[Natural Law]

"I say this because what Jesus promised was given strictly to the Apostles."

God did not give special privilege to the Apostles, only special burdens. I know it is contemporarily popular to play theological "gotcha" by citing this disclaimer, but that contradicts what else is said slightly further on in John:

John 14:21 Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him."

[Truth Defender]

God did not give special privilege to the Apostles, only special burdens. I know it is contemporarily popular to play theological "gotcha" by citing this disclaimer, but that contradicts what else is said slightly further on in John:

John 14:21 Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him."

Why not add John 14:22 to what you are insinuating? Or does that throw a monkey-wrench into it? A verse out of context is a pretext of what's not there.

[GOP Poet]

Okay eyeballing this thread, I am not even going to participate. Each poster seems to have memorized the bible or atleast have such a great mental recall and access that they can banter back and forth with their strong opinions. My engagement with this thread thus far is to read the lovely passages that have been quoted throughout and this one I thought was just beautiful and quite specific and simple. It is one you posted.

John 14:21 Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him."

Just wanted to take that one in savor it and hopefully try each moment to live it.

Blessings to all.