John 10:16
And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus reveals a future unity where the boundaries of nation and background dissolve, showing that His mission extends far beyond the Jewish people to include all who will ultimately hear and respond to His unique voice. This isn't about forcing everyone into the same structure, but about gathering them into one unified flock under His singular shepherding care.
Jesus, speaking to a crowd in Jerusalem, has just been challenged for claiming to be the Son of God and has declared that He is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. He then explains that He has "other sheep" who are not part of the Jewish flock, meaning Gentiles, and that He will bring them in too. This unification of Jews and Gentiles into one flock under one Shepherd—Himself—is a central theme of His mission.
Jesus speaks of 'other sheep' who aren't part of the current fold. Who are these people, and what does their inclusion mean for God's plan?
Jesus is looking beyond the immediate audience of Jewish listeners. He's talking about people from all nations, the Gentiles, who will eventually become part of His flock.
The 'Other Sheep'
The 'Must' of God's Plan
The ultimate outcome is 'one flock, one shepherd.' What does this profound unity look like, and how is it achieved?
The goal isn't just to gather more sheep, but to create a singular, unified community under one ultimate Shepherd – Jesus Himself.
Breaking Down Barriers
The Shepherd's Authority
Understand the original words
probaton · Greek Noun
In biblical usage, sheep represent the people of God who recognize and follow His voice, often contrasting with the world. Here, it refers to both Jewish believers and the Gentiles whom Jesus will gather into His kingdom.
aulē · Greek Noun
A metaphor for a communal group or religious assembly. It signifies the covenant community under the guidance and protection of the Lord.
phōnē · Greek Noun
The primary method by which God communicates His will and His presence to His people; hearing the voice implies active obedience and recognition of the Shepherd's authority.
poimnē · Greek Noun
A collective group of believers. It signifies the unity of God's people under the singular leadership of Christ, transcending previous cultural or religious divisions.
This verse reveals Jesus' understanding of His mission extending far beyond the Jewish people. It highlights the divine plan to unite both Jews and Gentiles into one spiritual family, breaking down ancient national barriers through His sacrificial love.
c. 1500 BC
The Mosaic Covenant
God establishes a special covenant relationship with the nation of Israel through Moses, setting them apart as His chosen people with unique laws and rituals.
c. 9th - 6th century BC
Prophecies of Gentile Inclusion
Prophets like Isaiah and Micah foretell a future time when people from the Gentile nations will be drawn to God and join His people.
c. 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus Teaches in Jerusalem
During a feast in Jerusalem, Jesus engages in dialogue with Jewish leaders and followers, discussing His identity and mission.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus lays down His life as a sacrifice for all humanity and is raised from the dead, conquering sin and death.
This passage, spoken by Isaiah, prophesies that the Lord's house will be called a house of prayer for all nations, directly supporting the idea of the 'other sheep' (Gentiles) being brought into God's flock.
Zechariah 8:23Zechariah foretold a time when ten men from all nations would grasp the cloak of a Jew, saying, 'We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.' This echoes the unity of Jew and Gentile under one shepherd that Jesus speaks of.
Acts 18:10In a direct parallel to Jesus' statement, God tells Paul in Corinth, 'I have much people in this city.' This shows that God considers people in distant lands as already belonging to Him, waiting to be gathered, just as Jesus sees His 'other sheep'.
Ephesians 2:14Paul explains how Christ 'broke down the dividing wall of hostility' between Jews and Gentiles, uniting them into 'one new man.' This speaks to the 'one flock, one shepherd' reality that breaks down ethnic and religious barriers.
Romans 11:25-26Paul discusses the mystery of Israel's hardening and the subsequent inclusion of the Gentiles, stating that 'all Israel will be saved.' This theological explanation of how both Jews and Gentiles come to belong to the same flock under Christ illuminates Jesus' prophecy.
barnesJohn 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 - There are others who shall be members of my redeemed church. I have - This does not imply that they were then his friends, but that they would be. There were others whom it was his purpose and intention to call to the blessings of the gospel and salvation. The purpose was so sure, and the fact that they would believe…
calvinJohn 10:16-18: "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."
- And I have other sheep, 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. 17. On this account the Father loveth me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. 18. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to la…
Jesus reveals a future unity where the boundaries of nation and background dissolve, showing that His mission extends far beyond the Jewish people to include all who will ultimately hear and respond to His unique voice. This isn't about forcing everyone into the same structure, but about gathering them into one unified flock under His singular shepherding care.
Jesus, speaking to a crowd in Jerusalem, has just been challenged for claiming to be the Son of God and has declared that He is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. He then explains that He has "other sheep" who are not part of the Jewish flock, meaning Gentiles, and that He will bring them in too. This unification of Jews and Gentiles into one flock under one Shepherd—Himself—is a central theme of His mission.
Jesus, speaking to a crowd in Jerusalem, has just been challenged for claiming to be the Son of God and has declared that He is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. He then explains that He has "other sheep" who are not part of the Jewish flock, meaning Gentiles, and that He will bring them in too. This unification of Jews and Gentiles into one flock under one Shepherd—Himself—is a central theme of His mission.
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poimēn · Greek Noun
One who leads, feeds, and protects the flock. In a theological context, this is a title for God and specifically for Christ, emphasizing His care, sacrifice, and sovereign rule over His people.
c. AD 30s - 40s
Early Church and Gentile Inclusion
The message of Jesus begins to spread beyond Jewish circles, leading to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian community, causing debate.
c. AD 50
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal council addresses the issue of Gentile inclusion, affirming that Gentiles do not need to become Jews to follow Christ.
"And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd." — Jesus reveals a future unity where the boundaries of nation and background dissolve, showing that His mission extends far beyond the Jewish people to include all who will ultimately hear and respond…
