With my Father’s authority (New English Bible “accredited by my Father”) is literally “in the name of my Father.” Here “the name” is taken as equivalent to the authority, a use that “name” frequently has in biblical thought. It is also found in the corresponding phrase in this verse which Good News Translation renders with his own authority (literally “in his own name”; New English Bible “self-accredited”). See comments at 14.13 for a discussion of “in my name.”

In some languages I have come with my Father’s authority may be rendered “I have come as one who represents my Father,” but it is probably better to use such an expression as “I have come as one whom my Father has sent to represent him.” It may also be expressed as “I have come as one whom my Father has specially sent.”

Have not received is actually in the present tense in Greek. It may be intended to focus attention on the present situation (note Jerusalem Bible “you refuse to accept me”). Good News Translation translation (have not received me) suggests that the Jews’ rejection of Jesus had a wider reference. This translation may be rendered in some cases “have refused to have anything to do with me” or “have pushed me aside” or “have not been willing to listen to me.”

It seems preferable to take the someone of this verse as a general axiom rather than as a specific reference to a particular person. It contrasts the Jews’ unwillingness to accept Jesus and their willingness to accept anyone who comes in his own authority and seeks his own praise.

The clause when, however, someone comes with his own authority may be rendered as conditional, for example, “if someone who speaks only for himself comes.” However, the condition may be divided into two parts, for example, “if someone comes and speaks only for himself” or “… has no authority other than his own.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .