The Inevitability Of Fruitbearing: An Exegesis Of John 15:6 – Part II -- By: John A. Tucker

Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 15:45 (Aug 2011)
Article: The Inevitability Of Fruitbearing: An Exegesis Of John 15:6 – Part II
Author: John A. Tucker


The Inevitability Of Fruitbearing: An Exegesis Of John 15:6 – Part II

John A. Tucker

John A. Tucker, M.S., D.Min., associate pastor, Fort Christmas Baptist Church, Christmas, Florida; and, Th.D. candidate, Tyndale Theological Seminary, Hurst, Texas.

Gary W. Derickson researched the horticultural practices of the time of Christ in a productive attempt to truly understand John 15:1-6 without having to rely upon preconceived, systematic theological positions to explain what was occurring. He aptly noted that most Bible students today do not have an agricultural background and even fewer have formal agricultural training,1 which may place them at a disadvantage to potentially misunderstand the horticultural significance of the Lord’s analogies because of their distance from such activities, unlike the Lord’s disciples who lived in such an agrarian culture. Derickson holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in horticulture from Texas A & M University where he taught grape-pruning as a teaching assistant. His own personal insight and his research into the viticulture at the time of Christ will assist us in placing these practices and the Lord’s words in their proper context. The author of this article also holds Bachelor and Master’s degrees in agriculture from the University of Florida, and he fully concurs with the plant physiological processes explained by Derickson.

In order to understand the horticultural practices at the time of Christ, we are also assisted by a Roman author and natural philosopher, Pliny (the Elder). Pliny lived between AD 23-79 during which time he compiled an extensive encyclopedia entitled Natural History that comprised some of the knowledge of his time. Pliny’s work included much discussion about the horticultural practices of caring for grapevines since they were a very important part of their diet.

Viticulture At The Time Of Christ

Grapes were allowed to grow along the ground, where their clusters were propped to prevent them from being ruined, or they were elevated onto poles or trellises.2 The trellising of vines assisted in maximizing the

exposure to the sun for maximal fruit production and for minimal exposure to the damp ground with its disease-producing effects upon both leaves and fruit. It also assisted in increasing the flow of air through the branches and fruit clusters to minimize moisture retention all over the surface of the plant itself, further discouraging the promulgation of disease on plant tissue.You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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