What is the context?
Many disciples find the teaching difficult to accept. Jesus asks whether it offends them, speaks of the Son of Man ascending to where He was before, and says that the Spirit gives life. He also says that some do not believe, and the Gospel notes His knowledge of unbelief and the coming betrayal.
When many turn back, Jesus asks the Twelve whether they also want to leave. Peter answers that Jesus has the words of eternal life and confesses Him as the Holy One of God.
Jesus then reminds them that He has chosen the Twelve while warning that one of them is a devil. The Gospel identifies the coming betrayer as Judas. Being among the closest followers does not make that warning unnecessary.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christian readers commonly understand Peter’s answer as a confession of trust in Jesus, set beside the departure of others and the warning about Judas. Calvin and Wesley both treat the answer as a confession of faith, while distinguishing membership among the Twelve from a guarantee of faithfulness. (Calvin on John 6:68–70; Wesley on John 6:68–70)
Where does this fit in God's plan?
First Peter describes new birth through God’s living and enduring word, the message proclaimed in the gospel. That is a scriptural parallel to Jesus’ words giving life through the Spirit: God brings people to life through a message that outlasts human weakness. (1 Peter 1:22–25)
The warning about betrayal also looks toward the cross. In Acts, Peter describes Jesus being handed over according to God’s purpose and foreknowledge, while holding those who killed Him responsible, and then announces God raising Him from death. Betrayal and opposition do not overturn the saving purpose fulfilled through the crucified and risen Son. (Acts 2:22–24)
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.