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.

Other Translations of John 7:17

New International Version

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.

English Standard Version

17  If anyone's will is to do God'sGreek his will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.

The Message

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.

New King James Version

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.

New Living Translation

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.

15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

Other Translations of 1 Peter 2:15

New International Version

15 For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.

English Standard Version

15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

The Message

15 It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you're a danger to society.

New King James Version

15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men--

New Living Translation

15 It is God's will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Peter 2:15

Commentary on 1 Peter 2:13-17

(Read 1 Peter 2:13-17)

A Christian conversation must be honest; which it cannot be, if there is not a just and careful discharge of all relative duties: the apostle here treats of these distinctly. Regard to those duties is the will of God, consequently, the Christian's duty, and the way to silence the base slanders of ignorant and foolish men. Christians must endeavour, in all relations, to behave aright, that they do not make their liberty a cloak or covering for any wickedness, or for the neglect of duty; but they must remember that they are servants of God.