“But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.”
My Notes
What Does John 6:64 Mean?
John reveals that Jesus knew from the beginning which of His followers didn't genuinely believe and who would betray Him. The foreknowledge is complete: He knew the non-believers and He knew the betrayer before either revealed themselves. Jesus didn't discover Judas' treachery. He knew it from the start.
The phrase "from the beginning" (ex archēs) doesn't mean from the beginning of the universe but from the beginning of the disciple relationship. When Jesus chose the twelve, He already knew which ones didn't believe and which one would betray. He selected Judas with full knowledge of what Judas would do. The betrayal wasn't a divine surprise. It was a divine choice.
This raises a profound question: why choose someone you know will betray you? The answer lies in the cross itself being part of God's plan. The betrayal was necessary. Someone had to hand Jesus over. Judas' faithlessness served God's faithfulness. The free choice of the betrayer accomplished the predetermined plan of the Redeemer.
Reflection Questions
- 1.If Jesus knows from the beginning who truly believes and who doesn't, does that change how you approach your own faith—performing or genuine?
- 2.Jesus chose Judas knowing the betrayal was coming. What does that tell you about how God uses even unfaithful people in His plan?
- 3.Are you 'in the room' with Jesus but not genuinely believing? What would honesty look like?
- 4.If pretending is futile before someone who sees hearts, what's the point of maintaining the performance?
Devotional
Jesus knew. From the beginning. Which ones didn't believe. Which one would betray. He chose them anyway. He chose Judas knowing Judas would sell Him. He invested three years in a man He knew would hand Him to His executioners.
The foreknowledge is unsettling because it means the betrayal wasn't an accident or a surprise. Jesus walked into it with open eyes. He washed Judas' feet knowing those feet would walk to the chief priests. He shared meals with Judas knowing the mouth being fed would identify Him with a kiss. The intimacy wasn't foolish. It was deliberate. The Lamb chose to walk with the one who would lead Him to slaughter.
This verse also addresses everyone who is pretending. Jesus says "there are some of you that believe not"—present tense, in the room, right now. Some of the people who followed Him, ate with Him, called themselves His disciples, didn't actually believe. And He knew. From the beginning. He wasn't fooled by their attendance. He wasn't deceived by their proximity. Presence without belief is visible to the one who sees hearts.
If you're in the room with Jesus—attending, participating, going through the motions—but not genuinely believing, this verse says: He knows. Not to condemn you. But because pretending is ultimately futile before someone who sees through it. He knew from the beginning. You can stop performing and start being honest. He already knows the truth anyway.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
From that time many of his disciples went back,.... Not any of the twelve apostles, for they are distinguished from…
Jesus knew from the beginning ... - As this implied a knowledge of the heart, and of the secret principles and motives…
But there are some of you that believe not - This is addressed to Judas, and to those disciples who left him: Joh…
We have here an account of the effects of Christ's discourse. Some were offended and others edified by it; some driven…
some of you that believe not There were some of those who followed Him and called themselves His disciples, who still…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture