• John 17:3 – “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
• Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no one else.”
• 1 John 5:20 – “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding.”

These verses confirm that Jesus is the only way to eternal life, and true disciples believe in Him fully.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Faith in Jesus is based on truth, not just feelings.
   • Peter says, “We have come to believe and to know”-faith is not blind, but based on the truth of who Jesus is.
   • Christians should seek to grow in both belief and knowledge of Jesus.
2. We must stand firm in our faith, even when others walk away.
   • Just like in Jesus’ time, some people follow Him for a while but eventually turn away.
   • True disciples stay with Jesus, even when His teachings are difficult or unpopular.
3. We must boldly confess Christ.
   • Peter did not hesitate to declare his faith-we should also be willing to stand for Jesus, no matter what the world says.

This verse challenges us to fully trust in Jesus and boldly declare our faith in Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God reveals the truth about Jesus to those who seek Him.
   • Peter and the disciples came to know Jesus through their time with Him-God wants us to know Him personally, too.
2. God’s love is seen in how He provides the only way to eternal life.
   • Jesus is “the Holy One of God”-set apart for the salvation of the world.
3. God’s love calls for a response.
   • Just like the disciples, we must decide whether we truly believe in Jesus.

God’s love is shown in how He makes the truth about Jesus clear and invites us to trust Him fully.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the Holy One of God.
   • He is not just a good teacher-He is set apart for God’s mission.
2. Jesus is the only source of eternal life.
   • Peter acknowledges that there is no other way to be saved.
3. Jesus is worthy of complete trust.
   • Peter and the disciples did not fully understand everything yet, but they knew enough to trust Him completely.

This verse reminds us that true disciples recognize Jesus for who He truly is-the One sent by God to bring eternal life.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to say that Jesus is “the Holy One of God”?
2. How did Peter and the disciples come to believe and know the truth about Jesus?
3. Why do some people turn away from Jesus, while others remain faithful?
4. How can we grow in both belief and knowledge of Jesus?
5. How can we boldly declare our faith in Jesus, like Peter did?