Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

John 6:64

But τινὲς οὐ πιστεύουσιν, and therefore do not receive the life. This Jesus said ἤδει γὰρ … αὐτόν, for Jesus knew from the first who they were that believed not, and who it was who should betray Him. “Hoc ideo addidit Evangelista, ne quis putet temere judicasse Christum de suis auditoribus,” Calvin. Euthymius says it illustrates His forbearance. ἐξ ἀρχῆς, from the beginning of His connection with individuals. Weiss supposes it means from the beginning of their not believing. He gave utterance to this knowledge in John 6:26. He even knew who it was who should betray Him. This is said in anticipation of John 6:70-71. This declaration raises the question, Why then did Jesus call Judas to the Apostolate? Holtzmann indeed supposes that this intimation is purely apologetic and intended to show that Jesus was not deceived in appointing Judas. It is unnecessary to increase the difficulty by supposing the ἐξ ἀρχῆς to refer to the time previous to his call. Jesus saw in Judas qualities fitting him to be an Apostle; but seeing him among the others He recognised that he was an unfaithful man. To suppose that He called him in the clear knowledge that he would betray Him is to introduce an unintelligible or artificial element into the action of Christ. [Neither Calvin nor Beza makes any remark on the clause. Bruce, Training of the Twelve; and Reith, in loc., should be consulted.] Jesus already recognised in what manner His death would be compassed: by treachery. The fact stated in John 6:64, that some of His own disciples could yet not believe in Him, illustrates the truth of what He had said, John 6:44, that no one can come to Him except the Father draw him.

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Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

John 6:64

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