Bible Commentaries on the Gospel of John
The Gospel of John, also known as the Fourth Gospel, stands as a witness to the Lord virtually independent of the other three. It is simultaneously the most simple and the most profound of the four canonical gospel accounts. You will benefit greatly in your study of John by reading a selection of the commentaries below. Here and there as I am able, I will be adding notes to help you along in your decision-making process. They will all be in this navy-blue color. –Steve
John, New International Biblical Commentary
by J. Ramsey Michaels / Hendrickson Publishers
This new volume in the New International Biblical Commentaryintroduces and analyzes the major themes of the Fourth Gospel and carefully weaves those themes into the whole story of the good news. Michaels takes pains to offer modern readers fresh insights into John’s mysteries and symbols that first-century readers would not have missed. The commentary’s format will suit both general readers and serious students—the section-by-section commentary is based on the NIV, technical notes are presented separately, and all Greek is transliterated. 386 pages, paper from Hendrickson.
The Gospel According to Saint John, Black’s New Testament Commentary
by Andrew T. Lincoln / Hendrickson Publishers
From the author of Truth on Trial: The Lawsuit Motif in the Fourth Gospel, the latest addition to Black’s New Testament Commentaryoffers scholarly insights on the Book of John. With a translation and commentary for each pericope, Lincoln incorporates explanations of special Greek terms and historical, literary, and theological issues. 400 pages, hardcover from Hendrickson.
I have found this series to be consistently excellent –Steve
John, Second Edition, Word Biblical Commentary
by George R. Beasley Murray / Thomas Nelson / W
For a theological understanding of Scripture that’s grounded in the best of today’s biblical scholarship, look no further than the Word Biblical Commentary. Combining scholarly thoroughness with readability and an emphasis on spiritual truths, this revised commentary on John has been updated to include recent important literature on the fourth Gospel. 592 pages, hardcover from Nelson.
John, NIV Application Commentary
by Gary M. Burge / Zondervan Corp.
Most commentaries take you on a one-way trip from the 20th century to the first century—but leave you to make the return journey on your own. While it is important to focus on the original meaning of Scripture, it is also necessary to discuss its contemporary application. This unique commentary on John offers you a ”round trip,” explaining not only what the Bible meant but how these eternal truths from another time and culture apply to the similar-yet-different needs of today. 592 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.
The Gospel According to John, New International Commentary on the New Testament, NICNT, Revised
by Leon Morris / Eerdmans Publishing Co.
A decade in the making! Respected New Testament scholar Dr. Leon Morris recognized the central importance of the Fourth Gospel and thus provides you with one of the largest and most thorough commentaries ever to come from the evangelical theological community. This revised edition is based on the NIV and includes significant modifications and additions made in the light of recent writings, yet maintains the same stance taken in his original NICNT Gospel According to John.
Leon Morris was an excellent scholar and always reliable in his judgments. –Steve
John, Tyndale New Testament Commentary
by Colin G Kruse / Eerdmans Publishing Co.
This commentary was written specifically for general readers of the Bible. Colin Kruse shows plainly what the text of this beloved Gospel actually says and what it means. The book’s introduction gives a concise but thorough treatment of John’s authorship, date, original setting, and purpose. The commentary itself provides section-by-section discussion that highlights the Gospel’s main themes and overall message. Additional notes offer a fuller explanation of particular passages and explore matters of interpretation.
John, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament
by Andreas J. Kostenberger / Baker
In this commentary on the Gospel of John, New Testament scholar Dr. Andreas Kostenberger presents comprehensive and up-to-date analysis through his detailed study, a thorough introduction to John and the topics relevant to its interpretation, and verse-by-verse exposition followed by technical additional notes. In the commentary proper, he introduces and translates each exegetical unit.
Kostenberger interacts with the best recent scholarship and presents his conclusions in an accessible manner. When dealing with particularly problematic sections, he considers the full range of suggested interpretations drawn from a broad spectrum of commentators before offering his own understanding.
The NIV Application Commentary on the Book of John on CD-ROM
by Zondervan Corp.
The unique NIV Application Commentary of the Book of John is now available on CD-ROM powered by Pradis. Providing both an explanation of biblical meaning and the application of biblical text to today’s way of life, the content included on this CD-ROM will help people bring and ancient message into our postmodern context. Now powered by Pradis, this CD-ROM navigates the commentary with greater ease than before. Pradis arranges the extensive content of the commentary in a manageable, user-friendly fashion with great degrees of flexibility. Also, the context tress used by Pradis allow for quicker and easier searches. To maximize potential for in-depth study of the Bible, Pradis can incorporate the NIV Application Commentary with any other Zondervan interactive title that is powered by Pradis.
The Historical Reliability of John’s Gospel: Issues and Commentary
by Craig Blomberg / Inter-varsity Press
Through much of the 20th century, the quest for the historical Jesus plumbed only the synoptic Gospels—the authenticity of John was considered suspect. Blomberg reopens the investigation, sheds new light on persistent questions, and addresses all significant issues in this thorough, contemporary, and conservative commentary of the Fourth Gospel. 352 pages, softcover from InterVarsity.
Blomberg is one of my favorite scholars. He does not hesitate to confront difficulties, but he always does so with a commitment to the conservative perspective. –Steve
The Preacher’s Commentary NT Vol 27: John
by Roger L. Frederickson / Thomas Nelson / W
Volume 27: John THE COMMENTARY FOR PREACHERS! For those on the firing line – in pulpits, classes, Bible study programs, and fellowships there is a distinctly different kind of commentary. The Preachers Commentary Series combines rich resources of historical setting and textual interpretation with spiritual insights and contemporary illustrations specifically designed for communicators. The result is a resource by preachers/teachers for preachers/teachers. It is complete with outlines section by section expositions, illustrations and applications This authoritative commentary provides the ultimate resource for sermon and lesson preparations. General editor Lloyd J. Ogilvie brings together a team of skilled and exceptional communicators blending sound scholarship with life related instructions. Their insights can guide you through every chapter and book of the Bible. And their organization and presentation of the material can help you share God’s Word more effectively with others.
Features include:
- Paragraph by paragraph exposition
- Fresh insights into Scripture
- Contemporary application
- Rich outlines and illustrations
- Innovative ideas for communicating God’s Word with vigor and vitality
- 290 page softcover from Thomas Nelson.
Dr. Roger L. Frederickson served as head of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Ottawa University. He pastored three churches and served a president of the American Baptist Churches and vice-president of the Baptist World Alliance. He currently serves on several boards including Ottawa University, World Impact, Habitat for Humanity, and others. In 1987, he and his wife, Ruth, began conducting Renewal Conferences around the world. They have three children.
John, Holman New Testament Commentary Volume 4
by Kenneth O. Gangel / Broadman / Holman
No other reference gets to the heart of the New Testament as efficiently as The Holman New Testament Commentary. When you’ve got the time, this series offers a verse-by-verse explanation of the popular NIV text based on trusted, conservative scholarship. When time is short, this series delivers an essential understanding of the New Testament with unsurpassed clarity and convenience. Pastor’s, teachers, Sunday School leaders and others who find their subject material rich and challenging–but their preparation time running out–will be informed and inspired by this approach to New Testament scholarship. New International Version.
John, Abingdon New Testament Commentary
by D. Moody Smith / Abingdon Press
Solid, balanced, and clear, the Abingdon New Testament Commentaries offer the finest in basic biblical exegesis by respected theologians. In the newest addition to this outstanding series, D. Moody Smith takes a fresh look at John, guiding you to a better understanding of the fourth Gospel’s unique statement of faith, practice, and doctrine. Smith’s engaging commentary will appeal to general readers, as well as pastors and scholars. 384 pages, softcover.
Social-Science Commentary on the Gospel of John
by Bruce Malina / Augsburg / Fortress
(PUBFortress)”Distinctive commentary that provides reading scenarios and textual notes that describe the Mediterranean world. Scattered throughout are mini-essays on honor and shame, coalitions and factions, patronage, the three-zone personality, and more. Draws on customs in the Middle East,”—Modern Liturgy. 326 pages, softcover.
There is tremendous value in understanding the world of the New Testament from the perspectives gained by the social sciences. You will find these volumes distinctly different from the others, but full of fresh insights. –Steve
John – NIV Commentary: College Press
by Beauford H. Bryant / College Press Publishng Co
Years ago a movement was begun with the dream of uniting all Christians on the basis of a common purpose (world evangelism) under a common authority (the Word of God). The College Press NIV Commentary Series is a serious effort to join the scholarship of two branches of this unity movement so as to speak with one voice concerning the Word of God. This book will provide a resource for your study of the New Testament that will benefit you whether you are preparing a Bible School lesson, a sermon, a college course, or your own personal devotions. 415 pages, hardcover from College Press Publishing Co.
John: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition
by Joseph Dongell / Wesleyan Publishing House
Written from a Wesleyan perspective, this commentary follows your Bible, paragraph by paragraph, making it easy to find answers to the questions that arise in your personal devotions or in Bible study. “These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ” is the guiding principle for both the book of John and for this commentary. This great resource will help start a pilgrimage of growth for the weak and a journey of discovery for the faithless.
The Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary
by Herman Ridderbos / Eerdmans Publishing Co.
This commentary to present an exposition of the Fourth Gospel as the Christian Church adopted it. Among other things, this means that it proceeds from the canonical form in which the Gospel has come down to us from ancient times-taking into account the text-critical problems with which the multiplicity of manuscripts and textual witnesses confront us. The author is especially interested in presenting a theological exegesis of the Gospel and dealing with the significance of the gospel message that the Evangelist had in view as he wrote.
John 1-11
The MacArthur New Testament Commentary
by John MacArthur / Moody Publishers
A masterful commentary on John’s Gospel that you’ll reach for again and again! Respected for his clear, authoritative exegesis, MacArthur offers a complete outline and verse-by-verse analysis of the first half of the Fourth Gospel and points out practical applications to help you preach and live the Word. A treasure for pastors and laypeople alike. Approx. 400 pages, hardcover from Moody.
John 1-11
New American Commentary
by Gerald Borchert / Broadman / Holman 
Dr. Borchert has provided us with a masterful examination of this Gospel. His work is informed by the latest biblical scholarship and based upon a firm committment to the truthfulness of God’s Word.
This series assumes the inerrancy of Scripture, focuses on the intrinsic theological and exegetical concerns of each biblical book, and engages the range of issues raised in contemporary biblical scholarship.
New American Commentary: John 12 through 21 (Vol. 25B)
by Gerald L. Borchert / Broadman / Holman
John 1-12
Evangelical Press Study Commentary
by Gordon Keddie / Evangelical Press
John 1-12: Evangelical Press Study Commentary
This commentary arises from preaching through John’s Gospel several times in the course of over a quarter of a century of pastoral ministry. Keddie’s approach is throughly expository and keeps the focus on the proclamation of Jesus Christ to the heart, mind, and conscience of the reader. This volume will prove helpful to all who want to be gripped and molded by the brilliance and clarity of this marvelous Gospel and the Savior it so winsomely proclaims.
John 13-21: Evangelical Press Study Commentary
by Gordon Keddie / Evangelical Press
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The Gospel of John has been called ‘the most amazing book that was ever written.’ Like no other book of the Bible, it contains the entire message of God’s Word in microcosm. It takes us from eternity to eternity and shows the certainty of Jesus Christ to our lives, to human history and to the meaning of the cosmos itself. For that reason, it must be at the very core of the preaching and evangelistic ministry of the Christian church. People need to hear and understand the message of the cross as expounded in John. In this commentary, which arises from preaching through John’s Gospel several times in the course of over a quarter of a century of pastoral ministry, Gordon Keddie’s approach is thoroughly expository and keeps the focus on the proclamation of Jesus Christ to the heart, mind, and conscience of the reader. This volume will prove helpful, not only to preachers, but to all who want to be gripped and moulded by the brillance and clarity of this marvelous Gospel and the Savior it so winsomely proclaims.
John, 1-3 John: NLT Cornerstone Biblical Commentary
by Philip Comfort, Wendell C. Hawley & Grant Osborne / Tyndale House
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 9: John – Acts
by Frank E. Gaebelein / Zondervan Corp.
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary Series is an Evangelical scholarly treatment of the scriptures. This volume includes commentaries on John and Acts. The commentaries begin with introductory articles discussing the authors, dates and theological issues involved with each work. The analysis of each book then draws out the meaning from each verse. A good commentary for the pastor or advanced lay person.
Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: John, Acts
by Edited by Clinton E. Arnold / Zondervan Corp.
Brimming with lavish, full-color photos and graphics, the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary walks you verse by verse through all the books of the New Testament. It’s like slipping on a set of glasses that lets you read the Bible through the eyes of a first-century reader! Discoveries await you that will snap the world of the New Testament into gripping immediacy. Things that seem mystifying, puzzling, or obscure will take on tremendous meaning when you view them in their ancient context. You’ll deepen your understanding of the teachings of Jesus. You’ll discover the close, sometimes startling interplay between God’s kingdom and the practical affairs of the church. Best of all, you’ll gain a deepened awareness of the Bible’s relevance for your life.
Written in a clear, engaging style, this beautiful set provides a new and accessible approach that more technical expository and exegetical commentaries don’t offer. It features:
- Commentary based on relevant papyri, inscriptions, archaeological discoveries, and studies of Judaism, Roman culture, Hellenism, and other features of the world of the New Testament
- Hundreds of full-color photographs, color illustrations, and line drawings
- Copious maps, charts, and timelines
- Sidebar articles and insights
- “Reflections” on the Bible’s relevance for 21st-century living