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Following on this theme we find that Paul had so faithfully discharged his
responsibility of ministry and witness that even though many refused his words, Paul
could declare he was pure or blameless from the judgment that would fall on his
rebellious hearers:
"And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said
unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go
unto the Gentiles" (Acts 18: 6).
"Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men"
(Acts 20: 26).
Paul's ministry had been correct and complete to that dispensation. Paul had passed
on all he had received. In like manner in John 15: 3 Christ is saying His disciples were
correctly and completely equipped for their ministry through the words He had taught
and their acknowledged faith in Him as the Saviour of the world. Much of course had to
follow and the Spirit of Truth had to come to call these things to their remembrance and
to work with them. Before we leave the subject of cleansing, John 15: 2 says of God the
Father:
"Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that
beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit."
The word `purgeth' is allied to the word `clean' in Greek and emphasizes the work of
the Father in making the believer more prepared and conformed to His service. The
words `taketh away' are better translated `lifted up' just as we stake up the leaves and
branches of plants so that they have light and air and are freed from the smothering effect
of the earth.
As we might expect in the second part of chapter 15: our Lord again refers to love;
the love of the Father, the Son and the disciples one to another. Love is based on the
wise sympathy for others together with the clear understanding of their needs and the best
way in the sight of God to supply them. Where man is concerned that service of love
must come from a heart emptied of self which when it is operating replaces the pride of
man by the intention to glorify God. Christ warns His disciples that they can expect the
same cruel opposition from the world as He had had and was to receive.
We have mentioned joy in the knowledge of the perfect ways of God. Our Lord
pointedly pronounces that His parable of the vineyard and all His words that precede and
surround it can bring them a sublime joy of which no man can rob them:
"These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your
joy might be full" (15: 11).