In the night I was given or shown something to look up. It was the words on top of a book, like some words resting on the top of an antique book or ancient tablet. The words were these:
John’s Increases
Dream
I repeated it in my mind through the night so I wouldn’t forget as I thought it was something important. When I woke up I checked out what it was all about all the while asking The Holy Spirit to speak through my study. This is the result of that study.
The first scripture I found that relates to this phrase in a Google search, was the same one that I had in my mind. Here it is contained in this section of scripture:
John responded, “No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of him.’ He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom’s friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine is complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth is earthly and speaks in earthly terms. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, and yet no one accepts his testimony. The one who has accepted his testimony has affirmed that God is true. For the one whom God sent speaks God’s words, since he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hands. The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who rejects the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.
The search then gave me this:
In the context of the Bible, there isn’t a single list or miracle specifically titled “John’s Increases.” However, the concept of increase is a major theological theme in the Apostle John’s writings (the Gospel of John and the Epistles of 1, 2, and 3 John). Aside from the famous “He must increase” (John 3:30), here are the other ways John describes spiritual and divine “increase”:
google search
1. The Increase of Light (The Prologue)
The Gospel of John begins by describing Jesus as the Light. John uses the imagery of light entering a dark room: as the Light (Jesus) is revealed, the darkness cannot overcome it. In John’s theology, the influence and clarity of God’s truth “increase” as people witness the “signs” (miracles) Jesus performs.
2. The Increase of Joy
In the same passage where John the Baptist says he must decrease (John 3:29), he says, “Therefore this joy of mine is now complete” (or “fulfilled/increased to the full”). John suggests that as we align ourselves with God’s purpose, our personal joy increases because it is no longer dependent on our own status or fame.
3. The Increase of “Life”
John is the only Gospel writer who uses the phrase “Life to the full” or “Abundant life” (John 10:10). He teaches that following Christ leads to an “increase” in the quality of one’s existence—not necessarily in material wealth, but in spiritual vitality and “eternal life” that starts in the present.
4. The Increase of Capacity (The Vine and Branches)
In John 15, Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine. He explains that God “prunes” the branches so that they will bear more fruit. This describes a process of spiritual growth where a person’s ability to love and serve “increases” through discipline and staying connected to God.
5. Walking in “Truth and Love” (The Letters)
In 2 John and 3 John, the author expresses great joy when he hears that his “children” (converts) are “walking in the truth.” He encourages an increase in mutual love, stating that this love is the primary evidence of spiritual maturity.
Summary: Major “Growth” Themes in John
| Concept | Verse | Nature of the Increase |
| Jesus’ Prominence | John 3:30 | Christ becomes the focus the self fades. |
| Grace upon Grace | John 1:16 | A “limitless supply” of divine favor. |
| Fruitfulness | John 15:2 | Increasing in good works and character. |
| Abundance | John 10:10 | An increase in the “fullness” of spiritual life. |
An amazing little summary that Google come up with. It does have its uses!
I see the nimbers ‘3.33’! I wrote about 3.33 a couple of months ago and am struck by the use of the word affirmed in the verse of those numbers. As I read that word I discover that the Greek behind it means seal or sealed.
The one who has accepted his testimony has confirmed clearly that God is truthful. John 3:33, NET
The one who accepts his testimony has attested that God is true. John 3:33, LEB
Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. John 3:33, ESV
The one who has accepted his testimony has affirmed that God is true. John 3:33, CSB
With four translations that there are numerous ways of expressing the Greek of this text. I want to focus on the word affirmed according to the CSB which is the first translation I read of the verse in question. The ESV expresses the Greek more explicitly in using the word seal. The Greek word sphragizo is the word used here. The ESV comes across clunky here though. It’s not clear who’s setting the seal if you read it quickly. The person involved in receiving the testimony is the one setting the seal. This is not something we actually say these days so it’s helpful to view another translation. It’s a good image to have in mind.
The still small voice and thundering chapter in Bill Cahusac’s book is about hearing God’s voice. A tiny book recommendation by the way of how God can use you to help others if you listen to him and take the time to do so. This phrase that I had in the night is an example of God speaking. In further researching this article I realise there is a link again to what I have written about previously about enlarging the heart.
Furthermore in preparing this piece I was reminded of the meaning of John and that is built into the statement at the beginning. Not only is the statement about the different increases that John writes about as summarised above but it’s about what the name of John means.
I shall end with John, which means
The name John is a classic masculine name of Hebrew origin. It remains one of the most significant and enduring names in Western history due to its deep religious roots and timeless appeal.
Google
Meaning and Origin
Literal Meaning: “God is gracious” or “Graced by God.”
Etymology: It is derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan (yôḥānān), which is a shortened version of Yehochanan (yəhôḥānān). This name is composed of two parts: Yeho (referring to Yahweh/God) and chanan (meaning “to be gracious” or “to favor”).
A reminder that God’s grace is a never ending supply. He is at work in us if we but let him…and
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal* of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:7, ESV
* sn In this context the Lord’s “zeal” refers to his intense devotion to and love for his people which prompts him to vindicate them and to fulfill his promises to David and the nation.
New English Translation note