An Early Reference to the Church

Dr. Couch, is John 10:16 an early reference to the church?

ANSWER: The passage reads: "I have other sheep which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they shall hear My voice; and they shall become one flock with one shepherd."

This is very possibly a beginning reference to the church which consists of Jew and Gentile together in one body. See Ephesians 2:11-3:21. However, Christ could be talking about the Jews who were standing around Him at the time. In other words, the "other sheep" are Jews who were not there at that moment. I lean toward this for the following reason:

The "Good Shepherd" reference is about God and is found in Ezekiel 34:11-24. In this passage the Lord God is the Shepherd and Israel is the Flock (v. 12). Christ is therefore claiming to be the Good Shepherd of Ezekiel 34! There is no other "outside" flock in the passage that could be referring to Gentiles. And, king David will be the shepherd (God's servant) over them (vv. 23-24). Too, David will be the Prince among them, that is, among the Jews (v. 24). Read thoroughly the Ezekiel passage.

When we read the Word of God we must read carefully and slowly. Observe, observe, observe!

Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (5/11)

John 10:34-37

Dr. Couch, what is going on in John 10:34-37? ANSWER: The passage reads in part: "Has it not been written in your Law, 'I said, you are gods'?" If [the writer of the Psalms] called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of Him, who the Father sanctified and sent into the world, You are blaspheming, because I said, 'I am the Son of God?'" Christ had just said that He and the Father "are one" (v. 30). He then asks, why are you [wanting to] stone Me? Jesus is quoting Psalm 82 that is a psalm of Asaph, who is addressing the priests in the OT who acted as judges (vv. 1-2). Psalm 82:6 it speaks of the priests as being like "elohim," as gods, or as the Rabbis translate it, as "God-like." The Rabbis write "as men invested with a Divine prerogative." Verse 6 also says that they were "sons of the Most High." Christ then went from the smallest to the largest. He went from a diminutive idea to a larger idea. If some men could be called God-like then He (Christ) could be called the Son of God, and even God! The priests of the OT could be called gods as representing God, how much more could Christ, who was indeed the God/Man, and also was the Son of God? The Lord verified that the OT priests were "elohim" by "the Word of God which came unto them" (John 10:35). The Father sent and sanctified Jesus whom He had placed in the world (v. 36). To deny this the Jews were blaspheming because Jesus had said "I am the Son of God" (v. 36b). And besides Christ was doing exactly the very "works of My Father" therefore, they should be believing in Him (v. 37). While it is hard for us to fully understand, this section of verses are some of the strongest in terms of Christ's deity. The Jews got it. They again tried to seize Him because He was claiming to be God (v. 39). Thanks for asking. --Dr. Mal Couch (12/10)

Abundant Life

Dr. Couch, Christ speaks of an abundant life in John 10:10. How could that be because of all the persecution Christians have had through the centuries? ANSWER:  The last part of the verse reads: "Might be having life and [might] be having [it] extraordinarily (surpassingly, un-commonly, pre-eminently, over and above, beyond measure). The Greek word is "perissos." Christ is not talking about a quality of physical life. He is addressing the issue of a deeper spiritual life and walk with the Lord. One can be under persecution and even die with peace on one's lips, truly having a deep relationship with Him. In the Christian life there should be peace and contentment, and joy! This is not measured the way people measure the physical walk in this life. This is about a quality of life that the world can never imagine.    The world thinks it is having a good life if there is just happiness or lack of fear. But God goes beyond that. Paul and Silas were singing in a dungeon. How could they do that except by the fact that they knew the God who created them (Acts 16:25)? The text says they were thrown into the inner part of the prison with "their feet fastened in the stocks" (v. 24). They were "singing hymns of praise to God."    This would be called "the peace that passes understanding".    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (6-10)

Abundant Life

Dr. Couch, what does “abundant life” mean in John 10:10?

ANSWER: Christ is talking about the blessings He will bring to His sheep. He then says: “I came that [My sheep] might have life, and might have it abundantly.” The word “might” is a present subjunctive in Greek. It explains what Christ is doing with His own. It could read: “… that they might be having life and might be having it more abundantly.” The word “abundant” in Greek can be translated: “something further, somewhat more, superior, extraordinary, surpassing, uncommon, remarkable,” and “excellent.”

Jesus is not talking about physical life but about spiritual life. Even the unbeliever has physical life! He is discussing a depth of life that comes from the salvation experience with Him.

The old classical Greek scholar Alford says: “Christ is not merely a door to pass through, but actively, abundantly, to bestow abundance of life.” Or, “to have a surplus” of life, the quality of life.” – Nicoll

As one studies the Word of God, the person of Christ comes more into sharp focus. Who He is, and what He has done for us, impacts our hearts and minds. As the old song says, “What a Savior!”

Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch