The phrase "from that time" isn't just about when it happened chronologically; it emphasizes the immediate consequence. These disciples didn't just drift away later; they turned their backs precisely because of Jesus' challenging words about eating his flesh and blood, showing their faith was contingent on earthly understanding, not divine revelation.
After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following Jesus' challenging discourse about being the bread of life, where he spoke of eating his flesh and drinking his blood, many who had been his followers turned away. This significant departure marked a moment where the superficial nature of some disciples' commitment was exposed, causing them to stop walking with him. In response, Jesus then turned to his closest twelve, asking if they too intended to leave.
It's easy to assume people left Jesus because they were simply weak. But the text hints at something deeper – a fundamental clash of expectations.
When Jesus declared himself the Bread of Life, some of his followers heard a spiritual truth, while others heard a nonsensical or even offensive statement.
A Shift in Expectations
Many who followed Jesus were looking for a political or military leader, someone to overthrow Roman rule and restore Israel's glory. They saw his miracles and teaching as signs of this coming earthly kingdom.
When Jesus spoke of his flesh being 'true food' and his blood being 'true drink,' he wasn't talking about a literal meal. He was pointing to a deeper, spiritual reality: his sacrifice and the life that comes from union with him.
This profound, challenging teaching shattered their earthly hopes. It wasn't just a difficult concept; it was a complete reorientation of what the Messiah's mission was all about. The result? Many turned away, unable to reconcile Jesus' words with their own desires.
The word 'disciple' seems straightforward, but John 6 reveals different kinds of followers. Some were truly committed, while others were just along for the ride.
Jesus had many followers, a large crowd who 'walked with him.' But not all of them were true disciples in the deepest sense.
The Difference Makers
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Understand the original words
mathētai · Greek Noun
Followers or learners of a teacher; in the NT, those who identify with and follow the teachings and person of Jesus Christ.
periepatoun · Greek Verb
Refers to the act of following, living, and conducting one’s life in accordance with specific principles or a specific leader.
Kyrie · Greek Noun
An honorific title signifying authority and mastery; when applied to God or Jesus, it acknowledges His divine sovereignty, lordship, and rightful claim over the believer.
zōēs aiōniou · Greek Noun phrase
The quality of life that originates from God, is possessed by Him, and is granted to those who believe in His Son; it is characterized by eternal existence in union with God.
pepisteukamen · Greek Verb
A firm conviction or trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ, involving both intellectual assent and a personal commitment of the heart.
ho hagios tou theou · Greek Noun phrase
A term signifying a title of divine uniqueness and consecration; it identifies the Messiah as the one specifically set apart and commissioned by God for the salvation of humanity.
This moment wasn't just about a few people leaving; it was a critical turning point where Jesus' challenging teachings began to sift out those who followed for convenience from those committed to him for who he truly was.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus conducted a vibrant ministry throughout Galilee, attracting large crowds with his teachings and miracles. Many followed him, some for the spiritual nourishment, others for the loaves and fishes.
Early 1st century AD
Feeding of the Five Thousand
Jesus miraculously fed over five thousand men, plus women and children, with only five loaves and two fish. This event significantly boosted his popularity and drew even larger crowds.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Walks on Water
Following the feeding miracle, Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee during a storm, demonstrating his power over nature. This event further solidified his authority for those who witnessed it.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Bread of Life Discourse
Jesus delivers a profound discourse in Capernaum, identifying himself as the true bread from heaven. He speaks of his flesh being given for the life of the world, a concept many found difficult to accept.
Early 1st century AD
Disciples Depart
After the challenging Bread of Life discourse, many who had followed Jesus turned away, finding his words too hard. They ceased to walk with him, unwilling to accept his radical claims.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Questions the Twelve
Jesus, aware of the mass departure, turns to his inner circle of twelve apostles and asks if they too will leave. Peter's confession affirms their belief in Jesus as the Son of God.
This passage describes the parable of the sower, where some 'hear the word and immediately receive it with joy,' but 'have no root in themselves' and 'fall away when trouble or persecution comes.' It highlights how initial enthusiasm doesn't always lead to lasting faith, echoing the disciples who left Jesus because his teaching was too difficult.
Hebrews 10:39This verse speaks of those who 'are of faith to the obtaining of the life of the soul,' contrasting them with those who 'shrink back to destruction.' It directly addresses the concept of drawing back from faith, mirroring the disciples' departure in John 6.
1 Samuel 15:11God expresses regret, saying, 'I have set Saul over Israel. It grieves me that I have set him over Israel.' This shows that God's choice and humanity's response can lead to sorrow and disappointment, similar to how Jesus must have felt when so many disciples turned away.
2 Timothy 2:15Paul instructs Timothy to 'be diligent to present yourself to God as an approved worker, who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.' This implies the importance of correctly discerning and adhering to God's word, a challenge faced by the disciples who stumbled over Jesus' teachings.
John 15:6Jesus warns, 'If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.' This stark image of being cut off resonates with the disciples who 'walked no more with him,' indicating a separation from the life-giving vine.
vincentJohn 6:66: "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him."
From that time (ἐκ τούτου)Render, as Rev., upon this. As a result proceeding out of (ἐκ) this. Compare John 19:12.Went back (ἀπῆλθον εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω)The Greek expresses more than the English. They went away (ἀπό) from Christ, Literally, to the things behind, to what they had left in order to follow the Lord.Walked (περιεπάτουν)Literally, walked about, with Jesus in His wanderings here and there.
calvinJohn 6:65-71: "And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father."
- And he said, Therefore have I told you that no man can come to me, unless it be given to him by my Father. 66. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67. Jesus therefore said to the twelve, Do you also wish to go away? 68. Simon Peter therefore answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. 69.…
The phrase "from that time" isn't just about when it happened chronologically; it emphasizes the immediate consequence. These disciples didn't just drift away later; they turned their backs precisely because of Jesus' challenging words about eating his flesh and blood, showing their faith was contingent on earthly understanding, not divine revelation.
Following Jesus' challenging discourse about being the bread of life, where he spoke of eating his flesh and drinking his blood, many who had been his followers turned away. This significant departure marked a moment where the superficial nature of some disciples' commitment was exposed, causing them to stop walking with him. In response, Jesus then turned to his closest twelve, asking if they too intended to leave.
Following Jesus' challenging discourse about being the bread of life, where he spoke of eating his flesh and drinking his blood, many who had been his followers turned away. This significant departure marked a moment where the superficial nature of some disciples' commitment was exposed, causing them to stop walking with him. In response, Jesus then turned to his closest twelve, asking if they too intended to leave.
"After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we hav…" — The phrase "from that time" isn't just about when it happened chronologically; it emphasizes the immediate consequence. These disciples didn't just drift away later; they turned their backs precisely…
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Last reviewed October 2026
