John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (KJV)
2007-07-03 11:28:12 · 16 answers · asked by KellyKapowski 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
After mentioning one sheepfold at John 10:7-15, Jesus brought another group into the picture, saying: “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those also I must bring, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd.” (John 10:16) Who are those “other sheep”?
Christendom’s commentators generally take the view that these other sheep are Gentile Christians and that those in the sheepfold referred to earlier are Jewish, those who were under the Law covenant, and that both groups go to heaven. But Jesus was born a Jew and was by birth under the Law covenant. Furthermore, those who view the other sheep as Gentile Christians who will be rewarded with heavenly life are failing to take into account an important aspect of God’s purpose. When Jehovah created the first humans and put them in the garden of Eden, he made it clear that his purpose was that the earth be populated, that all of it be a paradise, and that its human caretakers enjoy life forever, on the condition that they respect and obey their Creator.
Who are the sheep? Well, it would be good to fix in mind that all of Jesus’ loyal followers are referred to as sheep. At Luke 12:32, he called those of his disciples who would be going to heaven the “little flock.” A flock of what? Of sheep. The “sheep” of the “little flock” will be part of the Kingdom in heaven. However, there are others, those with a different hope, whom Jesus also views as sheep.
We can see this in John chapter 10. After speaking about sheep such as his apostles whom he would call to life in heaven, Jesus added in verse 16: “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those also I must bring.” Jehovah’s Witnesses have long recognized that in this verse Jesus was speaking of people having the prospect of life on earth. Many faithful ones in pre-Christian times, such as Abraham, Sarah, Noah, and Malachi, had such prospects. So we can rightly include them as part of the “other sheep” of John 10:16. During the Millennium, such faithful pre-Christian witnesses will be resurrected and will then learn of and accept Christ Jesus, becoming “other sheep” of the Fine Shepherd.
2007-07-03 16:01:49 · answer #1 · answered by BJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
other sheep
i.e. not of the Jewish fold, but Gentiles. John 10:4; Isaiah 56:8; John 17:20; Acts 15:7-9.
2007-07-03 18:35:16 · answer #2 · answered by dlorey13 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Jesus called attention to another group when he said: “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those also I must bring, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd.” (Joh 10:16)
These are not of the “little flock” (Lu 12:32), but they too must approach Jehovah through Jesus Christ and be baptized in water.
The vision given to the apostle John, as recorded in Revelation, harmonizes with this when, after showing John the 144,000 “sealed” ones, it turns his eyes to “a great crowd, which no man was able to number.”
These are shown as having “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb,” indicating faith in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ the Lamb of God. (Re 7:9, 14)
They are therefore given favorable recognition, “standing before [God’s] throne,” but are not those whom God selects to be the “sealed” 144,000. As to this “great crowd,” the vision goes on to point out that they serve God day and night and will be protected and will be cared for by him.—Re 7:15-17.
2007-07-03 23:10:54 · answer #3 · answered by keiichi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gentiles. He was speaking to the Pharisees at the time who excommunicated the healed blind man and was accusing Jesus of healing on the Sabbath.
Jesus was sent by God to initially save Israel. (ref. Romans 1:16)
[Jesus] said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” - Matthew 15:24
He was rejected as prophesied, and salvation was then offered to the gentiles.
"And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. " - John 10:16
This is making of two folds one flock is confirmed in Galatians 3:28...
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
2007-07-03 18:43:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Probably the Gentiles, or He simply could have been referring to those mentioned in verse 42.
40And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. 41And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. 42And many believed on him there.
2007-07-03 18:38:41 · answer #5 · answered by Holy Holly 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Jesus was speaking with the Jews in this discourse. The "other sheep of this fold" are the Gentiles.
2007-07-03 18:32:06 · answer #6 · answered by stpolycarp77 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He came to bring the offer of salvation to not just the Jews, but to us Gentiles as well. This way, instead of being an "us and them" situation, we are all now believers and followers.
2007-07-03 18:32:47 · answer #7 · answered by mistovan 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
God has people in different denominations and other beliefs and the spirit that is in them he is starting to bring them together through it to one mind and one accord in Christ Jesus.
2007-07-03 18:46:09 · answer #8 · answered by Fisherofmen 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It means (to me) that Jesus shares the truth with everyone...but yes, it refers to the Gentiles
2007-07-03 18:34:12 · answer #9 · answered by artbyheather04 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Talking about taking the Gospel to the gentiles. (us)
2007-07-03 18:34:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋