"It is our purpose to give a verse by verse exposition of the fourth Gospel in the course of this series of studies, but before turning to the opening verses of chapter I it will be necessary to consider John's Gospel as a whole, with the endeavor of discovering its scope, its central theme, and its relation to the other three Gospels. We shall not waste the reader's time by entering into a discussion as to who wrote this fourth Gospel, as to where John was when he wrote it, nor as to the probable date when it was written. These may be points of academic interest, but they provide no food for the soul, nor do they afford any help to an understanding of this section of the Bible, and these are the two chief things we desire to accomplish. Our aim is to open up the Scriptures in such a way that the reader will be able to enter into the meaning of what God has recorded for our learning in this part of His Holy Word, and to edify those who are members of the Household of Faith." Arthur Walkington Pink was an English Christian evangelist and Biblical scholar known for his staunchly Calvinist and Puritan-like teachings. Though born to Christian parents, prior to conversion he migrated into a Theosophical society (an occult gnostic group popular in England during that time), and quickly rose in prominence within their ranks. His conversion came from his father's patient admonitions from Scripture. It was the verse, Proverbs 14:12, 'there is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death, ' which particularly struck his heart and compelled him to renounce Theosophy and follow Jesus.
This popular verse-by-verse exposition of John, based on Bruce's own translation of the Gospel, reflects Bruce's customary ability to make the benefits of his scholarship accesible to the general reader. Footnotes and bibliography are included, pointing the reader to resources for further study.
This commentary seeks above all to explain the text of John's Gospel to those whose privilege and responsibility it is to minister the Word of God to others, to preach and to lead Bible studies. I have tried to include the kind of information they need to know, but to do so in such a way that the informed layperson could also use the work in personal study of the Bible, exclusively for purposes of personal growth in edification and understanding. In particular, I have attempted: (1) To make clear the flow of the text. (2) To engage a small but representative part of the massive secondary literature on John. (3) To draw a few lines towards establishing how the Fourth Gospel contributes to biblical and systematic theology. (4) To offer a consistent exposition of John's Gospel as an evangelistic Gospel. - Preface.
Exalting Jesus in John is part of the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series. Edited by David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, this new commentary series, projected to be 48 volumes, takes a Christ-centered approach to expositing each book of the Bible. Rather than a verse-by-verse approach, the authors have crafted chapters that explain and apply key passages in their assigned Bible books. Readers will learn to see Christ in all aspects of Scripture, and they will be encouraged by the devotional nature of each exposition presented as sermons and divided into chapters that conclude with a “Reflect & Discuss” section, making this series ideal for small group study, personal devotion, and even sermon preparation. It’s not academic but rather presents an easy reading, practical and friendly commentary. The author of Exalting Jesus in John is Matt Carter and Josh Wredberg. “The balance of biblical accuracy, clear outlines, captivating illustrations, and life-changing applications make this commentary a must-have addition to the library of every pastor and everyone else who wants to understand and apply the Gospel of John.” Stephen Davey, Th.M., D.D., senior pastor, Colonial Baptist Church, Cary, North Carolina; president, Shepherds Theological Seminary, Cary, North Carolina “Matt and Joshua provide an excellent resource on John's Gospel. With a clear outline of content, a concise purpose for writing, and a faithful handling of the text as it points to Jesus, the authors give the reader a valuable resource for study and preaching. They herald a clear message to remind the reader, ‘The gospel is the good news that you no longer have to wander about in the darkness and despair of sin, but you can enjoy the light of righteousness through Jesus Christ’ (p. 27). I commend this commentary as it will prove beneficial for many, for years to come.” Lane Harrison, D.Min., lead pastor, LifePoint Church, Ozark, Missouri “The Gospel of John has no shortage of commentaries, raising the obvious question: what sets this one apart from all the others? The unique contribution of Matt Carter's work is rooted in his personal profile. Carter is both a highly successful church planter and long-tenured pastor who has built and led a large church through text-driven preaching. A church holding forth the truth in the heart of one of the most socially liberal cities in the country. A church that has multiplied itself many times over through planting new churches in their own city and in some of the most difficult countries on the planet. As a trustworthy, twenty-first-century pastor-theologian, Carter has not only produced a commentary, but a sermon and bible study starter for preachers and teachers seeking to accurately interpret and prophetically apply the Word of God to this radically changing culture.” Nathan Lino, senior pastor, Northeast Houston Baptist Church; president, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention “This commentary on John is incredibly practical. Written from a pastor's heart, it provides both deep theological insight and practical application. Both ministers of the gospel and people in the pew need this work!” Jerry McCorkle, executive director, SpreadTruth Ministries, Bloomington, Illinois “As a pastor for more than twenty-one years, I appreciate a commentary that stands on solid scholarship while at the same time fitting comfortably in the pulpit. Any pastor, teacher, or small group leader will be able to open this book and find a Christ-centered resource at their fingertips which will enhance their preaching or teaching ministry. In fact, any believer reading this Christ-centered exposition will find themselves learning more about the Lord Jesus Christ and His place in Scripture. The Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series seeks to exalt Jesus. This volume succeeds in meeting that goal!” Eric Peacock, D.Min., senior pastor, Westchester Baptist Church, High Point, North Carolina “As the church navigates an age of profound confusion and doubt, the Gospel of John serves as an immoveable anchor. This commentary is an invaluable tool for believers in understanding and applying God’s Word to our lives as we combat the litany of competing worldviews that surround us. This work remains faithful to the timeless truth of Scripture while challenging contemporary issues in a thoughtful manner. Believers will be well-served by using this book to supplement their efforts to delight in God’s Word and to live by faith in Jesus, the Savior of the world.” Kevin Peck, lead pastor, The Austin Stone Community Church, Austin, Texas “John said the purpose of his Gospel was ‘so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name’ (20:31). This volume is a literary GPS in helping us arrive at that place. Carter and Wredberg wed exegetical integrity with sermonic beauty, and they combine historical accuracy with contemporary relevance, all to show us Jesus. Pastors, teachers, and all who love the Bible and its Christ will be helped greatly by this work.” Jim Shaddix, Ph.D., D.Min., W. A. Criswell Professor of Expository Preaching, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina “Josh and Matt have given us a gospel-fueled treatment of John. You will discover, as I have, that this volume exposes areas you thought you had conquered. Worship your way through this exposition by these two Christ–Centered Ninjas.” Kyle Shearin, D.Min., pastor of preaching and vision, Faith Family Church, Oak Grove, Kentucky
In this addition to the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, two well-respected New Testament scholars interpret the Gospel of John in its historical and literary setting as well as in light of the Church's doctrinal, liturgical, and spiritual tradition. They unpack the wisdom of the Fourth Gospel for the intellectual and spiritual transformation of its readers and connect the Gospel with a range of witnesses throughout the whole history of Catholicism. This volume, like each in the series, is supplemented by features designed to help readers understand the Bible more deeply and use it more effectively in teaching, preaching, evangelization, and other forms of ministry.
In the Resonate series the stories and insights of each book of the Bible are brought into conversation with contemporary voices of hope and lament. In this volume we journey through the Gospel of John with Paul Louis Metzger who wrestles with the question of what happens when God, who is love, comes to town and takes up residence among us.
In this accessible treatment of the major themes of the Gospel of John, renowned New Testament scholar Lamar Williamson blends the best of biblical scholarship and a close reading of the Fourth Gospel to meet the practical needs of weekly preaching. A more reflective Gospel in which the risen Jesus speaks in signs and discourses, John does not simply tell stories, but allows us to experience the Word and to see Jesus offering living water to the aridity of the institutional church and bread to the hungry hearts of individual disciples. More than mere exposition,Preaching the Gospel of Johnincludes at the end of each passage three to five possibilities for preaching the text--creative and pertinent suggestions that can help preachers apply the words of the Fourth Gospel to the lives of today's churchgoers. Proclaiming the living Word is a major theme of the Gospel of John, and this clear and insightful commentary captures that message in the preaching moment.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. – John 1:1 Wisdom, encouragement, and exhortation is contained in these pages. Not because of the author's brilliance, but because of the words of truth contained in the gospel of John. And just as the Apostle John didn't draw any attention to himself, so also J. C. Ryle clearly and wonderfully directs his words and our thoughts towards the inspired words of scripture. If we truly love God, we will love His word; and the more study His word, the more we will love God.
In John, the second volume in the St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary series, Dr. Sproul deals with major themes in his easily understandable style. Readers will find invaluable insights into the goals John had in writing his Gospel, the background for Jesus' time, and the meanings of some of John's most difficult passages. This introduction to the Gospel of John is packed with insights and exhortations that will draw the reader closer to the Savior and encourage him or her to a greater depth of love and devotion to Him.
