{5} Jesus answered them, and said, {e} My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

(5) Therefore there are few to whom the gospel appeals, because the giving of serious attention to godliness is very rare.

(e) See above in Joh 5:22; and he speaks this in accordance with the opinion of the Jews, as if he said, My doctrine is not mine, that is, it is not the doctrine of myself, whom you consider to be just a mere man and therefore treat me lightly, but it is his that sent me.

People's New Testament

7:16 My doctrine is not mine. This is an answer to the question of Joh 7:15. His knowledge came not from man, but from God.

Wesley's Notes

7:16 My doctrine is not mine - Acquired by any labour of learning; but his that sent me - Immediately infused by him.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

16-18. doctrine . not mine, &c.-that is, from Myself unauthorized; I am here by commission.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

7:14-24 Every faithful minister may humbly adopt Christ's words. His doctrine is not his own finding out, but is from God's word, through the teaching of his Spirit. And amidst the disputes which disturb the world, if any man, of any nation, seeks to do the will of God, he shall know whether the doctrine is of God, or whether men speak of themselves. Only those who hate the truth shall be given up to errors which will be fatal. Surely it was as agreeable to the design of the sabbath to restore health to the afflicted, as to administer an outward rite. Jesus told them to decide on his conduct according to the spiritual import of the Divine law. We must not judge concerning any by their outward appearance, but by their worth, and by the gifts and graces of God's Spirit in them.