Precept Austin

2 John Resources

Updated: Tue, 05/21/2024 - 08:27 By admin
PREVIOUS NEXT

2 John Commentary
Verse by Verse

2 John 1:1 Commentary
2 John 1:2 Commentary
2 John 1:3 Commentary
2 John 1:4 Commentary
2 John 1:5 Commentary
2 John 1:6 Commentary
2 John 1:7 Commentary
2 John 1:8 Commentary
2 John 1:9 Commentary
2 John 1:10 Commentary
2 John 1:11 Commentary
2 John 1:12 Commentary
2 John 1:13 Commentary

TRUTH AND THE CHRISTIAN
Click chart to enlarge
Charts from Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission
Another Overview Chart - 2 John- Charles Swindoll

ARCHIVE.ORG
COMMENTARIES AND STUDY BIBLE
THAT CAN BE CHECKED OUT 

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. 

IMPORTANT CAVEAT - As these resources have become more popular over the last year, many times you will click on a book and it will say "UNAVAILABLE" which means that someone else has it checked out. And if they keep re-checking it out after their allotted hour, it may remain unavailable for a long time. There are a couple of "Work arounds" I have used in those cases. (1) If I know the exact quote I am want to read in context, I do a search on that specific book on archive.org taking care to put a portion of the quote in quotation marks. That will usually allow you to read that page plus one other page. (2) I will search on a word that I know will be on almost every page of the book. E.g., take the commentary by John Stott on The Epistles of John. Let's say it was unavailable. Then I do a search on the word "John" and retrieved over 500 hits which allows me access to most of the book. This does not always work and you make need to experiment. Otherwise you have to wait until the book becomes available. 

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.

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.

Epistles of John & Jude : a self-study guide by Jensen, Irving

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.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1994 edition - Abridged - New Testament

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).

The Epistles of John by Hobbs, Herschel H

The 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 laypeople. 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.

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).
1, 2, 3 John -   Morris, Leon. “New Bible Commentary Revised, ed. D. Guthrie et al. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1970.

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. 2

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 nonscholars 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

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 3:4–10.

STUDY BIBLES, ETC.

Note: The first 4 resources have no time restriction and allow copy and paste function: 

(1) KJV Bible Commentary - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. Over 3000 pages of the entire OT/NT. Well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective. Pre-millennial.  User reviews - it generally gets 4/5 stars from users. - 372 ratings

Very well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective   user reviews 

The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Any Bible student will gain new insights through this one-volume commentary based on the timeless King James Version of the Bible.

(2) 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.

(3) NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version Study Bible (formerly "The Nelson Study Bible - NKJV") by Earl D Radmacher; Ronald Barclay Allen; Wayne H House. 2345 pages. (1997, 2007). Very helpful notes. Conservative. Pre-millennial.  917 ratings

(4) The Wycliffe Bible Commentary - only the New Testament (for OT see below to borrow) - 1126 pages. (1971) Everett F Harrison - Editor of New Testament. Uses the KJV.  Strictly speaking not a study Bible, but short notes are similar. KJV text in left column, commentary notes in right column. The comments are generally verse by verse, short, conservative and to the point. Pre-millennial.

Zondervan NIV Study Bible - (2011) 2570 pages  - Use this one if available as it has more notes than edition below. One hour limit

NIV Study Bible by Barker, Kenneth L; Burdick, Donald W (1995) 2250 pages. This is the first edition. This resource has been fully revised in 2020. One hour limit 

Believer's Bible Commentary - OT and NT - MacDonald, William (1995) 2480 pages. Conservative. Literal. Often has very insightful comments. John MacArthur, says "Concise yet comprehensive - the most complete single-volume commentary I have seen." Warren Wiersbe adds "For the student who is serious about seeing Christ in the Word." One hour limit.

Rosscup - This work, originally issued in 1983, is conservative and premillennial, written to help teachers, preachers and people in every walk of life with different views, explanation and application. The 2-column format runs verse by verse for the most part, usually in a helpfully knowledgeable manner, and there are several special sections such as “Prayer” in Acts and “Legalism” in Galatians. The premillennial view is evident on Acts 1:6, 3:20, Romans 11:26, Galatians 6:16, Revelation 20, etc.

HCSB Study Bible : Holman Christian Standard Bible - General Editor Jeremy Royal Howard (2010) 2360 pages. Conservative. Good notes. Include Holmans excellent maps. One hour limit

Life Application Study Bible: Old Testament and New Testament: New Living Translation. Has some very helpful notes especially with application of texts. 4,445 ratings One hour limit

The MacArthur Study Bible - John MacArthur. Brief but well done notes for conservative, literal perspective. 1,275 ratings

ESV study Bible - Excellent resource but not always literal in eschatology and the nation of Israel 6,004 ratings

The David Jeremiah Study Bible - (2013) 2208 pages. 2,272 ratings Logos.com - "Drawing on more than 40 years of study, Dr. David Jeremiah has compiled a legacy resource that will make an eternal impact on generations to come. 8,000 study notes. Hundreds of enriching word studies"50+ Essentials of the Christian Faith" articles."

Wycliffe Bible Commentary - Charles Pfeiffer - 1560 pages (1962). 214 ratings Less detailed than the KJV Bible Commentary. Conservative. Notes are generally verse by verse but brief. 

Rosscup - Conservative and premillennial scholars here have been experts in their fields. The work contains brief introductions and attempts to give a verse-by-verse exposition, though it does skip over some verses. The treatments vary with the authors, but as a whole it is a fine one-volume commentary for pastors and students to use or give to a layman. Outstanding sections include, for example: Whitcomb on Ezra-Nehemiah-Esther; Culver on Daniel; Ladd on Acts; Harrison on Galatians; Johnson on I Corinthians; and Ryrie on the Johannine Epistles.

The Defender's Study Bible : King James Version by Morris, Henry M. Excellent notes by well known creationist. 45 ratings 

New Bible Commentary - (1994) See user reviews

Compact Bible commentary by Radmacher, Earl D; Allen, Ronald Barclay; House, H Wayne, et al - 954 pages.  424 ratings Multiple contributors to the comments which are often verse by verse. The comments are brief but meaty and can really help your study through a given book. A sleeper in my opinion. 

The Experiencing God Study Bible: the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." Then you will interesting symbols before many of the passages. The chapter ends with a "DID YOU NOTICE?" question. This might make a "dry chapter" jump off the page! Read some of the 48 ratings

Disciple's study Bible: New international version 54 ratings Not that helpful for verse by verse study. Focuses on application of Christian doctrines. 10,000 annotations; doctrinal summaries, "Life Helps" section relate doctrine to everyday discipleship. 

The Living Insights Study Bible : New International Version - Charles Swindoll. Notes are good but somewhat sparse and not verse by verse.

The Apologetics Study Bible Understand Why You Believe by Norman Geisler

NIV archaeological study Bible (2005) 2360 pages 950 ratings (See also Archaeology and the Bible - OT and NT)

NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture Keener, Craig and Walton, John. Editors (2017)

The Holman illustrated study Bible 120 ratings Includes the excellent Holman maps but otherwise of little help in serious study.

Zondervan King James Version commentary - New Testament

NIV Celebrate Recovery Study Bible

Daily Study Bible for Women : New Living Translation

The Woman's Study Bible : the New King James Version

The Study Bible for Women : Holman Christian Standard Bible

Daily Study Bible for Men : New Living Translation

NIV Topical Study Bible : New International Version

The Ryrie Study Bible - Charles Ryrie (1978) 2142 pages. Conservative.  216 ratings

The Hebrew-Greek key study Bible : New American standard study by Strong, James, 1822-1894; Zodhiates, Spiros

The New Inductive Study Bible : updated New American Standard Bible - Introductions of each book give suggestions how to perform an inductive study on that specific book. Not strictly speaking a "study Bible" with notes but a Bible to help you study inductively. Has wide margins for making notes. This is one that works best in "paper," not digitally. 

With the Word - Devotional Commentary - Warren Wiersbe - 428 ratings

Evangelical Commentary on the Bible - Judges by Andrew Boling (20 pages); editor Walter Elwell (1989) 1239 pages. User reviews. (See also Boling's 380 page commentary on Judges the Anchor Bible Series)

Halley's Bible Handbook Henry H. Halley - (2000) 2720 pages (much larger than original edition in 1965 and no time limit on use). (Halley's Bible handbook : an abbreviated Bible commentary - one hour limit 1965 872 pages)

Rosscup - A much-used older evangelical handbook bringing together a brief commentary on Bible books, some key archaeological findings, historical background, maps, quotes, etc. It is helpful to a lay Bible teacher, Sunday School leader, or pastor looking for quick, pertinent information on a Bible book. This is the 72nd printing somewhat revised. Halley packed in much information. Unger’s is better overall, but that is not to say that Halley’s will not provide much help on basic information.

The Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook - Editor - Walter Elwell (1984) 408 pages.

"This hardback is small in size but packed full of content: Brief summaries of every book of the bible, cultural, archaeological and historical info, word definitions, pictures, maps and charts." Worth checking! 

The Lion handbook to the Bible - (1999) 822 pages. This resource is absolutely loaded with very nice color pictures and charts.

Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament by Wiersbe, Warren W

Cyril Barber - This is a book of exceptional merit. Pastors, missionaries, and Christian workers will profit from its use. Wiersbe introduces each book of the NT, provides an outline, and then furnishes his readers with a chapter-by-chapter discussion of the contents. The homiletic style is a “plus.” Recommended.

Harper study Bible : the Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version

The Jewish Study Bible - Only OT - Interesting Jewish perspective.

The Student Bible : New International Version

Hebrew-Greek key word study Bible : New international version

Key word commentary : thoughts on every chapter of the Bible by Water, Mark

Eerdmans' Family Encyclopedia of the Bible (1978) 344 pages

Eerdmans' Handbook to the Bible (1983) 688 pages 

Tyndale Handbook of Bible charts & maps by Wilson, Neil  

Bible Handbook and A-Z bible encyclopedia

International Children's Bible field guide : answering kids' questions from Genesis to Revelation by Richards, Larry

The illustrated guide to Bible customs & curiosities by Knight, George W. (George William), 

Today's handbook of Bible times & customs by Coleman, William L

The new Unger's Bible dictionary by Unger, Merrill Frederick, 1909-

Nelson's illustrated encyclopedia of Bible facts by Packer, J. I. (James Innell); Tenney, Merrill C.

Survey of the Bible : introductory insights, background studies, book-by- book survey by Unger, Merrill Frederick

The parallel New Testament and Unger's Bible handbook : produced for Moody monthly by Unger, Merrill  (1975) 744 pages 4 ratings

The Hodder Bible handbook by Unger, Merrill 

Kregel Bible handbook : a full-color guide to every book of the Bible by Kerr, William 3 ratings

The new encyclopedia of Christian quotations by Water, Mark

New Testament words - William Barclay - very interesting resource - covers about 70 NT Greek words in Barclay's unique style

Zondervan handbook to the Bible

Dictionary of the later New Testament & its developments 71 ratings IVP Series

The third of IVP's critically acclaimed series of dictionaries of the New Testament provides focused study on the often-neglected portions of the New Testament: Acts, Hebrews, the General Epistles, and Revelation. Furthermore, its scope goes beyond the life of the New Testament church to include the work of the apostolic fathers and early Christianity up through the middle of the second century.

Dictionary of New Testament background 79 ratings IVP Series

 In a time when our knowledge of the ancient Mediterranean world has grown by leaps and bounds, this volume sets out for readers the wealth of Jewish and Greco-Roman background that should inform our reading and understanding of the New Testament and early Christianity. The Dictionary of New Testament Background takes full advantage of the flourishing study of the Dead Sea Scrolls and offers individual articles focused on the most important scrolls. In addition, the Dictionary encompasses the fullness of second-temple Jewish writings, whether pseudepigraphic, rabbinic, parables, proverbs, histories or inscriptions. Articles abound on aspects of Jewish life and thought, including family, purity, liturgy and messianism. The full scope of Greco-Roman culture is displayed in articles ranging across language and rhetoric, literacy and book culture, religion and cults, honor and shame, patronage and benefactors, travel and trade, intellectual movements and ideas, and ancient geographical perspectives. No other reference work presents so much in one place for students of the New Testament. Here an entire library of scholarship is made available in summary form. 

Dictionary of deities and demons in the Bible (DDD) - 950 pages (1995) Read some of the 65 ratings (4.8/5 Stars). A definitive in depth resource on this subject. Very expensive to purchase. 

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. 

ONLINE RESOURCES

 

DANNY AKIN SERMONS 2 JOHN

COMPILATION OF COMMENTARIES

Explanation - Click link below and retrieve comments from 36 separate commentaries on ONE PAGE on this one verse. Most of these are older commentaries like Matthew Henry, etc. but are generally conservative. To go to the next verse simply click "2 John 1:2" in the upper right corner. If you want to go to a specific verse here is the URL - https://www.studylight.org/commentary/2-john/1-1.html. E.g., if you want to go to 2 John 3, simply change the URL (this is in the address box at top of the page) and you change "1-1" to "1-3" (https://www.studylight.org/commentary/2-john/1-3.html)

WILLIAM ALEXANDER

HENRY ALFORD

PAUL APPLE

WILLIAM BARCLAY

ALBERT BARNES

BRIAN BELL - sermon notes

JOHANN BENGEL

BIBLE GATEWAY

BIBLE.ORG RESOURCES

BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR

A E BROOKE

JOHN CALVIN

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.

CAMBRIDGE GREEK TESTAMENT Alfred Plummer

JOHN CEREGHIN

ADAM CLARKE

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.

STEVEN COLE

THOMAS CONSTABLE

JOHN DUMMELOW

J LIGON DUNCAN

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.

EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - William Alexander

EXPOSITOR'S DICTIONARY OF TEXTS

EXPOSITOR'S GREEK TESTAMENT - DAVID SMITH

G G FINDLAY

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.

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

  • 2 John; Principle #1; 2 Jn. 1-3; Belief and Behavior: As local churches, we are to become communities of both truth and love. Video
  • 2 John; Principle #2; 2 Jn. 7-11; Rejecting False Teaching: As communities of faith, we must not allow anyone to preach and teach if they deny that Jesus Christ is God who became flesh.Video

JOHN GILL

Rosscup - 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.

GOTQUESTIONS

L M GRANT

DAVID GUZIK - Brief well-done comments from a modern expositor

W. HALL HARRIS III

ROBERT HAWKER

MATTHEW HENRY

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” (cover, I volume edition). 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

H A IRONSIDE

James Rosscup - A famous Bible teacher much sought after a few decades back continues to minister after his departure, as A. C. Gaebelein, A. W. Pink, W. H. Griffith-Thomas and others. He is staunchly evangelical, showing good broad surveys based on diligent study, practical turns, even choice illustrations. In prophecy he is premillennial dispensational. 

IVP COMMENTARY Marianne Meye Thompson

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.

J HAMPTON KEATHLEY

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.

PAUL KRETZMANN- LUTHERAN PERSPECTIVE

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.

JOHN MACARTHUR - CONSERVATIVE, EVANGELICAL

ALEXANDER MACLAREN Sermons on 1 John

J VERNON MCGEE

IAN MACKERVOY

F B MEYER (THROUGH THE BIBLE COMMENTARY)

HEINRICH MEYER - CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL COMMENTARY ON THE NEW TESTAMENT

MONERGISM - Audio messages

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.

HENRY MORRIS DEFENDER'S STUDY BIBLE

ROBERT NEIGHBOR - WELLS OF LIVING WATER COMMENTARY

NET BIBLE NOTES

WILLIAM NICHOLSON (1862)

JAMES NISBET (CHURCH PULPIT COMMENTARY)

OUR DAILY BREAD Devotionals

JOSEPH PARKER

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)

PETER PETT

J C PHILPOT

Excerpt:  I have already shown that to walk after a thing, in the language of Scripture, means to pursue it with desire, and to do so habitually. Thus we read of "mockers walking after their ungodly lusts" (Jude 18) as a mark of the wicked, and a "walking after the commandments" of the Lord (2 John 6) as a mark of the righteous. To walk, then, after the Spirit is to walk as the Spirit leads, guides, directs, and teaches. The flesh is the motive power to those who are in the flesh; the Spirit is the moving influence to those who are in Christ Jesus. But let me open this point a little more fully.

JOHN PIPER

ALFRED PLUMMER - CAMBRIDGE GREEK TESTAMENT

MATTHEW POOLE English Annotations Commentary 1 John

PREACHER'S HOMILETICAL

PULPIT COMMENTARY

REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE STUDY NOTES 1 John 

GRANT RICHISON

Disclaimer: I do not agree with a number of Richison's comments. An 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!

A T ROBERTSON

J C RYLE

SERMON BIBLE COMMENTARY

CHARLES SIMEON

CHUCK SMITH

DAVID SMITH

HAMILTON SMITH

JOHN SCHULTZ

SPEAKER'S COMMENTARY

C H SPURGEON

RAY STEDMAN

THIRD MILLENNIUM STUDY NOTES

JOHN TRAPP

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

AUGUS VAN RYN - Plymouth Brethren

MARVIN VINCENT

DANIEL B. WALLACE

B F WESTCOTT

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

DANIEL WHEDON

SERMONS BY VERSE OLDER EXPOSITIONS

Christ the Inspiration of Christian Love J. Mitchell. 2 John 1:1-2
Christian Friendship A. M. Symington, D.D. 2 John 1:1-2
Honour of Women in the Old World F. D. Maurice, M. A. 2 John 1:1-2
The Elect Lady W. Jay. 2 John 1:1-2
The Permanent Love of Friendship W. Jones, D. D. 2 John 1:1-2
The Salutation T. Davies, M. A. 2 John 1:1-2
Truth the Bond of Love Canon Liddon. 2 John 1:1-2
An Exemplary Christian Greeting W. Jones 2 John 1:1-3
Salutation R. Finlayson 2 John 1:1-3
Grace First Bp. Wm. Alexander. 2 John 1:3
Grace, Mercy, and Peace F. D. Maurice, M. A. 2 John 1:3
Grace, Mercy, and Peace A. Maclaren, D. D. 2 John 1:3
The Common Salutation A. M. Symington, D. D. 2 John 1:3
A Christian Family T. Davies, M A. 2 John 1:4
A Good Mother   2 John 1:4
The Old Apostle's Chief Joy A. M. Symington, D. D. 2 John 1:4
The Rejoicing of the Good in the Exemplification of the Godly Life W. Jones 2 John 1:4
The Right Mother T. Dwight, LL. D. 2 John 1:4
The Feminine Danger F. D. Maurice, M. A. 2 John 1:5
Mutual Love W. Jones 2 John 1:5, 6
Love the Great Commanding Commandment R. Sibbes. 2 John 1:6
Love, the Principle of Obedience W. Jay. 2 John 1:6
The Exhibition and Condemnation of Heretics W. Jones 2 John 1:7
The Ingratitude of Deceivers Scientific Illustrations 2 John 1:7
The Prevalence and Danger of Negative Error in Matters of Faith R. Brodie, M. A. 2 John 1:7
Warning Against False Teachers T. Davies, M. A. 2 John 1:7
A Summons to Self-Guardianship W. Jones 2 John 1:8
Concerning Spiritual Property T. Davies, M. A. 2 John 1:8
Danger of Inattention   2 John 1:8
Look to Self T. Horton, D. D. 2 John 1:8
Looking After One's Own Interest G. B. Foster. 2 John 1:8
Self-Inspection T. Pinchback. 2 John 1:8
Self-Preservation The Christian Herald 2 John 1:8
The Duty of Self-Inspection H. Stowell, M. A. 2 John 1:8
The Wrought Work of the Divine Spirit Within the Soul W. Clarkson, B. A. 2 John 1:8
Abide in the Doctrine of Christ T. Horton, D. D. 2 John 1:9
Doctrine and Character E. H. Hopkins, B. A. 2 John 1:9
Error Affects Conduct E. H. Hopkins, B. A. 2 John 1:9
Man's True Relation to the Doctrine of Christ W. Jones 2 John 1:9
The Doctrine of Christ W.L. Alexander, D. D. 2 John 1:9
The Law of Self-Restraint R. W. Moss. 2 John 1:9
Whosoever Goeth Onward Cambridge Bible for Schools 2 John 1:9
How to Treat Heretics W. Jones 2 John 1:10, 11
Loyalty to Christ J. M. Gibbon. 2 John 1:10-11
No Toleration T. Davies, M. A. 2 John 1:10-11
Our Share in Other Men's Sins H. Melvill, B. D. 2 John 1:10-11
The Contagion of Evil to be Avoided C. H. Spurgeon. 2 John 1:10-11
Christian Intercourse Essex Congregational Remembrancer 2 John 1:12
Face to Face J. P. Thompson. 2 John 1:12
Communications, Written and Oral W. Jones 2 John 1:12, 13

Book

chapter
1