John 15:5 Commentary - Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

1) "I am the vine, ye are the branches," (ego eimi he ampelos humeis ta klemata) "I am (exist as)the true vine, you all are (exist as) the branches," in the vineyard He had Himself planted when He had called and chosen them, Joh 15:16; Joh 15:26-27. He and they form the body, the church, of which institution He is the head, Eph 1:23.

2) "He that abideth in me, and I in him," (ho menon en emoi kago en auto) "The one who remains in me and I in him," drawing life and strength, nourishment and guidance from me and my indwelling and empowering him - as a dynamo for power, and an artesian flow of the water of life for continuous refreshment, Joh 4:14; Joh 7:38-39.

3) "The same bringeth forth much fruit:" (houtos pherei karpon polun) "This one bears much fruit," as expressed in nine forms, Gal 5:22-23; Gal 5:25; Just as every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; how much, "Much fruit" is through the continual abiding and fruit bearing, is not known, will not be revealed until the judgement seat of Christ, Mat 7:17-20; 2Pe 1:4-9; 1Co 3:14.

4) "For without me ye can do nothing." (hoti choris emou ou dunasthe poiein ouden) "Because apart from me you all are not able to do anything," Php_1:11; Php_4:13. Therefore none should glory in the fruit he bears, except the glorying be in Christ Jesus, Gal 2:20; 1Th 5:16; Php_4:4; 1Co 1:29; 1Co 3:21-23. The idea here is one can do nothing that will glorify God, except he be a doer of the Word.