1 John Commentaries & Sermons

1 JOHN RESOURCES
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FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD AND HIS CHILDREN
Click chart to enlarge
Charts from Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission
Another Overview Chart - 1 John - Charles Swindoll
BASIS OF FELLOWSHIP BEHAVIOR OF FELLOWSHIP
Conditions of
Fellowship
Cautions of
Fellowship
Fellowship
Characteristics
Fellowship 
Consequences
Meaning of 
Fellowship
1 Jn 1:1-2:27
Manifestations of
Fellowship
1 Jn 2:28-5:21
Abiding in
God's Light
Abiding in 
God's Love
Written in Ephesus
circa 90 AD
From Talk Thru the Bible

KEY WORDS
FIRST JOHN
BY CHAPTER

1 John 1 1 John 2 1 John 3 1 John 4 1 John 5
Fellowship
Seen
"If… "
Sin
Write
Know
Abide
Commandment
Love
Know
Abide
Love
Know
Abide
Know
Life

GENERAL SUBJECTS OR THEMES
OF JOHN'S THREE MAJOR NT WRITINGS
The Gospel
of John
The Epistles
of John
The Revelation
of John
Salvation Sanctification Glorification
Past History Present Experience Future Hope
Christ Died for us Christ Lives in us Christ Comes for us
The Word made Flesh The Word made real for us The Word conquering
Evangelistic Pragmatic Prophetic

COMPARISON OF THOUGHT AND STYLE
IN JOHN'S GOSPEL AND FIRST EPISTLE
First Epistle of John   Gospel of John

1 John 1:1

 The beginning

John 1:1, 2

1 John 1:1

The Word

John 1:1, 1:4, 1:14

1 John 1:2

Christ Manifested

John 1:14

1 John 1:1,2

Life

John 1:4

1 John 1:4

Complete Joy

John 15:11

1 John 1:5

Light in God
Light in Jesus

John 1:4

1 John 2:5

Obeying the Word

John 14:23

1 John 2:6, 28

Abiding in Jesus

John 15:4, 7

1 John 2:8; 1 John 3:11

New Commandment

John 13:34

1 John 2:8, 2:10

Light in Darkness

John 1:5, 1:9; 11:10

1 John 2:13-14

Knowing God

John 17:3

1 John 3:1

Children of God

John 1:12

1 John 3:2

Seeing God

John 17:24

1 John 3:8

Satan's Deeds

John 8:44

1 John 3:13

Hated by the World

John 15:19, 17:14

1 John 4:9

God sent
His only begotten Son

John 3:16

1 John 4:12

No One Has Seen God

John 1:18

1 John 5:1

Born of God

John 1:13

1 John 5:13

These things
Have been written

John 20:31

1 John 5:14

Ask Anything

John 14:14

1 John 5:20

The True God
Eternal Life

John 17:2,3


GOSPEL OF JOHN 1 JOHN
Written to
arouse faith
John 20:31+
Written to
establish assurance of faith
1 John 5:13+
Good News
Historically
Good News
Experientially

Key words
1 John

Key Words -- See importance of key words - learn how to mark key words and the associated discipline of how to interrogate them with 5W/H questions. Practice "interrogating" key words as well as term of conclusion (therefore), term of explanation (for), terms of purpose or result (so that, in order that, that, as a result), terms of contrast (but, yet), expressions of time (including thenuntil, after) and terms of comparison (like, as). You will be amazed at how your Teacher, the Holy Spirit, will illuminate your understanding, a spiritual blessing that will grow the more you practice! Be diligent! Consider the "5P's" - Pause to Ponder the Passage then Practice it in the Power of the Spirit. See also inductive Bible study  - observation (Observe With a Purpose), Interpretation (Keep Context KingRead LiterallyCompare Scripture with ScriptureConsult Conservative Commentaries), and then be a doer of the Word with Application. Do not overlook "doing the word" for if you do, you are deluding yourself, and are just a "smarter sinner," but not more like the Savior! As Jesus said "blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it." (Lk 11:28+, cf James 1:22+), 

  • Truth (aletheiaor True (alethinos)
              (aletheia) (9X/8V) 1 Jn. 1:6; 1 Jn. 1:8; 1 Jn. 2:4; 1 Jn. 2:21; 1 Jn. 3:18; 1 Jn. 3:19; 1 Jn. 4:6; 1 Jn. 5:6
              (alethinos) (4X/2V) 1 Jn. 2:8; 1 Jn. 5:20
  • Write/written/writing (13X/10V) (grapho)
             1 Jn. 1:4; 1 Jn. 2:1; 1 Jn. 2:7; 1 Jn. 2:8; 1 Jn. 2:12; 1 Jn. 2:13; 1 Jn. 2:14; 1 Jn. 2:21; 1 Jn. 2:26; 1 Jn. 5:13
  • Darkness - (7X/5V)(skotia and skotos once in 1Jn 1:6)
              1 Jn 1:5 1 Jn 1:6 1 Jn 2:8 1 Jn 2:9 1 Jn 2:11
  • Light - (6X/5V) (phos)
              1 Jn 1:5 1 Jn 1:7 1 Jn 2:8 1 Jn 2:9 1 Jn 2:10
  • Born - (9X/6V) (gennao - all metaphorical ~ "born again" cf Jn 3:3+
              1 Jn 2:29, 3:9 (2x), 1Jn 4:7, 1Jn 5:1 (2x), 1Jn 5:4, 1Jn 5:18
  • Life - (15X/12V) Two different Greek words for "Life"
              (zoe) 1 Jn. 1:1; 1 Jn. 1:2; 1 Jn. 2:25; 1 Jn. 3:14; 1 Jn. 3:15; 1 Jn. 5:11; 1 Jn. 5:12; 1 Jn. 5:13; 1 Jn. 5:16; 1 Jn. 5:20
              (bios) 1 Jn 2:16, 1Jn 3:17
  • FOR COMPARISON - Zoe also key word in Gospel of John - 36X/32V (135X in NT)
              Jn 1:4; 3:15, 16, 36; 4:14, 36; 5:24, 26, 29, 39, 40; 6:27, 33, 35, 40, 47, 48, 51, 53, 54, 63, 68; 8:12; 10:10, 28; 11:25; 12:25, 50; 14:6; 17:2, 3; 20:31
  • Love - (46X/31V) Noun and verb
              (agape)(18X/14V) 1 Jn. 2:5; 1 Jn. 2:15; 1 Jn. 3:1; 1 Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 3:17; 1 Jn. 4:7; 1 Jn. 4:8; 1 Jn. 4:9; 1 Jn. 4:10; 1 Jn. 4:12; 1 Jn. 4:16; 1 Jn. 4:17; 1 Jn. 4:18; 1 Jn. 5:3
              (agapao) (28X/17V) 1 Jn. 2:10; 1 Jn. 2:15; 1 Jn. 3:10; 1 Jn. 3:11; 1 Jn. 3:14; 1 Jn. 3:18; 1 Jn. 3:23; 1 Jn. 4:7; 1 Jn. 4:8; 1 Jn. 4:10; 1 Jn. 4:11; 1 Jn. 4:12; 1 Jn. 4:19; 1 Jn. 4:20; 1 Jn. 4:21; 1 Jn. 5:1; 1 Jn. 5:2
  • Abide (24X/18V) (meno)
              1 Jn. 2:6; 1 Jn. 2:10; 1 Jn. 2:14; 1 Jn. 2:17; 1 Jn. 2:19; 1 Jn. 2:24; 1 Jn. 2:27; 1 Jn. 2:28; 1 Jn. 3:6; 1 Jn. 3:9; 1 Jn. 3:14; 1 Jn. 3:15; 1 Jn. 3:17; 1 Jn. 3:24; 1 Jn. 4:12; 1 Jn. 4:13; 1 Jn. 4:15; 1 Jn. 4:16
  • Word (6X/6V)(logos)
             1 Jn. 1:1; 1 Jn. 1:10; 1 Jn. 2:5; 1 Jn. 2:7; 1 Jn. 2:14; 1 Jn. 3:18
  • Fellowship (4x in 3v) (koinonia)
             1 John 1:3; 1 John 1:6; 1 John 1:7
  • Children (14x in 13v) (teknion = little children,  teknon = children,  paidion = 1Jn 2:13, 18)
              1 John 2:1; 1 John 2:12; 1 John 2:13; 1 John 2:18; 1 John 2:28; 1 John 3:1; 1 John 3:2; 1 John 3:7; 1 John 3:10; 1 John 3:18; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:2; 1 John 5:21
  • Commandment (14x in 10v) (entole)
              1 John 2:3; 1 John 2:4; 1 John 2:7; 1 John 2:8; 1 John 3:22; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 3:24; 1 John 4:21; 1 John 5:2; 1 John 5:3
  • Believe (9x in 7v) (pisteuo)
              1 John 3:23; 1 John 4:1; 1 John 4:16; 1 John 5:1; 1 John 5:5; 1 John 5:10; 1 John 5:13 (Plus "faith" - pistis in 1 John 5:4)
  • World (22x in 16v) (kosmos)
              1 John 2:2; 1 John 2:15; 1 John 2:16; 1 John 2:17; 1 John 3:1; 1 John 3:13; 1 John 4:1; 1 John 4:3; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 4:5; 1 John 4:9; 1 John 4:14; 1 John 4:17; 1 John 5:4; 1 John 5:5; 1 John 5:19
  • Know - (40X/33V) 
              Ginosko (25X/21V) 1 Jn. 2:3; 1 Jn. 2:4; 1 Jn. 2:5; 1 Jn. 2:13; 1 Jn. 2:14; 1 Jn. 2:18; 1 Jn. 2:29; 1 Jn. 3:1; 1 Jn. 3:6; 1 Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 3:19; 1 Jn. 3:20; 1 Jn. 3:24; 1 Jn. 4:2; 1 Jn. 4:6; 1 Jn. 4:7; 1 Jn. 4:8; 1 Jn. 4:13; 1 Jn. 4:16; 1 Jn. 5:2; 1 Jn. 5:20
              Eido (15X/13V) 1 Jn. 2:11; 1 Jn. 2:20; 1 Jn. 2:21; 1 Jn. 2:29; 1 Jn. 3:2; 1 Jn. 3:5; 1 Jn. 3:14; 1 Jn. 3:15; 1 Jn. 5:13; 1 Jn. 5:15; 1 Jn. 5:18; 1 Jn. 5:19; 1 Jn. 5:20      
             Note: Both verbs  for know appear together in the following verses - 1Jn 2:29, 1Jn 5:20. In addition the word "know" occurs more in the Gospel of John than in any of the other gospels, and occurs in 1 John more than in any other epistle, another piece of indirect evidence in support of John as the author of this epistle. Exactly the same phenomenon is noted for many other vocabulary words. These include such words as; love, light, truth, fellowship, commandment, abide, witness, eternal, manifest, keep, overcome, beginning, father and son.

OVERVIEW AND INTRODUCTION:


DICTIONARY ARTICLES:

1 JOHN 
OUTLINE
D. EDMOND HIEBERT

Recommended Resource - An Introduction to the New Testament or Borrow An introduction to the New Testament - D Edmond Hiebert

Sam Storms review - I always find Hiebert's NT commentaries helpful and this one is no exception. He is somewhat fundamentalist in his approach but is always fair in handling controversial topics. He interacts with the Greek text but not in such a way that English readers fail to benefit.*

An Outline of 1 John
    I. The Introduction, 1 John 1:1-4 
         A. The eyewitness testimony to the Word of life, 1 John 1:1 
         B. The historic manifestation of the Word of life, 1 John 1:2 
         C. The resultant fellowship of believers, 1 John 1:3-4 
    II. Assurance Through the Test of Fellowship, 1 John 1:5-2:17 
         A. The basis for fellowship, 1 John 1:5 
         B. The hindrances to fellowship, 1 John 1:6-10 
             1. The denial of the reality of sin, 1 John 1:6-7 
             2. The denial of the principle of sin, 1 John 1:8-9 
             3. The denial of the practice of sin, 1 John 1:10 
         C. The maintenance of fellowship, 1 John 2:1-17 
             1. The provision for maintenance of fellowship, 1 John 2:1-2 
             2. The signs of the maintenance of fellowship, 1 John 2:3-17 
                  a. The sign of obedience, 1 John 2:3-5 
                  b. The sign of imitation, 1 John 2:6 
                  c. The sign of love, 1 John 2:7-11
                  d. The sign of separation, 1 John 2:12-17 
                      i. The grounds for separation from the world, 1 John 2:12-14 
                      ii. The appeal for separation from the world, 1 John 2:15-17 
    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 
         D. The conflict between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error, 1 John 4:1-6 
             1. The charge to test the spirits, 1 John 4:1 
             2. The criterion for testing the spirits, 1 John 4:2-3 
             3. The criterion for testing men, 1 John 4:4-6 
    IV. Assurance from the Evidence of Love, 1 John 4:7-5:5 
         A. The nature of redeeming love, 1 John 4:7-16a 
             1. The basis for the assurance from love,1 John 4:7-8 
             2. The manifestation of redeeming love, 1 John 4:9-10 
             3. The obligation to mutual love, 1 John 4:11 
             4. The perfecting of Christian love, 1 John 4:12 
             5. The confirmations of redeeming love, 1 John 4:13-16a 
         B. The results of love, 1 John 4:16b-5:5 
             1. The result in respect to self, 1 John 4:16b-18 
             2. The result in respect to others, 1 John 4:19-21 
                  a. The principle of love, 1 John 4:19 
                  b. The profession of love, 1 John 4:0 
                  c. The proof of love, 1 John 4:21 
             3. The result in respect to God, 1 John 5:1-5 
                  a. The revelation of love in saving faith, 1 John 5:1 
                  b. The revelation of love in obedience to God, 1 John 5:2-3 
                  c. The revelation of love in overcoming faith, 1 John 5:4-5 
    V. Assurance from the Witness of the Spirit, 1 John 5:1-12 
         A. The external, historic witnesses, 1 John 5:6-9 
         B. The internal witness of the Spirit, 1 John 5:10-12 
    VI. The Conclusion, 1 John 5:13-21 
         A. The certainty of salvation as the purpose in writing, 1 John 5:13 
         B. The confidence of answered prayer, 1 John 5:14-15 
         C. The counsel in respect to intercession, 1 John 5:16-17 
         D. The certainties of the Christian faith, 1 John 5:18-20 
             1. The certainty of the Christian's practice, 1 John 5:18 
             2. The certainty of the Christian's contrast to the world, 1 John 5:19 
             3. The certainty of Christ's mission, 1 John 5:20 
         E. The final warning against idols, 1 John 5:21

1 JOHN COMMENTARY
Verse by Verse Exposition
Bruce Hurt, MD

Introduction to First John - including discussion of caveats regarding use of commentaries on this book.





STUDY GUIDE
1 JOHN

What is this? On the photograph of the Observation Worksheet for this chapter you will find handwritten 5W/H questions (Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?) on each verse to help you either personally study or lead a discussion on this chapter. The questions are generally very simple and are stated in such a way as to stimulate you to observe the text to discern the answer. As a reminder, given the truth that your ultimate Teacher is the Holy Spirit, begin your time with God with prayer such as Psalm 119:12+ "Blessed are You, O LORD; Teach me Your statutes." (you can vary it with similar prayers - Ps 119:18, 26, 33, 64, 66, 68, 108, 124, 135, 171, etc) The questions are generally highlighted in yellow and the answers in green. Some questions have no answers and are left to your observations and the illuminating/teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit. Some qualifying thoughts - (1) Use "As is" - these are handwritten and will include mistakes I made, etc. (2) They may not be the best question for a given verse and my guess is that on some verses you will think of a far superior 5W/H question and/or many other questions. 

Dr Howard Hendricks once gave an assignment to his seminary students to list as many observations as they could from Acts 1:8. He said "So far they’ve come up with more than 600 different ones! Imagine what fun you could have with 600 observations on this passage. Would you like to see Scripture with eyes like that?" (P. 63 Living by the Book - borrow) With practice you can! And needless to say, you will likely make many more observations and related questions than I recorded on the pages below and in fact I pray that the Spirit would indeed lead you to discover a veritable treasure chest of observations and questions! In Jesus' Name. Amen

Why am I doing this? Mortimer Adler among others helped me develop a questioning mindset as I read, seeking to read actively rather than passively. Over the years I have discovered that as I have practiced reading with a 5W/H questioning mindset, it has yielded more accurate interpretation and the good fruit of meditation. In other words, consciously interacting with the inspired Holy Word of God and the illuminating Holy Spirit has honed my ability to meditate on the Scripture, and my prayer is that this tool will have the same impact in your spiritual life. The benefits of meditation are literally priceless in regard to their value in this life and in the life to come (cf discipline yourself for godliness in 1Ti 4:8+.) For some of the benefits - see Joshua 1:8+ and Psalm 1:2-3+. It will take diligence and mental effort to develop an "inductive" (especially an "observational"), interrogative mindset as you read God's Word, but it bears repeating that the benefits in this life and the rewards in the next will make it more than worth the effort you invest! Dear Christian reader let me encourage you to strongly consider learning the skills of inductive Bible study and spending the rest of your life practicing them on the Scriptures and living them out in your daily walk with Christ.

Although Mortimer Adler's advice is from a secular perspective, his words are worth pondering...

Strictly, all reading is active. What we call passive is simply less active. Reading is better or worse according as it is more or less active. And one reader is better than another in proportion as he is capable of a greater range of activity in reading. (Adler's classic book How to Read a Book is free online)

John Piper adds that "Insight or understanding is the product of intensive, headache-producing meditation on two or three verses and how they fit together. This kind of reflection and rumination is provoked by asking questions of the text. And you cannot do it if you hurry. Therefore, we must resist the deceptive urge to carve notches in our bibliographic gun. Take two hours to ask ten questions of Galatians 2:20+ and you will gain one hundred times the insight you would have attained by reading thirty pages of the New Testament or any other book. Slow down. Query. Ponder. Chew.... (John Dewey rightly said) "People only truly think when they are confronted with a problem. Without some kind of dilemma to stimulate thought, behavior becomes habitual rather than thoughtful.” 

“Asking questions is the key to understanding.”
--Jonathan Edwards

That said, below are the 5W/H questions for each verse in this chapter. This is not neatly typed but is handwritten and was used for leading a class discussion on this chapter, so you are welcome to use it in this "as is condition"...



1 John 1
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1 John 2
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1 John 3
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1 John 4
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1 John 5
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PRECEPT MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
1 JOHN
HOW TO KNOW YOU HAVE ETERNAL LIFE
INDUCTIVE STUDY

Precept Workbook on 1 John  Download lesson 1 (to give you a sense of what the old study looked like) - Note also that this is the first lesson of the OLD study (first published 1980 with 10th edition in 2013) which unfortunately has been replaced by a much shorter new study which only has 7 lessons (first lesson including 2 John and 3 John) so it is considerably abbreviated from the 11 week study which was only on 1 John. 

New study of  1 John  Download lesson 1 - This study was published in 2017

Note that this has the 5 chapters double spaced with wide margins which can be printed out to facilitate marking key words, and carrying out other aspects of inductive Bible study especially making observations.


Study Helps from Precept Louisiana
These Go with the Old 1 John Study that has been replaced
but you may still find them of aid in several topics. 

LESSON 1 - OVERVIEW

LESSON 2 - The Setting- GNOSTICISM

LESSON 4 - "IF I SIN"

LESSON 5 - THE WORLD

LESSON 6 - SIN

LESSON 7 - FELLOWSHIP

LESSON 8 - KNOW

LESSON 9 - LOVE

  • Roadblocks to Love
  • 1 John Lesson 9 Long for a Perfect Love? - lecture    (not available)

LESSON 10 - ABIDE

LESSON 11 - FINAL WORDS

COMMENTARIES
AND OTHER RESOURCES
ARCHIVE.ORG

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) they 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/contact. The resources are listed in alphabetical order by the author's last name and some include reviews of the particular resource. 

COMMENTARIES ON JOHN'S EPISTLES

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.

STUDY BIBLES, ETC.

KJV Bible Commentary - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. No restrictions 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.

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). No restrictions 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. No restrictions  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.

Wycliffe Bible Commentary (OT & NT) but must be borrowed - 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 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.

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 1:63:20Romans 11:26Galatians 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."

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

Dictionary of Biblical Imagery - Outstanding Resource! free for use online with no restrictions (i.e., you do not need to borrow this book). Editors Leland Ryken, J C Wilhoit, Tremper Longman III - This is a potential treasure chest to aid your preaching and teaching as it analyzes the meaning of a host of Biblical figures of speech. Clue - use the "One-page view" which then allows you to copy and paste text. One downside is there is no index, so you need to search 3291 pages for entries which are alphabetical. 

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. 

WORD STUDY RESOURCES
GREEK AND HEBREW

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 linkSee this page for a few instructions on how to most efficiently utilize this incredible resource

  1. The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (NIDNTT) - Colin Brown, general editor - A-F
  2. The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (NIDNTT) - Colin Brown, general editor - G-P
  3. 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 7:14-23Ro 1:28-32Eph. 4:17-24Col. 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

CRITIQUES OF SELECTED RESOURCES
EPISTLE OF FIRST JOHN

Suggestion - Before you study 1 John take one hour and listen to this excellent overview of the entire book (you will not be disappointed)...

James Rosscup on William Barclay: 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 1John 1:5. There is stimulating background material and warm application.

James Rosscup on A Brooke: 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).

Sam Storms review on A E Brooke  Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Johannine Epistles. ICC. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1912. Although the ICC series tends to be more liberal in outlook, Brooke's volume is excellent. He has numerous detailed studies of issues in the Greek text that are worthy of careful study. However, if one has the volumes by Brown and Smalley, Brooke is somewhat superfluous.

John Cereghin (Baptist pastor) on A E Brooke - Critical commentary on the Greek text. He thinks in 1 John, Christ is "separated from us by sinlessness rather than by Divinity" (xvi); will not suggest who the author is (xviii); argues from the meaning of the Greek tense; refers to the antichrist legend (59,69-79); holds that John clearly identified Jesus the man who lived a human life with the Son of God (121-122). Deprecates the deity of Christ, rejects as "legend" the teaching regarding the Antichrist and minimizes the efficacy of Christ's death on the cross. Exegetically valuable; theological unreliable.

Hiebert's critique on A Brooke - Greek text. Important introductory discussion of critical problems. The exegetical treatment of the text is valuable but must be read with theological discrimination. Has an extended treatment of the text on the "heavenly witnesses."

Spurgeon on Robert Candlish: We set great store by these lectures. A man hardly needs anything beyond Candlish. He is devout, candid, prudent and forcible.

Hiebert's critique on Robert Candlish: A series of forty-six sermon-lectures fervently presenting Christ as the only begotten Son of God and the believer's relationship to Him. First published in 1866, it vigorously attacks Romanist doctrine and warns against apostasy. The biographical sketch by Wilbur M. Smith adds to the value of the volume.

Cyril Barber on John James Lias (see below)- 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)

James Rosscup on George G Findlay: "Based on the Greek text, this work is one of the great commentaries on the three epistles from more than three quarters of a century ago."

Hiebert's critique on George G Findlay: An exhaustive, conservative exposition combining careful scholarship with rare spiritual insight. Emphasizes the doctrinal as well as the practical teaching of the epistles.

James Rosscup on D Edmond Hiebert: His work "is one of the best medium-length 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. He usually takes a stand on what a phrase means, gives reasons, and is plain. His comments in the main body, his extensive bibliography, and frequent footnote references to good sources all exemplify his earnest attempt to give readers light.

Sam Storms review - I always find Hiebert's NT commentaries helpful and this one is no exception. He is somewhat fundamentalist in his approach but is always fair in handling controversial topics. He interacts with the Greek text but not in such a way that English readers fail to benefit.*

James Rosscup on IVP Commentary by Marianne Meye Thompson: 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)."

James Rosscup on Guy King: 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.

James Rosscup on Alfred Plummer (Cambridge Bible Commentary): 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.

James Rosscup on B F Westcott: "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

Sam Storms reviewWestcott, Brooke Foss. The Epistles of St. John, The Greek Text with Notes. 3rd ed. 1892. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1950 (reprint). As the title suggests, Westcott is quite technical in his treatment of the Greek text. Very helpful.

James Rosscup writes on Zane Hodges' commentary on First John that "Passages given Hodges’ turns will surprise and dismay {bolding mine} many from an exegetical standpoint… He opposes the view that First John aims to lead readers to see how to be assured of salvation, as some say in 1Jn 5:13… (Hodges believes) The person who “abides in death” (1Jn 3:14) is saved, not having fellowship with God, but will be safe forever, though missing out in terms of special reward. (See Rosscup's excellent work Commentaries for Biblical Expositors) (EDITORIAL COMMENT - One should be aware that Hodges has also authored the commentaries on 1-3 John in the well-respected Bible Knowledge Commentary, but given his views described by Rosscup and the following respected evangelical writers, the reader is encouraged to use his writings with a healthy Berean mindset Acts 17:11+

Related Resources: 

SEE ALSO:

HENRY ALFORD (1810-1871)
The New Testament for English Readers
1 John Commentary

(Read his fascinating brief biography - Henry Alford and Phil Johnson's related comments)

James Rosscup writes that Alford's series on the New Testament "contains much that is valuable in the Greek New Testament...though all of the Greek New Testament words have been changed to English throughout." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works).

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (see his comments in following entry on Alford).

Editorial Note: If you are not proficient in Greek, you will find this work considerably more useful than the following work by Alford, because in this volume he translates the Greek and Latin into English. While the "The Greek New Testament" is longer (e.g., English version of 1John = 66 pages compared to Greek version = 94 pages in part because the latter includes comments of more technical nature), the substance of the commentary is otherwise similar to that found in the "NT for English Readers".

Alford's Greek Testament Critical Exegetical Commentary

DANNY AKIN
SERMONS
1 JOHN

HENRY ALFORD
The Greek New Testament
1 John Commentary

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)

DON ANDERSON
1 JOHN STUDY

Note - Anderson feels the key verse is 1 John 1:3 so that the issue is fellowship, not assurance of salvation which is the purpose John describes in 1 John 5:13. Be an Acts 17:11+ Berean. 

1 John Lectures - click here 

  • 1 John – Study 1 57:41
  • 1 John – Study 2 53:50
  • 1 John – Study 3 57:57
  • 1 John – Study 4 50:21
  • 1 John – Study 5 49:31
  • 1 John – Study 6 49:35
  • 1 John – Study 7 53:44
  • 1 John – Study 8 40:03
  • 1 John – Study 9 53:49
  • 1 John – Study 10 38:25
  • 1 John – Study 11 52:53
  • 1 John – Study 12 51:48

1 John Teacher Notes

1 John Study Notes

JACK ARNOLD
EXPOSITORY SERMONS
EPISTLE OF FIRST JOHN

Jack Arnold died instantly in the pulpit after uttering these final words: "And when I go to heaven." His sermons are well done, as you might imagine!

WAYNE BARBER
Verse by Verse Exposition of 1 John

Pithy & Practical Sermons - Highly Recommended. He is also in heaven with Jack Arnold

WILLIAM BARCLAY
1 John Commentary
Daily Study Bible

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.

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".

ALBERT BARNES
NOTES ON THE
EPISTLE OF FIRST JOHN

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)


BRIAN BELL
SERMON NOTES
EPISTLE OF FIRST JOHN

CHRIS BENFIELD
1 JOHN
SERMONS

JOHANN A BENGEL
Commentary on 1 John
Gnomon of the New Testament

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)

JOHANN BENGEL
The Critical English Testament
Commentary on 1 John

Represents Combination of Bengel's Gnomon (above) and Comments by more modern expositors (in brackets) to make this more usable for those who do not read Greek.

Spurgeon comments on the goal to make Bengel's Gnomon (listed above) more accessible -- "Such is the professed aim of this commentary, and the compilers have very fairly carried out their intentions. The whole of Bengel’s Gnomon is bodily transferred into the work, and as 120 years have elapsed since the first issue of that book, it may be supposed that much has since been added to the wealth of Scripture exposition; the substance of this has been incorporated in brackets, so as to bring it down to the present advanced state of knowledge. We strongly advise the purchase of this book, as it...will well repay an attentive perusal. Tischendorf and Alford have contributed largely...to make this one of the most lucid and concise commentaries on the text and teachings of the New Testament" (Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to my Students, Vol. 4: Commenting and Commentaries; Lectures Addressed to the students of the Pastors' College, Metropolitan Tabernacle)

BIBLE.ORG RESOURCES
EPISTLE OF FIRST JOHN

Resources that Reference 1 John 

BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR
Anecdotes, Illustrations, Exposition
Joseph Exell, Editor

JIM BOMKAMP
SERMON NOTES
1 John

A E BROOKE
1 John Commentary

International Critical Commentary Critical and Exegetical Commentary - 1912

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.

John Cereghin - He thinks in I John, Christ is "separated from us by sinlessness rather than by Divinity" (xvi); will not suggest who the author is (xviii); discusses the meaning of “propitiation” (23-27); argues from the meaning of the Greek tense; refers to the antichrist legend (59,69-79); holds that John clearly identified Jesus the man who lived a human life with the Son of God (121-122); has extended comments on the text of the “heavenly witnesses” (154-165). (He paraphrases Cyril Barber's comment in which he latter says Brooke) Deprecates the deity of Christ, rejects as "legend" the teaching regarding the Antichrist and minimizes the efficacy of Christ's death on the cross. Exegetically valuable; theological unreliable.

CAMBRIDGE GREEK TESTAMENT
THE EPISTLE OF ST JOHN
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 S. CANDLISH
Commentary on 1 John

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)

NOTE - Click chapter for lectures listed below that chapter.

John 1 Commentary

  • 1 John 1:3 The Doctrine of Fellowship of the Apostles
  • 1 John 1:4 The Joy of the Lord and Its Fullness
  • 1 John 1:5-7 The Ground or Reason of this Condition (Light)
  • 1 John 1:8-10 This Condition fulfilled in the Confession of a Guileless Spirit

John 2 Commentary

  • 1 John 2:1 Sinless Aim of the Guileless Spirit - Provision for its Continued Sense of Sin
  • 1 John 2:1,2 Nature and Ground of Christ's Advocacy as Meeting the Need of the Guileless Spirit
  • 1 John 2:3-5 The Guileless Spirit Realizing Through Obedience the Knowledge of God as the means of Being and Abiding in God
  • 1 John 2:6 The Christlike Walk of with One Guileless Spirit Abiding in God
  • 1 John 2:7,8 The Commandment at Once Old and New to One Walking with Guileless Spirit in the Light
  • 1 John 2:9-11 Brotherly Love a Test and Means of Being and Abiding With Guileless Spirit in the Light
  • 1 John 2:12-14 The Guileless Spirit Abiding in the Light in its Threefold Aspect of Childhood, Fatherhood & Youth
  • 1 John 2:15, 16 The Guileless Spirit Loving Not the World which is Darkness, but God Who is Light
  • 1 John 2:17 The Guileless Spirit, Amid the Dark World's Flow Established in the Light of Godliness
  • 1 John 2:18-20 The Guileless Spirit, Amid Antichristian Defections Established by a Messianic Unction and Illumination
  • 1 John 2:21-23 The Guileless Spirit, Amid Antichristian Denial of the Son
  • 1 John 2:24, 25 The Guileless Spirit, Abiding in the Son and in the Father, so as to Receive the Promise of Eternal Life
  • 1 John 2:26-28 The Guileless Spirit, through the Abiding Messianic Unction and Illumination of the Holy Ghost, Abiding in Christ, so as to Have Confidence at His Coming

John 3 Commentary

  • 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

John 4 Commentary

  • 1 John 3:24, 4:1 Our Righteousness Attested by Obedience
  • 1 John 3:24, 4:4 Our Righteousness Exercised in Trying the Spirits
  • 1 John 4:4-6 The Spirit of Christ in us Greater than the Spirit of the Antichrist in the World
  • 1 John 4:7-10 Love is God - God is Love
  • 1 John 4:10-12 Love Going Forth Towards What is Seen
  • 1 John 4:13-16 Love the Means of Mutual Indwelling
  • 1 John 4:17-19 The Boldness of Perfected Love

John 5 Commentary

  • 1 John 4:20, 21-5:1-3 The Objects of our Love - The Children of God and God Himself
  • 1 John 5:2,3 Love to God Keeping His Commandments and Not Finding them Grievous
  • 1 John 5:4,5 Filial Faith Overcoming the World
  • 1 John 5:6,8 The Three Witnesses and Their Agreement
  • 1 John 5:9,10 The Witness or Testimony of god to and in Believers
  • 1 John 5:11, 12 The Substance of the Testimony - Eternal Life God's Gift in His Son
  • 1 John 5:13-15 Eternal Life Connected with Confidence in Prayer
  • 1 John 5:16,17 Prayer for a Brother's Sin, but not for a Sin unto Death
  • 1 John 5:17, 18 The Believer as Born of God Keeping Himself So As Not to Sin
  • 1 John 5:18, 19 Our Being of God - The World Lying in the Wicked One
  • 1 John 5:20 Knowing the True One and Being in Him
  • 1 John 5:20, 21 Jesus the True God and Eternal Life, Against All Idols

JOHN CALVIN
Commentary on 1 John

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. 

D Edmond Hiebert - Valuable for insights into Reformation day views.

ALAN CARR
Sermons on 1 John

RICH CATHERS
Sermons on 1 John

Has frequent illustrations (see some below)...

  • 1 John 1:1-4 - excerpt...

    God’s desire is that we learn from Jesus’ example of humility to learn to serve others like Jesus.
    Illustration - A farmer was out plowing his field one spring morning. The spring thaw had just occurred and there were many muddy valleys in the field. Through one particularly wet place his tractor became stuck in the mud. The harder he tried, the deeper he became stuck. Finally, he walked over to his neighbor's to ask for help. The neighbor came over and looked at the situation. He shook his head, and then said, "It doesn't look good, but I tell you what. I'll give it a try pulling you out. But if we don't get it out, I'll come sit in the mud with ya!"Jesus was humble enough to "sit in the mud" with us, and we ought to learn to do the same for others.​​​​​​

  • 1 John 1:3-9 - excerpt...
    1 John 1:3 Correct fellowship - This seems to be John’s main goal in his letter to the church, that we’d have the correct kind of fellowship. Fellowship is having something in common with someone else. Some people have “soccer fellowship” because they take their kids to the same soccer team. Some people have “work fellowship” because they all work at the same place, all hate the same boss, and all complain about the same lousy work conditions. Some people have “bar fellowship” because they all hang out at the same bar, for various reasons. Some people have “church fellowship” because they all happen to go to the same church, sometimes for different reasons, but they’re still at the same church. John is saying that he wants to make sure that our basis for “having something in common” is the right one. Are we together for the right reasons? If our soul supply of “resources” depends on looking to other people, we’re going to have problems.
    Illustration - Our energy crisis in California is based on the fact that we don’t have enough electricity. We are becoming increasingly dependant upon other states, outside sources to bring in enough electricity. If we have enough generators inside California, we wouldn’t be having this problem. It’s okay to receive “resources”, strength, encouragement from people. Part of our fellowship needs to be with “each other”. There’s a sense in which we all have little teeny power outlets in us, that others can hook up to for a little “charge”.
    Illustration - When someone’s car battery dies and they need a jump start, we can pop open our hood and connect our battery to theirs with a jumper cable. But when we become too dependant on others, if we’re only looking for the encouragement we can get from others, we’re settling far short of what God has for us. Encouragement from other people comes across at little twelve volt bursts. But the encouragement, support, and resources we can receive directly from God comes across in megawatts.Draw on God’s resources.
    1 John 1:7 - He can cleanse you. We’re used to seeing those laundry detergent commercials on TV where they talk about those “really hard stains”. Jesus can cleanse you from your really difficult stains.
    Illustration - "The Blood of Christ" - One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of the Holy Spirit in her heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs and prostitution. But, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry teaching young children. It not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and the heart of the pastor's son. The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when the problems began. You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son. The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting got completely out of hand. The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry, the pastor's son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be. He began to speak and his statement was this: "My fiance's past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not?" Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely, then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble. What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
  • 1 John 1-2 Survey
  • 1 John 1:5-10 - excerpt...

    1 John 1:7 - The blood of Jesus doesn’t just cleanse us from some sins, but all sins. Even the ones you might think are impossible to be forgiven.
    Illustration - There’s an article in this week’s Time magazine (1-19-98) about a gal who is on death row in Texas for a crime committed in Houston on June 13, 1983. She had been taking an incredible amount of drugs, and with her boyfriend hacked two people to death with a pickax. She admits to the crime. She has become a born-again Christian. Could she really be forgiven? Absolutely. 
    Illustration - It is the closing scene in the motion picture, Ben Hur. The sky is disappearing behind the ominous looking cloud formations. The movie camera takes a long shot of three crosses rising out of a distant hill. Then the camera moves in close, closer, to the figure stretched out on the center cross. Lightning reveals a man squirming in silent agony to the rhythm of the flashes. It is raining hard. With each flash of light, the pool of rain water at the foot of the cross grows larger. Suddenly a single drop of blood drips into the pool and scatters. Then another drop falls. And then another. The pool is now tinted light red. The rain comes harder and the pool overflows into another pool immediately below it. The second pool reddens and enlarges, overflowing into still another pool which, in turn, overflows into a small stream. The blood-stained stream flows into a larger stream which meets a river which flows into an ocean.
    1 John 1:8 - Don’t ignore your problems. You only tend to deceive yourself and prolong the problems.
    Illustration - For some people, the pain of self-realization is just too much to bear. British painter and engraver William Hogarth was once commissioned to paint the portrait of an exceptionally ugly nobleman. As was his custom, he depicted the subject with the utmost frankness and realism. When the nobleman saw the portrait, he refused to pay for it, and a bitter discussion ensued. Eventually Hogarth, needing the money, sent a letter to his client, saying that a certain showman who specialized in exhibiting freaks and monstrosities was interested in the portrait. Unless Hogarth received payment within three days, he would embellish the picture with a tail and other appendages and sell it to the showman for exhibition. The nobleman paid up, then burned the portrait.
    Illustration - In Charles Colson's book, Born Again, which is about his experiences during Watergate, Colson shares one of President Nixon's problems -- he could never admit he was wrong in anything. In fact, Colson said that even when Nixon obviously had a cold -- nose running, face red, sneezing, all the symptoms of a cold -- he would never admit it.

  • 1 John 2:1-6 - excerpt...

    1 John 2:2 - Propitiation – hilasmos – an appeasing, propitiating. A "propitiatory" was a place where wrath was satisfied, where the price was paid. The mercy seat on the ark of the covenant was a "propitiatory", where blood was sprinkled, and the sins of the people were taken care of. The idea is that Jesus’ death was what paid the price of God’s righteous wrath for our sins.
    Illustration -  Bible teacher G. Campbell Morgan told of a coal miner who came to him and said, "I would give anything to believe that God would forgive my sins, but I cannot believe that He will forgive them if I just ask Him. It is too cheap." Morgan said, "My dear friend, have you been working today?" "Yes, I was down in the mine." "How did you get out of the pit? Did you pay?" "Of course not. I just got into to cage and was pulled to the top." "Were you not afraid to entrust yourself to that cage? Was it not too cheap?" Morgan asked. "Oh no," said the miner, "it was cheap for me, but it cost the company a lot of money to sink the shaft." Suddenly the truth struck him. What had not cost him anything -- salvation -- had not come cheap to God. This miner had never thought of the great price God paid to send His Son so He could rescue fallen humanity. Now he realized that all anyone had to do was to "get into the cage" by faith.

  • 1 John 2:7-11
  • 1 John 2:12-17 - excerpt...

    John has been talking about how we are to love if we’re Christians.Now it’s time to draw a line as to how far our love goes.
    Illustration - A group of first graders had just completed a tour of a hospital, and the nurse who had directed them was asking for questions. Immediately a hand went up. "How come the people who work here are always washing their hands?" a little fellow asked. After the laughter had subsided, the nurse gave a wise answer: "They are ‘always washing their hands’ for two reasons. First, they love health; and second, they hate germs". (Wiersbe)

ADAM CLARKE
COMMENTARY
1 JOHN

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.

STEVEN COLE
Sermons on 1 John

Excellent Resource - Functions much like a verse by verse commentary with more than 250 pages of exposition. Highly recommended. 

THOMAS CONSTABLE
EXPOSITORY NOTES
1 JOHN

See caveat regarding some of Constable's notes on First John.

DICTIONARY OF BIBLE THEMES
(TOPICAL STUDY)
MARTIN MANSER
1 JOHN

NoteThis resource is useful to help you with topics covered by the passage you are studying. Click the verse for the topics (examples listed for 1 John 1:1 - click on "1690 word of God" to see brief definition various aspects of the Word of God with Scriptural examples. Then you can either click the arrow to advance to the next verse or you can go to the top of the page in the dropdown window and select the specific verse or chapter you would like to study.


     1690   word of God
     2018   Christ, divinity
     2033   Christ, humanity
     2203   Christ, titles of
     4909   beginning
     5159   hearing
     5194   touch
     5624   witnesses, to Christ
     9110   after-life

RON DANIEL
Sermons on 1 John

  • Click here for sermons below
  • 1 John 1:1-4
  • 1 John 1:5-2:17
  • 1 John 2:18-27
  • 1 John 2:28-3:24
  • 1 John 4:1-6
  • 1 John 4:7-21
  • 1 John 5:1-12
  • 1 John 5:13-21

J LIGON DUNCAN
Sermons on 1 John

E-CATENA
Sermons on 1 John

Compiled from the Ante-Nicene Fathers

EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE COMMENTARY
Commentary on 1 John
William Alexander

ANOTHER SOURCE - ALLOWS COPY AND PASTE


EXPOSITOR'S GREEK TESTAMENT
COMMENTARY ON 1 JOHN
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.

DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS
EPISTLE OF FIRST JOHN

Devotionals on specific chapter/verse in 1 John:

GEORGE G FINDLAY
Fellowship in the Life Eternal
An Exposition of the Epistles of St John

This is a 425 page book.

James Rosscup writes "Based on the Greek text, this work is one of the great commentaries on the three epistles from more than three quarters of a century ago." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)

Cyril Barber - A fine example of dedicated scholarship ably blended with rich spiritual insights. Well deserving of the status of classic. Preachers will find this study of great value as they prepare their own messages. (The Minister's Library, Volume 2)

BRUCE GOETTSCHE
Sermons
Epistle of 1 John
The Real Deal Christian

W. HALL HARRIS III
Exegetical Commentary
Epistle of First John

Professor of NT Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. Comfort & Counsel for a Church in Crisis. Here is a representative quote from Harris' comments on 1 John 3:7 -

"The truly “righteous” person is the one who “practices righteousness,” a concept which has its roots in the teaching of Jesus in the synoptic gospels (Mt 7:16, “you will recognize them by their fruit”; cf. also Lk 6:44). A person’s ethical behavior is an outward indication of one’s inner character and nature. Put more simply, conduct is the clue to paternity (how one behaves is an indication of who one’s father is)." (Bold added for emphasis)

NORMAN HARRISON
Life, Love, and Light
1 JOHN COMMENTARY

Life, Love and Light - Gospel and Epistle of John - 1929

A representative quote - What, may we ask, has intervened since the life, death, resurrection and ascension of our Lord that imparts to the Apostle's Epistle a viewpoint so definitely in advance over that taken in his Gospel, yet so closely related to it? The answer is, Pentecost. On that day the prophetic feast of centuries was fulfilled. The promised gift of the HOLY SPIRIT was given, sent from the presence of the Father by the glorified CHRIST (Acts 2:33+). By His coming the Body of CHRIST was formed and believers were baptized into it. Since then, through the centuries, the Father's immediate response to the believer's faith in His Son is the bestowment of His HOLY SPIRIT, thereby building him into this already formed, mystical Body. This is the Abiding Life, the bringing to realization in experience of the blessed truths taught by our Lord JESUS CHRIST in the upper room, as recorded by John in his Gospel, chapters 14-17. Nor is it the privileged experience of the few. It is the life into which, however undeveloped or unworthily lived, He has brought all believers by a common bestowment. That all may enter into its blessedness, as a possession whose wealth is priceless, such is the purpose of this post-Pentecost supplement of the Gospel. As JESUS taught, so has Pentecost wrought.... THE PRESENCE AND POWER OF THE SPIRIT. Given to us to "abide," He is the secret of the Abiding Life. By Him it is made possible. By His incoming the union with CHRIST was effected. By His indwelling the communion of life is carried on. He is the "sap," and by its lifeflow the branch takes on a likeness to the Vine, an inward, unobtrusive, transforming process.

A representative quote - On exhibition in Washington, D. C., is a certain copy of the Declaration of Independence. At first sight the penmanship appears much like that of any other copy. But one has only to stand in a particular position to detect the features of George Washington, the man who made the Declaration a practical reality. In its writing he is made to live again. Just so with everyone who "says," makes the declaration, that he has been set free from his past, only that he might enter into fellowship with the One who procured his freedom. The man who declares he is abiding in Him, that man's living and walking "ought" to disclose the fact to neighbors and friends in an unmistakable likeness to Him.

A representative quoteThe Christlike Life This is the only life that tells, for it is the only life that GOD can use. All that savors of the flesh, all sin and unbelief, all that partakes of darkness, all hatred or lack of love, all conformity to the Christ-refusing world - these He cannot use. But, blessed be GOD, He has given us His Spirit for this very purpose, that He might free us from bondage to all such and bring us out into the liberty of the sons of GOD, even to a life of conformity to His own Son. This is the life that tells. Not merely is it better to live for Him than to work for Him; it is the only way, without which we cannot work for Him (Jn 15:5, 2 Cor 3:5,6+). There is no substitute. It is His own life in us that He uses. This incident comes to us from the mission field: A man was about to be recalled because of apparent inability to meet certain conditions of language, etc. But his fellow-workers protested, saying, "Please do not recall him, for his life makes up for all our talking." Were we able fully to abide in Him that He might perfectly abide in us; could our lives reveal only CHRIST and others see "no man, save Jesus only" - such a life on the part of GOD's people would deliver a spiritual shock that would startle this old world out of its age-long unbelief. (Bold added)

The Entries Below are from the Gospel of John

JAMES HASTINGS
Great Texts of the Bible
1 John

In depth discussions.

DAVID HOLWICK
1 John Sermons

D EDMOND HIEBERT
Expositional Commentary
Recommended Resource

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)

John Walvoord - While our generation has produced many notable scholars, few have achieved excellence in writing biblical commentaries from the standpoint of evangelical theology. The tendency has been in religious literature to discuss the views of men rather than the inspired Word of God. Dr. D. Edmond Hiebert has manifested extraordinary gifts as a leading scholar in the field of biblical exegesis. In his writings he has shown thorough research, a comprehensive review of pertinent literature, and, more importantly, a penetrating discernment of the precise meaning of the scriptural text. He has combined depth in scholarship with practical application and has manifested an ability to communicate the results of his study in an understandable way. His works have benefited both the scholar and the lay reader and have served to provide a solid basis for interpreting Scripture for a generation which has deviated more from biblical truth than any generation in the past. God has raised up men such as Dr. Hiebert to provide a sure word in an age that is groping for eternal truth. (For more see Tributes to D Edmond Hiebert)

Anything written by D Edmond Hiebert is worth consulting!

Note: Commentary on 1 Jn 5:13-21 is from Galaxie.com - $50 annual or $5 monthly fee to view entire article but gives access to over 30 major theological journals and literally 1000's of articles. $5 will give you 30 days access to 1 John 4:1-6 and 1 John 5:13-21

INTERVARSITY PRESS 
COMMENTARY ON 1 JOHN
Marianne Meye Thompson

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 

1 John 1

1 John 2

1 John 3

1 John 4

1 John 5

H A IRONSIDE
Commentary Notes
1 John

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.

S LEWIS JOHNSON
Sermons on 1 John

Dr Johnson was a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary for many years and his sermons are highly esteemed by other conservative expositors. He is always worth consulting.

GUY KING
The Fellowship
An Exposition of 1 John

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)

A representative quote - "Sinneth not" - the tense of the Greek verb satisfies us that the meaning is not, committeth not an occasional act of sin, but continueth not in an habitual practice of sin. The former is, alas, not uncommon even in Christians - we do commit acts of sin; and this apostle has made allowance and provision for that fact - when, in 1 Jn 2:1, he wrote, "If any man sin". But the point here is different: it is, a life of sinning. An act of sin, in a believer, is serious enough; but a life of sin is immeasurably blameworthy. Of course, a life of plain, simple, day-by-day, step-by-step obedience would safeguard any Christian from any such presumption; while a continuance in that sordid way should cause him to question whether he had actually ever "seen" or "known" Him personally for himself....(Comment on 1 Jn 3:9KJV)  "He cannot sin". But writing to the same group of people he said, "If any man sin", 1 Jn 2:1, as if he can! Once again the explanation lies in the use of the tenses. the "if" clause is in the aorist, and means to commit an act of sin - which even a Christian can do. This clause is in the present, and means to continue in a life of sin - which a Christian cannot do. 1 Jn 3:6 said he does not; this 1 Jn 3:9 says he cannot. Apart from the possibility of an occasional stumble along the way, the main trend of his journey is, all the while, in purity and holiness. (Bold added)

DAVID LEGGE
Sermons
1 John

A representative quote - Here he gives us another rule of thumb whereby we can know whether we're a child of God: if we are not habitually living in a lifestyle of sin, a sinful existence, we can know that we are the children of God...and when we look at this word 'commits sin' that we find in 1 Jn 3:8: 'He that committeth sin is of the devil', we find that this Greek word for 'commit' literally means 'does sin' - 'Him that does sin', and it is in the present continuous tense. That means it is someone who is doing sin now, and continues to sin. It is speaking of a continual behaviour. It actually means a sinful lifestyle, so whenever you find this in 1 John, where it talks about committing sin, it is speaking of a sinful existence, a habitual practice of sin. One translation puts it: 'No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning, no one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him'. Now what John is doing for us in this new portion of Scripture is, he is arguing that this is another proof that one is not a child of God. This is a great epistle concerning assurance...

JOHN MACARTHUR
Sermons
Epistle of First John

Recommended. Functions much like a verse by verse commentary

JOHN MACARTHUR'S QUESTIONS AND 
ANSWERS ON 1 JOHN

ALEXANDER MACLAREN
Sermons on 1 John

James Rosscup - This evangelical work is both homiletical and expository and is often very good homiletically but weaker otherwise. Helpful in discussing Bible characters, it is weak in prophecy at times because of allegorization. It is not really as valuable today as many other sets for the serious Bible student. The expositions are in the form of sermons.

A representative quote - some professing Christians seem to have their natures built, like ocean-going steamers, with water-tight compartments, on the one side of which they keep their creed, and there is no kind of communication between that and the other side where their conduct is originated. ‘Little children, let no man deceive you; he that doeth righteousness is righteous.’

BRYN MACPHAIL
Sermons
1 John

Representative quote - Let me close with a story often told by British pastor, Stuart Briscoe: In this account, the king of England's two sons were playing in High Park, London. One said to the other, 'I'll bet you a schilling that all fat policeman have bald heads.' The other one said, 'OK, I'll bet you.' Coincidentally, an overweight police officer walked by wearing the regulation British police helmet. Of course, they would need to dislodge the helmet. Neither of the sons was very adept at that sort of exercise, but fortunately a young scruffy kid from the East Side of London came along. The sons said to the boy, 'Do you think you could dislodge that policeman's helmet for us? If you do, we will give you 6 pence.' The boy said, 'Sure', and he picked up a stone, and with a flick of the wrist, knocked the helmet right off the police officer's head. And lo and behold, the fat police officer had a baldhead. This, of course, does not prove that all fat policeman have baldheads, but the boys were not into statistical analysis. The one son said to the other, 'You owe me a schilling.' And while one son was paying his debts, and while the other son was collecting his debts, the police officer came by and asked, 'What's your names?!' The first son replied, 'Sir, I am the Prince of Wales.' The policeman said to the boy, 'First you insult my person and now you are resisting arrest. You are going to be in deep trouble young man! Now tell me your name! What is your name, really?' 'Officer, I really am the Prince of Wales'. He said, 'I don't believe you', and turned to the second son and asked, 'What's your name?' The second son replied, 'Well, he is the Prince of Wales, and I'm his brother, the Duke of Kent.' The officer said, 'I don't believe you either. First you insult my person and now you are resisting arrest. These are serious charges.' The officer then turned to the scruffy young boy and asked, 'What's your name?' The scruffy boy nudged the other two with his elbow and whispered, 'Don't worry boys, I won't let you down.' . . . 'Officer, I'm the Arch Bishop of Canterbury.' Why did the policeman not believe that the two boys were the king's sons? And why did the scruffy kid from east London not believe that the two boys were the king's sons? The answer is this: They were not living worthy of their calling. And we must not expect anyone to believe we are Christians, we must not expect anyone to believe we are children of the King, unless we live worthy of our calling. You are a child of the King. Let your life reflect that reality. Amen. (Bold added)

HENRY MAHAN
SERMONS & COMMENTARY
FIRST JOHN


Henry Mahan's Commentary on 1 John 

Representative comment Do not be deceived by false prophets and wicked persons who preach that it does not matter how a person lives, provided he believes the gospel, or that knowledge of theology is sufficient without obedience to the lordship of Christ in conduct. This is not true. One cannot separate faith and conduct. As Christ our Lord showed Himself to be a righteous Man by doing good, obeying the Father and demonstrating love and compassion, so those who are united to Him by faith, justified by His grace and regenerated by His Spirit will seek to imitate their Lord. As a tree is know by its fruit, so a righteous man is known by his works. Good fruit does not make a tree good, but shows it to be good; so good works do not make us righteous (only Christ can do that), but show us to be so (James 2:14-20+; James 2:26+). (Bold added)

HEINRICH MEYER
Critical and Exegetical Commentary
1 John

ROB MORGAN
Sermons on 1 John

Often Has excellent illustrations

HENRY MORRIS
DEFENDER'S STUDY BIBLE
NOTES ON FIRST JOHN

Excellent, conservative, literal study Bible notes from a leading creationist commentator, Dr Henry Morris. 
Note - Click the links below for the notes related to that word or phrase (which is based on the KJV translation).
Note also that some verses have more than one note (e.g., 1 John 1:1 has 3 separate notes).

1 JOHN 1

1 JOHN 2

1 JOHN 3

1 JOHN 4

1 JOHN 5

NET BIBLE NOTES
ON 1 JOHN

OUR DAILY BREAD
Devotionals Related to 1 John
Radio Bible Class

NOTE: Be patient as these all link to the wayback machine and may not come open as fast as normal. 

1 JOHN 2 DEVOTIONALS

1 JOHN 3 DEVOTIONALS

1 JOHN 4 DEVOTIONALS

1 JOHN 5 DEVOTIONALS

JOSEPH PARKER
Comments on 1 John
from The People's Bible

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)

PASTOR LIFE
SERMONS BY VARIOUS PASTORS
1 JOHN

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 The Fourth Love - Franklin L. Kirksey
  • 1 John  1 The Biggest Little Word in the Bible J. Mike Minnix
  • 1 John  1 The Love of God Sacrifices Johnny Hunt
  • 1 John  1:1-10 Loaded With Privileges  Preston A. Taylor
  • 1 John  1:1-3  The Fellowship That Counts  Mark Bowers
  • 1 John  1:1-4  The Preoccupation of the Children of God  J. Mike Minnix
  • 1 John  1:1-4  That Your Joy May Be Full  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  1:1-4  The Word of Life  Gil McKee
  • 1 John  1:1-4  To Make Visible What Was Hidden  Johnny Hunt
  • 1 John  1:1-4  Confident Christianity  Mark Adams
  • 1 John  1:5-10  You Don't Say!   Gil McKee
  • 1 John  1:5-10  Whatever Happened To Sin?   Franklin L. Kirksey
  • 1 John  1:5-6  Walking in the Light  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  1:5-7 Walking In The Light   J. Mike Minnix
  • 1 John  1:6-7 The Power of the Blood of the Lamb  Johnny Hunt
  • 1 John  1:7  When We Walk In The Light  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  1:8-10  True Confession  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  1:8-10  What Can We Do About Our Sins?  J. Mike Minnix
  • 1 John  1:9  God Still Forgives Sin  David E. Owen
  • 1 John  1:9  Breaking Your Silence  Blake Carroll
  • 1 John  2:10-15  The Test of Love  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  2:1-2  That You Sin Not  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  2:12-14  Three Stages of Spiritual Growth  Gil McKee
  • 1 John  2:12-17  The Spiritual State of the Union  Franklin L. Kirksey
  • 1 John  2:15-17  Don't Love The World  Gil McKee
  • 1 John  2:15-17  G-Rated People in an R-Rated World  Frank Page
  • 1 John  2:15-17  Bad Love  J. Mike Minnix
  • 1 John  2:18-19  Surrounded By Antichrists  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  2:18-27  Spiritual Betrayal  Gil McKee
  • 1 John  2:18-29  What In The World Can I Do?  J. Mike Minnix
  • 1 John  2:20-23  The Anointing  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  2:24-29  A Home in the Heart  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  2:28  Eternal Hope  Gil McKee
  • 1 John  2:28-29 The Love of God Brings Confidence of Right Living  Johnny Hunt
  • 1 John  2:3-11  Signs of Salvation  Gil McKee
  • 1 John  2:3-11  The Flow of Love  J. Mike Minnix
  • 1 John  2:3-5  To Know And Know You   Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  2:6-9  Heavenly Son Light  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  2:7-11  Old But New Love  James McCullen
  • 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
  • 1 John  4:1 The Acid Test of Faith  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  4:12-16 The Practical Demonstration of God's Love  Johnny Hunt
  • 1 John  4:13-16  Love Made Perfect  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  4:1-6  Test The Spirits  Mark Adams
  • 1 John  4:1-6  Testing The Spirits  Gil McKee
  • 1 John  4:16-19 The Love of God and Fear Overcome  J. Mike Minnix
  • 1 John  4:17-21  No Fear In Love  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  4:2-6 Knowledge of the Holy Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  4:7-11  The Love of God  Johnny Hunt
  • 1 John  4:7-11  Biblical Definition of God's Love - Part 3  Johnny Hunt
  • 1 John  4:7-11  Biblical Definition of God's Love - Part 2  Johnny Hunt
  • 1 John  4:7-11  Biblical Definition of God's Love  Johnny Hunt
  • 1 John  4 :7-13  Proof By Love  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  4:7-15  The Love Of God  James O. Coldiron
  • 1 John  4:7-21  Perfect Love  Gil McKee
  • 1 John  4:7-21  God Loves Us and Has a Plan for Us  Jerry N. Watts
  • 1 John  4:9-14  Christmas Through The Eyes Of Calvary  Johnny Hunt
  • 1 John  5:1-21  Golden Opportunities  Preston A. Taylor
  • 1 John  5:13  Saved and Sure  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  5:13  Assurance of Salvation  Sam Wolfe
  • 1 John  5 :1-3  Character of the Kingdom Child  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  5:13-21  Christian Certainties  Gil McKee
  • 1 John  5:14  The Prayers of the Children of God  J. Mike Minnix
  • 1 John  5:14-17  Praying With Confidence  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  5:1-5  Faith is the Victory  J. Mike Minnix
  • 1 John  5:18-21 Saved, Sure and Secure  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  5:18-21  A Merry Little Christmas  J. Mike Minnix
  • 1 John  5:6-13  This Is The One  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  5:6-13  The Triple Testimony  J. Mike Minnix
  • 1 John  5:6-13  God's Testimony  Gil McKee

PETER PETT
1 John
Commentary

JOHN PIPER
Sermons

A W PINK
1 JOHN
COMMENTARY

Click for studies listed below

  1.  The Humanity of Christ (1 John 1:1)
  2.  The Life Manifested (1 John 1:2)
  3.  Fellowship, Part One (1 John 1:3)
  4.  Fellowship, Part Two (1 John 1:3)
  5.  Fullness of Joy, Part One (1 John 1:4)
  6.  Fullness of Joy, Part Two (1 John 1:4)
  7.  Light and Darkness (1 John 1:5)
  8.  Light and Darkness (1 John 1:6)
  9.  Walking in the Light (1 John 1:7)
  10.  Sin Denied (1 John 1:8, 10)
  11.  Sins Confessed (1 John 1:9)
  12.  Sin Prohibited (1 John 2:1)
  13.  Sins Provided For (1 John 2:1-2)
  14.  Obediential Assurance (1 John 2:3)
  15.  Obediential Assurance (1 John 2:4-5)
  16.  Christ Our Exemplar (1 John 2:6)
  17.  The New–Old Commandment (1 John 2:7-8)
  18.  The Commandment Belied (1 John 2:8-9)
  19.  Light and Love (1 John 2:10)
  20.  Hatred and Darkness (1 John 2:11)
  21.  Forgiven Children (1 John 2:12)
  22.  The Family Graded (1 John 2:13-14)
  23.  The Family Delineated (1 John 2:13-14)
  24.  The World Prohibited (1 John 2:15)
  25.  The World Described (1 John 2:16)
  26.  The World Doomed (1 John 2:17)
  27.  The Last Time (1 John 2:18)
  28.  Apostates (1 John 2:19)
  29.  Our Anointing (1 John 2:20)
  30.  Christian Knowledge (1 John 2:21)
  31.  Lies and Liars (1 John 2:21-22)
  32.  Antichrists (1 John 2:22-23)
  33.  The Application (1 John 2:24)
  34.  The Promise (1 John 2:25)
  35.  Seducers (1 John 2:26)
  36.  Our Anointing (1 John 2:27)
  37.  Abiding in Christ (1 John 2:28)
  38.  Righteousness (1 John 2:29)
  39.  Amazing Grace (1 John 3:1)

MATTHEW POOLE
English Annotations Commentary
1 John

POPULAR COMMENTARY
1 John
William D Pope

PREACHER'S HOMILETICAL COMMENTARY
1 John

PULPIT COMMENTARY
Anecdotes, Illustrations, Expositions on 1 John
Joseph Exell, Editor

  • Introduction
  • Outline
  • Index of Homilies
     
  • 1 John 1 Expositional Commentary (scroll down for homilies on this resource)
  • 1 John 1:1-4 The Life
  • 1 John 1:1-4 The Apostle's Aim and Method
  • 1 John 1:5 The Message
  • 1 John 1:5 The Great Message
  • 1 John 1:5-10 Message from Christ Brought to Bear on Fellowship with God
  • 1 John 1:6, 7 The Conditions and Consequences of Fellowship with God
  • 1 John 1:6-10 "If...if:" which shall it be?
  • 1 John 1:8-10 Man's Attitude Towards His Own Sins
     
  • 1 John 2 Expositional Commentary
  • 1 John 2:1,2 God's Remedy for Sin
  • 1 John 2:1,2 Our Advocate and Propitiation
  • 1 John 2:1-6 Sin Supposed: Sin Dealt With
  • 1 John 2:3-5 Verification Verified or Knowing that We Know God
  • 1 John 2:3-5 The True Knowledge of God and Its Infallible Proof
  • 1 John 2:6 Great Professions Involve Great Obligations
  • 1 John 2:6 Christian Profession and Consequent Obligation
  • 1 John 2:7-11 Love and Light
  • 1 John 2:7-11 The Commandment of Brotherly Love
  • 1 John 2:9-11 Living in Light and Love
  • 1 John 2:12-14 Little Ones, Young Men and Fathers
  • 1 John 2:12-14 Seasons of Life and Their Appropriate Spiritual Experiences
  • 1 John 2:12-17 The Great Danger of Christians
  • 1 John 2:15-17 Love of the World Forbidden
  • 1 John 2:15-17 An Apostolic Prohibition and the Reason Thereof
  • 1 John 2:18 A Last Hour or the Divine Enclosure of Revealed Time
  • 1 John 2:18 Many Antichrists
  • 1 John 2:18-29 Antichrist
  • 1 John 2:19 Deserters, Self-revealers.
  • 1 John 2:20, 27 Unction.
  • 1 John 2:20, 27 The Unction of the Holy One
  • 1 John 2:22 The Greatest Possible Lie
  • 1 John 2:23 Having the Father
  • 1 John 2:24, 28 Duty Annexed to Privilege
  • 1 John 2:25 Eternal Life
  • 1 John 2:29 Re-born!
     
  • 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 4 Expositional Commentary
  • 1 John 4:1-3 Tests of True or False Prophets
  • 1 John 4:1-6 The Power of Trying the Spirits
  • 1 John 4:1-6 The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error
  • 1 John 4:4 The Victory of the Christian over Antichristian Teachers
  • 1 John 4:7-12 Love
  • 1 John 4:7-21 Threefold Recommendation of the Duty of Loving One Another
  • 1 John 4:9-11 The Supreme Manifestation of Love
  • 1 John 4:13 God-likeness the Seal of a Divine Indwelling
  • 1 John 4:14 The Historic Basis of the Christian Testimony
  • 1 John 4:14 The Great Mission of Christ
  • 1 John 4:15, 16 Divine Love a Home for the Soul and a Force Within It
  • 1 John 4:16 The Love of God
  • 1 John 4:17, 18 Love's Boldness in the Day of Judgment
  • 1 John 4:17, 18 The Victory of Love Over Fear
  • 1 John 4:19 Creed and Life: The Relation Between Them
  • 1 John 4:19 God's Love and Ours
  • 1 John 4:20, 21 Love to Man the Expression of Love to God
     
  • 1 John 5 Expositional Commentary
  • 1 John 5:1-3 The Reason and the Evidence of Brotherly Love
  • 1 John 5:1-5 The Victory of Faith
  • 1 John 5:1-12 Faith and the Divine Testimony
  • 1 John 5:4-5 The Victorious Life
  • 1 John 5:6-9 The Divine Witness Objectively Given
  • 1 John 5:6-11 The Fourfold Witness to the Divine Sonship of Jesus
  • 1 John 5:9-12 The Divine Witness Subjectively Verified
  • 1 John 5:9-10 Human and Divine Testimony Compared
  • 1 John 5:12 The Supreme Possession
  • 1 John 5:13 On Believers Knowing that they Have Eternal Life
  • 1 John 5:13-17 Assurance
  • 1 John 5:14, 15 Liberty and Prevalence in Prayer
  • 1 John 5:14, 15 The Christian's Confidence Toward God in Relation to Prayer
  • 1 John 5:15-17 Intercessory Prayer: Its Sphere and Its Issues
  • 1 John 5:16, 17 The Christian's Prayer for His Brethren
  • 1 John 5:18, 19 The Strong Foe and the Stronger Friend
  • 1 John 5:18, 19 The Sublimest Knowledge
  • 1 John 5:18-21 The Three Certainties of the Epistle
  • 1 John 5:20 Life's Hardest Problems Solved
  • 1 John 5:21 Self-Guardianship Against Idolatry
  • 1 John 5:21 Beware of Idols

ROBERT RAYBURN
1 John Sermons

REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE
STUDY NOTES
1 John 

A. T. ROBERTSON
1 John
Word Pictures

Emphasis on Greek Word Study

DON ROBINSON
1 John
Sermon Notes

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.

  1.   Reality—1 John 1:1–4
  2.   The Sweetest Fellowship This Side of Heaven—1 John 1:1–6
  3.   Membership Has Its Privileges—1 John 1:1–7
  4.   A Formula for Fellowship—1 John 1:3–10
  5.   The Cleansing of Sin in the Life of a Christian—1 John 1:3–10
  6.   A Cleansed Life—1 John 1:3–2:2
  7.   Things That Hinder Fellowship—1 John 1:5–2:6
  8.   True Confessions—1 John 1:9
  9.   Birthmarks of the Believer—1 John 2:3–11
  10.   Birthmarks of the Believer—1 John 2:3–11
  11.   How to Be a Growing Christian—1 John 2:12–14
  12.   How to Be a Growing Christian—1 John 2:12–14
  13.   How to Be a Growing Christian—1 John 2:12–14
  14.   When Love Is Wrong—1 John 2:15–17
  15.   Your Friendly Enemy—1 John 2:15–17
  16.   Living in the Last Days—1 John 2:18–29
  17.   Living in the Last Days—1 John 2:18–29
  18.   When We All Get to Heaven—1 John 3:1–3
  19.   Reasons for Righteousness—1 John 3:1–9
  20.   Real Salvation—1 John 3:4–9
  21.   The Legacy of Love—1 John 3:11–24
  22.   Testing the Prophets—1 John 4:1–6
  23.   Our Identification in Christ—1 John 4:17
  24.   Our Identification with Christ—1 John 4:17
  25.   Why I Believe in Jesus—1 John 5
  26.   Overcoming—1 John 5:1–6
  27.   Dealing with Doubt—1 John 5:1, 10–13
  28.   How to Be Saved and Know it—1 John 5:1, 11–13
  29.   A Know-So Salvation—1 John 5:5–13
  30.   How to Be Absolutely Sure—1 John 5:5–13
  31.   A Know-So Salvation—1 John 5:5–15
  32.   The Simplicity of Salvation—1 John 5:13

JOHNNY SANDERS
1 John Commentary

SERMON BIBLE COMMENTARY
1 John
Sermon Notes

ROB SALVATO
1 John
Sermon Notes

CHARLES SIMEON
Sermons on 1 John

NOTE: If you are not familiar with the great saint Charles Simeon see Dr John Piper's discussion of Simeon's life - you will want to read Simeon's sermons after meeting him! - click Brothers We Must Not Mind a Little Suffering - Mp3 even better

Spurgeon - Not Commentaries, but we could not exclude them. They have been called “a valley of dry bones”: be a prophet and they will live....Let it be said of you, as I have heard a venerable hearer of Mr. Simeon say of him, “Sir, he was very Calvinistic when the text was so, and people thought him an Arminian when the text was that way, for he always stuck to its plain sense.”

1 John 1 Sermon Notes

1 John 2 Sermon Notes

1 John 3 Sermon Notes

1 John 4 Sermon Notes

1 John 5 Sermon Notes

CHUCK SMITH
1 John
Commentary and Sermon Notes

1 John Commentary


Sermons notes on 1 John

Note - On all the links below, first select "Chuck Smith Sermon Notes." Then SELECT "1 John." Then SELECT specific note. 

JAMES SMITH
HANDFULS OF PURPOSE
1 JOHN

  • The Following studies are Available on one page - click 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 
  • Fear 1 John 4:18 
  • The Power Of Faith 1 John 5:4 
  • Lieth In The Wicked One 1 John 5:19 

SPEAKER'S COMMENTARY
1 John

C. H. SPURGEON
All of his Sermons
1 John

1 John 1 Sermons

1 John 2 Sermons

1 John 3 Sermons

1 John 4 Sermons

1 John 5 Sermons

C H SPURGEON
Exposition
1 John

C H SPURGEON
Devotionals 1 John
Morning and Evening & Faith's Checkbook

CLAUDE STAUFFER
FIRST JOHN
SERMONS

RAY STEDMAN
FIRST JOHN
SERMONS

LIFE WITH FATHER:
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
FROM 1 JOHN FOR MAY

For devotionals below click here

  • 1st Life With Father (1 John 1:1-4) — Do we sometimes wonder at the differences we notice in our experiences with professing Christians? What is a key difference between relationship and fellowship?
  • 2nd Ignoring The Light (1 John 1:3-7) — In what ways is it possible to be a Christian and yet walk in the darkness? Are we being exposed to God's Word and are we willingly examining ourselves in His light?
  • 3rd The Person Who Denies Sin (1 John 1:8-9) — Even though we can be freed from sin, we cannot claim to be without sin. What is the difference between asking forgiveness and confessing our sin?
  • 4th The Person Who Rationalizes Sin (1 John 1:10-2:2) — When we sin, what happens when we justify our actions or make excuses for our disobedience? Do we have God's forgiveness for our past, present, and future sins?
  • 5th How To Walk As He Walked (1 John 2:3-6) — What does it mean to have the life of Christ in us? Have we grasped this abiding reality that Jesus demonstrated to us as the way for us to walk with God?
  • 6th Visible Christianity (1 John 2:7-11) — True Christians are marked by the ability to forgive anyone despite how they feel. Do we need our eyes opened so we can willingly escape the grip of unforgiveness?
  • 7th The Maturing Process (1 John 2:12-14) — What joy is experienced when deliberate Bible study moves from a 'have to' to a 'want to!' How is our desire for, time with, and practice of God's living Word growing?
  • 8th The Enemy Around (1 John 2:15-17) — What are three areas in which we are engaged in battle against our lusts and pride? How does this evidence itself in how we spend our time and our money?
  • 9th On Heresy (1 John 2:18-19) — Heresy results from failure to study and accept the whole of Scripture. What effect does the powerful Word of God have on those who see through its revelation?
  • 10th No Gray Areas (1 John 2:20-21) — Excuses we make can merely echo the lies of the world. Have we found the absolute truth as it is in Christ or do our excuses reveal gray areas where none should exist?
  • 11th No Son, No Father (1 John 2:22-23) — The tri-unity of God is a profound mystery. The three persons, eternally One, are a love-giving unity. Are we allowing Christ in us to continue His ministry of love?
  • 12th The Living Word (1 John 2:24-25) — What is the daily adventure of experiencing God's solution to every problem instead of our own called? Are we willingly letting the living Word possess us each day?
  • 13th The Teaching Spirit (1 John 2:26-27) — The Holy Spirit is our personal teacher as we spend time in the Word of God. Are we open to listening to the Spirit of Christ in our brothers and sisters also?
  • 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?
  • 23rd When Unbelief Is Right (1 John 4:1-3) — No one will dispute the fact of the existence of chaos and anarchy in the world. Have we in our intellectual pride rejected the existence of evil spirits as irrelevant fantasy?
  • 24th God Is Greater (1 John 4:4-6) — Theological debates can be enlightening sources of learning, yet also wellsprings of pride. Have we first drunk deeply of the life of Christ in us?
  • 25th God Is Love (1 John 4:7-10) — God showed His love by sending His Son that we might live through Him. Have we learned to recognize the true nature of Love as evidenced in all of God's actions?
  • 26th The Debt Of Love (1 John 4:11-16) — Unless we have the life of God, we cannot love one another. Have we grasped and exercised the power of His Presence so as not to find this a surprising truth?
  • 27th Confidence At The Judgment (1 John 4:17-21) — What happens when we die? Where do we find the knowledge to confidently answer this question? Are we making ourselves available to Him who loves through us?
  • 28th We Shall Overcome (1 John 5:1-5) — How are we handling the pressures of life? Are we white-knuckling it, trying to overcome our difficulties, or are we with growing faith resting in Christ at work in us?
  • 29th Does God Lie? (1 John 5:6-13) — Do we find it easy to believe a trusted friend, or even a stranger or the daily media, but doubt what God says in His Word? Are we making God out to be a liar?
  • 30th Praying Boldly (1 John 5:14-17) — Prayer is designed only to obtain that which is within the will of God. After we pray, are we left in the worry that perhaps prompted us or do we have confidence? Why?
  • 31st Guard Yourself (1 John 5:18-21) — Many think idols are religious things of the past. But today in the present, what is it that makes us enthusiastic? What is it that we regard as supremely important?

SAM STORMS
Sermons
First John

TODAY IN THE WORD
Devotionals from Moody Bible Institute
First John

Note that there are more than 90 devotionals, all on one page and archived by chapter.

GRANT RICHISON
Today's Word
First John Commentary

Disclaimer: I do not agree with a number of Richison's comments. Example of one on 2Ti 2:12 in his First John Notes "A Christian is still a Christian even though he disowns the Lord." Read Jesus' words in Mt 10:33 and John's in 1 Jn 2:23-note. Many of Richison's comments and applications are excellent, but just be sure you read them with a Berean mindset Acts 17:11-note!

JOHN TRAPP
Commentary
First John

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

B F WESTCOTT
Commentary
First John

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

BOB UTLEY
Commentary
First John

MARVIN VINCENT
Emphasis on Greek Word Study
First John

STEVE ZEISLER
Sermons on 1 John
Peninsula Bible Church

05 Apr 2009 Overcoming the World 1 John 5:1-21 Zeisler, Steve In Him Is No Darkness At All
29 Mar 2009 He First Loved Us 1 John 4:7-21 Zeisler, Steve In Him Is No Darkness At All
22 Mar 2009 The Challenge Of Love 1 John 3:13-24, 4:1-6 Zeisler, Steve In Him Is No Darkness At All
15 Mar 2009 Who's Your Daddy? 1 John 2:28-29, 3:1-12 Zeisler, Steve In Him Is No Darkness At All
08 Mar 2009 Emerging From The Darkness 1 John 2:3-27 Zeisler, Steve In Him Is No Darkness At All
01 Mar 2009 Walking In The Light 1 John 1:5-10, 2:1-2 Zeisler, Steve In Him Is No Darkness At All
22 Feb 2009 Eyewitness Testimony 1 John 1:1-4 Zeisler, Steve In Him Is No Darkness At All
01 Aug 2004 The Power Of Love (1 John) 1 John 4:7-21 Goins, Doug Main Service
16 Dec 1995 If We Ask, God Hears Us 1 John 5:13-21 Zeisler, Steve 1 John
09 Dec 1995 Taking A Stand 1 John 5:1-12 Zeisler, Steve 1 John
25 Nov 1995 We Love Because He First Loved Us 1 John 4:13-21 Zeisler, Steve 1 John
18 Nov 1995 The Glories Of Love 1 John 4:7-12 Zeisler, Steve 1 John
11 Nov 1995 No More Condemnation, No More Lies 1 John 3:19-24, 4:1-6 Zeisler, Steve 1 John
11 Jun 1995 I Am My Father's Child 1 John 3:1-10 Zeisler, Steve 1 John
04 Jun 1995 Jealousy And Generosity 1 John 3:11-18 Zeisler, Steve 1 John
28 May 1995 Who Is The Liar? 1 John 2:18-29 Zeisler, Steve 1 John
21 May 1995 World-wary 1 John 2:15-17 Zeisler, Steve 1 John
14 May 1995 Growing In Grace 1 John 2:12-14 Zeisler, Steve 1 John
07 May 1995 Becoming Jesus People 1 John 2:1-11 Zeisler, Steve 1 John
30 Apr 1995 Let There Be Light 1 John 1:5-10 Zeisler, Steve 1 John
23 Apr 1995 To Life! 1 John 1:1-4 Zeisler, Steve 1 John

MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES
Conservative, Evangelical

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MULTIPLE DEVOTIONALS

SERMONS, DEVOTIONALS
OUTLINES, etc
1 John

BRIAN BILL - frequent illustrations and practical applications

BIBLEHUB-MULTIPLE SERMONS

  • Multiple Sermons by Various Older Preachers (Spurgeon, et al) link below opens to verse 1 of the respective chapter - use scroll arrow to go to other passages in that chapter to see if there are any sermons.
  • See Sermons by Verse below

D A CARSON - Five part series - Mp3's

"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 - Excellent audio messages worth your time to take in!

JOHN CEREGHIN - Baptist pastor

OSWALD CHAMBERS 

GARY W. DERICKSON

C H Dodd 

Cereghin - The Johannine Epistles, 1946, 239 pages. Brief Neo-Orthodox comments. He holds that the author is unknown, not the son of Zebedee (xix); thinks John had a crude view of sin (22); argues for expiation, not propitiation on 2:2 (25); the "children, fathers, young men" of 2:12ff. are "not much more than a rhetorical figure (38); only "eccentric sects" expect the end of the world (45); prefers "realized eschatology" to the "crude mythology" of the Book of Revelation (50-51); thinks John is mistaken about the chronology of judgment (121). Dodd is highly praised by almost everyone but I find it difficult to see why. The quality of his prose is superb, but he is so bound to his old-fashioned liberal tradition that, on point after point, he is wildly out of sympathy with the text.

JUSTIN EDWARDS - FAMILY BIBLE NEW TESTAMENT

CHARLES ELLICOTT

James Rosscup -  Though often scanty, the work edited by a brilliant scholar is sometimes very helpful. Ellicott was an Anglican bishop. The New Testament part is more valuable. The work dates back to 1897 and is verse by verse, consisting of 2,292 pp. Ellicott was an outstanding Anglican conservative scholar of the 19th century in England. He also wrote critical commentaries on Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians and Philemon. Different scholars here contributed on different scripture books, Famous names included are George Rawlinson (Exodus), H. D. M. Spence (I Samuel), E. H. Plumptre (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Acts, 2 Corinthians), W. Sanday (Romans, Galatians), Alfred Plummer (2 Peter, Jude), etc. A one-volume condensation edited by John Bowdle is available (Zondervan, 1971, 1,242 pages). 

What the Bible Teaches – Each page of this commentary has the AV text at the top and a commentary on some of the words and phrases underneath. Now over a century old, it is still very helpful.

James Rosscup - Though often scanty, the work edited by a brilliant scholar is sometimes very helpful. Ellicott was an Anglican bishop. The New Testament part is more valuable. The work dates back to 1897 and is verse by verse, consisting of 2,292 pp. Ellicott was an outstanding Anglican conservative scholar of the 19th century in England.

EXPOSITOR'S DICTIONARY OF TEXTS

GENE GETZ - short videos discussing principles associated with the respective passages being studied.

  • 1 John 1:1-2; Proclaiming the Message of Salvation: Though we are among those who have not seen Jesus Christ, we are to proclaim the message of salvation based on the accounts of reliable eyewitnesses. Video
  • 1 John 1:3-4; The Deity of Jesus Christ: To have a right relationship with God and one another, we must have a correct view of the Lord Jesus Christ.Video
  • 1 John 1:5-2:2; Practicing the Truth: To have intimate fellowship with God, we must confess our sins and live in His will. Video
  • 1 John 2:3-11; Loving God and Others: To have an intimate relationship with God, we must develop loving relationships with one another. Video
  • 1 John 2:12-14; Evaluating Spiritual Growth: Regardless of our level of maturity, as Christians we should continually evaluate the extent to which we are walking in the light rather than in darkness. Video
  • 1 John 2:15-17; Overcoming the World: We must be on guard against worldly influences that interfere with our love for God and for one another. Video
  • 1 John 2:18-27; False Apostles and Prophets: We must reject the teachings of anyone who denies that Jesus Christ is God and that He came in human flesh. Video
  • 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 4:7-14; Our Corporate Witness: We are to love one another as Christ loved us so that we reveal God's message of love and salvation to the world. Video
  • 1 John 4:15-19; Our Heavenly Father: Though God is holy and absolutely righteous, more and more we are to relate to Him without fear as our loving heavenly Father. Video
  • 1 John 5:1-5; Reciprocal Love: To obey God's commands as a privilege rather than a burden, we must love God as He loves us. Video
  • 1 John 5:6-13 Overcoming Doubt: When tempted to doubt our salvation experience, we should review the promises God has given us in His Word. Video
  • 1 John 5:14-15; Effective Prayer: When we pray, we should always seek to voice requests that are in harmony with God's will. Video

GOSPEL COALITION

GOTQUESTIONS - well done discussions alway backed up Scripture

JAMES GRAY

RYAN HABBENA

W HALL HARRIS

A M HODGKIN

J HAMPTON KEATHLEY

STEVE KRELOFF

D. MARTYN LLOYD-JONES

P G MATTHEW - well done sermons on 1 John

J VERNON MCGEE

MONERGISM

PHIL NEWTON - Pdf manuscripts - well done

WILLIAM ORR

WIL POUNDS

RAYMOND SAXE - sermons

  • Intro (pdf)
  • 1 John 2:2-6 (pdf)
  • 1 John 2:7-8 (pdf)
  • 1 John 2:15-17 (pdf)
  • 1 John 2:18-29 (pdf)
  • 1 John 3:1-10 (N/A)
  • 1 John 3:11-17 (N/A)
  • 1 John 4:1-6 (pdf)
  • 1 John 4:7-10 (pdf)
  • 1 John 4:11-21 (pdf)
  • 1 John 5:1-8 (pdf)
  • 1 John 5:8-12 (pdf)
  • 1 John 5:13-17 (pdf)
  • 1 John 5:18-21 (pdf)

R C SPROUL - Devotionals from Tabletalk

DANIEL SNADDON - PLYMOUTH BRETHREN

JOHN STEVENSON

THIRD MILLENNIUM STUDY NOTES

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

A W TOZER

DAVID THOMPSON - short sermon transcripts

JOHN WHITCOMB

GEORGE ZELLER - Middletown Bible

COMMENTARIES
1 John

BEST COMMENTARIES ON FIRST JOHN

ANONYMOUS

PAUL APPLE

See Paul's Apple's introduction for some well worded comments on the interpretative approach of Zane Hodges (et al) - Excerpt...

The bottom line is that from an interpretation standpoint, 1 John truly is about "tests of life" with the emphasis on this second track of assurance. From an application standpoint many of the pastoral concerns of Hodges (and others) are certainly helpful in terms of motivating believers to live in closer fellowship with the Father, abiding in a deeper sense, etc. Certainly we all benefit from applying to our lives those challenges that call us to love our brother, to separate from worldliness, to embrace the truth, to recognize error, to continue to confess our sin on an ongoing basis, etc. We can all improve in terms of drawing closer to God. But that is by way of application -- not interpretation. When you look at the contrasts presented in the epistle (between light and darkness, between life and death, between truth and error … read through the book on your own and make a list of these contrasts …) it is evident that these are black and white distinctions between believers and non-believers. John is presenting pass / fail tests that are designed to increase our level of assurance as believers. (Click for Paul's Apple's introduction)

HUGH BINNING (1627-1653)

A E BROOKE

  • The International Critical Commentary - A Critical and Exegetical Commentary Contents - Note: This work is somewhat verbose and can be very liberal so it should be read with a strong Acts 17:11 Berean mindset to avoid missing the true meaning of the text!
  • John Cereghin - He thinks in I John, Christ is "separated from us by sinlessness rather than by Divinity" (xvi); will not suggest who the author is (xviii); discusses the meaning of “propitiation” (23-27); argues from the meaning of the Greek tense; refers to the antichrist legend (59,69-79); holds that John clearly identified Jesus the man who lived a human life with the Son of God (121-122); has extended comments on the text of the “heavenly witnesses” (154-165). (He paraphrases Cyril Barber's comment in which he latter says Brooke) Deprecates the deity of Christ, rejects as "legend" the teaching regarding the Antichrist and minimizes the efficacy of Christ's death on the cross. Exegetically valuable; theological unreliable.
  • 1 John 1
  • 1 John 2
  • 1 John 3
  • 1 John 4
  • 1 John 5

HENRY COWLES

C CRAIN

JOHN DUMMELOW

EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE

Warren W. Wiersbe - If you can locate the six-volume edition of the Expositor’s Bible, buy it immediately! It takes up less space than the original fifty-volume set, and not everything in the original set is worth owning. Samuel H. Kellogg on Leviticus is a classic; so is Alexander Maclaren on the Psalms and on Colossians.

A C GAEBELEIN

Rosscup - This dispensationally oriented work is not verse-by-verse, but deals with the exposition on a broader scale, treating blocks of thought within the chapters.The author was a popular evangelical Bible teacher of the first part of the century, much like H. A. Ironside in his diligent but broad, practical expositions of Bible books. Gaebelein was premillennial and dispensational, and editor for many years of Our Hope Magazine.

JOHN GILL

James Rosscup - Gill (1697–1771), a pastor of England, wrote these which are two-column pages, ca. 900–1,000 pages per volume, Originally they were 9 volumes, folio. He also wrote Body of Divinity, 3 volumes, and several other volumes. His commentary is evangelical, wrestles with texts, is often wordy and not to the point but with worthy things for the patient who follow the ponderous detail and fish out slowly what his interpretation of a text is. He feels the thousand years in Revelation 20 cannot begin until after the conversion of the Jews and the bringing in of the fullness of the Gentiles and destruction of all antiChristian powers (volume 6, p. 1063) but in an amillennial sense of new heavens and new earth coming right after Christ’s second advent (1064–65), and the literal thousand years of binding at the same time. He feels the group that gathers against the holy city at the end of the thousand years is the resurrected wicked dead from the four quarters of the earth (i.e. from all the earth, etc. (1067).  

Spurgeon - Beyond all controversy, Gill was one of the most able Hebraists of his day, and in other matters no mean proficient...His ultraism is discarded, but his learning is respected: the world and the church take leave to question his dogmatism, but they both bow before his erudition. Probably no man since Gill’s days has at all equalled him in the matter of Rabbinical learning.

DAVID GUZIK - brief but well done, conservative notes. Recommended.

More modern commentary. Conservative. Brief comments. 

ROBERT HAWKER

MATTHEW HENRY

Spurgeon - A Christian man wishing for the cream of expository writers could not make a better purchase. Ministers, as a rule, should not buy condensations, but get the works themselves.

James Rosscup - This evangelical work, devotional in character, has been in constant demand for about 280 years. Its insight into human problems is great, but it often does not deal adequately with problems in the text. The one-volume form eliminates the Biblical text and is thus less bulky. It has sold very well. The late Wilbur M. Smith, internationally noted Bible teacher, seminary professor and lover of books, tabbed this “The greatest devotional commentary ever written”. Henry was born in a Welch farmhouse, studied law, and became a Presbyterian minister near London. He wrote this commentary in the last 13 years before he died at 52 in 1714. The first of six volumes was published in 1708. He completed through Acts, and the rest of the New Testament was done by 14 clergymen.

F B HOLE

JAMIESON, FAUSSET, AND BROWN

Rosscup - This is a helpful old set of 1863 for laypeople and pastors to have because it usually comments at least to some degree on problems. Though terse, it provides something good on almost any passage, phrase by phrase and is to some degree critical in nature. It is evangelical. There is also a 1-volume edition, briefer at some points (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1961). Especially in its multi-volume form this is one of the old evangelical works that offers fairly solid though brief help on many verses. Spurgeon said, “It contains so great a variety of information that if a man had no other exposition he would find himself at no great loss if he possessed this and used it diligently” (Commenting and Commentaries, p. 3). Things have changed greatly since this assessment! It is primarily of help to pastors and lay people looking for quick, though usually somewhat knowledgeable treatments on verses.

Spurgeon - A really standard work. We consult it continually, and with growing interest. Mr. Fausset’s portion strikes us as being of the highest order. 

My Comment - This is one of the best older (Pre-1800) works on interpretation of prophecy as it tends to interpret the text literally and not allegorically. 

PAUL E KRETZMANN (POPULAR COMMENTARY)

Lutheran pastor.

WILLIAM KELLY

Hiebert's critique - Prints author's new translation. Twenty wordy lectures by a noted Plymouth Brethren scholar of the past century. Provides an important study of the text with numerous comments and illustrations of the religious scene from a perspective of intense loyalty to the Scriptures.

LANGE COMMENTARY

Hiebert's critique - A full exposition with an abundance of doctrinal, ethical, and homiletical material added.

Rosscup - The treatments of books within this evangelical set vary in importance. Generally, one finds a wealth of detailed commentary, background, and some critical and exegetical notes. Often, however, there is much excess verbiage that does not help particularly. On the other hand, it usually has something to assist the expositor on problems and is a good general set for pastors and serious lay people though it is old.

ROBERT LAW

JOHN JAMES LIAS (1887)

IAN MACKERVOY

F B MEYER (THROUGH THE BIBLE COMMENTARY)

G CAMPBELL MORGAN

James Rosscup - Morgan deals with the Bible chapter by chapter, with nearly 300 words on each. He devotes 400 pages to the Old Testament, 150 to the New Testament. It is a stimulating broad evangelical coverage of Scripture, if the reader is looking for synthesis rather than detail. Morgan was a master expositor in the early part of this century. Some of the effort is so general it is of little help except to those looking for sketchy treatment. It is evangelical and premillennial. Morgan is better in such works as The Crises of the Christ.

JAMES MORGAN (1866)

J VERNON MCGEE - mp3

AUGUSTUS NEANDER (1852)

JOSEPH PARKER (THE PEOPLE'S BIBLE)

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)

ROBERT NEIGHBOR - WELLS OF LIVING WATER COMMENTARY

JAMES NISBET (CHURCH PULPIT COMMENTARY)

SAMUEL EYLES PIERCE (1835)

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 1
  • 1 John 2
  • 1 John 3
  • 1 John 4
  • 1 John 5

JOHN STOCK (1865)

CHAPTER AND VERSE
1 John 1

BRUCE HURT, MD

STEVE ANDREWS

RICK EZELL

NET BIBLE

  • 1 John 1 - Net Bible Notes synchronized with Thomas Constable's Notes
  • Caveat Emptor: While Constable's notes are generally excellent, his statement that "A practicing sinner...can have a relationship with God (i.e., be a true Christian)" is problematic. The crucial question is this - can a "practicing sinner" be a "true Christian"? The answer depends on what one means by "practicing." If Constable means that a so-called "true Christian" can live in habitual sin, constantly practicing sin, then this person even by the John's "definition" is NOT a genuine Christian for the apostle writes "one who [present tense = continually] practices sin is of the devil." (1 Jn 3:8+) A person who truly has the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT, CANNOT continually practice sin! John explains that "No ("ou" the strongest negative in Greek ~ "absolutely no"!) one who is born of God (continually) practices sin (as the habit of their life), (Note carefully the next term of explanation - John clearly explains why a true believer absolutely cannot continually live in sin) because His seed (the Spirit of Christ -Ro 8:9+) abides in him; and he cannot (present tense - continually, as his habit of life; again notice that "not" is "ou" = absolute negation!) sin, because he is born of God." (1 Jn 3:9+) Note carefully what John is not saying here - he is NOT saying saved sinners do not sin! They do! This writer (yours truly) is proof of that axiom! The qualifier is that they do not make sinning their everyday, moment by moment practice. Stated another way they do not "live" to sin! Or stated even another way, before we were saved we chased after sin, but after we are saved, sin chases after us! As brand new creatures in Christ (2 Cor 5:17+) we are dead to sin (Ro 6:1-2+, Ro 6:11-14+) and have a new Source of power to live holy lives, the indwelling Spirit of Christ (1 Cor 3:16+, Ro 8:13+). And while we certainly do stumble and fall from time to time into old sinful ways, that is not our "lifestyle." To the contrary, the general "direction" of our brand new life in Christ is toward heaven, not  toward hell (cp two ways = Mt 7:13-14+, Ps 1:6+)! Genuine believers are not "of the devil" (1 Jn 3:8+), whose future destiny is the Lake of Fire (Mt 25:41+). To reiterate, Constable's notes are generally very good, but one must maintain a Berean mindset when using them. (Acts 17:11+).

J C RYLE

JAMES HASTINGS (GREAT TEXTS)

ILLUSTRATIONS

NORMAN HARRISON

DANIEL WALLACE

W A CRISWELL

OCTAVIUS WINSLOW

J C RYLE

J C PHILPOT

MIDDLETOWN BIBLE

ILLUSTRATIONS

CHAPTER AND VERSE
1 John 2

COMMENTARY BY BRUCE HURT

NET BIBLE

JAMES HASTINGS (GREAT TEXTS)

W A CRISWELL

JOHN BUNYAN

WILLIAM LAW

CALVIN WITTMAN

RICK EZELL

UNKNOWN

ILLUSTRATIONS

NORMAN HARRISON

THOMAS WATSON

JOHN FAWCETT

J R MILLER

ILLUSTRATIONS

WILLIAM MACDONALD

DONALD MILLS

C H SPURGEON

J C RYLE

JOHN ANGELL JAMES

THOMAS WATSON

BIBLEHUB

THOMAS CHALMERS

ILLUSTRATIONS

J. C. PHILPOT

DANIEL WALLACE

JOHN MACARTHUR

NORMAN HARRISON

C H SPURGEON

CHAPTER AND VERSE
1 John 3

COMMENTARY BY BRUCE HURT

JAMES HASTINGS (GREAT TEXTS)

NET BIBLE

RAY PRITCHARD

CALVIN WITTMAN

RICK EZELL

ROBERT MURRAY M'CHEYNE

W A CRISWELL

ILLUSTRATIONS

MURDOCH CAMPBELL

JOHN MACDUFF

MURDOCH CAMPBELL

JOHN WESLEY

DEREK THOMAS

OCTAVIUS WINSLOW

CHAPTER AND VERSE
1 John 4

COMMENTARY BY BRUCE HURT

NET BIBLE

BRIAN BILL

NORMAN HARRISON

JAMES HASTINGS (GREAT TEXTS)

RAY PRITCHARD

W A CRISWELL

G CAMPBELL MORGAN

JAMES HASTINGS (GREAT TEXTS)

CHAPTER AND VERSE
1 John 5

NET BIBLE

JOHN MACARTHUR

DEREK THOMAS

J C RYLE

CHARLES T BUNTIN

NORMAN HARRISON

JOHN ANGELL JAMES

ARTHUR PINK

JAMES HASTINGS (GREAT TEXTS)

W A CRISWELL

JOHN WESLEY

JOHN GILL

DANIEL WALLACE

OCTAVIUS WINSLOW

RONALD MEEKS

Excerpt - In his song "The Change?" (Ed: Listen to it! John would agree with Chapman's words!) contemporary Christian artist Stephen Curtis Chapman asks if our lives as believers are marked by transformation. When we come to know Christ and receive eternal life, our lives will give evidence by changes toward Christlikeness that take place. Our lives will be changed as we have a growing faith in Christ, as we become more like Him, as we have an increasing love for our brothers, and as we recognize the abiding presence of God's Spirit. What about you? Is there any change?

ILLUSTRATIONS

RBC BOOKLET

F F BRUCE

IRVIN A BUSENITZ - recommended

JOHN WESLEY

SERMONS BY VERSE
1 John 

1 JOHN 1

Appropiating Faith Anon. 1 John 1:1-4
Christ the Revealer of God S. E. Pierce. 1 John 1:1-4
Contemplative Faith A. R. Fausset, M. A. 1 John 1:1-4
Fellowship with the Father J. M. Gibbon. 1 John 1:1-4
Introduction R. Finlayson 1 John 1:1-4
John's Testimony to Christ T. M. Herbert, M. A. 1 John 1:1-4
Obedient Hearing   1 John 1:1-4
The Apostle's Aim and Method W. Jones 1 John 1:1-4
The Apostles' Doctrine C. Stanford, D. D. 1 John 1:1-4
The Divine and Human in Christ   1 John 1:1-4
The Incarnation of Christ, Before and After Newman Smyth, D. D. 1 John 1:1-4
The Mystery of the Holy Incarnation Morgan Dix, D. D. 1 John 1:1-4
The Perfect Saviour D. C. Hughes, M. A. 1 John 1:1-4
The Preface to the First Epistle of John George G. Findlay, B. A. 1 John 1:1-4
The Realisation of Faith Dean Goulburn. 1 John 1:1-4
Witnesses of the Word of Life N. Hardy, D. D. 1 John 1:1-4
Christ the Life N. Hardy, D. D. 1 John 1:2
Christ the Manifestation of the Eternal J. T. Stannard. 1 John 1:2
The Eternal Life Manifested John Watson, M. A. 1 John 1:2
The Incarnate Life S. E. Pierce. 1 John 1:2
The Life of God Charles Kingsley 1 John 1:2
The Manifested Life N. Smyth, D. D. 1 John 1:2
The Manifested Life H. Boxcar, D. D. 1 John 1:2
The Manifested Life to be Observed Canon Gore, M. A. 1 John 1:2
The Only Life Worth Living E. A. Stuart, M. A. 1 John 1:2
An Influential Testimony The Railway Signal. 1 John 1:3
Believers' Communion with the Father and Son D. Clarkson, B. D. 1 John 1:3
Christian Fellowship J. Richard. 1 John 1:3
Communion with God H. W. Graham. 1 John 1:3
Experience Helpful to a Teacher W. M. Statham. 1 John 1:3
Fellowship C. Watson, D. D. 1 John 1:3
Fellowship S. E. Pierce. 1 John 1:3
Fellowship with God C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 1:3
Fellowship with God C. Bradley, M. A. 1 John 1:3
Fellowship with God H. Allon, D. D. 1 John 1:3
Fellowship with God J. C. Lees, D. D. 1 John 1:3
Fellowship with the Father and with the Son E. Payson, D. D. 1 John 1:3
God's Message to be Declared J. R. Miller, D. D. 1 John 1:3
On Communion with God A. Brunton, D. D. 1 John 1:3
That Ye Also May have Fellowship James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 1:3
The Argument from Experience J. Watson, M. A. 1 John 1:3
The Charm of Testimony Proctor's Gems of Thought 1 John 1:3
The Doctrine and Fellowship of the Apostles R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 1:3
The Gospel Ministry C. Talbot. 1 John 1:3
The Internal Basis of Christian Fellowship J. H. A. Ebrard. 1 John 1:3
The Nature of Communion G. Campbell. 1 John 1:3
The Testimony of the Beloved Disciple to the Person and Offices of Christ J. Hill, M. A. 1 John 1:3
Union and Communion with God the End and Design of the Gospel Hugh Binning 1 John 1:3
Fulness of Joy James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 1:4
Happiness Helpful to Holiness J. B. Figgis, M. A. 1 John 1:4
Joy Givers T. C. Cuyler. 1 John 1:4
Joy in Believing Homilist 1 John 1:4
Knowledge of Christ the Foundation of Joy C. Bradley. 1 John 1:4
Open the Heart to Joy T. C. Cuyler. 1 John 1:4
Our Happiness J. B. Figgis, M. A. 1 John 1:4
Religion a Joy James Stalker, D. D. 1 John 1:4
The Full Joy of Christian Fellowship N. Hardy, D. D. 1 John 1:4
The Joy of the Lord, and its Fulness R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 1:4
The Joyfulness of a Christian Life R. S. Storrs, D. D. 1 John 1:4
Light George MacDonald 1 John 1:5
The Great Message W. Jones 1 John 1:5
The Message and its Practical Results Alexander Maclaren 1 John 1:5
A Glorious Message W. Jay. 1 John 1:5-10
Communion with God J. Alexander. 1 John 1:5-10
Fellowship with God H. Thorne. 1 John 1:5-10
God is Light D. Smith. 1 John 1:5-10
God is Light The Evangelical Preacher 1 John 1:5-10
God is Tight J. P. Lilley, M. A 1 John 1:5-10
God the Satisfying Light W. Arthur. 1 John 1:5-10
Light and Darkness: Sin and Purification F. D. Maurice, M. A. 1 John 1:5-10
Light in the Hour of Darkness E. W. Bibb. 1 John 1:5-10
Light the Nature and Dwelling Place of God R. S. Candlish,D. D. 1 John 1:5-10
Message from Christ Brought to Bear on Fellowship with God R. Finlayson 1 John 1:5-10
No Darkness in God A. R. Fausset, M. A. 1 John 1:5-10
No Substitute for Light   1 John 1:5-10
The Child of Light Walking in Light C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 1:5-10
The Clergy God's Messengers E. Blencowe, M. A. 1 John 1:5-10
The Conditions of Divine Fellowship James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 1:5-10
The Perfect Light of God Dean Church. 1 John 1:5-10
The Right Way of Obtaining and Maintaining Communion with God M. Barker, M. A. 1 John 1:5-10
The Condition and Consequences of Fellowship with God W. Jones 1 John 1:6, 7
Children of Light Scientific Illustrations, etc 1 John 1:7
Christian Fellowship with God A. B. Bruce, D. D. 1 John 1:7
Cleanseth Frances R. Havergal. 1 John 1:7
Cleanseth from All Sin Bp. Westcott. 1 John 1:7
Cleansing Virtue of Christ's Blood Bp. Hacket. 1 John 1:7
Interrupted Fellowship Fellowship 1 John 1:7
The Atonement of Christ F. Spencer. 1 John 1:7
The Best Life the Product of the Bestlight   1 John 1:7
The Blood Expositor's Bible 1 John 1:7
The Christian Life a Walk J. P. Lilley, M. A. 1 John 1:7
The Cleansing Blood T. De Witt Talmage. 1 John 1:7
The Cleansing Blood J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 1:7
The Efficacy of the Redeemer's Blood James Bromley. 1 John 1:7
The Evil and its Remedy C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 1:7
The Passion of Our Lord Our Cleansing Bp. A. P. Forbes. 1 John 1:7
The Supreme Importance of Moral Purity Homilist 1 John 1:7
Walking in the Light J. M. Ludlow, D. D. 1 John 1:7
Walking in the Light J. P. Lilley, M. A. 1 John 1:7
Walking in the Light and Washed in the Blood C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 1:7
The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death Andrew Lee et al 1 John 1:8
Assumptions of Sinlessness C. Moinet, M. D. 1 John 1:8-10
Compression of Sins and the Power of Absolution Bp. Sparrow. 1 John 1:8-10
Confession Dean Goulburn. 1 John 1:8-10
Confession of Sin F. W. P. Greenwood, D. D. 1 John 1:8-10
Confession of Sin H. Binning. 1 John 1:8-10
Confession of Sins the Sure Condition of Forgiveness and Cleansing J. J. Glen-Kippen. 1 John 1:8-10
Deceiving Ourselves Lyman Abbott. 1 John 1:8-10
Denial of Sin and Confession of Sin with Their Respective Consequences D. Clark. 1 John 1:8-10
Divine Forgiveness R. S. Storrs. 1 John 1:8-10
God's Justice in Forgiveness W. A. Whitworth, M. A. 1 John 1:8-10
God's Justice in Forgiveness K. Arvine. 1 John 1:8-10
Honest Confession Best H. W. Beecher. 1 John 1:8-10
Honest Dealing with God C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 1:8-10
Insincere Confession C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 1:8-10
Justice Satisfied C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 1:8-10
Man's Attitude Towards His Own Sins W. Jones 1 John 1:8-10
Self-Delusion as to Our State Before God Prof. W. A. Butler. 1 John 1:8-10
Sins of Heart C. Stanford, D. D. 1 John 1:8-10
Spiritual Cleansing   1 John 1:8-10
The Conviction and Confession of Sin James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 1:8-10
The Heart Sinful R. McCheyne. 1 John 1:8-10
The Primary Condition of the Divine Fellowship Fulfilled in the Believing Compression of a Guileless Spirit R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 1:8-10
The True Comfort W. A. Cornwall, M. A. 1 John 1:8-10
On Working Out Our Own Salvation John Wesley 1 John 1:9

1 JOHN 2

Brooks -- the Pride of Life Grenville Kleiser 1 John 2:1
Our Advocate and Propitiation W. Jones 1 John 2:1, 2
Believers Exhorted not to Sin B. W. Noel, M. A. 1 John 2:1-6
Christ Our Advocate   1 John 2:1-6
Christ Our Advocate W. F. Ireland, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
Christ Our Advocate J. Gibbs. 1 John 2:1-6
Christ Our Advocate with the Father James Fenton, M. A. 1 John 2:1-6
Christ Our Propitiation E. Hoare, M. A. 1 John 2:1-6
Christ Our Propitiatory Sacrifice and Our Advocate D. Inglis. 1 John 2:1-6
Christ the Advocate of Sinners Essex Remembrancer 1 John 2:1-6
Christian Sin Dudley Kidd. 1 John 2:1-6
Christians have Delicate Perceptions of Sin Steinhofer. 1 John 2:1-6
Christ's Acquaintance with Man's Case C. Stanford. 1 John 2:1-6
Christ's Intercession S. Charnock, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
Christ's Intercession   1 John 2:1-6
For the Sins of the Whole World Sword and Trowel. 1 John 2:1-6
Insufficiency of the Subjective View of the Atonement G. S. Barrett, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
Is There a Doctrine of the Atonement in Scripture James Denney, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
Man Lives in a Redeemed World R. W. Dale, LL. D. 1 John 2:1-6
Man's Advocate with the Father D. Thomas, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
Nature and Ground of Christ's Advocacy as Meeting the Need of the Guileless Spirit R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
Our Advocate on High S. Martin. 1 John 2:1-6
Preventatives Against Sin W. Graham. 1 John 2:1-6
Propitiation for Sin C. New. 1 John 2:1-6
Redemption for the Whole World W. Birch. 1 John 2:1-6
Sin Not Dudley Kidd. 1 John 2:1-6
Sin Supposed: Sin Dealt with R. Finlayson 1 John 2:1-6
Sinless Aim of the Guileless Spirit R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
The Advocacy of Christ J. Williams, M. A. 1 John 2:1-6
The Gospel Prohibits Sin C. Stanford, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
The Gracious Provision J. O. Peck, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
The Intercession of Christ J. Foot, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
The Knowledge of God Preventive of Sin Hugh Binning. 1 John 2:1-6
The Propitiation Intelligible James Denney, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
The Propitiation of Christ George Robson. 1 John 2:1-6
The Sinner's Advocate C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 2:1-6
The True Pleader G. Calvert. 1 John 2:1-6
Warning and Encouragement James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 2:1-6
Doing and Knowing F. D. Maurice, M. A. 1 John 2:3-5
Our Attitude Towards the Commandments of God are Evidence of Christian Life J. M. Gibbon. 1 John 2:3-5
Sincerity and Duplicity C. H. Spurgeon 1 John 2:3-5
The Great Change and its Evidences J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 2:3-5
The Guileless Spirit Realising Through Obedience the Knowledge of God as the Means of Being and Abiding in God R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:3-5
The Keeping of God's Commandments is Undoubtedly and Truly the Perfection of Our Love to God John Cotton, B. D. 1 John 2:3-5
The Keeping of the Divine Word Homilist 1 John 2:3-5
The Love of God T. Binney. 1 John 2:3-5
The Saving Knowledge of Christ Evinced by a Practical Attention to His Commandments Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons 1 John 2:3-5
The True Knowledge of God and its Infallible Proof W. Jones 1 John 2:3-5
Theology and Morality Homilist 1 John 2:3-5
Abiding in Christ to be Demonstrated by Walking as Christ Did Isaac Barrow, D. D. 1 John 2:6
Christian Profession and Consequent Obligations W. Jones 1 John 2:6
Imitation of Christ B. W. Noel, M. A. 1 John 2:6
Imitation of the Example of Christ in His Temper and Life John Hubbard. 1 John 2:6
In Him: Like Him C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 2:6
Inward Grace Manifest in the Life A. R. Cocke, D. D. 1 John 2:6
Of the Imitation of Christ in Holiness of Life   1 John 2:6
The Christian Walk Bp. Ryle. 1 John 2:6
The Christian's Imitation of Christ Wm. Fenner. 1 John 2:6
The Christlike Walk of One with Guileless Spirit Abiding in God R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:6
The Example of Christ D. Duncan. 1 John 2:6
The Commandment, Old Yet New Alexander Maclaren 1 John 2:7
Brotherly Love James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 2:7-11
No New Commandment A. F. W. Ingram, M. A. 1 John 2:7-11
The Commandment of Brotherly Love R. Finlayson 1 John 2:7-11
The Commandment of Love -- its Oldness and its Newness T. Jones. 1 John 2:7-11
The Darkness Passing -- the Light Shining R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:7-11
The Law of Love True to the Requirements of Life C. Watson, D. D. 1 John 2:7-11
The Old and New Commandments F. D. Maurice, M. A. 1 John 2:7-11
Brotherly Love a Test and Means of Being and Abiding with Guileless Spirit in the Light Instead of Walking in Darkness R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:9-11
Hatred Causes Stumbling A. J. Bechtel. 1 John 2:9-11
Living in Light and Love W. Jones 1 John 2:9-11
Moral Darkness Abp. Wm. Alexander. 1 John 2:9-11
A Sermon to the Lord's Little Children C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 2:12-14
Christians as Little Children John Stock, M. A. 1 John 2:12-14
For His Name's Sake R. Thomas. 1 John 2:12-14
God's Glory in the Forgiveness of Sin for His Name's Sake H. Melvill, B. D. 1 John 2:12-14
Seasons of Life and Their Appropriate Spiritual Experiences W. Jones 1 John 2:12-14
The Father and His Children J. M. Gibbon. 1 John 2:12-14
The Gospel to the Young E. A. Stuart, M. A. 1 John 2:12-14
Young Christians to be Cared For John Stock, M. A. 1 John 2:12-14
The Great Danger of Christians R. Finlayson 1 John 2:12-17
A Description of Young Men in Christ C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 2:13
Christian Fathers and the Knowledge of the Divine Being T. Manton, D. D. 1 John 2:13
Fathers in Christ C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 2:13
Manly Christianity   1 John 2:13
Noble Young Men Homilist 1 John 2:13
Religion Beautiful in All Seasons of Life D. Thomas, D. D. 1 John 2:13
Spiritual Growth T. Manton, D. D. 1 John 2:13
Strength, Victory, and Knowledge in Youth M. Vincent, D. D. 1 John 2:13
The Aged in Years and Grace T. Manton, D. D. 1 John 2:13
The Childhood of Grace T. Manton, D. D. 1 John 2:13
The Guileless Spirit Abiding in the Light in its Threefold Aspect of Childhood R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:13
The Hopefulness of Youthful Strength Andrew Doak, M. A. 1 John 2:13
The Strength of Young Men H. R. Reynolds, D. D. 1 John 2:13
The Successive Stages of Life Canon Diggle. 1 John 2:13
The Word of God the Guide of Youth J. T. Davidson, D. D. 1 John 2:13
The Youthhood of the Nation C. A. Bartol. 1 John 2:13
Three Stages of Natural and Christian Life T. Manton, D. D. 1 John 2:13
Unto You, Young Men C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 2:13
Victorious Young Men J. Irons. 1 John 2:13
Working Power A. L. Stone. 1 John 2:13
Yoking Manhood's Strength and Triumph C. V. Waugh. 1 John 2:13
Young Men T. Manton, D. D. 1 John 2:13
Young Men in Cities H. W. Beecher. 1 John 2:13
Youthful Strength A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 2:13
The Difference Between Walking by Sight, and Walking by Faith John Wesley 1 John 2:15
A Dangerous Experiment H. Bushnell, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
An Apostolic Prohibition, and the Reason Thereof W. Jones 1 John 2:15-17
Love not the World James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
Love not the World J. B. Mayor, M. A. 1 John 2:15-17
Love not the World S. S. Roche. 1 John 2:15-17
Love of the World F. W. P. Greenwood, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
Love of the World E. H. Chapin, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
The Christian in the World   1 John 2:15-17
The Expulsive Power of a New Affection T. Chalmers, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
The Guileless Spirit Loving not the World R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
The Nature and Danger of an Inordinate Love of the World John Mason, M. A. 1 John 2:15-17
The Peril of Worldliness W. H. M. H. Aitken, M. A. 1 John 2:15-17
The World and the Father F. D. Maurice, M. A. 1 John 2:15-17
The World We Must not Love Abp. Wm. Alexander. 1 John 2:15-17
Unlading A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
When Do We Love the World Too Much J. Jortin, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
Worldliness F. W. Robertson, M. A. 1 John 2:15-17
Worldliness J. E. Welldon, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
Worldliness Impedes the Sight of Higher Things W. Arnot, D. D. 1 John 2:15-17
Worldly Affections Destructive of Love to God Archdeacon Manning. 1 John 2:15-17
The Lust of the Eyes W. J. Dawson. 1 John 2:16
The Pride of Life is Transitory W. J. Dawson. 1 John 2:16
The Three Elements of a Worldly Life J. B. Mayor, M. A. 1 John 2:16
The Worldling's Trinity J. Trapp. 1 John 2:16
Transitoriness of the Lust of the Flesh W. J. Dawson. 1 John 2:16
What is The World S. Faber. 1 John 2:16
National Worldliness S. A. Brooke, M. A. 1 John 2:17
Obedience and Abiding A. Raleigh, D. D. 1 John 2:17
River and Rock A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 2:17
The Abiding Life A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 2:17
The Evanescent and the Enduring in Human History D. Thomas, D. D. 1 John 2:17
The Guileless Spirit R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:17
The Moral Only Permanent H. Allon, D. D. 1 John 2:17
Antichrist Bp. Wm. Alexander. 1 John 2:18-23
Antichrist and Antichrists James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 2:18-23
Anti-Christian S. E. Pierce. 1 John 2:18-23
Last Things T. De Witt Talmage, D. D. 1 John 2:18-23
St. John's Last Hour George G. Findlay, B. A. 1 John 2:18-23
The Dispensations Dean Goulburn. 1 John 2:18-23
Antichrist R. Finlayson 1 John 2:18-29
A Bundle of Myrrh Charles Haddon Spurgeon 1 John 2:20
An Unction from the Holy One James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 2:20
Knowledge by Divine Unction James Stratten. 1 John 2:20
The Anointing J. B. Figgis, M. A. 1 John 2:20
The Guileless Spirit Amid Anti-Christian Defections R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:20
The Omniscience of Holiness F. Ferguson, D. D. 1 John 2:20
The Unction from the Holy One C. Stanford, D. D. 1 John 2:20
The Unction Front the Holy One A. Mackennal, D. D. 1 John 2:20
Unction from the Holy One J. J. Lias, M. A. 1 John 2:20
The Unction from the Holy One W. Jones 1 John 2:20, 27
Antichrist D. Thomas, D. D. 1 John 2:21-24
Deniers of Christ J. T. Demarest, D. D. 1 John 2:21-24
Knowledge Favourable to Further Teaching James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 2:21-24
Our Estimate of Christ the Measure of God's Estimate of Us   1 John 2:21-24
The Antagonism Between Truth and Falsehood J. J. Lias, M. A. 1 John 2:21-24
The Guileless Spirit R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:21-24
The Son and the Father R. W. Dale, D. D. 1 John 2:21-24
Christian Doctrine, Duty, Privilege, and Hope T. Mortimer, B. D. 1 John 2:24-25
The Guileless Spirit Abiding Through the Word in the Son and in the Father R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:24-25
Vital Godliness J. Irons. 1 John 2:24-25
Eternal Life James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 2:25
The Promise of Eternal Life J. W. Reeve, M. A. 1 John 2:25
Teacheth F. B. Meyer, B. A. 1 John 2:26-28
The Anointing by Christ The Evangelical Preacher 1 John 2:26-28
The Guileless Spirit R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:26-28
What God is to Us Hugh Binning 1 John 2:27
A Standard of Judgment James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 2:28-29
Abiding in Christ Gives Confidence A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 2:28-29
Abiding in Christ the Ground of Confidence in the Day of His Appearing J. Hawes, D. D. 1 John 2:28-29
Ashamed to Meet the Lord J. Elder Cumming, D. D. 1 John 2:28-29
Intermediate Condition of the Divine Fellowship R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 2:28-29
Preparation for the Coming of the Lord C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 2:28-29
The Advantage of Abiding in Christ A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 2:28-29
The Highest Life D. Thomas, D. D. 1 John 2:28-29
What is it to be a Doer of Righteousness B. Beddome, M. A. 1 John 2:28-29

1 JOHN 3

Behold What Manner of Love! W. Jones 1 John 3:1
How to Fertilize Love Charles Wesley Naylor 1 John 3:1
Second Sunday After Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love Martin Luther 1 John 3:1
Vanity of Human Glory John Henry Newman 1 John 3:1
Whereby We Cry, Abba, Father Hugh Binning 1 John 3:1
A Christian's High Condition and Hope J. N. Pearson, M. A. 1 John 3:1-6
Adopting Love of the Father John Eadie, D. D. 1 John 3:1-6
Children of God Newman Smyth. 1 John 3:1-6
Children of God D. Wilcox. 1 John 3:1-6
Christians Unknown W. H. Lewis, D. D. 1 John 3:1-6
God's Adoptive Love J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 3:1-6
Slighted by the World Scraggs. 1 John 3:1-6
Sons of God S. E. Pierce. 1 John 3:1-6
The Dignity of Human Nature and its Consequent Obligations Charles Lowell. 1 John 3:1-6
The Divine Birth -- the Family Likeness R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 3:1-6
The Father J. J. Eastmead. 1 John 3:1-6
The Father's Love and the Children's Blessedness M. G. Pearce. 1 John 3:1-6
The Hidden Life C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 3:1-6
The Love that Calls Us Sons A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 3:1-6
The Manner of Love Bestowed Upon Us W. Mudge, B. A. 1 John 3:1-6
The Present Relationship and Future Prospects of the Faithful H. P. Bower. 1 John 3:1-6
The Privileges of the Good Samuel Roberts, M. A. 1 John 3:1-6
The Sons of God T. Manton, D. D. 1 John 3:1-6
The Spiritual Sonship   1 John 3:1-6
The Wonderful Love of God as Displayed in Human Redemption W. Lloyd. 1 John 3:1-6
The World Does not Know Christ C. Stanford, D. D. 1 John 3:1-6
The World Knoweth Us Not T. Manton, D. D. 1 John 3:1-6
What Manner of Love A. H. M. H. Aitken. 1 John 3:1-6
Righteousness and Sin in Relation to Children of God R. Finlayson 1 John 3:1-12
A Present Religion C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 3:2
By and By C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 3:2
Future Blessedness T. Manton, D. D. 1 John 3:2
Future Life J. A. Alexander, D. D. 1 John 3:2
Future State of Christians N. Emmons, D. D. 1 John 3:2
Heaven A. P. Peabody. 1 John 3:2
Life and Character in God A. R. Cocke, D. D. 1 John 3:2
Love's Ultimate Intentions C. Clemance, D. D. 1 John 3:2
Man's Capability of Future Glory and Blessedness J. Hawes, D. D. 1 John 3:2
Now Sons, Though Sufferers S. Martin. 1 John 3:2
Of the Happiness of Good Men in the Future State Abp. Tillotson. 1 John 3:2
Our Ignorance and Our Knowledge of the Future State H. Melvill, B. D. 1 John 3:2
Our Imperfect Knowledge of the Future H. W. Beecher. 1 John 3:2
Our Knowledge of Heaven Small G. Payson. 1 John 3:2
Progress of Manhood J. Parker, D. D. 1 John 3:2
Sonship the Foreshadowing of Heaven M. R. Vincent, D. D. 1 John 3:2
The Beatific Vision C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 3:2
The Blessed Vision of Christ Quoted by Dr. Hanford. 1 John 3:2
The Eternal Future Clear Only in Christ John Ker, D. D. 1 John 3:2
The Final Transguration R. W. Hamilton, LL. D. 1 John 3:2
The Glory of Divine Sonship J. H. Hill. 1 John 3:2
The Manifestations of Christ G. Calthrop, M. A. 1 John 3:2
The Possessions and Prospects of Believers W. M. Statham, M. A. 1 John 3:2
The Present and the Future of Christian Life D. E. Ford. 1 John 3:2
The Present Condition and Future Prospects of Believers W. Welsh. 1 John 3:2
The Purifying Hope Charles Kingsley 1 John 3:2
The Spirituality of the Beatific Vision W. Reeves, M. A. 1 John 3:2
The Transforming Power of the Revelation of God T. T. Munger. 1 John 3:2
The Two Transfigurations T. G. Selby. 1 John 3:2
The Unrevealed Future of the Sons of God A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 3:2
Transfiguration by Sight of Christ   1 John 3:2
Transformations   1 John 3:2
What We Shall Be Canon Scott Holland. 1 John 3:2
The Present and the Future of the Good W. Jones 1 John 3:2, 3
A Purifying Hope James Wells. 1 John 3:3
Christian Hope Geo. Robson. 1 John 3:3
Christian Hope Influencing Present Christian Life W. M. Taylor. 1 John 3:3
Hope Making Pure J. W. Earnshaw. 1 John 3:3
Purification by Hope C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 3:3
Purifying Hope J. H. Hughes. 1 John 3:3
Purifying Power of Hope Geo. Cooper, D. D. 1 John 3:3
The Christian's Hope T. Manton, D. D. 1 John 3:3
The Christian's Hope D. Dickson, D. D. 1 John 3:3
The Christian's Hope Bp. S. S. Harris. 1 John 3:3
The Christian's Hope and its Fruits A. Jenour, M. A. 1 John 3:3
The Christian's Hope and its Results R. P. Buddicom, M. A. 1 John 3:3
The Divine Hope Perfecting the Sinless Family Likeness R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 3:3
The Great Hope of the Sons of God, and its Influence on Life E. L. Hull, B. A. 1 John 3:3
The Hope of Future Glory Excites to Holiness R. South, D. D. 1 John 3:3
The Influence of the Christian Hope on the Christian Character C. Vince. 1 John 3:3
The Lost Purity Restored H. Bushell, D. D. 1 John 3:3
The Pattern of Purity R. Sibbes. 1 John 3:3
The Practical Influence of the Believer's Hope Edward Craig, M. A. 1 John 3:3
The Purifying Effect of Hope in Christ H. J. Hastings, M. A. 1 John 3:3
The Purifying Hope Christian Treasury 1 John 3:3
The Purifying Influence of Hope A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 3:3
The Purifying Power of Hope G. E. Jelf, M. A. 1 John 3:3
The Self Purifying Hope Family Churchman 1 John 3:3
Nature of Sin N. Emmons, D. D. 1 John 3:4-5
Sin E. S. Pierce. 1 John 3:4-5
Sin Bp. Ryle. 1 John 3:4-5
Sin Bp. Ryle. 1 John 3:4-5
Sin T. Boston, D. D. 1 John 3:4-5
Sin and its Removal J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 3:4-5
Sin and Penalty C. Stanford, D. D. 1 John 3:4-5
Sin the Transgression of the Law T. Manton, D. D. 1 John 3:4-5
Sin, the Transgression of the Law D. Savile. 1 John 3:4-5
Sins, Small and Great J. Trapp. 1 John 3:4-5
The Evil of Sin T. Manton, D. D. 1 John 3:4-5
The Knowledge of Sin Necessary to Repentance John Venn, M. A. 1 John 3:4-5
The Law of God C. Watson, D. D. 1 John 3:4-5
The Lawless Nature of Sin Bp. S. Wilberforce. 1 John 3:4-5
The Lawless Nature of Sin D. N. Sheldon,, D. D. 1 John 3:4-5
The Nature of Sin Bp. S. Wilberforce. 1 John 3:4-5
The Perpetual Obligation of the Moral Law Isaac Watts, D. D. 1 John 3:4-5
What is Sin J. J. Lias, M. A. 1 John 3:4-5
What is Sin L. Abbott, D. D. 1 John 3:4-5
What Sin Is James Cranbrook. 1 John 3:4-5
Dissuasives from Sin W. Jones 1 John 3:4-6
And for Sin Condemned Sin in the Flesh Hugh Binning 1 John 3:5
The Personal History and Character of Christ Archdeacon Hannah. 1 John 3:5
The Secret of Sinlessness R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 3:5
Abiding in Christ the Remedy Against Sin   1 John 3:6
Centrifugal and Centripetal Forces J. A. Beet, D. D. 1 John 3:6
Christian Purity J. A. Beet, D. D. 1 John 3:6
Counteracting Sin J. A. Beet, D. D. 1 John 3:6
The Inadmissibility of Sin G. G. Findlay, B. A. 1 John 3:6
The Secret of Sinlessness R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 3:6
On Imitation of the Obedience of Christ D. Stevenson. 1 John 3:7
Practical Righteousness Alexander Maclaren 1 John 3:7
Sin and its Destruction J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 3:7
The Importance of Works A. Williams, M. A. 1 John 3:7
The Secret of Sinlessness R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 3:7
Children of the Devil G. Fisk, LL. B. 1 John 3:8
Christ a Destroyer C. Bradley, M. A. 1 John 3:8
Satan's Works Destroyed J. Jowett, M. A. 1 John 3:8
The Design of Christ's Incarnation R. South, D. D. 1 John 3:8
The End of Christ's Coming John Wesley 1 John 3:8
The Existence of the Devil and the Origin of Evil W. Barnes. 1 John 3:8
The First Promise Accomplished   1 John 3:8
The Purpose of the Incarnation Bp. Brownrigg. 1 John 3:8
The Works of the Devil Destroyed C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 3:8
Cannot J. Seymour. 1 John 3:9
Cannot Sin J. B. Figgis, M. A. 1 John 3:9
Cannot Sin Bp. Westcott. 1 John 3:9
Sin Natural to the Regenerate Nature C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 3:9
Sins of the Regenerate S. Charnock. 1 John 3:9
Sonship Exclusive of Sin J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 3:9
The Failings of Christians   1 John 3:9
The Great Privilege of Those that are Born of God John Wesley 1 John 3:9
The Sins of the Regenerate Bp. Hackett. 1 John 3:9
The Usurper Deposed and the Conqueror Vanquished W. Lupton. 1 John 3:9
Connexion of Doing Righteousness with Brotherly Love as Proving a Divine Birth R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 3:10
Self-Manifestation   1 John 3:10
The Distinguishing Character of a Good and a Bad Man J. Tillotson, D. D. 1 John 3:10
The Manifestation of Character W. Jay. 1 John 3:10
Two Classes of Men J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 3:10
The Growth and Power of Sin Alexander Maclaren 1 John 3:12
The World's Hatred of the Godly J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 3:12
The World Hating the Church G. J. Cornish, M. A. 1 John 3:13
The World's Hatred -- God's Love R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 3:13
The Sign of Brotherly Love R. Finlayson 1 John 3:13-24
Brotherly Love J. Vaughan, M. A. 1 John 3:14
Brotherly Love Wanting J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 3:14
Christian Love A. K. H. Boyd, D. D. 1 John 3:14
Christian Love L. Abbott, D. D. 1 John 3:14
Christian Love an Evidence of Christian Life C. Stanford, D. D. 1 John 3:14
Life Proved by Love C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 3:14
Love the Evidence of Life W. Jones 1 John 3:14
Love to the Brethren a Ground of Assurance R. Davies. 1 John 3:14
Love to the Brethren a Test of Piety J. B. Marsden, M. A. 1 John 3:14
Loving the Pictures of God R. M. McCheyne. 1 John 3:14
Passing from Death to Life by Love Alex. Dick. 1 John 3:14
The Way of Life H. J. Wilmot-Buxton 1 John 3:14
The World Contrary to the Christian J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 3:14
Sin Measured by the Disposition, not by the Act T. D. Woolsey. 1 John 3:15
Who is a Murderer C. Moinet, M. A. 1 John 3:15
The Death of Christ for His People Charles Haddon Spurgeon 1 John 3:16
The Meaning of Sin, and the Revelation of the True Self J. H. Beibitz 1 John 3:16
Lofty Ideals Perilous Unless Applied Bp. Wm. Alexander. 1 John 3:16-18
The Exhibition and Obligation of True Love W. Jones 1 John 3:16-18
The Sacrifice of Love Lyman Abbott, D. D. 1 John 3:16-18
Charity in Deed Better than in Thought C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 3:17-21
Charity to the Poor H. Stebbing, D. D. 1 John 3:17-21
Deceptive Friendliness R. Abercrombie, M. A. 1 John 3:17-21
On Christian Beneficence John Smyth, D. D. 1 John 3:17-21
Righteousness Essential to the Answer of a Good Conscience in Ourselves and Before God R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 3:17-21
Shutting Up Compassion W. Brock. 1 John 3:17-21
The Duty of Charitable Distribution John Brown, D. D. 1 John 3:17-21
A Further Account of the Nature and Measure of Conscience R. South, D. D. 1 John 3:19-22
A Good Life the Surest Title to a Good Conscience D. Waterland, D. D. 1 John 3:19-22
All Things Known to God R. South, D. D. 1 John 3:19-22
An Account of the Nature and Measures of Conscience R. South, D. D. 1 John 3:19-22
An Approving Heart -- Confidence in Prayer C. G. Finney. 1 John 3:19-22
Conscience and God as Judges J. M. Ludlow. 1 John 3:19-22
Conscience Condemning or Acquitting C. Peters. M. A. 1 John 3:19-22
Hearts of Sinners Known to God N. Emmons, D. D. 1 John 3:19-22
Heartsease J. M. Gibbon. 1 John 3:19-22
Reason the Judge of Religions Actions S. Clarke, D. D. 1 John 3:19-22
Self-Acquittal, and the Confidence it Produces Essex Remembrancer 1 John 3:19-22
Self-Condemnation Essex Remembrancer 1 John 3:19-22
Self-Condemnation W. Whitfield. 1 John 3:19-22
The Connection Between Faith and the State of the Heart A. L. R. Foote, D. D. 1 John 3:19-22
The Judicial Function of Conscience W. Jones 1 John 3:19-22
The Lower Courts C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 3:19-22
The Nature and Advantages of a Good Conscience T. Natt, B. D. 1 John 3:19-22
Truth Bp. Temple. 1 John 3:19-22
What is the Verdict C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 3:19-22
Answers to Prayer J. Vaughan, M. A. 1 John 3:22-24
Faith a Work J. M. Gibbon. 1 John 3:22-24
God's One Commandment M. F. Sadler, M. A. 1 John 3:22-24
On the Importance of Faith in Christ and Love to Christians Essex Remembrancer 1 John 3:22-24
Righteousness Essential to Our Pleasing God and to His Hearing Us R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 3:22-24
The Conditions of Power in Prayer C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 3:22-24
The Warrant of Faith C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 3:22-24
Of the Manner and Importance of the Spirit's Indwelling John Flavel. 1 John 3:24
Our Abiding in God by Obedience R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 3:24
The Abiding Witness Canon Garbett. 1 John 3:24
The First Fruits of the Spirit John Wesley 1 John 3:24
The Indwelling of God W. Jay. 1 John 3:24

1 JOHN 4

First Sunday After Trinity God is Love Martin Luther 1 John 4:1
A Caution Against Fanaticism J. Lindsay, D. D. 1 John 4:1-3
Characteristic Nature of the Influences of the Holy Spirit with Reference to Personal Religion E. Yoking, M. A. 1 John 4:1-3
Christ Made a Phantom Henry Bacon. 1 John 4:1-3
Our Righteousness Exercised in Trying the Spirits R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 4:1-3
Rules for Trial of the Spirits Chas. Peters, M. A. 1 John 4:1-3
Testing False Teachers J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 4:1-3
The Duty of Testing the Spirits J. J. Lias, M. A. 1 John 4:1-3
The Object of Faith W. B. Jones, M. A. 1 John 4:1-3
The Springs and Motives of False Pretences to the Holy Spirit D. Waterland, D. D. 1 John 4:1-3
The Test of Truth -- Confessing Christ F. Ferguson, D. D. 1 John 4:1-3
The True and False Spirits G. G. Findlay, B. A. 1 John 4:1-3
Try the Spirits Abp. Wm. Alexander. 1 John 4:1-3
The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error R. Finlayson 1 John 4:1-6
The Victory of the Christian Over Antichristian Teachers W. Jones 1 John 4:4
The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error R. Finlayson 1 John 4:1-6
Speech is a Child of Thought I. Barrow. 1 John 4:4-5
The Advantages of Truth, in Opposition to Error Abp. Tillotson. 1 John 4:4-5
The Christian's Conquest Over Sin S. Edger, BA. 1 John 4:4-5
The Secret of Overcoming Satan A. T. Pierson, D. D. 1 John 4:4-5
The Spirit of Christ in Us Greater than the Spirit of Antichrist in the World R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 4:4-5
The Two Spirits Homilist 1 John 4:4-5
The Worldly Speak of the World J. Trapp. 1 John 4:4-5
The Time Spirit and the Holy Spirit M. Dix, D. D. 1 John 4:6
A Triune Philosophy B. J. Snell, M. A. 1 John 4:7-10
Brotherly Love D. Rhys Jenkins. 1 John 4:7-10
Christian Love H. W. Beecher. 1 John 4:7-10
Christian Love J. C. French. 1 John 4:7-10
God's Existence and Love Bp. Harvey Goodwin. 1 John 4:7-10
Knowing God by Love J. E. Rankin, D. D. 1 John 4:7-10
Love and Knowledge J. M. Gibbon. 1 John 4:7-10
Love and Religion J. M. Gibbon. 1 John 4:7-10
Love is of God Bp. Stevens. 1 John 4:7-10
Love is of God -- God is Love R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 4:7-10
Love of Relations and Friends J. H. Newman, D. D. 1 John 4:7-10
Love the Organ of the Highest Knowledge Christian Weekly 1 John 4:7-10
Only Love Can Know Love Geo. Thompson. 1 John 4:7-10
The Lessons of Love H. M. Butler, D. D. 1 John 4:7-10
The Love of God J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 4:7-10
The Voice of God Through Human Love C. Voysey. 1 John 4:7-10
Threefold Recommendation of the Duty of Loving One Another R. Finlayson 1 John 4:7-21
Affections Essential to the Moral Perfection of the Deity N. Emmons, D. D. 1 John 4:8
God Always Love   1 John 4:8
God and Love J. M. Gibbon. 1 John 4:8
God is Love M. G. Pearse. 1 John 4:8
God's Love Changeless W. G. Pascoe. 1 John 4:8
God's Love Unfathomable H. W. Beecher. 1 John 4:8
Originating Love J. Vaughan, M. A. 1 John 4:8
Our Salvation Intelligible in the Light of God's Love J. Morlais Jones. 1 John 4:8
The Love of God A. Bonar. 1 John 4:8
The Love of God Manifested by the Sending of His Son Bp. Mant. 1 John 4:8
The Love of God: the God of Love Mark Guy Pearse. 1 John 4:8
The Love of the Eternal W. J. Hocking. 1 John 4:8
The Loving Heart the Faculty for Knowing God Homilist 1 John 4:8
Christ the Manifestation of Divine Love S. Martin. 1 John 4:9-10
Divine Love in its Highest Manifestation C. M. Merry. 1 John 4:9-10
God's Love Manifested in Christians J. M. Gibbon. 1 John 4:9-10
God's Love Manifested in Redemption R. Walker. 1 John 4:9-10
God's Love Proved A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 4:9-10
The Love of God H. W. Beecher. 1 John 4:9-10
The Love of God T. B. Baker, M. A. 1 John 4:9-10
The Love of God M. Rainsford, M. A. 1 John 4:9-10
The Love of God Manifested in the Son H. Raikes, M. A. 1 John 4:9-10
The Love of God to Men in the Incarnation of Christ Abp. Tillotson. 1 John 4:9-10
The Manifestation of Divine Love in the Gospel E. D. Griffin, D. D. 1 John 4:9-10
The Supreme Manifestation of God's Love A. Stackhouse, M. A. 1 John 4:9-10
The Supreme Manifestation of Love W. Jones 1 John 4:9-11
Christ the Great Propitiation Samuel Wilson. 1 John 4:10
Christ's Mission the Revelation of God's Love Alexander Maclaren 1 John 4:10
God Seeks Our Love   1 John 4:10
Herein is Love C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 4:10
Love Descends F. W. Robertson. 1 John 4:10
The Atonement for Sin, by the Death of Christ T. Raffles, LL. D. 1 John 4:10
The Great Benefit Received by the Incarnation Bp. Brownrigg. 1 John 4:10
The Love of God W. Jay, M. A. 1 John 4:10
The Love of God, and the Response Due to It A. Forman. 1 John 4:10
The Perfect Love C. Kingsley, M. A. 1 John 4:10
The Propitiation Sketches of Sermons 1 John 4:10
Brotherly Love R. Warren, D. D. 1 John 4:11
God's Love the Pattern for Our Love S. Martin. 1 John 4:11
Reflected Love J. Vaughan, M. A. 1 John 4:11
The Divine Example of Love J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 4:11
The Divine Prototype of Love Prof. T. Christlieb. 1 John 4:11
The Doctrine Love a Pattern for the Human Abp. Benson. 1 John 4:11
The Love of the Father D. C. Hughes, M. A. 1 John 4:11
The Nearness of God G. Dawson, M. A. 1 John 4:12
God's Life in Man T. G. Selby. 1 John 4:13
The Evidences of True Religion in Man A. Macleod, D. D. 1 John 4:13
The Work of the Holy Spirit D. Moore, M. A. 1 John 4:13
Christ the Saviour of the World T. Boston, D. D. 1 John 4:14
Christianity a Fact and a Power G. Parry. 1 John 4:14
The Great Mission of Christ W. Jones 1 John 4:14
The Saviour of the World Homilist 1 John 4:14
The Saviour's Mission and its Blessed Consequence J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 4:14
Confessing Jesus as the Son of God J. Slade, M. A. 1 John 4:15
A Psalm of Remembrance C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 4:16
At Home in God's Love I. E. Page. 1 John 4:16
Dark Times Charles Kingsley 1 John 4:16
Divine Beneficence Defended Prof. T. Fowler. 1 John 4:16
Dwelling in Love J. Vaughan, M. A. 1 John 4:16
Dwelling in Love Mrs. M. Bottome. 1 John 4:16
Fellowship with God Begets Love J. Vaughan, M. A. 1 John 4:16
General and Particular Manifestation of the Love of God W. Borrows, M. A. 1 John 4:16
God Embodied and Manifested in Infinite Love to Man T. Chalmers, D. D. 1 John 4:16
God in Us and We in Him Asa Mahan, D. D. 1 John 4:16
God is Love J. Orr, B. D. 1 John 4:16
God is Love Bp. Boyd Carpenter 1 John 4:16
God is Love C. Voysey. 1 John 4:16
Living in Love T. G. Selby. 1 John 4:16
Love W. H. M. H. Aitken, M. A. 1 John 4:16
Love of God and Man Charles Kingsley 1 John 4:16
Loving God is But Letting God Love Us H. Bushnell, D. D. 1 John 4:16
The Heart of God James T. East. 1 John 4:16
The Love of God John Clayton. 1 John 4:16
The Love of God Evan Lewis, B. A. 1 John 4:16
The Love of God W. Jones 1 John 4:16
The Love of God Revealed by Jesus Christ E. Bersier, D. D. 1 John 4:16
The Revealed Deity R. W. Hamilton, D. D. 1 John 4:16
The Soul Dwelling in God A. Macleod, D. D. 1 John 4:16
The Torment of Fear Charles Kingsley 1 John 4:16
True Love E. B. Pusey, D. D. 1 John 4:16
Boldness in the Day of Judgment Bp. Wm. Alexander. 1 John 4:17
Christ's Poverty in Relation to Our Selfishness and Luxury D. Trinder, M. A. 1 John 4:17
Perfect Love P. B. Power, M. A. 1 John 4:17
The Perfection of Love J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 4:17
The Servant as His Lord A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 4:17
The Triumph of Christ-Like Love Homilist 1 John 4:17
The Victory of Love Over Fear W. Jones 1 John 4:17, 18
A Soul-Tormenting Fear and a Fear-Expelling Love D. Thomas, D. D. 1 John 4:18
Fear Dean Alford. 1 John 4:18
Fear and Love W. Bright, D. D. 1 John 4:18
Fear has Many Eyes. Fear Hath Punishment Cambridge Bible for Schools 1 John 4:18
Love and Fear A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 4:18
Love and Fear J. M. Gibbon. 1 John 4:18
Love and Fear A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 4:18
Perfect Love Samuel Dunn. 1 John 4:18
Perfect Love G. D. Watson. 1 John 4:18
The Place of Fear in the Gospel Dean Vaughan. 1 John 4:18
The Spirit of Fear James Freeman Clarke. 1 John 4:18
Action and Reaction Between God and Man P. H. Steenstra, D. D. 1 John 4:19
Creed and Life C. Clemance, D. D. 1 John 4:19
Doctrine and Morals Luthardt. 1 John 4:19
God's Love C. Clemance, D. D. 1 John 4:19
God's Love and Ours W. Jones 1 John 4:19
God's Love the Cause of Ours J. R. Illingworth, M. A. 1 John 4:19
God's Love to Man E. N. Kirk, D. D. 1 John 4:19
God's Love to Us, and Ours to Him E. H. Bradby, M. A. 1 John 4:19
Gratitude not a Sordid Affection T. Chalmers, D. D. 1 John 4:19
Love C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 4:19
Love C. Clemance, D. D. 1 John 4:19
Love for Love B. D. Johns. 1 John 4:19
Love God and Humanity W. Birch. 1 John 4:19
Love More Attractive than Light C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 4:19
Love of God J. M. Gibbon. 1 John 4:19
Love, not Fear, the Animating Principle of a Believer's Conduct J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 4:19
Love's Birth and Parentage C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 4:19
Love's Logic C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 4:19
On Love to God T. Fernie, M. A. 1 John 4:19
Our Love the Reflex of God's J. Trapp. 1 John 4:19
Paganism and Christianity C. Clemance, D. D. 1 John 4:19
Richard Baxter's Prayer R. Baxter. 1 John 4:19
The Christian's Love G. F. Pentecost, D. D. 1 John 4:19
The Genesis of Love J. Watson, M. A. 1 John 4:19
The Love of God Reciprocated Pulpit Themes 1 John 4:19
The Priority of God Bp. Phillips Brooks. 1 John 4:19
The Ray and the Reflection Alexander Maclaren 1 John 4:19
The Reciprocal Action of Love John Tesseyman. 1 John 4:19
Why We Love Him M. Simpson, D. D. 1 John 4:19
He's My Brother U. R. Thomas, B. A. 1 John 4:20-21
Love to God Produces Love to Man Geo. Macdonald, LL. D. 1 John 4:20-21
Love to God Promotive of Love to Man C. Voysey. 1 John 4:20-21
The Great Commandment J. Drew. 1 John 4:20-21

1 JOHN 5

Belief in Jesus as the Christ   1 John 5:1
Faith and Regeneration C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 5:1
Love to Man Inspired by New Life H. W. Beecher. 1 John 5:1
The Theory of Brotherly Love J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 5:1
The Reason, and the Evidence of Brotherly Love W. Jones 1 John 5:1-3
Faith and the Divine Testimony R. Finlayson 1 John 5:1-12
How Shall We be Certified that We Love the Brethren J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 5:2-3
Loving God Through Human Love H. P. De Forest, D. D. 1 John 5:2-3
The Love of God and Universal Obedience John Guyse. 1 John 5:2-3
Whereby Know We that We Love God's Children W. Bates, D. D. 1 John 5:2-3
Christ's Commandments not Grievous Abp. John Sharp. 1 John 5:3
God's Commandments not Grievous J. H. Newman, D. D. 1 John 5:3
Love and Law Bp. Brownrigg. 1 John 5:3
The Commandments of Christ not Grievous S. Palmer. 1 John 5:3
The Perfection of the Law of God T. Kennion, M. A. 1 John 5:3
The Practicableness of Our Christian Duty R. Fiddes, D. D. 1 John 5:3
The Service of Love H. Melvill, B. D. 1 John 5:3
Conquering Faith J. Trapp. 1 John 5:4
Faith Conquering the World A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 5:4
Faith Conquering Worldliness J. Trapp. 1 John 5:4
Faith Overcoming the World C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 5:4
Faith the Secret of World-Victory James Orr, D. D. 1 John 5:4
Faith's Conquest of the World Canon Liddon. 1 John 5:4
Faith's Victory Essex Remembrancer 1 John 5:4
Faith's Victory S. A. Freeman, D. D. 1 John 5:4
Faith's Victory Over the World A. Alexander, D. D. 1 John 5:4
Faith's Victory Over the World D. Black. 1 John 5:4
Overcoming the World J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 5:4
Soldiers of the Overcomer J. H. Evans. 1 John 5:4
The Ability of Faith to Overcome the World W. Reeves, M. A. 1 John 5:4
The Christian's Victory H. Lacey. 1 John 5:4
The Conflicts and Conquest of the Born of God G. Braithwaite, M. A. 1 John 5:4
The Faith that Over Cometh J. B. Courtenay, M. A. 1 John 5:4
The Faith Which Overcomes the World C. Roads. 1 John 5:4
The Glory of a Truly Good Man Homilist 1 John 5:4
The Greatest Character and the Greatest Conquest Homilist 1 John 5:4
The Nobility of Faith a Defence J. Trapp. 1 John 5:4
The True Confession of Faith John Robertson. 1 John 5:4
The True Hero J. C. Rook. 1 John 5:4
The Victory of Faith F. W. Robertson, M. A. 1 John 5:4
The Victory of Faith C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 5:4
The Victory of Faith C. Kingsley, M. A. 1 John 5:4
The Victory of Faith C. L. Thompson, D. D. 1 John 5:4
The Victory of Faith H. W. Butcher. 1 John 5:4
The Victory Over the World A. K. H. Boyd, D. D. 1 John 5:4
The World Overcome E. Blencowe, M. A. 1 John 5:4
The World Overcome by Faith E. Medley. 1 John 5:4
Victorious Faith C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 5:4
Victorious in the World by Faith F. C. Spurr. 1 John 5:4
Victory Over the World E. B. Pusey, D. D. 1 John 5:4
Victory Over the World Sir M. Hale. 1 John 5:4
Worldliness J. C. Coghlan, D. D. 1 John 5:4
The Victorious Life W. Jones 1 John 5:4, 5
Christ Coming by Water and Blood W. Bright, D. D. 1 John 5:6
Grounds of Faith in the Resurrection Canon Liddon. 1 John 5:6
Redemption by Blood J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 5:6
The Spirit's Witness to Christ A. S. Patterson, D. D. 1 John 5:6
The Water and the Blood Bp. Huntington. 1 John 5:6
The Water and the Blood; or Complete Purification G. Burder. 1 John 5:6
The Fourfold Witness to the Divine Sonship of Jesus W. Jones 1 John 5:6-11
Of the Unity of the Godhead and the Trinity of Persons Hugh Binning 1 John 5:7
On the Trinity John Wesley 1 John 5:7
The Unity of the Divine Essence, and the Trinity of Persons Hugh Binning 1 John 5:7
The Gospel Record Expository Outlines 1 John 5:7-8
The Scriptural Doctrine of the Trinity not Repugnant to Sound Reason N. Emmons, D. D. 1 John 5:7-8
The Spirit, and the Water, and the Blood G. G. Findlay, B. A. 1 John 5:7-8
The Three Witnesses C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 5:7-8
The Three-Fold Witnesses on Earth James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 5:7-8
A Solemn Impeachment of Unbelievers C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 5:9-10
Believing and Knowing G. F. Pentecost, D. D. 1 John 5:9-10
Christian Consciousness as a Witness Homilist 1 John 5:9-10
Evidences of Personal Piety Essex Remembrancer 1 John 5:9-10
Faith, and the Witness Upon Which it is Founded C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 5:9-10
Rejecting the Divine Testimony J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 5:9-10
The Believer's Witness in Himself J. H. Evans, M. A. 1 John 5:9-10
The Evidential Importance of the Inner Witness Abp. W. Alexander. 1 John 5:9-10
The Immorality of Unbelief S. W. Reigart. 1 John 5:9-10
The Internal Witness J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 5:9-10
The Inward Witness C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 5:9-10
The Inward Witness of Faith E. P. Barrows, D. D. 1 John 5:9-10
The True Position of the Witness Within C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 5:9-10
The Witness in Oneself H. Melvill, B. D. 1 John 5:9-10
Eternal Life G. Wilson. 1 John 5:11
Eternal Life a Gift Homilist 1 John 5:11
Example and Life W. Gladden, D. D. 1 John 5:11
Life in Christ T. Archer, D. D. 1 John 5:11
The Divine Record John Natt, B. D. 1 John 5:11
The Witness of the Spirit John Wesley 1 John 5:11
Alive or Dead -- Which C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 5:12
Alive or Dead -- Which? Charles Haddon Spurgeon 1 John 5:12
Christ in Man R. Montgomery, M. A. 1 John 5:12
Christ the Life of the Soul J. Vaughan, M. A. 1 John 5:12
The Natural Man and the Spiritual Man Prof. H. Drummond. 1 John 5:12
The Sublimest Possession Homilist 1 John 5:12
The Supreme Possession W. Jones 1 John 5:12
To have Christ is to have Life F. W. P. Greenwood, D. D. 1 John 5:12
Eternal Life C. A. Bartol. 1 John 5:13
Helps to Full Assurance C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 5:13
The Blessing of Full Assurance C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 5:13
The Christian's Title G. F. Pentecost, D. D. 1 John 5:13
Assurance R. Finlayson 1 John 5:13-17
Confidence in Him J. M. Gibbon. 1 John 5:14-15
Confidence in Prayer J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 5:14-15
Life and Prayer J. M. Gibbon. 1 John 5:14-15
Prayer John A. Williams, B. A. 1 John 5:14-15
Prayer Joseph Parker, D. D. 1 John 5:14-15
Praying and Waiting C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 5:14-15
The Answer to Prayer Received by Faith R. A. Hallam, D. D. 1 John 5:14-15
The Christian's Confidence Toward God in Relation to Prayer W. Jones 1 John 5:14, 15
The Power of Believing Prayer T. G. Selby. 1 John 5:14-15
The Qualifications of Prayer R. Fiddes, D. D. 1 John 5:14-15
A Call to Backsliders John Wesley 1 John 5:16
The Christian's Prayer for His Brethren W. Jones 1 John 5:16, 17
The Mortal Sin J. N. Pearson, M. A. 1 John 5:16-17
The Sin unto Death H. Bonar, D. D. 1 John 5:16-17
The Sin unto Death J. M. Gibbon. 1 John 5:16-17
The Sin unto Death Bp. Harvey Goodwin. 1 John 5:16-17
The Keeping J. B. Figgis. 1 John 5:18
Three Views of the Truly Regenerate Man A. S. Patterson, D. D. 1 John 5:18
Whosoever is Born of God Sinneth Not A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 5:18
The Sublimest Knowledge W. Jones 1 John 5:18-20
The Three Certainties of the Epistle R. Finlayson 1 John 5:18-21
All True Believers are of God T. Boston, D. D. 1 John 5:19
Certainties J. G. Greenhough, M. A. 1 John 5:19
People's Being of God May be Knower to Themselves T. Boston, D. D. 1 John 5:19
The Regenerate and the Unregenerate Homilist 1 John 5:19
The Triumphant Christian Certainties A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 5:19
The Unregenerate World Described   1 John 5:19
The World Our Enemy John Henry Newman 1 John 5:19
Christ Manifested in the Heart the Life of His People S. Ramsey, M. A. 1 John 5:20
John's Triumphant Certainties A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 5:20
Soul Evidence of the Divinity of Christ H. W. Beecher. 1 John 5:20
Spiritual Worship John Wesley 1 John 5:20
The Eternal Life D. Rhys Jenkins. 1 John 5:20
The Gospel of the Incarnation J. M. Gibbon. 1 John 5:20
The Holy Trinity Bp. Westcott. 1 John 5:20
The Last Words of the Last Apostle A. Maclaren, D. D. 1 John 5:20
Three Greatest Things Homilist 1 John 5:20
Ultimates of Knowledge and Beginnings of Faith N. Smyth, D. D. 1 John 5:20
Idolatry British Weekly Pulpit 1 John 5:21
Self-Guardianship Against Idolatry W. Jones 1 John 5:21
Spiritual Idolatry John Wesley 1 John 5:21
The Sin of Idolising J. N. Pearson, M. A. 1 John 5:21
The True God and Shadows H. H. Gowen. 1 John 5:21

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DISCLAIMER: Before you "go to the commentaries" go to the Scriptures and study them inductively (Click 3 part overview of how to do Inductive Bible Study) in dependence on your Teacher, the Holy Spirit, Who Jesus promised would guide us into all the truth (John 16:13). Remember that Scripture is always the best commentary on Scripture. Any commentary, even those by the most conservative and orthodox teacher/preachers cannot help but have at least some bias of the expositor based upon his training and experience. Therefore the inclusion of specific links does not indicate that we agree with every comment. We have made a sincere effort to select only the most conservative, "bibliocentric" commentaries. Should you discover some commentary or sermon you feel may not be orthodox, please email your concern. I have removed several links in response to concerns by discerning readers. I recommend that your priority be a steady intake of solid Biblical food so that with practice you will have your spiritual senses trained to discern good from evil (Heb 5:14-note).