Commentary on John
Comprehensive analysis and insights from the Authorized King James Version (KJV)
Introduction to John
John is a narrative book in the New Testament that recounts key historical events and developments in Israel's history. The book contains important stories, characters, and events that contribute to the broader biblical narrative and redemptive history.
As with other biblical narratives, John combines historical reporting with theological interpretation, showing how God works through historical circumstances and human actions to accomplish His purposes. The narrative demonstrates divine providence, human responsibility, and the consequences of both obedience and disobedience.
Throughout John, readers can observe God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human failings and opposition. The book's events establish important precedents and patterns that inform biblical theology and provide context for understanding later Scriptural developments.
Historical Context
John was written in the 90s CE, likely in Ephesus, addressing challenges from both Jewish opposition and emerging Gnostic thought. The gospel presents Jesus' divine identity and incarnation against those who denied His true humanity or deity.
Late First-Century Challenges
By the 90s CE, Christianity faced sophisticated theological challenges. Jewish synagogues had excluded Christians, while Greek philosophical thought questioned the incarnation. John's high Christology addressed both challenges.
Literary Features
John employs narrative techniques characteristic of biblical historiography. The book uses plot development, characterization, dialogue, and setting to convey both historical events and theological meaning. Narratives in John are carefully structured to highlight divine providence and human response.
Structure
The narrative structure of John involves a clear progression with rising and falling action, climactic moments, and resolution. The author selectively includes details that advance the theological purpose while maintaining historical accuracy.
Literary Devices
Common literary devices in John include:
- Repetition - Key phrases and motifs recur to emphasize important themes
- Type-scenes - Conventional scenarios (e.g., encounters at wells, divine calls) that evoke specific expectations
- Inclusio - Framing sections with similar language to create literary units
- Chiasm - Mirror-image structures that highlight central elements
These narrative techniques guide the reader's interpretation and highlight theological significance within historical events.
Key Passages in John
John 1:1
Opening statement establishing key themes
John 5:1
Important development in the book's message
John 10:1
Central teaching or turning point
John 15:1
Application of key principles
John 21:1
Concluding summary or final exhortation
Book Outline
Introduction and Background (1-5)
- Chapter 1 ( John 1 John 1: Chapter 1 )
- Chapter 2 ( John 2 John 2: Chapter 2 )
- Chapter 3 ( John 3 John 3: Chapter 3 )
- Chapter 4 ( John 4 John 4: Chapter 4 )
Main Section 1 (6-10)
- Chapter 6 ( John 6 John 6: Chapter 6 )
- Chapter 7 ( John 7 John 7: Chapter 7 )
- Chapter 8 ( John 8 John 8: Chapter 8 )
- Chapter 9 ( John 9 John 9: Chapter 9 )
Main Section 2 (11-15)
- Chapter 11 ( John 11 John 11: Chapter 11 )
- Chapter 12 ( John 12 John 12: Chapter 12 )
- Chapter 13 ( John 13 John 13: Chapter 13 )
- Chapter 14 ( John 14 John 14: Chapter 14 )
Conclusion and Final Exhortations (16-20)
- Chapter 16 ( John 16 John 16: Chapter 16 )
- Chapter 17 ( John 17 John 17: Chapter 17 )
- Chapter 18 ( John 18 John 18: Chapter 18 )
- Chapter 19 ( John 19 John 19: Chapter 19 )
Major Themes
The book develops several significant theological themes:
Christology
Jesus is presented in various aspects of His identity and work—Son of God, Son of Man, Messiah, Savior, and Lord. These titles and roles reveal Jesus' unique relationship with the Father and His mission of redemption.
Kingdom of God
Jesus' proclamation and demonstration of God's reign reveals both its present reality and future consummation. The kingdom manifests in Jesus' teaching, miracles, exorcisms, and community formation.
Discipleship
Following Jesus involves more than intellectual assent, requiring transformed values, priorities, and relationships. True disciples demonstrate faith, obedience, and willingness to sacrifice.
Fulfillment
Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies, patterns, and promises, demonstrating continuity in God's redemptive plan. This fulfillment confirms Jesus' messianic identity and mission.
Theological Significance
John contributes significantly to biblical theology in several areas:
Christology
The book develops understanding of Jesus Christ's person and work, exploring aspects of His identity, mission, and continuing significance. These christological insights inform Christian faith and practice.
Soteriology
The book articulates aspects of salvation accomplished through Christ and applied by the Holy Spirit. This soteriological teaching addresses the full scope of redemption—past, present, and future.
Ecclesiology
Through both instruction and example, John shapes understanding of the church's nature, purpose, and practices. These ecclesiological insights guide Christian community life and mission.
Eschatology
The book contributes to biblical teaching about last things, including Christ's return, resurrection, judgment, and the new creation. This eschatological perspective provides hope and shapes present Christian living.
Cross References to Other Books
- Psalm 110:1-7 Messianic psalm frequently quoted in NT - Messianic psalm frequently quoted in NT
- Isaiah 53:1-12 Suffering servant prophecy fulfilled in Christ - Suffering servant prophecy fulfilled in Christ
- Daniel 7:13-14 Son of Man receiving everlasting dominion - Son of Man receiving everlasting dominion
- Joel 2:28-32 Prophecy of Spirit's outpouring - Prophecy of Spirit's outpouring
- Malachi 3:1 Prophecy of messenger preparing the way - Prophecy of messenger preparing the way
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1
Chapter 1 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- John 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: - Opening verse of the chapter
- John 2:2 [Text of John 2:2] - Key teaching in verse 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 3 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 4
Chapter 4 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- John 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, - Opening verse of the chapter
- John 4:4 [Text of John 4:4] - Key teaching in verse 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 5 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- John 5:1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 6
Chapter 6 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- John 6:1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. - Opening verse of the chapter
- John 6:6 [Text of John 6:6] - Key teaching in verse 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- John 7:1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 8
Chapter 8 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- John 8:1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. - Opening verse of the chapter
- John 8:8 [Text of John 8:8] - Key teaching in verse 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 9 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- John 9:1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 10
Chapter 10 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. - Opening verse of the chapter
- John 10:10 [Text of John 10:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 11 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- John 11:1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 12
Chapter 12 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- John 12:1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. - Opening verse of the chapter
- John 12:10 [Text of John 12:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 14
Chapter 14 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. - Opening verse of the chapter
- John 14:10 [Text of John 14:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 15
Chapter 15 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 16
Chapter 16 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- John 16:1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. - Opening verse of the chapter
- John 16:10 [Text of John 16:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 17
Chapter 17 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 18
Chapter 18 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- John 18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. - Opening verse of the chapter
- John 18:10 [Text of John 18:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 19
Chapter 19 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- John 19:1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 20
Chapter 20 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- John 20:1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. - Opening verse of the chapter
- John 20:10 [Text of John 20:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 21
Chapter 21 of John continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Contemporary Application
This book provides valuable insights for contemporary application:
Christlike Character
The book's portrayal of Jesus and teaching about Him provides the pattern for Christian character and conduct. This Christlikeness manifests in relationships, attitudes, speech, and actions. The transformative power of the gospel enables believers to grow in resembling Christ.
Church Life and Mission
Principles for healthy church community address worship, leadership, conflict resolution, and mutual edification. These guidelines help contemporary churches maintain biblical faithfulness while addressing current challenges. They also inform the church's missional engagement with surrounding culture.
Spiritual Warfare
The book acknowledges the reality of spiritual conflict and provides resources for overcoming evil. This perspective balances awareness of spiritual opposition with confidence in Christ's victory. It helps believers recognize and resist temptation while avoiding both naive dismissal and unhealthy obsession with demonic activity.
Eschatological Hope
The anticipation of Christ's return and the fulfillment of God's promises provides perspective for current circumstances. This hope sustains believers through suffering and shapes priorities and decisions. It balances engagement with present responsibilities and anticipation of future glory.