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58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which the ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” 59 He said these things while he was teaching in a synagogue at Capernaum.

The Words of Eternal Life

60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” 61 But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you?(A) 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?(B) 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who were the ones who did not believe and who was the one who would betray him.(C) 65 And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.”(D)

66 Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67 So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”[a](E)

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Footnotes

  1. 6.69 Other ancient authorities read the Christ, the Son of the living God

58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”(A) 59 He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

Many Disciples Desert Jesus

60 On hearing it, many of his disciples(B) said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”(C)

61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you?(D) 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man(E) ascend to where he was before!(F) 63 The Spirit gives life;(G) the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit[a] and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known(H) from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him.(I) 65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”(J)

66 From this time many of his disciples(K) turned back and no longer followed him.

67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.(L)

68 Simon Peter answered him,(M) “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.(N) 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”(O)

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Footnotes

  1. John 6:63 Or are Spirit; or are spirit