1John 5:6-8 The Spirit, the water, and the blood

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The Spirit, the water, and the blood

1John 5:6-8 This is the one who came by water and blood— Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.

There are two basic interpretations to this passage. Either John is defending the idea of Jesus incarnation into human flesh against the heresy of docetism, or he is affirming Jesus' ministry.

There are three that bear witness:

• The Spirit: through Jesus miracles
• The Water: through Jesus baptism or incarnation (birth in water)
• The Blood: through Jesus death

With regards to his ministry, you have the following testimony:

The Spirit: through the miracles in accordance with the scriptures
The Water: at his baptism The Spirit descended in accordance with the word given John the Baptist The Father spoke
The Blood: at his death The temple curtain was ripped The dead were raised in accordance with the scriptures

With regards to his human nature,

The Spirit: Might refer to Gabriel's prophecy of his birth or OT prophecies
The Water: Could be the water in which he was born in Mary's womb
The Blood: His shed blood on the cross

These all give evidence that he came in flesh contrary to the docetist heresy.

As I said it is uncertain which John is speaking of though as you can see both have application here.

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