John 6:62

What and if, &c. Literally, If therefore ye should behold the Son of man ascending where He was before?The sentence breaks off (aposiopesis) leaving something to be understood: but what is to be understood? The answer to this depends on the meaning assigned to -behold the Son of man ascending." The most literal and obvious interpretation is of an actual beholding of the Ascension: and in that case we supply; -Would ye still take offence then?" Against this interpretation it is urged (1) That S. John does not record the Ascension. But it is assumed, if not here and John 3:13, yet certainly John 20:17 as a fact; and in all three cases it is in the words of our Lord that the reference occurs. S. John throughout assumes that the main events of Christ's life and the fundamental elements of Christianity are well known to his readers. (2) That none but the Twelve witnessed the Ascension, while this is addressed to a multitude of doubting disciples. But some of the Twelve were present: and Christ speaks hypothetically; - ifye shouldbehold," not - whenye shallbehold." (3) That in this case we should expect -but" instead of -therefore." Possibly, but not necessarily. The alternative interpretation is to make the -ascending" refer to the whole drama which led to Christ's return to glory, especially the Passion (comp. John 7:33; John 13:3; John 14:12; John 14:28; John 16:5; John 16:28; John 17:11; John 17:13): and in that case we supply; -Will not the sight of a suffering Messiah offend you still more?"