What does John 6:69 mean?

The gospel of John highlights seven moments when Jesus is openly declared to be divine. This is the third of these witnesses. The title "Holy One of God" is also used by a demon in reference to Jesus in Mark 1:24.

After seeing many people abandon Jesus' teachings completely, Peter has made a very practical, rational remark. Rather than choosing what he likes over what is true, Peter rhetorically asks, "where else would we go, since only you have the truth?" This is what separates the "follower" from the "believer." Many people show interest in Christ and approve of aspects of His ministry. And yet, in the end, just because a person has a fondness for Christianity does not mean they are truly a Christian (1 John 2:19).

Peter's use of the term "we" includes all twelve men in Jesus' current inner circle. It's a perfect illustration of Peter's over-enthusiastic personality: he presumes to speak for everyone. We're not sure exactly when or where the other men came to full, deep faith in Christ. What is sure is that one of those twelve will never come to this conclusion; Jesus already knows who this is (John 6:70–71). While the crowd's abandonment of Jesus proved their faith was shallow, the truth about Judas's lack of belief will not be as easy to uncover.