J. C. Ryle

Works in Logia

• Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: St. John, Vol. IExpository Thoughts on the Gospels, for Family and Private Use, with the Text Complete.…

What J. C. Ryle says, verse by verse

John 1

• John 1:1–5

  Would we know, for one thing, the exceeding sinfulness of sin? Let us often read these first five verses of St. John's Gospel. Let us mark what kind of Being the Redeemer of mankind…

• John 1:1 · 5 passages

  This wonderful verse contains three things. It tells us that our Lord Jesus Christ, here called the Word, is eternal, — that He is a distinct Person from God the Father, and yet most…

• John 1:2

  This verse contains an emphatic repetition of the second clause of the preceding verse. St. John anticipates the possible objection of some perverse mind, that perhaps there was a time when Christ, the Word,…

• John 1:3 · 2 passages

  This sentence means that creation was the work of our Lord Jesus Christ, no less than of God the Father. "By him were all things created." (Coloss. i. 16.) " Thou Lord in the…

• John 1:4 · 2 passages

  This sentence means that in the eternal counsels of the Trinity, Christ was appointed to be the source, fountain, origin, and cause of life. From Him all life was to Now. As to the…

• John 1:5 · 2 passages

  This sentence means that the spiritual light which Christ, the source of life, offers to man, has always been neglected since the fall, and is still neglected by unregenerate men. It has been like…

• John 1:6–13

  We see, lastly, in these verses, the vast privileges of all who receive Christ, and believe on Him. We are told that "as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become…

• John 1:6

  This is a short and striking description of John the Baptist, He was the messenger whom God promised to send before Messiah's face. He was born when his parents were aged, by God's miraculous…

• John 1:7

  This does not mean, as it might at first sight appear, " came to be a witness." The Greek word which we translate "witness," does not mean " a person," but the testimony which…

• John 1:8

  This expression would be more literally rendered, "' He was not the light," the promised light of sinners, the light of the world. The Greek article " the," is used in a similar emphatic…

• John 1:9 · 2 passages

  The force of the expression " true " in this sentence, is well brought out by Arrowsmith in his commentary on this verse. He says that Christ is " the true light " in…

• John 1:10

  This verse describes the unbelief of the whole world before Christ's incarnation. He "was in the world " invisibly, before He was born of the Virgin Mary, as in the days of Noah. (1…

• John 1:11

  This verse describes the unbelief of the Jewish nation after the incarnation of Christ, and during His ministry among them. He came to a people who were peculiarly His own, by their redemption from…

• John 1:12 · 2 passages

  This expression signifies, "as many as believed on Christ, and acknowledged Him as the Messiah." It is only another form of the expression at the end of the verse, "believed on His name." To…

• John 1:13

  The birth here spoken of is the new birth, or regeneration, that complete change of heart and nature which takes place in a man when he becomes a real Christian. It is a change…

• John 1:14 · 5 passages

  The main truth which this verse teaches is the reality of our Lord Jesus Christ's incarnation, or being made man, St. John tells us that " the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among…

• John 1:15–18

  We are taught, thirdly, that it is Christ alone who has revealed God the Father to man. It is written that " no man hath seen God at any time : the only begotten…

• John 1:15

  The first " before," signifies before in place, position, or dignity. The Greek adverb so rendered, is used forty-nine times in the New Testament, but never once in the sense of " before in…

• John 1:16 · 2 passages

  This sentence means, " all we who believe on Jesus, have received an abundant supply of all that our souls need out of the fall store that resides in Him for His people. It…

• John 1:17

  This verse seems intended to show the inferiority of the law to the Gospel. It does so by putting in strong contrast the leading characteristics of the Old and New dispensations, — the religion…

• John 1:18 · 2 passages

  This verse seems intended to show the infinite personal superiority of Christ to Moses, or to any other saint that ever lived.

• John 1:19–28

  We have, for one thing, in these verses, an instructive example of true humility. That example is supplied by John the Baptist himself.

• John 1:19 · 2 passages

  The Greek word translated "record," is the same that is rendered •' witness" in the 7th verse. The sentence means, " this is the testimony that John bore."

• John 1:20

  This is a peculiar form of speech, implying a very positive, unmistakeable, emphatic asseveration. It gives the idea of a man shrinking with holy indignation from the very thought of being regarded as the…

• John 1:21 · 3 passages

  This question was not an absurd and unnatural one, as some commentators have thought fit to say. It was based upon that prophecy of Malachi, which speaks of God "sending Elijah the prophet before…

• John 1:22

  This expression confirms the opinion already given, about the character of those who questioned John. They were not idle inquirers, but a formal deputation sent down from the Sanhedrim at Jerusalem, with a c…

• John 1:23 · 2 passages

  John the Baptist's account of himself in this verse, consists of a reference to Scripture. He reminds the Priests and Levites who wanted to know who he was, of Isaiah's prophecy concerning the times…

• John 1:24

  The object of this verse is somewhat doubtful. Some think that it refers to the verse preceding, which contains a quotation from Isaiah. They which were sent, being Pharisees, and not Sadducees or Herodians,…

• John 1:25

  This verse evidently implies that John's questioners expected the Messiah, or his forerunner, to baptize whenever he appeared. It is not unlikely, as Lightfoot says, that the idea arose from the text in Ezekiel,…

• John 1:26 · 2 passages

  The answer of John the Baptist here reported is very elliptical, and the full meaning of what he said must be supplied from other places. He seems to say, " I do not baptize…

• John 1:27

  The remarks made on the 15th verse apply fully to this expression. John declares, that though his master, in point of time, began his ministry after him, in point of dignity he was far…

• John 1:28

  In hot countries like Palestine, it was evidently important for John the Baptist to be near a supply of water, suited to the baptism of the multitudes who came to him. If Beth-barah, spoken…

• John 1:29–34

  Let us notice, firstly, in this passage, the peculiar name which John the Baptist gives to Christ. He calls Him "The Lamb of God."

• John 1:29 · 3 passages

  There can be no reasonable doubt that John gave this name to our Lord because He was the true sacrifice for sin, the true antitype of the passover lamb, and the lamb prophesied of…

• John 1:30

  These words appear to have been spoken in our Lord's presence, and to have been specially intended to point the multitude to Him. "This person before you is He of whom I have repeatedly…

• John 1:31

  This means "I was not acquainted with Him in time past. There has been no private collusion or arrangement between Him and me. I did not even know Him by sight until the day…

• John 1:32 · 3 passages

  These words seem to denote a public and solemn testimony borne by John to the fact, that our Lord had been visibly acknowledged by God the Father as the Messiah. If his hearers would…

• John 1:33 · 2 passages

  The Greek word so rendered, both here and in the 31st verse, is literally, "I had not known him." There is a difficulty connected with the expression which demands explanation. St. Matthew tells us,…

• John 1:34

  This means, " I saw perfectly, and from that time have distinctly and unhesitatingly testified that the person whom you now see before you is the Christ, the Son of the living God. From…

• John 1:35–42

  We see, for one thing, in these verses, what good is done by continually testifying of Christ.

• John 1:35

  Let St. John's particularity in noting days at this period of our Lord's history, be observed again in this verse. If, as many suppose, St. John was one of the two who this day…

• John 1:36 · 2 passages

  This probably means that he saw Jesus walking among the crowd of persons who were attracted to Bethabara, alone, without followers, and as yet not recognized by any one as the Messiah.

• John 1:37

  The three steps described in this verse, are very noteworthy. John the Baptist "speaks." The disciples " hear," After hearing they "follow Jesus." This is a succinct summary of God's way of saving myriads…

• John 1:38 · 2 passages

  We cannot doubt that our Lord knew perfectly well the hearts and motives of these two disciples. In asking this question, therefore, He spoke partly for their encouragement, and partly to stir them up…

• John 1:39 · 2 passages

  The great affability, and condescension of these first words of our Lord's after His public appearance as Messiah, ought not to be overlooked. The very first thing that we hear Him saying, after He…

• John 1:40

  The priority of Andrew to Peter ought not to be overlooked, Peter, to whom the Church of Rome boastfully attributes a primacy among the apostles was neither converted nor made acquainted with Christ, so…

• John 1:41 · 2 passages

  This expression must either mean that Andrew was the first of the two disciples who brought a brother to Jesus. — or that he was the first disciple, speaking generally, who spoke to others…

• John 1:42 · 2 passages

  Our Lord here displayed His perfect knowledge of all persons, names, and things. He needed not that any should tell Him who and what a person was. This knowledge was supposed by the Jews…

• John 1:43–51

  Let us observe, as we read these verses, how various are the paths by which souls are led into the narrow way of life.

• John 1:43 · 2 passages

  This is the fourth successive day which is specially named by St. John, and its events described. The first contained John the Baptist's reply to the priests and Levites, — the second, his public…

• John 1:44

  This verse seems to make it probable that Philip's conversion and calling took place at Bethsaida. Andrew and Peter having been converted and become companions of Jesus on His way to Galilee, would appear…

• John 1:45 · 2 passages

  Here, as in the case of Andrew, we should notice the familiarity with the general contents of Scripture which a poor Jew like Philip possessed. He thoroughly understood that " Moses and the prophets"…

• John 1:46 · 2 passages

  This question shows the low estimate in which Nazareth, where our Lord had been brought up, was held. It was an obscure town in a corner of Galilee, not far from the borders of…

• John 1:47

  It is very likely that in using this expression our Lord referred to the 32nd Psalm, where the character of the godly man is described. He is not only one whose iniquities are forgiven,…

• John 1:48

  The common opinion about this expression is, that Nathanael was praying or holding communion with God under the fig-tree. It may be so. We are told nothing about it, and are entirely left to…

• John 1:49 · 2 passages

  These words are the outburst of a heart convinced at once that Jesus was the Messiah. They are a noble confession that our Lord was that divine Person who was promised to come into…

• John 1:50

  It admits of a question whether this expression would not be better rendered, as it might be with perfect grammatical correctness, "thou believest." It would then be very like our Lord's words to Thomas,…

• John 1:51 · 3 passages

  This expression is peculiar to St. John's Gospel, and very remarkable. It is the word which is familiar to all Christians, " Amen," twice repeated. It is found twentyfive times in this Gospel, always…

John 2

• John 2:1–11 · 2 passages

  We learn lastly, from these verses, the Ahnighty poioer of our Lord Jesus Christ. "We are told of a miracle which He wrought at the marriage feast, when the wine failed, By a mere…

• John 2:1 · 2 passages

  The question naturally arises, " What day was this ? From what day was it the third ?" The most probable answer is, that it was the third day after the last event described…

• John 2:2 · 2 passages

  Our Lord was doubtless invited as the Virgin Mary's son. His disciples were invited as His friends and companions. We cannot, of course, suppose, at so early a period of our Lord's ministry, that…

• John 2:3 · 2 passages

  The Greek words so rendered mean literally, " Wine having failed." This circumstance probably shows the poor and humble condition of those to whose marriage Jesus was invited. His acquaintances and those of His…

• John 2:4 · 3 passages

  This remarkable verse has naturally attracted great attention. In interpreting it, it is very important to avoid the extremes into which some Protestants and nearly all Roman Cathohc writers have fallen, in their interpretations.

• John 2:5

  Two tilings are very noteworthy in this verse. One is the meekness with which the Virgin Mary submitted to the gentle rebuke which came from our Lord's mouth, in the last verse. The other…

• John 2:6 · 2 passages

  St. John mentions these details in describing the miracle, with a special reference to Gentile readers. He meant them to understand that there was nothing remarkable in the circumstance that there were six large…

• John 2:7

  The remark is frequently made by commentators on this verse, with much propriety, that these simple words describe the duty of all who work for Christ, and especially of ministers and teachers. They are…

• John 2:8

  It was at this moment, no doubt, that the miracle took place. By an act of will our Lord changed the contents of the water-pots. That which was poured in was water. That which…

• John 2:9 · 2 passages

  The testimony of the ruler of the feast is specially adduced, in order to show the reality of the miracle. He knew nothing of what had been done to the water-pots. He had not…

• John 2:10 · 2 passages

  The words in this sentence must not be pressed too closely, in order to bring out of them a spiritual meaning. The ruler of the feast makes a general remark about the way in…

• John 2:11 · 2 passages

  The plain meaning of this sentence seems to be that this was the first miracle which our Lord Jesus Christ ever worked. The miracles which some have reported that He worked in His infancy…

• John 2:12–25

  The second miracle which our Lord is recorded to have wrought demands our attention in these verses. Like the first miracle at Cana, it is eminently typical and significant of things yet to come.…

• John 2:12 · 2 passages

  The strict accuracy of John'a writing is note-worthy here. Cana was a village in the hill country. Capernaum was a town on the shore of the lake of Galilee, at a very much lower…

• John 2:13–17

  We see, for one thing, in this passage, how much Christ disapproves all irreverent behaviour in the house of God.

• John 2:13 · 2 passages

  This expression is another proof that St. John wrote his Gospel for Gentile believers rather than for Jews.

• John 2:14 · 2 passages

  The presence of oxen, sheep, doves, and money-changers, within the temple courts, is easily accounted for. The animals were intended to supply the wants of Jews who came to the Passover and other feasts,…

• John 2:15

  The Greek word translated " small cords," means literally a " cord made of rushes," Some have thought that these rushes were used as Htter for the sheep and oxen. Others have thought that…

• John 2:16

  The distinction between our Lord's mode of dealing with each of the obiects of His displeasure deserves notice. The oxen and sheep He drove out. There was no danger of their beirg lost by…

• John 2:17

  The 69th Psalm, from which this text is taken, is quoted no less than seven times in the New Testament, as the utterance of Messiah. In the first twenty-one verses of the Psalm the…

• John 2:18

  Doddridge remarks here that these Jews were probably the rulers, because the Great Assembly, or Sanhedrim, sat in the temple, and our Lord's actions would undoubtedly come to their knowledge without delay. This makes…

• John 2:19 · 2 passages

  The meaning of this remarkable expression is either hypothetical or prophetical. It must either be rendered, " Supposing you destroy this temple," or "Ye will destroy this temple," — "If ye kill my body,"…

• John 2:20 · 2 passages

  This expression has given rise to some diflference of opinion. The temple to which the Jews refer, cannot of course be the temple built by Solomon. That temple was completely destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar.— Nor…

• John 2:21

  This verse is an instance of St. John's habit of making explanatory comments in his Qospel as he goes on, in order to make things clear to his Gontile readers.

• John 2:22 · 2 passages

  This sentence is an interesting proof of two things. For one thing, it shows how much light was brought to the minds of the disciples by our Lord's resurrection, and how many hard sayings…

• John 2:23 · 2 passages

  These persons do not appear to have really believed with the heart, but to have been only convinced in their understandings. The distinction between intellectual belief and saving belief, and between one degree of…

• John 2:24 · 2 passages

  The Greek word so rendered means literally " Did not trust himself" It is the same verb that is generally rendered "believe."

• John 2:25

  These words mean that our Lord had no need of any one's testimony "about man." He required no information from others about the real character of those who professed faith in Him.

John 3

• John 3:1–21

  One other thing ought to be remarked, in leaving this subject of ()ur Lord's conversation with Nicodemus. That thing is the singular fulness of matter by which the whole of our Lord's address is…

• John 3:1–8

  We should notice, secondly, in these verses, what a mighty change our Lord declares to he needful to salvation, and what a remarkable expression He uses in describing it. He speaks of a new…

• John 3:1 · 2 passages

  The close connection of the conversation between Christ and Nicodemus with the end of the preceding chapter ought to be carefully noted. In fact the original Greek contains a connecting particle, which our translators…

• John 3:2 · 3 passages

  The fact here recorded appeals to me to show that Nicodemus was influenced by the fear of man, and was afraid or ashamed to visit Jesus by day. — The view maintained by some,…

• John 3:3 · 4 passages

  The question has often been asked, "To what did our Lord answer?" No question was put to him. What is the connecting link between the words of Nicodemus, and the solemn statement contained in…

• John 3:4

  The question of Nicodemus is precisely one of those which the natural ignorance of man in spiritual things prompts a person to ask. Just as the Samaritan woman, in the 4th chapter, put a…

• John 3:5 · 2 passages

  This famous text has unhappily given rise to widely different interpretations. On one thing only respecting it, nearly all commentators are agreed It is the same truth that is laid down in the third…

• John 3:6 · 2 passages

  In this verse, our Lord gives Nicodemus the reason why the change of heart called "new birth," is a thing of such absolute necessity, and why no slight moral change will suffice. Nicodemus had…

• John 3:7

  In reading this verse, the stress ought to be laid on the two last words, " born again." It is evident that the thing which stumbled Nicodemus was the idea of any " new…

• John 3:8 · 2 passages

  The object of this verse appears to be to explain the work of the Holy Ghost in the regeneration of man, by a familiar illustration drawn from the wind. Mysterious as the Spirit's work…

• John 3:9–21

  These verses show us, secondly, the original source from which man's salvation springs. That source is the love of God the Father. Our Lord says to Nicodemus, " God so loved the world that…

• John 3:9

  This is the third and last time that Nicodemus speaks during his visit to Christ, BO far as it is reported to us. His question here is a striking and instructive instance of the…

• John 3:10 · 2 passages

  It will be observed, that our Lord does not answer the question of Nicodemus directly, but rebukes him sharply for his ignorance. Yet it ought to be carefully noted, as Melancthon remarks, that before…

• John 3:11 · 2 passages

  The meaning of the sentence appears to be this, "I declare with authority, and bear witness to truths, which from all eternity I have known and seen, as God in union with the Father…

• John 3:12 · 2 passages

  To see the full force of this verse, we should paraphrase it thus. " If ye do not believe what I say when I tell you, as I have done, things that are earthly,…

• John 3:13 · 2 passages

  The true view of the text, I venture to think, is as follows. The words of the text are to be taken literally. Our Lord begins His list of "heavenly things" by declaring to…

• John 3:14 · 3 passages

  In this verse our Lord proceeds to show Nicodemus another " heavenly thing," viz., the necessity of His own crucifixion. Nicodemus probably thought, like most Jews, that when Messiah appeared. He would come with…

• John 3:15 · 2 passages

  In this verse our Lord declares to Nicodemus the great end and purpose for which the Son of man was to be " lifted up" on the cross, and the way in which the…

• John 3:16 · 3 passages

  Our Lord, in this verse, shews Nicodemus another " heavenly thing." — Nicodemus probably thought, like many Jews, that God's purposes of mercy were entirely confined to His chosen people Israel, and that when…

• John 3:17 · 2 passages

  In this verse our Lord shows Nicodemus another ''heavenly thing." He shows him the main object of Messiah coming into the world. It was not to judge men, but to die for them ;…

• John 3:18 · 3 passages

  In this verse our Lord shows Nicodemus another "heavenly thing." He declares the privileges of believing, and the peril of not believing in the Son of God. Nicodemus had addressed Him as a "…

• John 3:19 · 2 passages

  In this verse our Lord shows Nicodemus one more " heavenly thing." He unfolds to him the true cause of the ruin of those who are lost. Primarily, I think, our Lord had in…

• John 3:20

  This verse and the following one form a practical application of all that our Lord has been saying to Nicodemus, and are also a logical consequence of the preceding verse. Like the preceding verse,…

• John 3:21 · 2 passages

  This verse, it is needless to say, is closely connected with the preceding one. The preceding verse describes the unconverted man. The verse before us describes the converted man.

• John 3:22–36

  We have, secondly, in these verses, a splendid pattern of true and godly humility. We see in John the Baptist a very different spirit from that displayed by his disciples. He begins by laying…

• John 3:22 · 2 passages

  Some have thought, from this expression, that the conversation between Christ and Nicodemus did not take place in Jerusalem or Judaea, but in Galilee. Others have thought that a long interval must be supposed…

• John 3:23 · 2 passages

  We can hardly doubt that John baptized all who came to him, at this period of his ministry, in the name of Jesus, upon confession of faith that Jesus was the Messiah. It seems…

• John 3:24

  John's diligence in his Master's work is here pointed out. He doubtless knew that his ministry was fulfilled when Christ appeared, and that the time of his own departure, and violent death under Herod's…

• John 3:25

  The nature and particulars of this dispute must be left to conjecture. We can only form an idea of it from the context. It seems probable that it was a dispute between the unbelieving…

• John 3:26 · 2 passages

  The language of the whole verse seems intended to show that John's disciples were jealous for their master's ministry, and that its declining popularity, in consequence of our Lord's appearance in Judaea as a…

• John 3:27

  This sentence is the statement of a general truth in religion. Success, promotion, and growth of influence are gifts which God keeps entirely in His own hands. If one faithful minister's popularity wanes, while…

• John 3:28

  John here reminds his disciples that he had repeatedly told them that he was not the Christ, and that he was only a forerunner sent before Him. They ought to have remembered this. If…

• John 3:29 · 2 passages

  In this verse John the Baptist explains the relative positions occupied by himself and Christ by a familiar illustration. In tracing it out, it is of great importance not to press the points of…

• John 3:30

  In this sentence John the Baptist tells his complaining disciples that it is right and proper and necessary that Christ should grow in dignity, and that he himself should be less thought of. He…

• John 3:31 · 2 passages

  ... Christ is " from above." He is not merely man, but God. He came from heaven when He took our nature on Him, and was born. As God, He is as far above…

• John 3:32 · 2 passages

  In this sentence John the Baptist shows the divinity of Christ, and His consequent superiority over himself in another point of view. He says that Christ bears witness to truths which he has "…

• John 3:33 · 2 passages

  In this verse John shows the great importance of receiving Christ's testimony. So far from being offended by the crowd which attended Christ's ministry. John's disciples should be thankful that so many heard Him,…

• John 3:34 · 2 passages

  In this verse John the Baptist shows the dignity of Christ, and His superiority over all other teachers, by another striking declaration about Him. He begins by giving Him the well-known epithet which was…

• John 3:35 · 2 passages

  There is something, at first sight, abrupt and elliptical in this verse. The full meaning of it, I believe to be as follows. " He whom God hath sent is One far above me…

• John 3:36 · 2 passages

  In this verse John the Baptist concludes his testimony to Christ, by a solemn declaration of the unspeakable importance of believing on Him. Whether his disciples would receive it or not," he tells them…

John 4

• John 4:1–6

  We should observe, for another thing, in this passage, what is said about our Lord's human nature. We read that Jesus was " weaned with his journey."

• John 4:1 · 2 passages

  The connection between this chapter and the last will be found at the 25th verse of the last chapter. The controversy between John's disciples and the Jews was the means of calling public attention…

• John 4:2 · 2 passages

  The fact that our Lord did not actually administer baptism with His own hands, is only mentioned here in the Gospels, and is noteworthy. It shows, at any rate, that what is done by…

• John 4:3

  The context of the preceding verses seems to show that this movement was intended to avoid the designs of the Pharisees against our Lord. If he had remained in Judaea, He would have been…

• John 4:4

  Many pious and profitable remarks have been made on this expression. It has been thought to teach that our Lord went purposely, and out of the regular road, in order to save the soul…

• John 4:5 · 2 passages

  The common opinion is, that the city here spoken of is the same as Sichem or Shechem. (Gen. xxxiii. 18, 19.) Few places in Palestine, after Jerusalem, have had so much of Bible history…

• John 4:6 · 3 passages

  It is not known how or when this well received its name. In Genesis we find mention of Abraham and Isaac digging wells, but not of Jacob doing so. All we know about it…

• John 4:7–26 · 2 passages

  We should mark, secondly, Christ's readiness to give mercies to careless sinners. He tells the Samaritan woman that if she had asked, " He would have given her living water." He knew the character…

• John 4:7 · 2 passages

  The scarcity of water in the hot climates of the East makes drawing water from the nearest well an important part of the daily business of an Eastern household. We learn from other parts…

• John 4:8

  This verse is an instance of our Lord's general rule not to work a miracle in order to supply his own wants. He who could feed five thousand with a few loaves and fishes…

• John 4:9 · 2 passages

  This question implies that the woman was surprised at our Lord speaking to her. It was an unexpected act of condescension on His part, and as such arrested her attention. Thus one point, at…

• John 4:10 · 3 passages

  In this verse our Lord proceeds to use the opportunity which the woman's question affords Him. He passes over for the present her expression of surprise at a Jew speaking to a Samaritan. He…

• John 4:11 · 2 passages

  The words of the woman in this and the folk wing verse, imply surprise, curiosity, and perhaps a slight sneer. At any rate they show that her attention was arrested. A strange Jew at…

• John 4:12

  Let it be noted that the woman carefully claimed relationship with Jacob, and called him our father, though after all the intermixture of the Samaritans with heathen nations, the relationship was not very easy…

• John 4:13

  In this and the following verse our Lord proceeds to raise the desires of the woman by exalting the value of the living water of which He had spoken. He still refrains from distinct…

• John 4:14 · 2 passages

  These words contain a precious promise, and declare a glorious truth of the Gospel. The benefits of Christ's gifts are promised to every one who is willing to receive them, whosoever and whatsoever he…

• John 4:15 · 2 passages

  In this verse, I think, we see the first sparks of good in the woman's soul. Our Lord's words aroused a desire in her heart for this living water of which He had spoken.…

• John 4:16

  This verse begins an entirely new stage in the history of the woman's conversion. From this point we hear no more of " living water." Figurative language is dropped entirely. Our Lord's words become…

• John 4:17

  These words were an honest and truthful confession, so far as they went. Whether the woman wished it to be supposed that she was a widow, it would perhaps be hardly fair to inquire.…

• John 4:18 · 2 passages

  Many foolish and unseemly things have been written about this sentence, which it is not worth while to bring forward. Of course it is utterly improbable that the woman had lost five husbands by…

• John 4:19

  I think we see in this verse a great change in the Samaritan woman's mind. She evidently confesses the entire truth of what our Lord had just said, and turns to Him as an…

• John 4:20 · 2 passages

  To see the full drift of this verse, we must carefully remember the state of the Samaritan woman's mind at this moment. I think that she spoke under spiritual anxiety. She was alarmed by…

• John 4:21 · 2 passages

  Our Lord here declares that under the Gospel there was to be no more distinction of places like Jerusalem. The old dispensation under which men were bound to go up to Jerusalem three times…

• John 4:22 · 2 passages

  In this verse our Lord unhesitatingly condemns the religious system of the Samaritans, as compared with that of the Jews. The Samaritans could show no Scriptural authority, no revelation of God, commanding and sanctioning…

• John 4:23 · 3 passages

  These words mean that the times of the Gospel approach, and indeed have already begun. "They have begun by the preaching of the kingdom of God. They will be fully brought in by my…

• John 4:24 · 2 passages

  Our Lord here declares to the Samaritan woman the true nature of God. Let her cease to think that God was such an one as man, and that He could not be found, or…

• John 4:25 · 2 passages

  This verse is an interesting one. It shows the woman at last brought to the very state of mind in which she would be prepared to welcome a revelation of Christ. She had been…

• John 4:26

  These words are the fullest declaration which our Lord ever made of His own Messiahship, which the Gospel writers have recorded. That such a full declaration should be made to such a person as…

• John 4:27–30

  We see, lastly, in this passage, how zealous a truly converted person is to do good to others. We are told that the Samaritan woman " went into the city, and said to the…

• John 4:27 · 3 passages

  The true idea contained in this expression seems to be, "At this point, at this critical juncture in the conversation between our Lord and the woman." — What the woman would have said next…

• John 4:28

  The Greek word here rendered " water-pot " is the same that is used in the account of the miracle at Cana in Galilee. (John ii. 6.) It does not mean a small drinking-vessel,…

• John 4:29 · 3 passages

  The missionary spirit of the woman, in this verse, deserves special notice. Having found Christ herself, she invites others to come and be acquainted with Him. Origen calls her " the apostle of the…

• John 4:30

  Perhaps the sentence would be more literally rendered, " were coming," or " began to come to Him." It was while they were coming that the conversation which immediately follows, between Christ and His…

• John 4:31–42 · 2 passages

  We have, for another thing, in these verses, strong encouragement held out to those who labour to do good to souls. We read, that our Lord described the world as a "field white for…

• John 4:31 · 2 passages

  This expression means " during the time when the Samaritans were coming out of the city to the well," between the time when the woman went her way, and the time when her fellow-countrymen,…

• John 4:32

  The meaning of our Lord's words in this verse must evidently be figurative. He had soul-nourishment and soul-sustenance of which His disciples were ignorant. He found such refreshment in doing good to ignorant souls…

• John 4:33

  These words seem to have been spoken privately, or whispered one to another, by the disciples. Their inability to put any but a carnal sense on their Master's words, has been already remarked. In…

• John 4:34 · 2 passages

  The leading idea of this verse is, " that doing God's will, and finishing God's work, was so soul-refreshing and pleasant to our Lord that He found it equivalent to meat and drink."

• John 4:35 · 3 passages

  This saying is interpreted in two different ways.

• John 4:36 · 2 passages

  This verse seems to me to show thai our Lord is speaking generally of the field of this world, and of the whole work which His apostles would have to do in it, not…

• John 4:37

  Our Lord here quotes a proverbial saying, which appears to me to confirm the view I have already maintained, that the expression of the 35th verse, " Say not ye there are yet four…

• John 4:38 · 2 passages

  Our Lord here states the manner in which the proverbial saying of the preceding verse is true. He tells the apostles that they were sent to reap a spiritual harvest on which they had…

• John 4:39 · 2 passages

  About the exact nature of the belief mentioned here and in the 41st verse, we have no materials for forming an opinion. Whether it was only an intellectual belief that Christ was the Messiah,…

• John 4:40 · 2 passages

  The desire of the Samaritans for instruction is shown in this verse, and the willingness of Christ to assist inquirers is strikingly exhibited. He waits to be entreated. If we have Him not abiding…

• John 4:41

  This verse shows the sovereignty of God in saving souls. One is called in one way and another in another. Some Samaritans believed when they heard the woman testify. Others did not believe till…

• John 4:42 · 2 passages

  The Greek words so rendered would be translated more literally, "Not any longer because of thy saying do we believe."

• John 4:43–54

  We learn, lastly, from this passage, that Christ's word is as good as Christ's presence. We read, that Jesus did not come down to Capernaum to see the sick young man, but only spoke…

• John 4:43

  The Greek words here would be more literally rendered, " After the two days," i. e., after the two days mentioned in the preceding verse.

• John 4:44 · 3 passages

  This verse has much perplexed commentators. What is meant by the expression, ''His own country?" If it means Galilee, as most suppose, how are we to reconcile it with the words which follow, "the…

• John 4:45 · 2 passages

  The word "received" probably means no more than that they "received Him with respect and reverence," as One who was no common person. There is no warrant for supposing that they all received Him…

• John 4:46 · 2 passages

  The circumstance of our Lord going twice to Cana may be accounted for by remembering the fact that one of His disciples, " Nathanael," belonged to Cana, and that His mother, Mary, in all…

• John 4:47

  This verse shows how widely spread was the fame of the miracle wrought at Cana upon the occasion of our Lord's former visit, and how great was the report of our Lord's miracles at…

• John 4:48 · 2 passages

  Our Lord in this verse appears to refer to the common desire expressed by the Jews to see miracles and signs, as a proof of His Messiahship. " Cannot you believe unless you actually…

• John 4:49

  This verse shows the earnestness of the nobleman's desire for relief, quickened and sharpened by the apparent rebuff contained in our Lord's reply to his first application. Yet it was a saying exhibiting much…

• John 4:50 · 2 passages

  Three things are very deserving of notice in this verse, (a.) We should observe our Lord's marvellous kindness and compassion. He takes no notice of the nobleman's weak faith and slowness of understanding. He…

• John 4:51

  The relative positions of Cana and Capernaum are not precisely known at the present day. The exact site of Capernaum is matter of dispute among travellers and geographers. All we can glean from the…

• John 4:52 · 2 passages

  This man's mind seems at once to have laid hold on the nature of the miracle, and to have acknowledged the power of Christ's word.

• John 4:53

  Beda remarks, on the matter of the nobleman's believing, that "there are three degrees of faith, — the beginning, the increase, and the perfect- on. There was a beginning in this man, when he…

• John 4:54

  The plain meaning of these words is, that our Lord had worked no other miracle in Galilee before this one, excepting that of turning the w-ater into wine at Cana. It appears likely that…