John 6:64 Commentary and Bible Study

The Lord was not taken by surprise by the falling away that now took place, indeed he fully expected it because he knew that for all their apparent zeal in following him, they did not have regenerate hearts. He is not like us who wait to see what people will do next and can only judge the spiritual state of others by what we see on the outside. The Lord reads the heart through and through and all its secrets are open to him. Not one of those who are effectually called can fall away and be lost, but he sees many who follow him for a time, thinking that they are accepted, but who have never entered through the narrow gate that leads to life. Of course the Lord knows them that are his and them that are not, because it is his work that makes them his, and it is his everlasting love that leads to his calling us. Not only did the Lord know who would turn back from following him but he knew that even among the twelve there was one who would not turn back, but who nevertheless in fulfilment of prophecy was going to betray him. This prepares the ground for what the Lord Jesus is about to say in answer to Peter.