17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
17 Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.
17 If anyone's will is to do God's
17 Anyone who wants to do his will can test this teaching and know whether it's from God or whether I'm making it up.
17 If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.
17 Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 7:17
Commentary on John 7:14-24
(Read John 7:14-24)
Every faithful minister may humbly adopt Christ's words. His doctrine is not his own finding out, but is from God's word, through the teaching of his Spirit. And amidst the disputes which disturb the world, if any man, of any nation, seeks to do the will of God, he shall know whether the doctrine is of God, or whether men speak of themselves. Only those who hate the truth shall be given up to errors which will be fatal. Surely it was as agreeable to the design of the sabbath to restore health to the afflicted, as to administer an outward rite. Jesus told them to decide on his conduct according to the spiritual import of the Divine law. We must not judge concerning any by their outward appearance, but by their worth, and by the gifts and graces of God's Spirit in them.