Preaching, Hearing and Believing/Obeying

Preaching, Hearing and Believing/Obeying
The gospels often speak directly about preaching, hearing and believing/obeying. This is the most straightforward and fundamental expression of proclamation and response in the gospels.

A well-known passage "who has believed our message" (Isaiah 53:1) shows the connection between proclamation and the desired result of faith.

Faith vs. Faithful Action?
The desired intent of proclamation is both faith and faithful action. Some passages discuss faith only, some passages discuss some form of action (e.g. receiving, keeping, abiding in, etc.) only. Faith and faithful action (obedience) are coupled in the Scriptures (e.g. Jn 3:36, Rom 16:26, James 2:14-26).

The "faith only" passages are no more a "proof" that faith alone is powerful any more than the "action only" passages are a proof that action alone is powerful. Proper exegesis demands that these passages be understood in their contexts. And the larger context of the gospels shows that what is necessary is both faith and faithful action.

The following passages discuss the idea of proclamation and subsequent faithful response.

Section Text Comments

36,
37 JN 3:14 "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; [15] that whoever believes (Greek pres. ptc) may in Him have eternal life.
JN 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. [17] "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him. [18] "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed (perfect ptc) in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
JN 3:36 "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
The Greek text here (as well as 13 other times in John's gospel) uses the present participle of pisteuo, believe. It is often translated "whoever believes" but literally means "the believing one." (Also see Isaiah 28:16 Septuagint for this phrase.)
It is God's intent that the "believing one" have eternal life. The object of that faith is Jesus. Conversely, those "not believing ones" are under judgment.

40,41 JN 4:36 "Already he who reaps is receiving wages, and is gathering fruit for life eternal; that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. [37] "For in this case the saying is true, `One sows, and another reaps.' [38] "I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labor."
JN 4:39 And from that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me all the things that I have done." [40] So when the Samaritans came to Him, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. [41] And many more believed because of His word; [42] and they were saying to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world."
Here, the faith of the Samaritans is the first as a result of the woman's testimony, then also because of Jesus' own words.

45 LK 4:16 And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. [17] And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book, and found the place where it was written, [18] "THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,
BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR.
HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,
AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,
TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE DOWNTRODDEN, [19] TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD."
LK 4:20 And He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed upon Him. [21] And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
Jesus' choice of text and statement of fulfillment connects several important elements of his ministry. The preaching of good news to the poor opens the door to a myriad of blessings to men, though the response leading to those blessings is not discussed.

62 MT 12:17 in order that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, might be fulfilled, saying, [18] "BEHOLD, MY SERVANT WHOM I HAVE CHOSEN;
MY BELOVED IN WHOM MY SOUL is WELL-PLEASED;
I WILL PUT MY SPIRIT UPON HIM,
AND HE SHALL PROCLAIM JUSTICE TO THE GENTILES. [19] "HE WILL NOT QUARREL, NOR CRY OUT;
NOR WILL ANYONE HEAR HIS VOICE IN THE STREETS. [20] "A BATTERED REED HE WILL NOT BREAK OFF,
AND A SMOLDERING WICK HE WILL NOT PUT OUT,
UNTIL HE LEADS JUSTICE TO VICTORY. [21] "AND IN HIS NAME THE GENTILES WILL HOPE." This citation reflects the themes of God's Spirit dwelling upon the Messiah, the spiritual and peaceful (as opposed to political and violent) nature of his ministry, and the blessings of his ministry extending even to to the Gentiles. However, the required response to his ministry in order to receive those blessings is not discussed.

81 MT 12:46 While He was still speaking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him. [47] And someone said to Him, "Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You." [48] But He answered the one who was telling Him and said, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?" [49] And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, "Behold, My mother and My brothers! [50] "For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother." Here we see the notion of "doing the Father's will" is commended by Jesus. Here we see the response discussed (doing the Father's will), and not the proclamation. "Doing the Father's will" is a worthy discussion on its own.

83 MT 13:14 "And in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says,
`YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND;
AND YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; [15] FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL,
AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR,
AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES
LEST THEY SHOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES,
AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS,
AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN,
AND I SHOULD HEAL THEM.' This passage illustrates the connection between hearing, understanding and "returning" and receiving the blessing of God.

99 MT 10:14 "And whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust of your feet. Failing to receive (i.e. believe) the words of the apostles is a rejection of the message.

134 JN 7:37 Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. [38] "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, `From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.'" [39] But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. Here Jesus extends an invitation for the "thirsty" to "drink." In keeping with the theme of John's gospel, here Jesus is advocating a recognition that He is the answer to their spiritual needs.

137 JN 8:24 "I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins." Failing to believe that Jesus is the Son of God would lead to condemnation.

138 JN 8:31 Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine;
JN 8:51 "Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death."
Here we see an important connection between believing and remaining in Jesus' word. Many could hear, many might even believe, but only a few could physically follow as disciples.
Yet Jesus broadens the term "disciple:" those who abide (Greek meno, abide) in His word are His true disciples.
Those who keep (Greek tereo) his word shall not see death. Abiding and keeping are used synonymously.

144 LK 11:27 And it came about while He said these things, one of the women in the crowd raised her voice, and said to Him, "Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts at which You nursed." [28] But He said, "On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it." To those seeking to commend Jesus' mother, Jesus makes a point. Blessed rather are those who hear and observe (Greek phulasso, keep or obey) the word of God.

191 JN 12:37 But though He had performed so many signs before them, yet they were not believing in Him; [38] that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke, "LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT? AND TO WHOM HAS THE ARM OF THE LORD BEEN REVEALED?" [39] For this cause they could not believe, for Isaiah said again, [40] "HE HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES, AND HE HARDENED THEIR HEART; LEST THEY SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND PERCEIVE WITH THEIR HEART, AND BE CONVERTED, AND I HEAL THEM." [41] These things Isaiah said, because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him.
[42] Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; [43] for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.
This passage shows the connection between Jesus' words, signs and the necessary believing response leading to conversion.
And here we also see that some who believed refused to publicly confess their faith because of the disapproval of their peers. This lack of action comes not from a lack of faith but reflects the values of the heart.

224 JN 17:20 "I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; [21] that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that You did send Me. Jesus foresaw that people would believe in him through their word, showing a direct connection between the word and faith.
Yet, Jesus' desire is not limited to their faith, but extends to desiring their unity and faithfulness as a further witness to him.

254 JN 20:29 Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed."
JN 20:30 Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; [31] but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
This section is the climax of the gospel of John. While Thomas has seen and believed, others may hear or read about Jesus and believe, and by believing they might have life in his name.

Section	Text	Comments
36, 37	JN 3:14 "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; [15] that whoever believes (Greek pres. ptc) may in Him have eternal life. JN 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. [17] "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him. [18] "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed (perfect ptc) in the name of the only begotten Son of God. JN 3:36 "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."	The Greek text here (as well as 13 other times in John's gospel) uses the present participle of pisteuo, believe. It is often translated "whoever believes" but literally means "the believing one." (Also see Isaiah 28:16 Septuagint for this phrase.) It is God's intent that the "believing one" have eternal life. The object of that faith is Jesus. Conversely, those "not believing ones" are under judgment.
40,41	JN 4:36 "Already he who reaps is receiving wages, and is gathering fruit for life eternal; that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. [37] "For in this case the saying is true, `One sows, and another reaps.' [38] "I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labor." JN 4:39 And from that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me all the things that I have done." [40] So when the Samaritans came to Him, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. [41] And many more believed because of His word; [42] and they were saying to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world."	Here, the faith of the Samaritans is the first as a result of the woman's testimony, then also because of Jesus' own words.
45	LK 4:16 And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. [17] And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book, and found the place where it was written, [18] "THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE DOWNTRODDEN, [19] TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD." LK 4:20 And He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed upon Him. [21] And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."	Jesus' choice of text and statement of fulfillment connects several important elements of his ministry. The preaching of good news to the poor opens the door to a myriad of blessings to men, though the response leading to those blessings is not discussed.
62	MT 12:17 in order that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, might be fulfilled, saying, [18] "BEHOLD, MY SERVANT WHOM I HAVE CHOSEN; MY BELOVED IN WHOM MY SOUL is WELL-PLEASED; I WILL PUT MY SPIRIT UPON HIM, AND HE SHALL PROCLAIM JUSTICE TO THE GENTILES. [19] "HE WILL NOT QUARREL, NOR CRY OUT; NOR WILL ANYONE HEAR HIS VOICE IN THE STREETS. [20] "A BATTERED REED HE WILL NOT BREAK OFF, AND A SMOLDERING WICK HE WILL NOT PUT OUT, UNTIL HE LEADS JUSTICE TO VICTORY. [21] "AND IN HIS NAME THE GENTILES WILL HOPE."	This citation reflects the themes of God's Spirit dwelling upon the Messiah, the spiritual and peaceful (as opposed to political and violent) nature of his ministry, and the blessings of his ministry extending even to to the Gentiles. However, the required response to his ministry in order to receive those blessings is not discussed.
81	MT 12:46 While He was still speaking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him. [47] And someone said to Him, "Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You." [48] But He answered the one who was telling Him and said, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?" [49] And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, "Behold, My mother and My brothers! [50] "For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother."	Here we see the notion of "doing the Father's will" is commended by Jesus. Here we see the response discussed (doing the Father's will), and not the proclamation. "Doing the Father's will" is a worthy discussion on its own.
83	MT 13:14 "And in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, `YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; AND YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; [15] FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES LEST THEY SHOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I SHOULD HEAL THEM.'	This passage illustrates the connection between hearing, understanding and "returning" and receiving the blessing of God.
99	MT 10:14 "And whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust of your feet.	Failing to receive (i.e. believe) the words of the apostles is a rejection of the message.
134	JN 7:37 Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. [38] "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, `From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.'" [39] But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.	Here Jesus extends an invitation for the "thirsty" to "drink." In keeping with the theme of John's gospel, here Jesus is advocating a recognition that He is the answer to their spiritual needs.
137	JN 8:24 "I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins."	Failing to believe that Jesus is the Son of God would lead to condemnation.
138	JN 8:31 Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; JN 8:51 "Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death."	Here we see an important connection between believing and remaining in Jesus' word. Many could hear, many might even believe, but only a few could physically follow as disciples. Yet Jesus broadens the term "disciple:" those who abide (Greek meno, abide) in His word are His true disciples. Those who keep (Greek tereo) his word shall not see death. Abiding and keeping are used synonymously.
144	LK 11:27 And it came about while He said these things, one of the women in the crowd raised her voice, and said to Him, "Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts at which You nursed." [28] But He said, "On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it."	To those seeking to commend Jesus' mother, Jesus makes a point. Blessed rather are those who hear and observe (Greek phulasso, keep or obey) the word of God.
191	JN 12:37 But though He had performed so many signs before them, yet they were not believing in Him; [38] that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke, "LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT? AND TO WHOM HAS THE ARM OF THE LORD BEEN REVEALED?" [39] For this cause they could not believe, for Isaiah said again, [40] "HE HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES, AND HE HARDENED THEIR HEART; LEST THEY SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND PERCEIVE WITH THEIR HEART, AND BE CONVERTED, AND I HEAL THEM." [41] These things Isaiah said, because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him. [42] Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; [43] for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.	This passage shows the connection between Jesus' words, signs and the necessary believing response leading to conversion. And here we also see that some who believed refused to publicly confess their faith because of the disapproval of their peers. This lack of action comes not from a lack of faith but reflects the values of the heart.
224	JN 17:20 "I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; [21] that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that You did send Me.	Jesus foresaw that people would believe in him through their word, showing a direct connection between the word and faith. Yet, Jesus' desire is not limited to their faith, but extends to desiring their unity and faithfulness as a further witness to him.
254	JN 20:29 Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." JN 20:30 Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; [31] but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.	This section is the climax of the gospel of John. While Thomas has seen and believed, others may hear or read about Jesus and believe, and by believing they might have life in his name.