1 John 3:2
1 John 3:3
1 John 3:4
1 John 3:5
1 John 3:6
1 John 3:7
1 John 3:8
1 John 3:9
1 John 3:10
1 John 3:11
1 John 3:12
1 John 3:13
1 John 3:14
1 John 3:15
1 John 3:16
1 John 3:17
1 John 3:18
1 John 3:19
1 John 3:20
1 John 3:21
1 John 3:22
1 John 3:23
1 John 3:24
- Critique of Online Resources for 1 John - Be a Berean! Acts 17:11+
- Does the Book of 1 John Present Tests of Fellowship or Signs of Life?
- Johnny V. Miller - Book Review of the unusual interpretations of 1 John in Zane Hodges' book The Gospel Under Siege
- Paul Apple's critique of interpretative approach of Zane Hodges
- Loving the Brethren - Teachings of Zane Hodges - Middletown Bible
- How ‘Free Grace’ Theology Diminishes the Gospel - Critique of Wayne Grudem's Free Grace Theology - 5 Ways It Diminishes the Gospel
- The Unusual Teachings of Zane Hodges - George Zeller
- 1 John 3:10 Children of God and Children of the Devil - Middletown Bible
- Multi-part discussion of the unusual teachings of Zane Hodges, et al click Index (>100 pages)
- Sam Storms' Discussion of Zane Hodges' Interpretation of Fellowship;
- John Piper discusses Zane Hodges in his letter Who Am I Talking About?'
- The Teachings of Zane Hodges, Joseph Dillow, Robert Wilkin
III. Assurance Through the Conflict of Faith, 1 John 2:18-4:6
A. The conflict between truth and error, 1 John 2:18-28
1. The crisis faced by the believer, 1 John 2:18-19
2. The resources of the believer, 1 John 2:20-21
3. The criterion of a true believer, 1 John 2:22-25
4. The summary of the teaching, 1 John 2:26-28
B. The conflict between the children of God and children of the devil, 1 John 2:29-3:12
1. The sign of the child of God, 1 John 2:29-3:3
a. The practice of righteousness, 1 John 2:29
b. The realization of present sonship, 1 John 3:1-2a
c. The purifying effect of the future hope, 1 John 3:2b-3
2. The revelation from the practice of sin, 1 John 3:4-8a
a. The implications of the practice of sin, 1 John 3:4-5
b. The revelation of the two classes, 1 John 3:6-8a
3. The deliverance from the practice of sin, 1 John 3:8b-9
4. The sign of the children of God and children of the devil, 1 John 3:10-12
C. The conflict between love and hate,1 John 3:13-24
1. The evidential value of love and hate, 1 John 3:13-15
2. The manifestation of love and hate, 1 John 3:16-18
a. The example and obligation of love, 1 John 3:16
b. The revelation of the lack of love, 1 John 3:17
c. The exhortation to practice true love, 1 John 3:18
3. The assurances from the presence of love, 1 John 3:19-24
a. The assurance of being in the truth, 1 John 3:19-20
b. The assurance of answered prayer, 1 John 3:1-22
c. The assurance of union with Christ, 1 John 3:23-24
Explanation - The following list includes not only commentaries but other Christian works by well known evangelical writers. Most of the resources below are newer works (written after 1970) which previously were available only for purchase in book form or in a Bible computer program. The resources are made freely available by archive.org but have several caveats - (1) most do not allow copy and paste, (2) they can only be checked out for one hour (but can be checked out immediately when your hour expires giving you time to read or take notes on a lengthy section) and (3) they require creating an account which allows you to check out the books free of charge. To set up an account click archive.org and then click the picture of the person in right upper corner and enter email and a password. That's all you have to do. Then you can read these more modern resources free of charge! I have read or used many of these resources but not all of them so ultimately you will need to be a Berean (Acts 17:11+) as you use them. I have also selected works that are conservative and Biblically sound. If you find one that you think does not meet those criteria please send an email at https://www.preceptaustin.org/
Note: Not in any particular order.
The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible : New Testament, King James Version 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation. - Helpful notes.
The Letters of John : an Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) by Stott, John R. W (1988) 244 pages. 89 ratings
Tim Challies - John Stott is always an able commentator and his volume in the TNTC is no exception. Carson praises it as “one of the most useful conservative commentaries on these epistles, so far as the preacher is concerned” and says “it is packed with both exegetical comments and thoughtful application.” The TNTC is targeted squarely at a general audience, so both pastors and interesting general readers will find it tremendously beneficial. If you are looking for a commentary to guide you as you read John’s epistles devotionally, this is probably the one you want.
Robert Yost - This volume, which was revised in 1988, is one of the finest offerings in the TNTC series. Stott, an Anglican and one of the elder statesmen of the evangelical world in the twentieth century has written an outstanding commentary that, in spite of its age, has continued to hold its own alongside other more recent works. Any book written by Stott is worth obtaining. Age has not tarnished its luster. This is a nontechnical work that can be used by both pastors and laypersons. “A beautiful blending of Bible teaching and practical theology” (Barber, 182). “One of the most useful conservative commentaries on these epistles, so far as the preacher is concerned” (Carson, 154).
James Rosscup - Here is a recent lucid, stimulating work by a gifted writer who has served as rector of the All Souls (Anglican) Church, Langham Place, London. Several New Testament scholars have hailed it as an outstanding commentary from the standpoint of exegesis, exposition and warm application. It was listed among 22 “Choice Evangelical Books of 1964” in Christianity Today (February 12, 1965, p. 16). Stott displays a vast breadth of reading in the best conservative works on the Johannine epistles. This 1988 version updates the 1964 original.
Sam Storms review - This is far and away the best commentary that Stott has written on any NT book. It is also the first commentary that I would recommend for the student to purchase. It was revised and expanded in 1988 to take into account more recent studies of the Johannine literature. Although he interacts with the Greek text, this commentary is accessible to students of the English Bible as well. Get it!**
The Epistles of John in The New International Commentary on the New Testament - I Howard Marshall
Sam Storms - 1978. Marshall writes from an Arminian perspective. His commentary is second only to Stott for evangelical readers. It is thorough and always fair in its treatment of controversial issues. Highly recommended.*
John Cereghin (Baptist Pastor) - Simply written and ably brings together a good deal of previous scholarship without getting bogged down in minutiae. This is a very good commentary.
Robert Yost - This commentary is a very fine treatment of these epistles by the senior lecturer in NT exegesis at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, and one of the finest NT scholars of the twentieth century. Marshall’s approach is scholarly, but also accessible to the nonspecialist. An excellent effort! “Keen ability to follow the thought of a book and articulate it with clarity” (Rosscup, 331). “Much … value to the preacher. The book is simply written and ably brings together a good deal of previous scholarship without getting bogged down in minutiae.… A very good commentary” (Carson, 153). “Characterized by careful augmentation, balanced judgment, and clear and understandable presentation of current scholarly discussions and of complex exegetical issues” (Bauer, 387). Arminian.
Cyril Barber (page 62) - New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1978. An extensive introduction that adequately surveys the historical and textual background of these letters is followed by a careful exposition of John's epistles in the order in which they were written. Provides interested readers with a complete and satisfying treatment.
James Rosscup - Like Ryrie and Stott, Marshall has keen ability to follow the thought of a book and articulate it with clarity. He often is helpful on stating views gleaned from the literature and is up-to-date. His use of the Greek, good footnotes, and detail on many of the problem verses make this a very good evangelical commentary by one of the best New Testament scholars in the British Isles (ca. 2001 he retired from being head of the New Testament Department at King’s College, University of Aberdeen, Scotland).
Epistles of John & Jude : a self-study guide by Jensen, Irving
The Gospel and epistles of John 160 pages, 1970. F F Bruce
John Cereghin (Baptist Pastor) - A brief, popular exposition. Defends apostolic authorship (15); gives a short introduction (25-33); holds that the words "world" and "life" are key words of John (36); stresses the role of Christ as Advocate (49); teaches the coming of a future Antichrist (67ff); has a note rejecting the authenticity of the passage on the three heavenly witnesses (129-130).
Sam Storms - This is one of the first commentaries on John's letters that I read. As always, Bruce is precise in his explanation of issues. It is brief but worthy of your study.
The Epistles of John : [an expositional commentary] - Boice, James Montgomery. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1979.
Sam Storms review - This commentary is based on Boice's sermons. Although not a detailed interaction with the text, it is theologically and homiletically helpful.
Robert Yost - This well-written and informative volume is a popular compilation of expositions of the text by a noted Presbyterian pastor. This commentary is very helpful for the pastor or general reader. Reformed.
The Johannine Epistles : based on the Revised Standard version by Grayston, Kenneth
Cyril Barber - New Century Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1984. Following a brief but adequate introduction, Grayson reappraises Johannine scholarship, and though some of his views differ from those of others who have written on these epistles, readers are nevertheless treated to a discussion that is spiritually stimulating and culturally apropos.
Sam Storms review - Like most volumes in this series, this one is brief but helpful.
The Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1994 edition - Abridged - New Testament
Sam Storms review - Barker, G. W. 1 John, 2 John, 3 John. The Expositor's Bible Commentary, vol. 12. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981. This is an evangelical and conservative treatment of the Johannine epistles that is designed for those without a knowledge of Greek. It tends to be too brief at times.
The Interpretation of the Epistles of St. Peter, St. John and St. Jude - R C H Lenski (excellent Lutheran commentator)
Robert Yost - “Aims to force the student to think through the Greek text and stimulate exegetical rigor, but his grasp of Greek is mechanical, amateurish, and without respect for the fluidity of Greek in the Hellenistic period. The series is marred by a militant or even angry tone in defense of orthodox Lutheranism” (Carson, 24). To be fair, I purchased this set and used it extensively during my seminary years and found it quite useful and of great help in exegesis. It was my shield at my right hand during my years of Greek study. Lutheran. Amillennial.
1-3 John by Thompson, Marianne Meye -- see below
James Rosscup - A lucid 168-pp., crisp exposition with some application in a flow for popular, general use. In a number of verses the book helps, at others it frustrates due to passing by views and reasons, or lacks sufficient comments. Much generalizing leaves an impression that in order to be seen as saved one must live an ideally perfect life (cf. 43), yet at other points one reads that Christians sin (45). The work has a healthy clarity that real grace, distinct from cheap so-called (but not genuine) grace (51) elicits confession of sin and seeking obedience to God. Such a life with God helps one’s assurance to be a properly experienced reality, as in 2:3 (51), even this by grace. Some statements are quite helpful, as “righteous conduct does not make us God’s children. Rather, such conduct is the consequence or expression of a relationship that already exists” after rebirth (87). Many issues are left in a blur, for instance “God’s seed remains” (3:9).
Sam Storms review - Although brief and non-technical, Thompson has helpful insights. It is not as good, however, as Stott or Marshall.
The Epistles of John by Hobbs, Herschel H
The Bible Exposition Commentary or Bible Exposition Commentary - Ephesians through Revelation - Warren Wiersbe
Rosscup - One of America’s most appreciated staunchly evangelical Bible conference teachers gives diligent, refreshing expositions. These are all of his 23 separate, earlier books in the “Be” series on the New Testament. He strikes a particular appeal with lay people as he crystallizes sections, deals with some of the verses, handles certain problems and backgrounds and applies principles. He is premillennial.
The letters of John the Apostle : an in-depth commentary by Burdick, Donald W
James Rosscup - This is far more detailed in getting at issues than his Everyman’s Commentary effort of 1970. It is a diligent conservative product on Greek syntax, word meaning and theology, and follows the line of thought through the epistles well. The introduction (pp. 3–92) takes up the background, authorship, date, place, recipients, occasion, purpose, character and content of I John. Later, he also has introductions to II and III John. He believes that I John gives grounds for assurance, tests of practice that can provide valid assurance (cf. pp. 81–82). Though copious in aspects of grammar that open up the books, Burdick is more lucid than Westcott’s helpful exegetical work of the past, and certainly one of the best now on the Greek. At some points one ought to go to longer discussions of views and issues in Brown, and also consult Brooke, Marshall, Plummer, Smalley, and Strecker etc. on technical matters, Marshall and Smalley also for more on studies of recent years.
Cyril Barber - Written for lay people. This work is designed to lay bare the meaning of John's letters for his own time and ours as well. Clear and cogent.
The Epistles of John by Burdick, Donald W
James Rosscup - A part of the Everyman’s Bible Commentary series, this work by a careful evangelical New Testament scholar from Denver Seminary is quite perceptive on problems and good as a brief commentary.
Sam Storms review - This volume is similar in approach and perspective to Hiebert. Very helpful.
John Cereghin (Baptist pastor) - A careful exposition with an analysis of the ascending stages, or spiral, in John's thought. The writer sees John's basic purpose in writing as being to develop a correct view of Christ will result in a life of love and righteousness. Good for Bible study classes. ! 1985 (different than above). Not to be overlooked although not always to be trusted. Almost 500 pages, it attempts to offer exegesis of the Greek text, theological comment, present-day application and some comment on structure. But beware: its approach to Greek somehow manages to be simultaneously painstaking and mechanical, partly because the work is linguistically uninformed. The style is a bit stodgy.
1, 2, 3 John : Bible study commentary by Vaughan, Curtis
The Epistles of John by Marshall, I. Howard, author
James Rosscup - Like Ryrie and Stott, Marshall has keen ability to follow the thought of a book and articulate it with clarity. He often is helpful on stating views gleaned from the literature and is up-to-date. His use of the Greek, good footnotes, and detail on many of the problem verses make this a very good evangelical commentary by one of the best New Testament scholars in the British Isles (ca. 2001 he retired from being head of the New Testament Department at King’s College, University of Aberdeen, Scotland).
Sam Storms review - Marshall writes from an Arminian perspective. His commentary is second only to Stott for evangelical readers. It is thorough and always fair in its treatment of controversial issues. Highly recommended.*
Cyril Barber - An extensive introduction that adequately surveys the historical and textual background of these letters is followed by a careful exposition of John's epistles in the order in which they were written. Provides interested readers with a complete and satisfying treatment.
1, 2, 3 John - Morris, Leon. “New Bible Commentary Revised, ed. D. Guthrie et al. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1970.
The Gospel according to St. John : Schnackenburg, Rudolf
Sam Storms review - Translated by Reginald and Ilse Fuller. New York: Crossroad, 1992. Schnackenburg is deep and technical, somewhat liberal, but worth digging into for detailed exegetical insights on the Greek text and theologically important matters.
1, 2, and 3 John by Johnson, Thomas Floyd - New International Biblical Commentary
James Rosscup - Johnson identifies the writer of the Gospel of John as “The disciple whom Jesus loved” (20:20, 24), but sees these epistles as by an “elder,” a different man (2). The concise verse comments are usually clear and well-reasoned, showing the idea of the Greek with Greek words transliterated, and with explanations of word meaning and grammar. Sections of added notes in smaller print take up some details. Some problems receive discussion, some are bypassed, in the latter category limited or unlimited atonement in I John 2:2, or interpretations of 2:12–14, or 5:16 (where much is not explained or not explained well). True, the commentary quite often is helpful, but uneven, and not one of the better all-around works one can more consistently count on.
Sam Storms review - This series is generally evangelical but brief in scope.
The message of John's letters : living in the love of God by Jackman, David
Cyril Barber - Relates the message of these letters to the moral issues and theological climate of John's day. Builds upon Stott's cyclical (or spiral) theme of the content of the first letter, and treats the other letters as emphasizing truth and love. A noteworthy contribution.
Sam Storms review - Although I have not used this commentary much, most in the BST series are evangelical in theology and quite helpful.
The Epistles of John : Strauss, Lehman - devotional commentary
1, 2, 3 John by Smalley, Stephen S - Word Biblical Commentary
James Rosscup - This ranks high with Brown, Burdick and Marshall in recent years. Smalley is excellent in helping the reader be up on views and arguments from recent years, drawn from massive research, and is second only to Brown in this regard. He is usually quite full in discussing issues so that he offers much help on verses, and does so with clarity, directness and confidence. He delves into changes in tense, many of the syntactical aspects, and doctrine. He sees the author of II and III John as John the presbyter, a Christian in the Johannine circle, and this same man may also have written I John, all in the A. D. 90’s. Smalley often makes good choices on views, and tends to give definite reasons for them. He sees charisma (2:20, 27) as both the Spirit and the Word; 3:4–10 relates to a potential state without sin, but in practice Christians do sin (1:8–2:2). Sin in 5:16–17 is apostasy, willful disobedience, etc. He is not clear on whether the saved can lose salvation.
Robert Yost - This volume is a moderately conservative offering in the uneven WBC series by the Canon Residentiary and Precentor of Coventry Cathedral in England. Smalley is a Johannine scholar who has provided particularly good bibliographies at the beginning of each major section according to the series’ protocol. This commentary was revised in 2007. “At his best when he is summarizing and interacting with the positions of others” (Carson, 152).
Cyril Barber - This is a scholarly work that is well deserving of careful reading. Following a thorough introduction (pp. xvii-xxxiv), Smalley treats his readers to a word-byword or phrase-by-phrase exposition. His comments are judicious as well as insightful. This volume, for all its merit, shares the limitations of the series. It is well researched and exegetically helpful but manifests a weakness in treating the theme of these letters and fails to complete what has been begun by applying the teaching of the passage to the life of the reader
Sam Storms review - Smalley's volume is excellent and is designed for those with a working knowledge of Greek. It is generally evangelical in approach and is especially helpful in presenting detailed arguments both pro and con on controversial issues.*
Exploring 1, 2, 3 John by Vines, Jerry
Cyril Barber - This work will be warmly received by Bible students of all persuasions. Vines deals admirably with the theme of each of John's letters. The way in which he has outlined, illustrated, and expounded each section makes his application of the truth to life easy to grasp. Recommended.
The Epistles of John by Brown, Raymond Edward
James Rosscup - Many rate this as the best work on these epistles in view of its extensive discussion of issues and the skill in which the famous Roman Catholic scholar handles so many aspects. He is highly-informed exegetically, full in consideration of views and lines of reasoning, and has a tone of respect for the truthfulness and relevance of the message. If the expositor, teacher or lay person wants a commentary that looks at just about every side of a matter in a readable manner and with authoritative grasp of the literature, he will consult this work. The same is true of Brown’s detailed commentary on the Gospel of John. Brown, however, will not always agree with a reader’s convictions, as when he favors John the Presbyter as the author. The sheer length will not please some, but the diligent and serious will find the source very useful.
Robert Yost - The author, like Schnackenburg, is a highly respected Roman Catholic Johannine scholar who has produced a major work on John’s gospel. This work shows that he has leaned a bit to the left since publishing the gospel commentary over a decade earlier. “The exegetical comments are often incisive” (Carson, 152).
Cyril Barber - Meticulous in detail, exhaustive in analysis, persuasive in argument, this study provides the best answers available to questions and controversies that have troubled scholars and non-scholars alike ever since these epistles first saw the light of day. In addition to the superb analysis, Brown also brings to life those to whom these letters were sent, reminding us that the epistles were written by a person for real people of the first century A.D. A model of biblical study
Sam Storms - This volume is by one of the leading Catholic scholars of our day. It is deep and detailed and has become the standard by which all other commentaries on John's letters are judged.*
Life at its Best 1 John by Roy l. Laurin
Cyril Barber - First published in 1957, this work provides lay readers with a commendable application of the text to the needs of Christians today. Practical.
Open letter to Evangelicals by R.E.O. White
James Rosscup - A Baptist minister presents both a commentary with occasional deep insight and some penetrating applications to spiritual life, ethics, and other particulars. It is a verse-by-verse devotional and homiletical exposition which sometimes deals with problems including the difficult passage in 1 Jn 3:4–10.
KJV Bible Commentary - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. Over 3000 pages of the entire OT/NT. Well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective. Pre-millennial. User reviews - it generally gets 4/5 stars from users. - 372 ratings
Very well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective user reviews
The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Any Bible student will gain new insights through this one-volume commentary based on the timeless King James Version of the Bible.
The King James Study Bible Second Edition 2240 pages (2013) (Thomas Nelson) General Editor - Edward Hindson with multiple contributing editors. . 3,194 ratings. Pre-millennial. See introduction on How to Use this Study Bible.
NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version Study Bible (formerly "The Nelson Study Bible - NKJV") by Earl D Radmacher; Ronald Barclay Allen; Wayne H House. 2345 pages. (1997, 2007). Very helpful notes. Conservative. Pre-millennial. 917 ratings
The Wycliffe Bible Commentary - only the New Testament (for OT see below to borrow) - 1126 pages. (1971) Everett F Harrison - Editor of New Testament. Uses the KJV. Strictly speaking not a study Bible, but short notes are similar. KJV text in left column, commentary notes in right column. The comments are generally verse by verse, short, conservative and to the point. Pre-millennial.
Zondervan NIV Study Bible - (2011) 2570 pages - Use this one if available as it has more notes than edition below. One hour limit
NIV Study Bible by Barker, Kenneth L; Burdick, Donald W (1995) 2250 pages. This is the first edition. This resource has been fully revised in 2020. One hour limit
Believer's Bible Commentary - OT and NT - MacDonald, William (1995) 2480 pages. Conservative. Literal. Often has very insightful comments. John MacArthur, says "Concise yet comprehensive - the most complete single-volume commentary I have seen." Warren Wiersbe adds "For the student who is serious about seeing Christ in the Word." One hour limit.
Rosscup - This work, originally issued in 1983, is conservative and premillennial, written to help teachers, preachers and people in every walk of life with different views, explanation and application. The 2-column format runs verse by verse for the most part, usually in a helpfully knowledgeable manner, and there are several special sections such as “Prayer” in Acts and “Legalism” in Galatians. The premillennial view is evident on Acts 1:6, 3:20, Romans 11:26, Galatians 6:16, Revelation 20, etc.
HCSB Study Bible : Holman Christian Standard Bible - General Editor Jeremy Royal Howard (2010) 2360 pages. Conservative. Good notes. Include Holmans excellent maps. One hour limit
Life Application Study Bible: Old Testament and New Testament: New Living Translation. Has some very helpful notes especially with application of texts. 4,445 ratings One hour limit
The MacArthur Study Bible - John MacArthur. Brief but well done notes for conservative, literal perspective. 1,275 ratings
ESV study Bible - Excellent resource but not always literal in eschatology and the nation of Israel 6,004 ratings
The David Jeremiah Study Bible - (2013) 2208 pages. 2,272 ratings Logos.com - "Drawing on more than 40 years of study, Dr. David Jeremiah has compiled a legacy resource that will make an eternal impact on generations to come. 8,000 study notes. Hundreds of enriching word studies"50+ Essentials of the Christian Faith" articles."
Wycliffe Bible Commentary - Charles Pfeiffer - 1560 pages (1962). 214 ratings Less detailed than the KJV Bible Commentary. Conservative. Notes are generally verse by verse but brief.
Rosscup - Conservative and premillennial scholars here have been experts in their fields. The work contains brief introductions and attempts to give a verse-by-verse exposition, though it does skip over some verses. The treatments vary with the authors, but as a whole it is a fine one-volume commentary for pastors and students to use or give to a layman. Outstanding sections include, for example: Whitcomb on Ezra-Nehemiah-Esther; Culver on Daniel; Ladd on Acts; Harrison on Galatians; Johnson on I Corinthians; and Ryrie on the Johannine Epistles.
The Defender's Study Bible : King James Version by Morris, Henry M. Excellent notes by well known creationist. 45 ratings
New Bible Commentary - (1994) See user reviews
Compact Bible commentary by Radmacher, Earl D; Allen, Ronald Barclay; House, H Wayne, et al - 954 pages. 424 ratings Multiple contributors to the comments which are often verse by verse. The comments are brief but meaty and can really help your study through a given book. A sleeper in my opinion.
The Experiencing God Study Bible: the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." Then you will interesting symbols before many of the passages. The chapter ends with a "DID YOU NOTICE?" question. This might make a "dry chapter" jump off the page! Read some of the 48 ratings
Disciple's study Bible: New international version 54 ratings Not that helpful for verse by verse study. Focuses on application of Christian doctrines. 10,000 annotations; doctrinal summaries, "Life Helps" section relate doctrine to everyday discipleship.
The Living Insights Study Bible : New International Version - Charles Swindoll. Notes are good but somewhat sparse and not verse by verse.
The Apologetics Study Bible Understand Why You Believe by Norman Geisler
NIV archaeological study Bible (2005) 2360 pages 950 ratings (See also Archaeology and the Bible - OT and NT)
NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture Keener, Craig and Walton, John. Editors (2017)
The Holman illustrated study Bible 120 ratings Includes the excellent Holman maps but otherwise of little help in serious study.
Zondervan King James Version commentary - New Testament
NIV Celebrate Recovery Study Bible
Daily Study Bible for Women : New Living Translation
The Woman's Study Bible : the New King James Version
The Study Bible for Women : Holman Christian Standard Bible
Daily Study Bible for Men : New Living Translation
NIV Topical Study Bible : New International Version
The Ryrie Study Bible - Charles Ryrie (1978) 2142 pages. Conservative. 216 ratings
The Hebrew-Greek key study Bible : New American standard study by Strong, James, 1822-1894; Zodhiates, Spiros
The New Inductive Study Bible : updated New American Standard Bible - Introductions of each book give suggestions how to perform an inductive study on that specific book. Not strictly speaking a "study Bible" with notes but a Bible to help you study inductively. Has wide margins for making notes. This is one that works best in "paper," not digitally.
With the Word - Devotional Commentary - Warren Wiersbe - 428 ratings
Evangelical Commentary on the Bible - Judges by Andrew Boling (20 pages); editor Walter Elwell (1989) 1239 pages. User reviews. (See also Boling's 380 page commentary on Judges the Anchor Bible Series)
Halley's Bible Handbook Henry H. Halley - (2000) 2720 pages (much larger than original edition in 1965 and no time limit on use). (Halley's Bible handbook : an abbreviated Bible commentary - one hour limit 1965 872 pages)
Rosscup - A much-used older evangelical handbook bringing together a brief commentary on Bible books, some key archaeological findings, historical background, maps, quotes, etc. It is helpful to a lay Bible teacher, Sunday School leader, or pastor looking for quick, pertinent information on a Bible book. This is the 72nd printing somewhat revised. Halley packed in much information. Unger’s is better overall, but that is not to say that Halley’s will not provide much help on basic information.
The Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook - Editor - Walter Elwell (1984) 408 pages.
"This hardback is small in size but packed full of content: Brief summaries of every book of the bible, cultural, archaeological and historical info, word definitions, pictures, maps and charts." Worth checking!
The Lion handbook to the Bible - (1999) 822 pages. This resource is absolutely loaded with very nice color pictures and charts.
Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament by Wiersbe, Warren W
Cyril Barber - This is a book of exceptional merit. Pastors, missionaries, and Christian workers will profit from its use. Wiersbe introduces each book of the NT, provides an outline, and then furnishes his readers with a chapter-by-chapter discussion of the contents. The homiletic style is a “plus.” Recommended.
Harper study Bible : the Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version
The Jewish Study Bible - Only OT - Interesting Jewish perspective.
The Student Bible : New International Version
Hebrew-Greek key word study Bible : New international version
Key word commentary : thoughts on every chapter of the Bible by Water, Mark
Eerdmans' Family Encyclopedia of the Bible (1978) 344 pages
Eerdmans' Handbook to the Bible (1983) 688 pages
Tyndale Handbook of Bible charts & maps by Wilson, Neil
Bible Handbook and A-Z bible encyclopedia
International Children's Bible field guide : answering kids' questions from Genesis to Revelation by Richards, Larry
The illustrated guide to Bible customs & curiosities by Knight, George W. (George William),
Today's handbook of Bible times & customs by Coleman, William L
The new Unger's Bible dictionary by Unger, Merrill Frederick, 1909-
Nelson's illustrated encyclopedia of Bible facts by Packer, J. I. (James Innell); Tenney, Merrill C.
Survey of the Bible : introductory insights, background studies, book-by- book survey by Unger, Merrill Frederick
The parallel New Testament and Unger's Bible handbook : produced for Moody monthly by Unger, Merrill (1975) 744 pages 4 ratings
The Hodder Bible handbook by Unger, Merrill
Kregel Bible handbook : a full-color guide to every book of the Bible by Kerr, William 3 ratings
The new encyclopedia of Christian quotations by Water, Mark
New Testament words - William Barclay - very interesting resource - covers about 70 NT Greek words in Barclay's unique style
Zondervan handbook to the Bible
Dictionary of the later New Testament & its developments 71 ratings IVP Series
The third of IVP's critically acclaimed series of dictionaries of the New Testament provides focused study on the often-neglected portions of the New Testament: Acts, Hebrews, the General Epistles, and Revelation. Furthermore, its scope goes beyond the life of the New Testament church to include the work of the apostolic fathers and early Christianity up through the middle of the second century.
Dictionary of New Testament background 79 ratings IVP Series
In a time when our knowledge of the ancient Mediterranean world has grown by leaps and bounds, this volume sets out for readers the wealth of Jewish and Greco-Roman background that should inform our reading and understanding of the New Testament and early Christianity. The Dictionary of New Testament Background takes full advantage of the flourishing study of the Dead Sea Scrolls and offers individual articles focused on the most important scrolls. In addition, the Dictionary encompasses the fullness of second-temple Jewish writings, whether pseudepigraphic, rabbinic, parables, proverbs, histories or inscriptions. Articles abound on aspects of Jewish life and thought, including family, purity, liturgy and messianism. The full scope of Greco-Roman culture is displayed in articles ranging across language and rhetoric, literacy and book culture, religion and cults, honor and shame, patronage and benefactors, travel and trade, intellectual movements and ideas, and ancient geographical perspectives. No other reference work presents so much in one place for students of the New Testament. Here an entire library of scholarship is made available in summary form.
Dictionary of deities and demons in the Bible (DDD) - 950 pages (1995) Read some of the 65 ratings (4.8/5 Stars). A definitive in depth resource on this subject. Very expensive to purchase.
NOTE - All of these resources can be borrowed from archive.org. This list also includes resources to help study the Bible.
See also the list of Word Study Resources
The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament by Zodhiates, Spiros - This is my "go to" resource for Greek word studies. One on the best lexicons for laymen. Highly Recommended for Greek Word Studies to aid your interpretation of a passage.
Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament by Friberg, Timothy. Shorter definitions than Zodhiates but does an excellent job in summarizing the various nuances of a specific Greek word. One of my favorites.
Shorter Lexicon of the Greek New Testament by Gingrich, F. Wilbur. Similar to Friberg but shorter definitions. Gingrich however gives more Scriptures for each nuance, whereas Friberg generally gives only one representative Scripture.
The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament by Rogers, Cleon - This book is a gold mine of little gems on individual Greek words in any NT passage you are studying. If you have time it is always worth checking out! I use it in my Greek word studies all the time.
The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (NIDNTT) - Colin Brown, general editor - all three volumes (total 3351 pages) are available and allow copy and paste and all 3 of the volumes below are available at the same link. See this page for a few instructions on how to most efficiently utilize this incredible resource.
- The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (NIDNTT) - Colin Brown, general editor - A-F
- The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (NIDNTT) - Colin Brown, general editor - G-P
- The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (NIDNTT) - Colin Brown, general editor - Pri-Z
New Testament Words - William Barclay - 59 ratings very interesting resource - covers about 70 NT Greek words in Barclay's unique style. On page 289 there is a helpful index of English words with the corresponding Greek word, in turn followed by the places Barclay described them in New Testament Words and in his Daily Study Bible series (see list of DSB commentaries here). E.g., take the Greek word for "Covetousness" which is pleonexia and is found in New Testament Words on page 61 and pp 233-235 and is also described in the Daily Study Bible entries for : Mark 7:14-23; Ro 1:28-32; Eph. 4:17-24; Col. 3:5. So you can click the DSB commentary on Mark 7 and scroll down to Mark 7:14 to see Barclay's entry for pleonexia which concludes "Pleonexia ( G4124) is that lust for having which is in the heart of the man who sees happiness in things instead of in God." Interesting!
Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament : based on semantic domains - Louw Nida. Brief but nice definitions. Not easy to use - you need to know some Greek. Classifies Greek words into 93 "semantic domains" (see list on page XXV) and if you can categorize the word you are looking for in one of the domains, it can help find the specific word you are interested in.
Robert Yost - “This lexicon takes a novel approach by outlining NT words into their semantic domains, such as People, Danger, Help, Value, Time, etc. The reader then has quick access to the synonyms of the NT, an important tool in defining words. Knowledge of Greek is necessary, but with concentrated effort, an English reader can learn to use this important resource” (Stout).
Kittel's Theological Dictionary of the New Testament : abridged in one volume (TDNT) - Classic ("Little Kittel") work summarizing the 10 volume set by Kittel. For most of us the abridged definition is "more than enough!"
A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament, and other early Christian literature; by Bauer, W., F. Danker, W. Arndt, and F. W. Gingrich. More detailed definitions but need to know Greek. Zodhiates and Friberg much easier to use.
Robert Yost - This essential resource is the standard lexicon for students and scholars of the Greek NT. It is a translation and adaptation of Walter Bauer’s Griechisch-Deutsches Worterbuch zu den Schriften des Neuen Testaments und der ubrigen urchistlichen Literatur by Arndt and Gingrich and then updated by Danker. This meticulous work has superseded all previous English lexicons.
Liddell and Scott's Greek-English lexicon, abridged : the little Liddell by Liddell, Henry George. The abridged version. You need to know Greek to use.
Exegetical dictionary of the New Testament (Volume 1 - A thru E); Exegetical dictionary of the New Testament (Volume 3- P thru ...) Volume 2 not available. I do not find this adds much to the easier to use resources like Zodhiates and Friberg.
A pocket lexicon to the Greek New Testament by Souter, Alexander. Brief definitions. Need to know some Greek. Not that helpful.
Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words - pdf. The old standby. You can also borrow Vine's complete expository dictionary of Old and New Testament words
Theological wordbook of the Old Testament by Harris, R. Laird - 229 ratings (5/5 Stars) One of the best OT lexicons for laymen.
Here is another link to the TWOT which has no time limit on use and does allow copy and paste. Can be downloaded as PDF.
Hebrew honey : a simple and deep word study of the Old Testament by Novak, Alfons, (332 pages) Indexed by English words. No Strong's numbers to help you determine if you are researching the correct Hebrew word. Here is a "work around" - go to page 289 and see if there is an annotation of the Scripture you are studying. E.g., say you want to see if there is anything for "heart" in Ezek 11:19. In the Scripture list find an entry for Ezek 11:19 with the English word "Heart." Now go look up "Heart" (on page 123). It does take some effort, but you might glean an insight not described in other Hebrew lexicons.
Nelson's Expository Dictionary of the Old Testament by Unger, Merrill. Indexed by English word and then any related Hebrew nouns or verbs. Definitions are solid and geared to the lay person.
Zondervan NASB exhaustive concordance - 1589 pages
Pocket dictionary for the study of New Testament Greek by DeMoss, Matthew S. If you want to dig a little deeper into Greek. 66 ratings
Analytical concordance to the Holy Bible : containing about 311,000 references, subdivided under the Hebrew and Greek original with the literal meaning and pronunciation of each by Young, Robert,
The Englishman's Greek concordance of the New Testament by Wigram, George
Synonyms of the New Testament by Trench, Richard Chenevix - or click here for list of 108 entries.
Girdlestone's Synonyms of the Old Testament - click for list of 127 entries
The Holman guide to interpreting the Bible by Dockery, David S
Foundations for biblical interpretation : a complete library of tools and resources
Expository Dictionary of Bible Words by Richards, Larry, 33 ratings It is does not go into great depth on the Greek or Hebrew words but does have some excellent insights.
Basic Bible Interpretation : a Practical Guide to Discovering Biblical Truth by Roy Zuck. Recommended.
How to Study Your Bible by Arthur, Kay (CLICK HERE for many other resources from Kay Arthur). The basics of inductive Bible study succinctly described. Recommended. This is the original edition not the new edition.
Living by the Book by Howard G. Hendricks - A classic. An entertaining and informative read that is guaranteed to invigorate your Bible study. Recommended.
Teaching to Change Lives by Howard Hendricks, Howard 561 ratings
The Christian Educator's Handbook on Teaching by Kenneth Gangel and Howard Hendricks 21 ratings
How can I understand the Bible? by DeHaan, Mart (52 page booklet)
The New How to Study Your Bible Workbook (2010) by Arthur, Kay, - Note that this workbook is the companion to the New How to Study Your Bible book (not the same as the one linked above).
Jensen's Survey of Bible (online) by Jensen, Irving 140 ratings (NT) 133 ratings (OT) This is a classic and in conjunction with the following three resources should give you an excellent background to the Bible book you are studying. Jensen has some of the best Book charts available and includes "key words." He also gives you some guidelines as to how to begin your inductive study of each book.
Discover the Bible for Yourself by Arthur, Kay 93 ratings - Proven methods to read, mark, and study God's Word. Introductions to set the stage for each book of the Bible. Maps and charts to add historic and geographic dimension. Word studies for NASB and NIV translations. Definitions and explanations to simplify interpretation. "Things to Think About" for personal application. This resource will inspire and guide anyone interested in creating a personal study of God's Word.
What the Bible is all about by Mears, Henrietta. This is a classic and is filled with "pearls" from this godly teacher of God's Word.
Talk thru the bible by Wilkinson, Bruce The Wilkinson & Boa Bible handbook : the ultimate guide to help you get more out of the Bible
How to profit from Bible reading by Jensen, Irving 2 ratings
Simply understanding the Bible by Jensen, Irving 8 ratings
Enjoy your Bible by Jensen, Irving 5 ratings
Independent Bible study by Jensen, Irving 14 ratings
MacArthur Study Bible - Topic "How to Study the Bible" - John MacArthur
MacArthur's Introductions to all 66 Books - includes a helpful discussion of "Interpretative Challenges"
Swindoll's introductions to all 66 Books - Answers the following questions - Who wrote the book? Where are we? Why is this book so important? What's the big idea? How do I apply this? He also includes a helpful Book Overview chart (right upper corner of page).
How to Get the Most from God's Word by John MacArthur 16 ratings
Journey of the Bible : the remarkable story of how the Bible came from God to you by Jensen, Irving
DANNY AKIN SERMONS
- The Blessings of Abiding in Jesus (John’s Letter’s Series) – 1 John 2:28-3:3
- Child of God / Child of Satan – 1 John 3:4-10
- Why Did the Son of God Invade Planet Earth? (John’s Letter Series) – 1 John 3:4-10
- It’s Love that Makes the World Go Right – 1 John 3:11-18
- How’s Your Love Life? A Superlative Witness You Belong to Jesus – 1 John 3:11-18
- Help For A Hurting Heart – 1 John 3:18-24
- Gospel Truths That Will Heal a Hurting Heart and Cure a Condemning Conscience (John’s Letters Series) – 1 John 3:18-24
James Rosscup writes that "This was the great work in the life of the versatile Dean of Canterbury. An outcome of this production was the New Testament for English Readers (4 vols.). Alford was a Calvinist, conservative and premillennial, though not dispensational. He takes a literal interpretation of the thousand years in Rev. 20 and has a famous quote there, is strong on sovereign election as in Ro 8:29, 30 and 1Pe 1:2, but, unfortunately, holds to baptismal regeneration in such texts as Titus 3:5 and John 3:5. He shows a great knowledge of the Greek text and faces problems of both a doctrinal and textual nature." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)
John Piper writes ""When I’m stumped with a...grammatical or syntactical or logical [question] in Paul, I go to Henry Alford. Henry Alford...comes closer more consistently than any other human commentator to asking my kinds of questions."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon writes that this text "is an invaluable aid to the critical study of the text of the New Testament. You will find in it the ripened results of a matured scholarship, the harvesting of a judgment, generally highly impartial, always worthy of respect, which has gleaned from the most important fields of Biblical research, both modern and ancient, at home and abroad. You will not look here for any spirituality of thought or tenderness of feeling; you will find the learned Dean does not forget to do full justice to his own views, and is quite able to express himself vigorously against his opponents; but for what it professes to be, it is an exceedingly able and successful work. The later issues are by far the most desirable, as the author has considerably revised the work in the fourth edition. What I have said of his Greek Testament applies equally to Alford’s New Testament for English Readers,* which is also a standard work." (Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to my Students, Vol. 4: Commenting and Commentaries; Lectures Addressed to the students of the Pastors' College, Metropolitan Tabernacle)
Robert Yost - This four-volume set by the renowned Dean of Canterbury is a recognized classic. This revision is an update of the original 1894 edition. It is still quite helpful in exegetical matters, but should be supplemented with more recent works. Should be purchased if found in a secondhand store. A real treasure! “He shows great knowledge of the Greek text and faces problems of both a doctrinal and textual nature” (Rosscup, 195). Reformed. Anglican. Premillennial.
- 1 John 3 Commentary - The Greek New Testament
- 1 John 3 Commentary - "The New Testament for English Readers"
ANONYMOUS
Spurgeon comments: "Upon two chapters only, but thoroughly good, and full of sweetness and light." (Commenting and Commentaries)
- 1 John - Tests of Eternal Life - A Devotional Commentary
- See Paul's Apple's introduction for some well worded comments on unusual interpretative approaches to 1 John
JACK ARNOLD - Well done, evangelical
- 1 John 2:28-3:3 The Coming of Christ
- 1 John 3:4-10 The Cross and Christian Living
- 1 John 3:11-18 Love or Hate?
- 1 John 3:18-24 Overcoming A Condemned Heart
James Rosscup: This is a lucid and well-organized exposition of the epistles with many helpful lists on different facets of truth John can have in mind at different points as on “light” and “darkness” in I John 1:5. There is stimulating background material and warm application. (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An annotated bibliography of selected works).
D Edmond Hiebert - Prints the author's own translation. A series of popular studies whose strong point is word study. Contains good illustrative material. Part of the author's interpretation follows a liberal position. Barclay holds that Christ's descent into Hades gave those who there heard Him a second chance.
Robert Yost - This hugely popular set of commentaries was originally published by Saint Andrew Press, the Church of Scotland’s publishing house. Barclay, professor of divinity and biblical criticism at the University of Glasgow in the middle of the twentieth century, intended to make the best of biblical scholarship available to the average reader. The result was a tremendously popular set of commentaries known for the author’s turn of phrase and homiletical insight. His questionable interpretations of the Gospels are quite obviously influenced by critical scholarship and negate the value of this set. However, if it can be obtained secondhand at a reasonable price, this set is worth obtaining if one can sift the wheat from the chaff.
Comment: I appreciate Barclay's unique insights on Greek words, but clearly his teaching about a "second chance" is NOT sound doctrine! Be an Acts 17:11 Berean with Barclay. See discussion of his orthodoxy especially the article "The Enigmatic William Barclay".
James Rosscup writes that Barnes "includes 16 volumes on the Old Testament, 11 on the New Testament. The New Testament part of this old work was first published in 1832–1851. Various authors contributed. It is evangelical and amillennial...Often the explanations of verses are very worthwhile." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)
C H Spurgeon "Albert Barnes is a learned and able divine, but his productions are unequal in value, the gospels are of comparatively little worth, but his other comments are extremely useful for Sunday-school teachers and persons with a narrow range of reading, endowed with enough good sense to discriminate between good and evil....Placed by the side of the great masters, Barnes is a lesser light, but taking his work for what it is and professes to be, no minister can afford to be without it, and this is no small praise for works which were only intended for Sunday-school teachers." (Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to my Students, Vol. 4: Commenting and Commentaries; Lectures Addressed to the students of the Pastors' College, Metropolitan Tabernacle)
- 1 John 1 Sermon Notes
- I John 3:1-15 We Shall Be Like Him
- I John 3:16-24 What Does Love Look Like?
CHRIS BENFIELD
- 1 John 3:1-3 The Comfort and Confidence of Children
- 1 John 3:1-3. A Work in Progress
- 1 John 3:4-10 Seeing Sin for What it Is
- 1 John 3:11-17 Putting our Love into Action
- 1 John 3:18-24 Abiding in Christ
James Rosscup writes "This work (Gnomon), originally issued in 1742, has considerable comment on the Greek, flavoring the effort with judicious details about the spiritual life. It has much that helps, but has been surpassed by many other commentaries since its day." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)
- 1 John 3 Commentary The Critical English Testament
- 1 John 3 Commentary (Gnomon of the NT)
BRIAN BILL
- 1 John 2:28-3:3 Living In Light Of His Return
- 1 John 3:11-18 Living A Life Of Love
- 1 John 3:11-20 The Tests Of True Christianity
- 1 John 3:15, 1 John 3:1, 1 John 3:11-24 How To Be Ready
- 1 John 3:19-24 Believing And Receiving
HUGH BINNING (1627-1653)
- Spurgeon says this is "Milk for babes and meat for men; calls to backsliders and comforts for mourners." (Commenting and commentaries)
James Rosscup: This ICC work rates with Westcott as one of the top two detailed older commentaries of a technical nature based on the Greek text. (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An annotated bibliography of selected works).
Hiebert's critique - Greek text. Long recognized as a classic commentary on the Johannine epistles. First published in 1883. Bruce has updated the introductory material and provided a summary of the discoveries and developments since Westcott's time.
Robert Yost - A critical work that still retains some value for its exegetical insights and comments on the Greek text. However, its theology is extremely suspect and totally out of touch with evangelical biblical theology. “A standard in its day” (Carson, 154).
James Rosscup - Calvin was not only a great theologian but also a great expositor, and his insight into Scripture contributed to his grasp of doctrinal truth. His commentaries are deep in spiritual understanding, usually helpful on problem passages, and refreshing in a devotional sense to the really interested reader. He usually offers good help on a passage. The present work skips Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, II and III John and Revelation. Calvin is amillennial on long-range prophecy, but in other respects usually has very contributive perception on passages and doctrinal values edifying to the believer. He also can be very wordy, but the serious and patient glean much.
CAMBRIDGE GREEK TESTAMENT - Alfred Plummer
Cyril Barber - This....1886 commentary from the Cambridge Greek Testament series readily interacts with critical issues raised by the publication of the NT texts of Tischendorf and Tregelles. Plummer then treats these letters in a most commendable way, providing some unique insights into the thought of the apostle and the nuances of the original text. (The Minister's Library, Volume 2)
James Rosscup writes "Though old, this is a good study from the Greek text which will be helpful in any more advanced study of the epistles. There are other works more highly recommended, however." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)
Robert Yost - This commentary, based upon the Greek text, is by a nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Anglican scholar and theologian who taught at University College, Durham, for almost thirty years. This volume is marked by an extensive introduction and careful critical notes. This is for the advanced student who possesses good command of Greek. “Not his finest hour” (Carson, 156).
Spurgeon commenting on this commentary wrote "We set great store by these lectures. A man hardly needs anything beyond Candlish. He is devout, candid, prudent and forcible." (Commenting and commentaries)
Cyril Barber - A true classic. Rich in insights, it makes rewarding reading. When we consider that these studies were really sermons delivered to the congregation of which Candlish was the pastor, it would be encouraging to see laypeople buying and reading this work today. Reprinted from the 1877 edition. Recommended. (The Minister's Library, Volume 2)
Robert Yost - This classic treatment by a nineteenth-century Scottish churchman is not a commentary as such, but rather a series of expository messages. They are warm and eminently readable and eminently practical. “A moving portrait of Christ, and the believer’s relationship to Him” (Barber, 181).
- 1 John 3 Commentary - all on one page
- 1 John 2:29, 3:1 Ground or Reason of this Condition in the Righteous Nature of God
- 1 John 2:29, 3:2 The Divine Birth--The Family Likeness
- 1 John 3:2,4 The Divine Hope Perfecting the Sinless Family Likeness
- 1 John 3:4-6 The Secret of Sinlessness - Abiding in the Sinless One As Manifested to Take Away our Sins
- 1 John 3:6,9 The Secret of Sinlessness - Our Abiding in Christ - The Seed of God Abiding in Us
- 1 John 3:7,8 The Secret of Sinlessness - The Contrasted "Doings" - Doing Righteousness and Doing Sin
- 1 John 3:10-12 Connection of Doing Righteousness with Brotherly Love as Proving a Divine Birth
- 1 John 3:14-16 Brotherly Love the Fruit and Test of Passing from Death Unto Life
- 1 John 3:17-21 Righteousness or Truth in Brotherly Love
- 1 John 3:22, 23 Righteousness Essential to our Pleasing God and to His Hearing Us
- 1 John 3:24, 4:1 Our Righteousness Attested by Obedience
- 1 John 3:24, 4:4 Our Righteousness Exercised in Trying the Spirits
ALAN CARR
D A CARSON
"Virtually all sides agree that John lays down three tests: (1) true believers must believe that Jesus truly is the Christ come in the flesh, and this belief must work itself out in (2) righteousness and (3) love." - D A Carson
- Five part series - Mp3's - 1 John 1-1 John 5:21
- 1 John 2:28-3:24 Part 3
James Rosscup - This old, conservative Wesleyan Methodist work is good devotionally and aggressive for righteous living. Laypeople can find it still valuable today. It is Arminian in viewpoint and thus helpful, for example, in showing the reader how this approach deals with texts involving the eternal security question. The work contains much background material from many sources on all books of the Bible.
Spurgeon - Adam Clarke is the great annotator of our Wesleyan friends; and they have no reason to be ashamed of him, for he takes rank among the chief of expositors. His mind was evidently fascinated by the singularities of learning, and hence his commentary is rather too much of an old curiosity shop, but it is filled with valuable rarities, such as none but a great man could have collected....If you have a copy of Adam Clarke, and exercise discretion in reading it, you will derive immense advantage from it, for frequently by a sort of side-light he brings out the meaning of the text in an astonishingly novel manner. I do not wonder that Adam Clarke still stands, notwithstanding his peculiarities, a prince among commentators. I do not find him so helpful as Gill, but still, from his side of the question, with which I have personally no sympathy, he is an important writer, and deserves to be studied by every reader of the Scriptures.
- 1 John 3:1 The Father's Great Love
- 1 John 3:2-3 The Purifying Hope
- 1 John 3:4-10 The Believer and Sin
- 1 John 3:11-18 Hatred or Love?
- 1 John 3:19-24 Blessed Assurance
HENRY COWLES
- 1 John 3:1-8 At the Appearing of Christ
- 1 John 3:1-10 At the Appearing of Jesus
- 1 John 3:1-9 The Sins of the Saints
- 1 John 3:24 How Can I Know I Am Saved?
- 1 John 3:1-10 Theodore Epp
- 1 John 3:1 J C Philpot
- 1 John 3:1 Octavius Winslow
- 1 John 3:1-2 Spurgeon
- 1 John 3:2 J C Philpot
- 1 John 3:2 James Smith
- 1 John 3:2 F B Meyer
- 1 John 3:2 Oswald Chambers
- 1 John 3:3 F B Meyer
- 1 John 3:4 F B Meyer
- 1 John 3:7 Oswald Chambers
- 1 John 3:8 J C Philpot
- 1 John 3:9 Octavius Winslow
- 1 John 3:11-24 Theodore Epp
- 1 John 3:14 F B Meyer
- 1 John 3:14 J C Philpot
- 1 John 3:22 Theodore Epp
C H DODD
JOHN DUMMELOW
- 1 John 2:29 - 3:10 The Test of Righteousness
- 1 John 3:6, 5:18 New Relationship to Sin (Derek Thomas)
- 1 John 3:10-24 The Test of Love
CHARLES ELLICOTT
EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - William Alexander
EXPOSITOR'S GREEK TESTAMENT - DAVID SMITH
Hiebert - Greek text. Important for linguistic study of the epistles. Defends Johannine authorship. The viewpoint is essentially conservative.
Rosscup - This is a thorough exegesis of the Greek text. It is considered to be one of the standard tools for exegetical study.
RICK EZELL
Robert Yost - This classic work, first published in 1909 by a renowned English Methodist educator and biblical scholar who died about a century ago, is based on the Greek text and still retains its usefulness though it has been superseded by more recent commentaries. Still it remains an outstanding treatment of the text as well as a practical exposition. “An outstanding exposition.… Dedicated scholarship combined with rare spiritual insight makes this a first-rate work” (Barber, 182). “A devotional classic, justly famous, to which pastors have turned again and again” (Evans, 422). Wesleyan.
A C GAEBELEIN
GENE GETZ - short videos discussing principles associated with the respective passages being studied.
- 1 John 2:28-3:3;The Second Coming: To sincerely anticipate seeing Jesus Christ face to face, we must live in daily fellowship with God and with one another.Video
- 1 John 3:4-15; True Spirituality: If we are born again and understand God's will for our lives, we will not continue to live a sinful lifestyle. Video
- 1 John 3:16-23; Loving as Christ Loved: To grow in our love for one another, we must follow Christ's example. Video
- 1 John 3:24-4:6;The God-Man: We must never allow ourselves to be influenced by those who fail to teach that Jesus Christ was and is the God-man. Video
- 1 John 2:28-3:3 Children of God
- 1 John 3:4-10 Breaking the Sin Habit
- 1 John 3:11-18 Love Illustrated
- 1 John 3:19-24 Finding Confidence with God
GOSPEL COALITION
- 1 John 3:1-10 Are we all God's children, or only Christians?
- 1 John 3:4 What is the definition of sin?
- What does it mean that believers do not continue to sin (1 John 3:6; 5:18)?
- What is the key to victory when struggling with sin?
- Why can't I stop sinning? Please help!
- How can I overcome a habitual sin?
- What does the Bible say about being an overcomer?
- What does it mean to be dead to sin?
L M GRANT
JAMES HASTINGS Great Texts of the Bibl
- 1 John 3:1 - Love that Confers Sonship
- 1 John 3:2 What we Are and What we Shall Be
- 1 John 3:3 The Power of Christian Hope
ROBERT HAWKER
James Rosscup has the following note on Hiebert's book The Epistles of John An Expositional Commentary. Note that the links below are to Hiebert's articles in Bibliotheca Sacra which form the basis for his formal published work. Thus Rosscup writes that Hiebert's work "is one of the best medium-length (here 371-pp.) explanations that is serious and clear to deal with most key matters, not pass them by. Hiebert sees ways to have assurance of real salvation, and 1Jn 5:13 as a key for the whole epistle, not confining its focus to details in 1Jn 5:1-12 or 1Jn 5:11,12 (251–52). He views 1Jn 5:16 as a case of a saved person praying for another saved person who receives “life” in the sense of restoration and promotion of his spiritual welfare (260). He usually takes a stand on what a phrase means, gives reasons, and is plain. His comments in the main body, his extensive bibliography (351–60), and frequent footnote references to good sources all exemplify his earnest attempt to give readers light." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)
Cyril Barber (also referring to the book as does Rosscup) - Hiebert, a Mennonite NT scholar, delves into the letters of John to exact from them the truths that underscore the Christian life and find expression in the kind of walk that pleases the Lord. While he uses the text of the KJV for the benefit of his readers, he works from the original Greek text for his exposition, combining sound exegesis with devotional comments on the text. Here is a volume that is illustrative of the best evangelicalism has to offer. Recommended. (The Minister's Library, Volume 3)
- 1 John 2:29-3:12
- 1 John 3:13-24 - well done
DAVID HOLWICK
James Rosscup - He is staunchly evangelical, showing good broad surveys based on diligent study, practical turns, even choice illustrations. In prophecy he is premillennial dispensational....Many preachers have found that Ironside works, read along with heavier books on details of exegesis, help them see the sweep of the message and prime their spirits for practical relevance.
James Rosscup writes "A lucid 168-pp., crisp exposition with some application in a flow for popular, general use. In a number of verses the book helps, at others it frustrates due to passing by views and reasons, or lacks sufficient comments. Much generalizing leaves an impression that in order to be seen as saved one must live an ideally perfect life (cf. 43), yet at other points one reads that Christians sin (45). The work has a healthy clarity that real grace, distinct from cheap so-called (but not genuine) grace (51) elicits confession of sin and seeking obedience to God. Such a life with God helps one’s assurance to be a properly experienced reality, as in 1Jn 2:3 (51), even this by grace. Some statements are quite helpful, as “righteous conduct does not make us God’s children. Rather, such conduct is the consequence or expression of a relationship that already exists” after rebirth (87). Many issues are left in a blur, for instance “God’s seed remains” (1Jn 3:9)." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)
- You can also borrow the book 1-3 John Commentary
- Family Likeness (3:4-10)
- A Rift in the Family (3:11-17)
- 1 John 3:1-3 The Confidence, Hope and Obligation of the Children of God
- 1 John 3:4-9 The Inadmissability of Sin
- 1 John 3:10-12 The Two Fatherhoods
- 1 John 3:13-18 Divine Love and Its Inevitable Truth
- 1 John 3:19-24 Christian Assurance and the Uneasy Heart
James Rosscup writes that although it is "Only 127 pages long, this book is like King’s other expositions in that it is rich in phraseology, sermonic ideas and illustrations. It is a good, brief work to recommend to laymen and also good for the preacher or teacher’s heart." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)
- 1 John 3:1-3 The Portraits of the Fellowship
- 1 John 3:4-9 The Purity of the Fellowship
- 1 John 3:10-18 The Practicality of the Fellowship
- 1 John 3:19-4:6 The Proofs of the Fellowship
COLIN KRUSE
Robert Yost - This classic, originally published the same year as Findlay’s similar work, is now regrettably out of print and almost unobtainable except online. It covers only the first epistle and should be purchased if found. Its treatment of the book is really exceptional and has influenced generations of pastors and scholars alike. “This unique contribution covers a major portion of the first epistle, provides timely discussion on theological and Christological themes, and includes the doctrine of sin, the account of propitiation, and the tests of righteousness, love, and belief” (Barber, 182).
- 1 John 2:28-3:3 The Family Likeness
- 1 John 3:4-9 The Saint and the Sinful Existence
- 1 John 3:10-18 Brotherly Love
- 1 John 3:19-24 Confident Christianity
JOHN JAMES LIAS (1887)
Cyril Barber - One of the finest exegetical and expository works for preachers. Provides an excellent basis for a series of sermons. Deserves a place in the library of every minister and lay preacher. (The Minister's Library - Volume 2)
Hiebert's critique - A full, conservative exposition of 1 John by a British preacher and scholar. At the bottom of each page, in smaller type, is added a homiletical treatment of the epistle. (Nice addition!)
Robert Yost - This book is a scholarly, but not technical, commentary that is a masterpiece of exposition. The chapters of this book appeared originally serially in Homiletical Magazine. It is a welcome addition to Klock & Klock’s LCRL. “A conservative and scholarly exposition defending the genuineness of the epistle and containing some valuable exegetical insights” (Barber, 182).
- 1 John 3:1 The Privileges of the Christian
- 1 John 3:2 The Future of the Children of God
- 1 John 3:3-6 Purity by Abiding in Christ
- 1 John 3:7-9 True Holiness
- 1 John 3:10-13 Love the Sign of the Believer
- 1 John 3:14-18 Passing from Death Unto Life
- 1 John 3:19-24 Christian Assurance
- MacArthur Study Bible - 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5
- 1 John 3:1-3 The Purifying Hope, Pt 3
- 1 John 2:28-3:3 A Theology of Hope
- 1 John 3:4-10 Why Christian's & Sin are Incompatible - Study Guide - see link in dropdown
- 1 John 3:4-10 The Christian's Incompatibility with Sin, Pt 1
- 1 John 3:4-8 The Christian's Incompatibility with Sin, Pt 2
- 1 John 3:4-9 The Christian's Incompatibility with Sin, Pt 3
- 1 John 3:11-24: How's Your Love Life? - Study Guide - see link in dropdown
- 1 John 3:12-18 True Christians Love One Another
- 1 John 3:19 The Essential Foundation of Christian Assurance
- 1 John 3:19 Why Christians Lack Assurance
- 1 John 3:19-24 Holy Affections
- 1 John 3 God, Greater Than Our Hearts
- 1 John 3 Assurance and Sin
HENRY MAHAN SERMONS & COMMENTARY FIRST JOHN
- 1 John 3:1 The Sons of God
- 1 John 3:2 His Mercy to His Sons
- 1 John 3:14 Let Us Talk About Assurance
- 1 John 3:16 He Laid Down His Life For Us
- 1 John 3 Commentary
P G MATTHEW - well done sermons on 1 John
- 1 John 2:28-3:3 We Shall See Him Face to Face
- 1 John 2:28-3:3 Imago Dei, Part 1
- 1 John 2:28-3:3 Imago Dei, Part 2
- 1 John 3:1-3 In the Father's Image
- 1 John 3:3 The Blessed Hope
- 1 John 3:4-10 The Greatest Event in History
- 1 John 3:11-18 The Mark of the Christian
- 1 John 3:19-24 Conditions for Effectual Prayer
- 1 John 3 messages -Thru the Bible Mp3's
- Borrow 1 John
ROBERT MURRAY M'CHEYNE
MONERGISM
JAMES MORGAN (1866)
Spurgeon comments: "Dr. Candlish says that this is a work “of great practical interest and value,” and that had it appeared at an earlier date, “he might have abstained from issuing” his own Lectures on this Epistle. We are glad to possess both works." (Commenting and Commentaries)
ROB MORGAN Sermons on 1 John - Often Has Excellent Illustrations
- 1 John 3:1 sons of God
- 1 John 3:2 shall be like him
- 1 John 3:3 purifieth himself
- 1 John 3:5 in him is no sin
- 1 John 3:6 neither known him
- 1 John 3:8 from the beginning was manifested
- 1 John 3:10 children of the devil
- 1 John 3:11 from the beginning
- 1 John 3:12 Cain wicked one
- 1 John 3:14 passed from death unto life love the brethren
- 1 John 3:15 a murderer
- 1 John 3:16 lay down our lives
- 1 John 3:17 seeth
- 1 John 3:18 not love in word
- 1 John 3:22 we receive of him
- 1 John 3:23 he gave us commandment
- 1 John 3:24 he in him the Spirit
AUGUSTUS NEANDER (1852)
Spurgeon says "Mrs. Conant (who translated it from German) in her preface says: “The treasures of genius and learning which enrich his more scientific works, here seem vivified by a new element, and melt, under the fervor of his inner spiritual life, into a glowing stream of eloquent practical instruction.” (Commenting and commentaries)The First Epistle of John, Practically Explained
PHIL NEWTON - Pdf manuscripts - well done
- 1 John 3:1-9 The Answers
- 1 John 3:1 Truly Amazing
- 1 John 3:1 Great Love
- 1 John 3:1 Number One Father
- 1 John 3:1 Picking Daisies
- 1 John 3:1 One Stretch
- 1 John 3:1 Family Trademarks
- 1 John 3:1-3 The Best Companion
- 1 John 3:2 The Best Companion
- 1 John 3:2 Like Him
- 1 John 3:2 End of Construction
- 1 John 3:2 We Shall Be Changed
- 1 John 3:2 We Will See Him
- 1 John 3:2 Hyperseeing
- 1 John 3:2 More Than We Imagine
- 1 John 3:2 Hyperseeing
- 1 John 3:2-3 Dirty Windows
- 1 John 3:3 What are You Aiming For?
- 1 John 3:3 Let's Be Ready
- 1 John 3:5 One Exception
- 1 John 3:5 Confident Access
- 1 John 3:10-18 Strong Words
- 1 John 3:10-18 Say No And Yes
- 1 John 3:10-20 Protecting The Hurting
- 1 John 3:10-24 More than Words
- 1 John 3:10-24 Laundry Love
- 1 John 3:11-20 Love The Brothers
- 1 John 3:15 The Moment I Knew
- 1 John 3:15 Hatred’s Bitter Fruit
- 1 John 3:15 Fatal Frame Of Mind
- 1 John 3:15 In Defense Of Life
- 1 John 3:16 The Professor's Confession
- 1 John 3:16 Remembered By A Nail
- 1 John 3:16 Why Love Begets Hate
- 1 John 3:16 Love In Action
- 1 John 3:16 The Ultimate Sacrifice
- 1 John 3:16-20 Ever Feel Condemned
- 1 John 3:16-23 Here Am I
- 1 John 3:16-23 Life, Love, Chocolate
- 1 John 3:16-24 Sandal Love
- 1 John 3:16-24 Get Practical
- 1 John 3:16-24 The Telltale Heart
- 1 John 3:16-24 Commanded to Love
- 1 John 3:17 A Talent To Care
- 1 John 3:17 Goats For Jesus
- 1 John 3:17 Help On The Way
- 1 John 3:18 Trouble with One Another
- 1 John 3:18 Arms Of Love
- 1 John 3:18 Actions Speak Louder
- 1 John 3:18 Active Compassion
- 1 John 3:18 What Makes You Tick?
- 1 John 3:18 More than Words
- 1 John 3:18 Live Honestly
- 1 John 3:18 Get Practical
- 1 John 3:18 A Friend In Need
- 1 John 3:18 Lamb-Chop Witness
- 1 John 3:18 Faith At Work
- 1 John 3:18 A Friend in Need
- 1 John 3:18 A "Yes" of Love
- 1 John 3:18 Here Am I
- 1 John 3:18 Sandal Love
- 1 John 3:18 Laundry Love
- 1 John 3:18 Words and Actions
- 1 John 3:18-24 Taking Orders
- 1 John 3:18 The Telltale Heart
- 1 John 3:20 Ever Feel Condemned
- 1 John 3:20 My Heart Condemns Me
- 1 John 3:20 God Award
- 1 John 3:20 Help from the Outside
- 1 John 3:22 A Surprise Answer
- 1 John 3:23 Prayer Malfunction
- 1 John 3:23 Commanded to Love
- 1 John 3:24 Mysterious Invisibility
Rosscup: This work, later called Preaching Through the Bible (Baker Book House), is rich in its applications and exhortations, though often not particularly helpful for the reader who is looking for exposition that stays right with the text. Treatment of the texts is sermonic. (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An annotated bibliography of selected works)
- 1 John 2:24-29, 3:1 Abiding in Christ
- 1 John 3:1 Abiding in Christ
- 1 John 3:2 Present and Future
- 1 John 3:3-12 Practical Proofs
Sermons from Baptist pastors.
This site has completely changed their links. My suggestion is to do a search for the following titles. Here is an example of what you can try, using the following URL - site:https://pastorlife.com ""-- Now try the first title below in parentheses (""). Here is what it looks like - site:https://pastorlife.com "fourth love" - put this entire URL in the google search box, click search and you will retrieve that sermon. Try site:https://pastorlife.com "Biggest Little Word in the Bible" and you will retrieve that sermon.
- 1 John 3 Family Portrait - 3 David Hammonds
- 1 John 3:10-15 The Enemies of the Love of God Johnny Hunt
- 1 John 3:1-10 Love From Above J. Mike Minnix
- 1 John 3:11-15 A Love Commanded Johnny L. Sanders
- 1 John 3 :11-17 How's Your Love Life? James McCullen
- 1 John 3:11-24 Brotherly Love Gil McKee
- 1 John 3:11-29 Hearts On Trial J. Mike Minnix
- 1 John 3:1-2 Family Portrait - 1 David Hammonds
- 1 John 3:1-2 Family Portrait - 2 David Hammonds
- 1 John 3:1-2 Christmas Love J. Mike Minnix
- 1 John 3:12-15 If Not Love Johnny L. Sanders
- 1 John 3:1-3 What Manner of Love Johnny L. Sanders
- 1 John 3:1-3 Living in the Light of Jesus' Return Mark Adams
- 1 John 3:16-18 The Measure of Love Johnny L. Sanders
- 1 John 3:16-18 The Divine Responsibility of the Love of God Johnny Hunt
- 1 John 3:19-22 Knowing It and Showing It Johnny L. Sanders
- 1 John 3:21-24 We Can Know We Are Saved Johnny L. Sanders
- 1 John 3:4-10 Why Real Christians Don't Sin Gil McKee
- 1 John 3:4-8 When Spirituality Meets Sin Johnny L. Sanders
- 1 John 3:9-10 He Who Cannot Sin Johnny L. Sanders
PETER PETT
SAMUEL EYLES PIERCE (1835)
Spurgeon says "This devout author was highly Calvinistic, but withal full of spiritual power and unction. He loved the deep things of God, and wrote upon them in a gracious manner.” (Commenting and commentaries)
- 1 John 3:1-10: Son Appeared to Destroy Works of Devil
- 1 John 3:1-10 No One Born of God Makes a Practice of Sinning
- 1 John 3:4-10: Son Appeared to Destroy Work of Devil
- 1 John 3:24b-4:6: Test the Spirits
MATTHEW POOLE English Annotations Commentary 1 John
PRECEPT MINISTRIES
- 1 John Download lesson 1 - This study was published in 2017
- 1 John 3 Expositional Commentary
- 1 John 3:1,2 What Manner of Love!
- 1 John 3:1 Behold What Manner of Love!
- 1 John 3:1-12 Righteousness and Sin in Relation to Children of God
- 1 John 3:2,3 The Present and Future of the Good
- 1 John 3:3 The Hope: Its Purifying Power
- 1 John 3:4-6 Dissuasives from Sin
- 1 John 3:4-12 Sinning in Every Way Incompatible with the Christian Life
- 1 John 3:13-15 The World's Hatred of Christians
- 1 John 3:13-24 The Sign of Brotherly Love
- 1 John 3:14 Love the Evidence of Life
- 1 John 3:16-18 Love Others for God Hath Loved Thee!
- 1 John 3:16-18 The Exhibition and Obligation of True Love
- 1 John 3:19-22 The Judicial Function of Conscience
- 1 John 3:19-22 The Privileges of Christian Loyalty
- 1 John 3:23, 24 Outward Precept and Inward Life
- 1 John 2:28-3:3 Family Resemblance
- 1 John 3:4-10 A True Christian Does Not Sin
- 1 John 3:11-24 True Love
- 1 John 3:11-24 What Love Is (1989)
- 1 John 2:29–3:3
- 1 John 3:3
- 1 John 3:4–10
- 1 John 3:4
- 1 John 3:6
- 1 John 3:7
- 1 John 3:8
- 1 John 3:11–15
- 1 John 3:11
- 1 John 3:12
- 1 John 3:16–24
- 1 John 3:16
- 1 John 3:20
- 1 John 3:22
- 1 John 3:23
- 1 John 3 Commentary - Word Pictures
- 1 John 2:28-3:3 Characteristics of Fellowship, Part 1
- 1 John 3 Characteristics of Fellowship, Part 2
- 1 John 3 Characteristics of Fellowship, Part 3
- 1 John 3:19-24 Characteristics of Fellowship, Part 4
- 1 John 3:1 Blessings & Responsibilities
- 1 John 3:1-3 When He Shall Appear
- 1 John 3:5-10 Are You Spiritually Alive?
- 1 John 3:5-10 Alive in Christ
- 1 John 3:5 Five Reasons that Jesus Came
- 1 John 3:5-10 Are You Spiritually Alive?
- 1 John 3:11-18 Love: A Matter of Life and Death
ADRIAN ROGERS SERMONS ON 1 JOHN
Click here to access the 34 titles listed below - the Pdf has 417 pages of sermons. Rogers is conservative, pithy and practical! He is one of the stellar expositors of the twentieth century. Highly recommended to aid your sermon and teaching preparation. Illustrations in green font.
- When We All Get to Heaven—1 John 3:1–3
- Reasons for Righteousness—1 John 3:1–9
- Real Salvation—1 John 3:4–9
- The Legacy of Love—1 John 3:11–24
- 1 John 3:1-3 An Out Of This World Kind Of Love
- 1 John 3:4-12 The Purpose Of His Coming Pt 1
- 1 John 3:7-12 The Purpose Of His Coming Pt 2
- 1 John 3:13-18 Authentic Love
- 1 John 3:18-24 The Cure For A Condemning Heart
JOHNNY SANDERS
- 1 John 1-3 Commentary -123 pages
HENRY SAWTELLE (1888)
Hiebert's critique - A conservative interpretation by a Baptist scholar of the past century. Offers a careful unfolding of the original for the English reader. 84 pages but print small so in effect well over 100 pages compared to usual text size. Easy to follow verse by verse and phrase by phrase exposition.
- 1 John 3:1 Believers are Sons of God
- 1 John 3:2 The Inestimable Privileges of Believers
- 1 John 3:3 The Fruits and Effects of Hope
- 1 John 3:5 Christ Manifested to Take Away Sin
- 1 John 3:8 The End of Christ's Incarnation
- 1 John 3:9 The Christian's Deliverance from Sin
- 1 John 3:14 Love of the Brethren
- 1 John 3:16 The Love of Christ a Pattern for Us
- 1 John 3:17 No Love to God Without Love to Man
- 1 John 3:20, 21 A Good and Evil Conscience
- 1 John 3:23 Faith in Christ Enjoined
- 1 John 3:24 The Mutual Indwelling of God and His People
Sermons on 1 John 3 Note - On all the links below, first select "Chuck Smith Sermon Notes." Then SELECT "1 John." Then SELECT specific note.
- Notes for 1 John 3:1
- Notes for 1 John 3:2
- Notes for 1 John 3:4
- Notes for 1 John 3:5
- Notes for 1 John 3:8
- Notes for 1 John 3:9
- Notes for 1 John 3:10
- Notes for 1 John 3:14
- Notes for 1 John 3:16
- Notes for 1 John 3:17
- Notes for 1 John 3:20
JAMES SMITH HANDFULS OF PURpOSE 1 JOHN
- The Following are Available on 1 John Handfuls of Purpose
- The Joyful Life 1 John 1:4
- The Firm Foundation Upon Which Rests The Diivine Forgiveness 1 John 1:9
- The Victorious Life 1 John 2:1
- The Knowing Life 1 John 5:13
- Love's Four Prepositions 1 John 4:16, 1 John 4:9, 1 John 4:12, 1 John 4:17
- The History And Development Of Love 1 John 4:8-9, 1 John 4:17, 1 John 2:5
- Love 1 John 4:7-9, 1 John 4:11
- Why Believers Should Love One Another 1 John 4:19
- God 1 John 4:24, 1 John 1:5, 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:16
- Sin 1 John
- The New Birth Its Evidences And Result 1 John
- Abiding In Christ 1 John
- Eternal Life 1 John
- Manifested 1 John
DANIEL SNADDON - PLYMOUTH BRETHREN
R C SPROUL - Devotionals from Tabletalk
- 1 John 3:1–3 Children of God
- 1 John 3:4–6 No One Who Abides
- 1 John 3:7–8 As He Is Righteous
- 1 John 3:9–10 Practicing Righteousness
- 1 John 3:11 The Message of Love
- 1 John 3:12–13 Be Not Surprised
- 1 John 3:14–15 No Murderer
- 1 John 3:16–18 In Deed and Truth
- 1 John 3:19–20 God is Greater
- 1 John 3:21–22 Whatever We Ask
- 1 John 3:23–24 By the Spirit
- 1 John 3:1 “And We Are”—A Jewel from the Revised Version
- 1 John 3 Exposition
- 1 John 3:2. By And By - Sermon Notes
- 1 John 3:2 The Christian's Manifestation
- 1 John 3:3 The Hope That Purifies
- 1 John 3:3. Purification by Hope - Sermon Notes
- 1 John 3:4, 5 The Sinful Made Sinless
- 1 John 3:8 The Works of the Devil Destroyed
- 1 John 3:14. Life Proved by Love - Sermon Notes
- 1 John 3:14 Life Proved by Love
- 1 John 3:16: The Death of Christ for His People
- 1 John 3:16: God's Love to the Saints
- 1 John 3:20, 21 The Lower Courts
- 1 John 3:21 What Is the Verdict?
- 1 John 3:20-21. The Lower Courts - Sermon Notes
- 1 John 3:22-24 The Conditions of Power in Prayer
- 1 John 3:23: The Warrant of Faith
- 1 John 3 Exposition
- 1 John 2:29-3:1: Recognizing The Unrecognized
- 1 John 3:2-3: What Shall We Be?
- 1 John 3:4-5: The Greatest Revolution
- 1 John 3:6-7: The Mystery Of Righteousness
- 1 John 3:8: The Mystery Of Evil
- 1 John 3:9: When the Spirit Says No
- 1 John 3:10: One Or The Other
- 1 John 3:11-18:The Path Of Love
- 1 John 3:11-18: The Course Of Hate
- 1 John 3:19-20: The Christian's Tranquilizer
- 1 John 3:21-24: Power In Prayer
- 14th The Most Astonishing Thing (1 John 2:28-3:1) — God is the Creator of all mankind, but not the Father of all mankind. We are only children of God by faith in Jesus Christ! How has this truth astonished & affected us?
- 15th Becoming Pure (1 John 3:2-3) — Thank God for simple soap that helps wash us clean when we are stinky, greasy or muddy! What is God's provision for purifying ourselves after we fall into the pit of sin?
- 16th Taking Away Sins (1 John 3:4-5) — What was the purpose of Jesus Christ being born in our world? How does the giving of His life affect the recurring death, darkness, and hatred that exists today?
- 17th Abide In Him (1 John 3:6-8) — Christ's righteousness literally and radically revolutionizes lives. The power of His indwelling Presence is life-changing. Have we in faith accepted the abiding Truth?
- 18th One Or The Other (1 John 3:9-10) — How piercing, stunning, and incredible is today's passage of Scripture that is presented to us! What is the whole thrust behind God's gospel message to the world?
- 19th The Path Of Love (1 John 3:11-14) — Is one of our prerequisites for loving others that they love us first? Apart from having a new Life within we cannot at all evidence the love God commanded us to show.
- 20th The Murderer Within (1 John 3:15-18) — In our season here on earth everyone will have times filled with hate for another; and suppression just increases it. How do we return control to the One who is Love?
- 21st The Christian's Tranquilizer (1 John 3:19-20) — When we suffer loneliness, a guilty conscience, or our hearts feel pressured with condemnation, how do we avail ourselves the joy & healing power of His Presence?
- 22nd Power In Prayer (1 John 3:21-24) — Nothing is quite so boring as Christianity without Christ. An intimate relationship is immersed in communication. Is our daily prayer free & flowing or merely formulated?
- 1 John 3:9 Special Study on Ways it Has Been Interpreted-Interesting!
- 1 John 2:28-3:3
- 1 John 3:4-10a
- 1 John 3:10b-24
- Chiastic Structure - 1 John 3:1-11
- Children of God - 1 John 3:1
- We shall be like him - 1 John 3:2-3
- Sin is lawlessness - 1 John 3:4
- Take away sins - 1 John 3:5
- Will keep on sinning . . . continues to sin - 1 John 3:6-7
- To destroy the devil's works - 1 John 3:8
- No one who is born of God will continue to sin - 1 John 3:9-10
- Children revealed - 1 John 3:10
- God's Children Love One Another. - 1 John 3:11-24
- From the beginning - 1 John 3:11
- Cain - 1 John 3:12
- The world hates you - 1 John 3:13
- See WCF - 1 John 3:14-21
- Passed from death to life - 1 John 3:14
- Murderer - 1 John 3:15
- Laid down his life - 1 John 3:16
- World's goods - 1 John 3:17-18
- We assure our hearts - 1 John 3:19-20
- Confidence before God - 1 John 3:21-22
- Commandment - 1 John 3:23
- Remain in him - 1 John 3:24
DAVID THOMPSON - short sermon transcripts
James Rosscup writes "This work has long been ranked by many as the best older effort on the Greek text. It is detailed, thorough, and very useful for its incisive, definitive statements on problem areas as well as grammatical matters (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works
Robert Yost - First published in 1883, this commentary has long been regarded as the classic treatment of the Greek text. In this 1966 edition, F. F. Bruce has updated the introductory materials and other important information and writings over the eighty-three years since its publication. “Detailed, thorough, and very useful for its incisive, definitive statements on problem areas as well as grammatical matters” (Rosscup, 333). Anglican.
CALVIN WITTMAN
ROBERT YARBROUGH - 1-3 JOHN (BECNT) - 2008
Robert Yost - This fine commentary in the excellent BECNT series is by a noted NT scholar and professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. The introduction is a bit brief for a work of this nature, but overall this is a substantial addition to the Johannine literature. “He writes with color and verve; he is never leaden or boring. More important, he combines good exegesis, theological reflection, interaction not only with the most recent Johannine scholars but with two or three major figures in the past (notably Augustine, Calvin, and Schlatter), pastoral insight, and an independent judgment that means his work is always fresh. This is the place to start for pastors with functioning Greek” (Carson, 151).
STEVE ZEISLER
- 1 John 2:28-3:12 Who's Your Daddy?
- 1 John 3:11-18: Jealousy and Generosity
- 1 John 3:1-10: I Am My Father's Child
- 1 John 3:13-4:6 The Challenge of Love
- 1 John 3:19-4:6: No More Condemnation, No More Lies
GEORGE ZELLER - Middletown Bible
- Does the Book of 1 John Present Tests of Fellowship or Signs of Life?
- 1 John 3:10 Children of God and Children of the Devil,
- What is free grace? What is Free Grace Theology?
- What is the relationship of faith, works, and security in salvation?
- Why is faith without works dead?
- What is lordship salvation?