And many in that placeThis phrase refers to the location where Jesus was ministering at the time, which was beyond the Jordan River, where John the Baptist had previously been baptizing. This area, known as Perea, was a region east of the Jordan River. The reference to "that place" highlights the significance of the location as a site of previous spiritual activity and the continuation of God's work through Jesus. The people in this region were familiar with John the Baptist's message, which prepared them for the coming of Jesus.
believed in Jesus.
The belief in Jesus by many in this area signifies the acceptance of His identity and message as the Messiah. This belief is a fulfillment of the purpose of John's Gospel, which is to lead people to faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:31). The act of believing is central to the Gospel message, emphasizing faith as the means of receiving eternal life. This belief contrasts with the rejection Jesus faced from some religious leaders and others in Judea, highlighting the varied responses to His ministry. The faith of these individuals is a testament to the power of Jesus' words and works, which were authenticated by the testimony of John the Baptist and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure of the passage, whose teachings and miracles led many to believe in Him.
2.
The BelieversThe individuals who, upon hearing Jesus, came to faith in Him.
3.
Bethany beyond the JordanThe location where this event took place, significant as a place where John the Baptist had previously ministered.
Teaching Points
The Power of TestimonyThe belief of many was influenced by the testimony of John the Baptist. Our testimonies can have a lasting impact on others.
Faith in ActionTrue belief in Jesus leads to transformation and action. Consider how your faith is reflected in your daily life.
The Role of Memory in FaithThe people remembered John's words about Jesus, which helped them believe. Reflect on how recalling past experiences of God's faithfulness can strengthen your faith.
The Importance of PlaceJesus' return to a significant place of ministry shows the importance of spiritual landmarks in our lives. Identify and cherish the places where God has worked in your life.
The Continuity of God's WorkThe passage shows a continuation of God's work from John the Baptist to Jesus. Recognize how God’s work in your life is part of a larger account.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of John 10:42?
2.How does John 10:42 demonstrate the impact of genuine belief in Jesus?
3.What can we learn about faith from those who "believed in Him there"?
4.How does John 10:42 connect to the theme of belief in John's Gospel?
5.What steps can we take to strengthen our belief in Jesus today?
6.How can we encourage others to believe in Jesus as in John 10:42?
7.What does John 10:42 reveal about the nature of belief in Jesus?
8.How does John 10:42 fit into the broader context of Jesus' ministry?
9.Why did many believe in Jesus according to John 10:42?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 10?
11.What does trusting in Jesus entail?
12.What defines the visible and invisible church?
13.What power does praying together hold?
14.Who can take them from my Father's hand?What Does John 10:42 Mean
And many• Scripture’s choice of the word “many” shows a measurable, sizable response, not an isolated incident (John 2:23;Acts 2:41).
• This underscores that when the gospel is presented plainly, hearts are ready. Jesus had just reminded them of John the Baptist’s witness (John 10:41), and that testimony still carried weight.
• God’s promise of a harvest is dependable: “The fields are white for harvest” (John 4:35). Here we see that promise fulfilled yet again.
in that place• “That place” refers to the region across the Jordan where John had first baptized (John 10:40;John 1:28).
• The setting matters:
– It is away from Jerusalem’s hostility, showing that geographical distance can create spiritual openness (Matthew 13:57-58).
– It is the very soil where John’s ministry introduced Jesus, reminding us that gospel seeds often sprout later (1 Corinthians 3:6).
• The people remembered John’s integrity—“John performed no sign, yet everything he said about this Man was true” (John 10:41). Their regard for John prepared them to trust Jesus.
believed in Jesus• Belief is not mere admiration; it is personal trust in Christ’s person and work (John 3:16; 20:31).
• The phrase shows immediate, decisive faith—without signs (contrastJohn 2:18), echoing Jesus’ words to Thomas: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
• This faith brings life: “Whoever lives and believes in Me will never die” (John 11:26). The text presents belief as a completed act with ongoing results, proving once more that simple faith saves (Ephesians 2:8-9).
summaryJohn 10:42 highlights a moment when many came to faith, demonstrating that gospel witness—whether through John’s prior testimony or Jesus’ own words—never returns void. In the quiet region across the Jordan, hearts were ready, and they placed genuine trust in Jesus, showing that God draws people in every place and season to believe and receive eternal life.
(42)
And many believed on him there.--The word "there" is, in the best texts, in a position of emphasis. "And
there many believed on Him." It marks the contrast between the rejection in Jerusalem and the reception at Bethania.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.manyπολλοὶ(polloi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.in that placeἐκεῖ(ekei)Adverb
Strong's 1563:(a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither.believedἐπίστευσαν(episteusan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4100:From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.inεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.[Jesus].αὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
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NT Gospels: John 10:42 Many believed in him there (Jhn Jo Jn)