John 15:16
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
John 15:16 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Gospel of John highlights the idea of divine election and predestination. In explaining that the believers have not chosen Jesus, but rather he has chosen them, the verse emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation. By ordaining the believers to go forth and bear lasting fruit, Jesus is assigning them a specific task and purpose in spreading his message. The promise that whatever is asked of the Father in Jesus' name will be granted underscores the believers' connection to Jesus and the power of prayer. This verse serves as a reminder to the believers of their chosen status and the responsibility that comes with it. It encourages them to live a life that reflects their faith and to trust in the provision and guidance of God in fulfilling their mission.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the concept of predestination and election. The verse suggests that believers do not choose God, but rather God chooses them. This emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation and underscores the idea that it is God's initiative, not human effort, that brings about salvation. The verse also speaks to the believer's purpose in being chosen and ordained by God. Believers are called to go and bear fruit, which can be understood as living a life that reflects the character of Christ and leads others to faith. The idea that the fruit should remain highlights the lasting impact that believers can have in the world. Additionally, the verse emphasizes the power of prayer in the life of a believer. It suggests that when believers ask the Father in Jesus' name, He will give them what they ask for. This highlights the importance of prayer in the life of a believer and the assurance that God hears and responds to their prayers.
John 15:16 in other translations
American Standard Version
Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and [that] your fruit should abide: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
World English Bible
You didn’t choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
Douay-Rheims
You have not chosen me: but I have chosen you; and have appointed you, that you should go and should bring forth fruit; and your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Ye haue not chosen me, but I haue chosen you, and ordeined you, that ye goe and bring foorth fruite, and that your fruite remaine, that whatsoeuer ye shall aske of the Father in my Name, he may giue it you.